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Schuff M, Strong AD, Welborn LK, Ziermann-Canabarro JM. Imprinting as Basis for Complex Evolutionary Novelties in Eutherians. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:682. [PMID: 39336109 PMCID: PMC11428813 DOI: 10.3390/biology13090682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
The epigenetic phenomenon of genomic imprinting is puzzling. While epigenetic modifications in general are widely known in most species, genomic imprinting in the animal kingdom is restricted to autosomes of therian mammals, mainly eutherians, and to a lesser extent in marsupials. Imprinting causes monoallelic gene expression. It represents functional haploidy of certain alleles while bearing the evolutionary cost of diploidization, which is the need of a complex cellular architecture and the danger of producing aneuploid cells by mitotic and meiotic errors. The parent-of-origin gene expression has stressed many theories. Most prominent theories, such as the kinship (parental conflict) hypothesis for maternally versus paternally derived alleles, explain only partial aspects of imprinting. The implementation of single-cell transcriptome analyses and epigenetic research allowed detailed study of monoallelic expression in a spatial and temporal manner and demonstrated a broader but much more complex and differentiated picture of imprinting. In this review, we summarize all these aspects but argue that imprinting is a functional haploidy that not only allows a better gene dosage control of critical genes but also increased cellular diversity and plasticity. Furthermore, we propose that only the occurrence of allele-specific gene regulation mechanisms allows the appearance of evolutionary novelties such as the placenta and the evolutionary expansion of the eutherian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian Schuff
- Next Fertility St. Gallen, Kürsteinerstrasse 2, 9015 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Amanda D Strong
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W St. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Lyvia K Welborn
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W St. NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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2
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Roy SW. Digest: Mating systems, intragenomic conflict, and speciation. Evolution 2024; 78:597-598. [PMID: 38198721 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad230] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Conflict over the degree of maternal investment in an offspring can exist between an offspring's maternally inherited and paternally inherited alleles. Such conflict is not expected under self-fertilization. A new study led by Rifkin and Ostevik suggests that divergence in the degree of conflict between closely related outcrossing and selfing species can lead to aberrant early development of hybrids in morning glories. This dynamic represents a potentially powerful driver of reproductive incompatibility and thus speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott William Roy
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
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3
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Knorr DA, Fox M. An evolutionary perspective on the association between grandmother-mother relationships and maternal mental health among a cohort of pregnant Latina women. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022; 44:30-38. [PMID: 37065817 PMCID: PMC10100916 DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Grandmothers are often critical helpers during a mother's reproductive career. Studies on the developmental origins of health and disease demonstrate how maternal psychological distress can negatively influence fetal development and birth outcomes, highlighting an area in which soon-to-be grandmothers (henceforth "grandmothers") can invest to improve both mother and offspring well-being. Here, we examine if and how a pregnant woman's mental health- specifically, depression, state-anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety- is influenced by her relationship with her fetus' maternal and paternal grandmother, controlling for relationship characteristics with her fetus' father. In a cohort of pregnant Latina women in Southern California (N = 216), we assessed social support, geographic proximity, and communication between the fetus' grandmothers and pregnant mother. We assessed maternal mental health with validated questionnaire-based instruments. We find that both social support from and communication with the maternal grandmother were statistically associated with less depression, while no paternal grandmother relationship characteristics were statistically significant in association with any mental health variable. These results align with the idea that maternal grandmothers are more adaptively incentivized to invest in their daughters' well-being during pregnancy than paternal grandmothers are for their daughters-in-law. Results suggest that the positive association of maternal grandmothers with mothers' mental health may not hinge on geographic proximity, but rather, potentially function through emotional support. This work represents a novel perspective describing a psychological and prenatal grandmaternal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney A. Knorr
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
- Corresponding author at: 375 Portola Plaza, 341 Haines Hall, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America. (D.A. Knorr)
| | - Molly Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
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4
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Dujon AM, Boutry J, Tissot S, Lemaître JF, Boddy AM, Gérard AL, Alvergne A, Arnal A, Vincze O, Nicolas D, Giraudeau M, Telonis-Scott M, Schultz A, Pujol P, Biro PA, Beckmann C, Hamede R, Roche B, Ujvari B, Thomas F. Cancer Susceptibility as a Cost of Reproduction and Contributor to Life History Evolution. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.861103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is one of the most energetically demanding life-history stages. As a result, breeding individuals often experience trade-offs, where energy is diverted away from maintenance (cell repair, immune function) toward reproduction. While it is increasingly acknowledged that oncogenic processes are omnipresent, evolving and opportunistic entities in the bodies of metazoans, the associations among reproductive activities, energy expenditure, and the dynamics of malignant cells have rarely been studied. Here, we review the diverse ways in which age-specific reproductive performance (e.g., reproductive aging patterns) and cancer risks throughout the life course may be linked via trade-offs or other mechanisms, as well as discuss situations where trade-offs may not exist. We argue that the interactions between host–oncogenic processes should play a significant role in life-history theory, and suggest some avenues for future research.
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5
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Liehr T. Uniparental disomy is a chromosomic disorder in the first place. Mol Cytogenet 2022; 15:5. [PMID: 35177099 PMCID: PMC8851757 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-022-00585-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uniparental disomy (UPD) is well-known to be closely intermingled with imprinting disorders. Besides, UPD can lead to a disease by 'activation' of a recessive gene mutation or due to incomplete (cryptic) trisomic rescue. Corresponding to all common theories how UPD forms, it takes place as a consequence of a "chromosomic problem", like an aneuploidy or a chromosomal rearrangement. Nonetheless, UPD is rarely considered as a cytogenetic, but most often as a molecular genetic problem. RESULTS Here a review on the ~ 4900 published UPD-cases is provided, and even though being biased as discussed in the paper, the following insights have been given from that analysis: (1) the rate of maternal to paternal UPD is 2~3 to 1; (2) at most only ~ 0.03% of the available UPD cases are grasped scientifically, yet; (3) frequencies of single whole-chromosome UPDs are non-random, with UPD(16) and UPD(15) being most frequent in clinically healthy and diseased people, respectively; (4) there is a direct correlation of UPD frequency and known frequent first trimester trisomies, except for chromosomes 1, 5, 11 and 18 (which can be explained); (5) heterodisomy is under- and UPD-mosaicism is over-represented in recent reports; and (6) cytogenetics is not considered enough when a UPD is identified. CONCLUSIONS As UPD is diagnosed using molecular genetic approaches, and thus by specialists considering chromosomes at best as a whim of nature, most UPD reports lack the chromosomal aspect. Here it is affirmed and substantiated by corresponding data that UPD is a chromosomic disorder in the first place and cytogenetic analyses is indicated in each diagnosed UPD-case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Liehr
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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6
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Robin AN, Denton KK, Horna Lowell ES, Dulay T, Ebrahimi S, Johnson GC, Mai D, O’Fallon S, Philson CS, Speck HP, Zhang XP, Nonacs P. Major Evolutionary Transitions and the Roles of Facilitation and Information in Ecosystem Transformations. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.711556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A small number of extraordinary “Major Evolutionary Transitions” (METs) have attracted attention among biologists. They comprise novel forms of individuality and information, and are defined in relation to organismal complexity, irrespective of broader ecosystem-level effects. This divorce between evolutionary and ecological consequences qualifies unicellular eukaryotes, for example, as a MET although they alone failed to significantly alter ecosystems. Additionally, this definition excludes revolutionary innovations not fitting into either MET type (e.g., photosynthesis). We recombine evolution with ecology to explore how and why entire ecosystems were newly created or radically altered – as Major System Transitions (MSTs). In doing so, we highlight important morphological adaptations that spread through populations because of their immediate, direct-fitness advantages for individuals. These are Major Competitive Transitions, or MCTs. We argue that often multiple METs and MCTs must be present to produce MSTs. For example, sexually-reproducing, multicellular eukaryotes (METs) with anisogamy and exoskeletons (MCTs) significantly altered ecosystems during the Cambrian. Therefore, we introduce the concepts of Facilitating Evolutionary Transitions (FETs) and Catalysts as key events or agents that are insufficient themselves to set a MST into motion, but are essential parts of synergies that do. We further elucidate the role of information in MSTs as transitions across five levels: (I) Encoded; (II) Epigenomic; (III) Learned; (IV) Inscribed; and (V) Dark Information. The latter is ‘authored’ by abiotic entities rather than biological organisms. Level IV has arguably allowed humans to produce a MST, and V perhaps makes us a FET for a future transition that melds biotic and abiotic life into one entity. Understanding the interactive processes involved in past major transitions will illuminate both current events and the surprising possibilities that abiotically-created information may produce.
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7
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Apari P, Földvári G. Tick bite induced α-gal syndrome highlights anticancer effect of allergy. Bioessays 2021; 44:e2100142. [PMID: 34811781 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100142] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tick bite induced α-gal syndrome (AGS) following consumption of mammalian meat is a recently described intriguing disease occurring worldwide. Here we argue that AGS and delayed allergy in general is an adaptive defence method against cancer. Our hypothesis synthesizes two lines of supporting evidence. First, allergy has been shown to have direct anti-cancer effects with unknown mechanism. Second, eating processed meat was shown to be linked to developing cancer. Humans lost their genes encoding molecules α-gal 30 MYA and Neu5Gc 2 MYA, the latter co-occurring with the start of using fire. These molecules are acquired from external sources, as tick bite for α-gal and mammalian meat for Neu5Gc, the latter accumulating in tumors. The resulting specific delayed allergic response is a molecular adaptation to fight cancer. By further testing and applying our hypothesis, new avenues in cancer research and therapy will open that might save lives and decrease human suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Apari
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Budapest, Hungary
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8
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Abstract
Analogies between placentation, in particular the behavior of trophoblast cells, and cancer have been noted since the beginning of the twentieth century. To what degree these can be explained as a consequence of the evolution of placentation has been unclear. In this review, we conclude that many similarities between trophoblast and cancer cells are shared with other, phylogenetically older processes than placentation. The best candidates for cancer hallmarks that can be explained by the evolution of eutherian placenta are mechanisms of immune evasion. Another dimension of the maternal accommodation of the placenta with an impact on cancer malignancy is the evolution of endometrial invasibility. Species with lower degrees of placental invasion tend to have lower vulnerability to cancer malignancy. We finally identify several areas in which one could expect to see coevolutionary changes in placental and cancer biology but that, to our knowledge, have not been explored. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter P Wagner
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA; , , .,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kshitiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Storrs, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Anasuya Dighe
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA; , , .,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA; , , .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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9
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Senft AD, Macfarlan TS. Transposable elements shape the evolution of mammalian development. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:691-711. [PMID: 34354263 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) promote genetic innovation but also threaten genome stability. Despite multiple layers of host defence, TEs actively shape mammalian-specific developmental processes, particularly during pre-implantation and extra-embryonic development and at the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we review how TEs influence mammalian genomes both directly by providing the raw material for genetic change and indirectly via co-evolving TE-binding Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs). Throughout mammalian evolution, individual activities of ancient TEs were co-opted to enable invasive placentation that characterizes live-born mammals. By contrast, the widespread activity of evolutionarily young TEs may reflect an ongoing co-evolution that continues to impact mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Senft
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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10
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Haig D. Concerted evolution of ribosomal DNA: Somatic peace amid germinal strife: Intranuclear and cellular selection maintain the quality of rRNA. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100179. [PMID: 34704616 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Most eukaryotes possess many copies of rDNA. Organismal selection alone cannot maintain rRNA function because the effects of mutations in one rDNA are diluted by the presence of many other rDNAs. rRNA quality is maintained by processes that increase homogeneity of rRNA within, and heterogeneity among, germ cells thereby increasing the effectiveness of cellular selection on ribosomal function. A successful rDNA repeat will possess adaptations for spreading within tandem arrays by intranuclear selection. These adaptations reside in the non-coding regions of rDNA. Single-copy genes are predicted to manage processes of intranuclear and cellular selection in the germline to maintain the quality of rRNA expressed in somatic cells of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Haig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Zhang C, Li C, Yang L, Leng L, Jovic D, Wang J, Fang F, Li G, Zhao D, Li X, Lin L, Luo Y, Bolund L, Huang J, Lin G, Xu F. The Dynamic Changes of Transcription Factors During the Development Processes of Human Biparental and Uniparental Embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:709498. [PMID: 34604214 PMCID: PMC8484909 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.709498] [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: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in biparental (BI) early human embryogenesis. However, the contribution of TFs during early uniparental embryo development is still largely unknown. Here we systematically studied the expression profiles of transcription factors in early embryonic development and revealed the dynamic changes of TFs in human biparental and uniparental embryogenesis by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). In general, the TF expression model of uniparental embryos showed a high degree of conformity with biparental embryos. The detailed network analysis of three different types of embryos identified that 10 out of 17 hub TFs were shared or specifically owned, such as ZNF480, ZNF581, PHB, and POU5F1, were four shared TFs, ZFN534, GTF3A, ZNF771, TEAD4, and LIN28A, were androgenic (AG) specific TFs, and ZFP42 was the only one parthenogenetic (PG) specific TF. All the four shared TFs were validated using human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation experiments; most of their target genes are responsible for stem cell maintenance and differentiation. We also found that Zf-C2H2, HMG, and MYB were three dominant transcription factor families that appeared in early embryogenesis. Altogether, our work provides a comprehensive regulatory framework and better understanding of TF function in human biparental and uniparental embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Conghui Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cells Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Dragomirka Jovic
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guibo Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Depeng Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yonglun Luo
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Bolund
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jinrong Huang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cells Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Fengping Xu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,BGI Cell, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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12
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Dini P, Carossino M, Balasuriya UBR, El-Sheikh Ali H, Loux SC, Esteller-Vico A, Scoggin KE, Loynachan AT, Kalbfleisch T, De Spiegelaere W, Daels P, Ball BA. Paternally expressed retrotransposon Gag-like 1 gene, RTL1, is one of the crucial elements for placental angiogenesis in horses†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1386-1399. [PMID: 33693478 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RTL1 (retrotransposon Gag-like 1) is an essential gene in the development of the human and murine placenta. Several fetal and placental abnormalities such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and hydrops conditions have been associated with altered expression of this gene. However, the function of RTL1 has not been identified. RTL1 is located on a highly conserved region in eutherian mammals. Therefore, the genetic and molecular analysis in horses could hold important implications for other species, including humans. Here, we demonstrated that RTL1 is paternally expressed and is localized within the endothelial cells of the equine (Equus caballus) chorioallantois. We developed an equine placental microvasculature primary cell culture and demonstrated that RTL1 knockdown leads to loss of the sprouting ability of these endothelial cells. We further demonstrated an association between abnormal expression of RTL1 and development of hydrallantois. Our data suggest that RTL1 may be essential for placental angiogenesis, and its abnormal expression can lead to placental insufficiency. This placental insufficiency could be the reason for IUGR and hydrops conditions reported in other species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mansoura, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alan T Loynachan
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Theodore Kalbfleisch
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ward De Spiegelaere
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barry A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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13
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Boddy AM, Harrison TM, Abegglen LM. Comparative Oncology: New Insights into an Ancient Disease. iScience 2020; 23:101373. [PMID: 32738614 PMCID: PMC7394918 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has deep evolutionary roots and is an important source of selective pressure in organismal evolution. Yet, we find a great deal of variation in cancer vulnerabilities across the tree of life. Comparative oncology offers insights into why some species vary in their susceptibility to cancer and the mechanisms responsible for the diversity of cancer defenses. Here we provide an overview for why cancer persists across the tree of life. We then summarize current data on cancer in mammals, reptiles, and birds in comparison with commonly reported human cancers. We report on both novel and shared mechanisms of cancer protection in animals. Cross-discipline collaborations, including zoological and aquarium institutions, wildlife and evolutionary biologists, veterinarians, medical doctors, cancer biologists, and oncologists, will be essential for progress in the field of comparative oncology. Improving medical treatment of humans and animals with cancer is the ultimate promise of comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Boddy
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | - Tara M Harrison
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Lisa M Abegglen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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14
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Boddy AM, Abegglen LM, Pessier AP, Aktipis A, Schiffman JD, Maley CC, Witte C. Lifetime cancer prevalence and life history traits in mammals. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 2020:187-195. [PMID: 33209304 PMCID: PMC7652303 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancer is a common diagnosis in many mammalian species, yet they vary in their vulnerability to cancer. The factors driving this variation are unknown, but life history theory offers potential explanations to why cancer defense mechanisms are not equal across species. Methodology Here we report the prevalence of neoplasia and malignancy in 37 mammalian species, representing 11 mammalian orders, using 42 years of well curated necropsy data from the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We collected data on life history components of these species and tested for associations between life history traits and both neoplasia and malignancy, while controlling for phylogenetic history. Results These results support Peto's paradox, in that we find no association between lifespan and/or body mass and the prevalence of neoplasia or malignancy. However, a positive relationship exists between litter size and prevalence of malignancy (P = 0.005, Adj. R2 = 0.212), suggesting that a species' life history strategy may influence cancer vulnerabilities. Lastly, we tested for the relationship between placental invasiveness and malignancy. We find no evidence for an association between placental depth and malignancy prevalence (P = 0.618, Adj. R2 = 0.068). Conclusions Life history theory offers a powerful framework to understand variation in cancer defenses across the tree of life. These findings provide insight into the relationship between life history traits and cancer vulnerabilities, which suggest a trade-off between reproduction and cancer defenses. Lay summary Why are some mammals more vulnerable to cancer than others? We test whether life history trade-offs may explain this variation in cancer risk. Bigger, longer-lived animals do not develop more cancer compared to smaller, shorter-lived animals. However, we find a positive association between litter size and cancer prevalence in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Boddy
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Lisa M Abegglen
- Department of Pediatrics and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Allan P Pessier
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.,Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Joshua D Schiffman
- Department of Pediatrics and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carlo C Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carmel Witte
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, CA, USA
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15
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Haig D. Comment on the exchange between Boddy et al. and Wagner et al.: malignancy, placentation and litter size. Evol Med Public Health 2020; 2020:217-218. [PMID: 33214903 PMCID: PMC7658546 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoaa027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Haig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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16
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Kazemian A, Hooshmandabbasi R, Schraner EM, Boos A, Klisch K. Evolutionary implications of fetal and maternal microvillous surfaces in epitheliochorial placentae. J Morphol 2019; 280:615-622. [PMID: 30805975 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
According to the "parent-offspring conflict hypothesis" the rapid evolution and diversification of the mammalian placenta is driven by divergent optima of resource allocation between fetus and mother. The fetus has an interest to maximize its resource intake, while the mother has an interest to restrict the transfer of resources, and thus retain resources for subsequent pregnancies. In the epitheliochorial placenta, the contacting fetal and maternal surfaces at the feto-maternal interface are covered with microvilli, which leads to an increase of membrane surfaces available for transport processes. Because membranes are the site of active transport, the conflict hypothesis predicts that the fetal surfaces at the feto-maternal interfaces are larger than the maternal ones. We use transmission electron microscopy and a stereological method to estimate the factors by which the apical fetal and maternal membranes are enlarged by the microvilli. Ten species with an epitheliochorial placenta were studied. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) was used to create three-dimensional models of the interdigitating microvilli of the bovine and porcine placenta. In all species, the fetal surface was larger than the maternal. This was due to a higher number of fetal microvilli and to the presence of membrane folds at the base of the fetal, but not of maternal microvilli. Our results suggest that the ultrastructural morphology of the feto-maternal interface in the epitheliochorial placenta is shaped by conflicting interests between fetus and mother and thus represent a so far neglected arena of the parent-offspring conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kazemian
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Hooshmandabbasi
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elisabeth M Schraner
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Virology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alois Boos
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Klisch
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Apari P, Müller V. Paradoxes of tumour complexity: somatic selection, vulnerability by design, or infectious aetiology? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:1075-1088. [PMID: 30592143 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12490] [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: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of cancer involves intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms that apparently emerge on the short timescale of a single lifetime. Some of these traits are remarkable not only for their complexity, but also because it is hard to conceive selection pressures that would favour their evolution within the local competitive microenvironment of the tumour. Examples include 'niche construction' (re-programming of tumour-specific target sites) to create permissive conditions for distant metastases; long-range feedback loops of tumour growth; and remarkably 'plastic' phenotypes (e.g. density-dependent dispersal) associated with metastatic cancer. These traits, which we term 'paradoxical tumour traits', facilitate the long-range spread or long-term persistence of the tumours, but offer no apparent benefit, and might even incur costs in the competition of clones within the tumour. We discuss three possible scenarios for the origin of these characters: somatic selection driven by specific selection regimes; non-adaptive emergence due to inherent vulnerabilities in the organism; and manipulation by putative transmissible agents that contribute to and benefit from these traits. Our work highlights a lack of understanding of some aspects of tumour development, and offers alternative hypotheses that might guide further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Apari
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary.,Evolutionary Systems Research Group, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany 8237, Hungary
| | - Viktor Müller
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary.,Evolutionary Systems Research Group, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany 8237, Hungary
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18
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Rosenheim JA. Short- and long-term evolution in our arms race with cancer: Why the war on cancer is winnable. Evol Appl 2018; 11:845-852. [PMID: 29928294 PMCID: PMC5999210 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human society is engaged in an arms race against cancer, which pits one evolutionary process-human cultural evolution as we develop novel cancer therapies-against another evolutionary process-the ability of oncogenic selection operating among cancer cells to select for lineages that are resistant to our therapies. Cancer cells have a powerful ability to evolve resistance over the short term, leading to patient relapse following an initial period of apparent treatment efficacy. However, we are the beneficiaries of a fundamental asymmetry in our arms race against cancer: Whereas our cultural evolution is a long-term and continuous process, resistance evolution in cancer cells operates only over the short term and is discontinuous - all resistance adaptations are lost each time a cancer patient dies. Thus, our cultural adaptations are permanent, whereas cancer's genetic adaptations are ephemeral. Consequently, over the long term, there is good reason to expect that we will emerge as the winners in our war against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A. Rosenheim
- Department of Entomology and Nematologyand Center for Population Biology, University of California DavisDavisCAUSA
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19
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Yang Y, Abdulhasan M, Awonuga A, Bolnick A, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Hypoxic Stress Forces Adaptive and Maladaptive Placental Stress Responses in Early Pregnancy. Birth Defects Res 2018; 109:1330-1344. [PMID: 29105384 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on hypoxic stress and its effects on the placental lineage and the earliest differentiation events in mouse and human placental trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Although the placenta is a decidual organ at the end of pregnancy, its earliest rapid growth and function at the start of pregnancy precedes and supports growth and function of the embryo. Earliest function requires that TSCs differentiate, however, "hypoxia" supports rapid growth, but not differentiation of TSCs. Most of the literature on earliest placental "hypoxia" studies used 2% oxygen which is normoxic for TSCs. Hypoxic stress happens when oxygen level drops below 2%. It decreases anabolism, proliferation, potency/stemness and increases differentiation, despite culture conditions that would sustain proliferation and potency. Thus, to study the pathogenesis due to TSC dysfunction, it is important to study hypoxic stress below 2%. Many studies have been performed using 0.5 to 1% oxygen in cultured mouse TSCs. From all these studies, a small number has examined human trophoblast lines and primary first trimester placental hypoxic stress responses in culture. Some other stress stimuli, aside from hypoxic stress, are used to elucidate common and unique aspects of hypoxic stress. The key outcomes produced by hypoxic stress are mitochondrial, anabolic, and proliferation arrest, and this is coupled with stemness loss and differentiation. Hypoxic stress can lead to depletion of stem cells and miscarriage, or can lead to later dysfunctions in placentation and fetal development. Birth Defects Research 109:1330-1344, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed Abdulhasan
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Awoniyi Awonuga
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Alan Bolnick
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth E Puscheck
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Daniel A Rappolee
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.,Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne state University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
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20
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Albuquerque TAF, Drummond do Val L, Doherty A, de Magalhães JP. From humans to hydra: patterns of cancer across the tree of life. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1715-1734. [PMID: 29663630 PMCID: PMC6055669 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of multicellularity; it originates when cells become dysregulated due to mutations and grow out of control, invading other tissues and provoking discomfort, disability, and eventually death. Human life expectancy has greatly increased in the last two centuries, and consequently so has the incidence of cancer. However, how cancer patterns in humans compare to those of other species remains largely unknown. In this review, we search for clues about cancer and its evolutionary underpinnings across the tree of life. We discuss data from a wide range of species, drawing comparisons with humans when adequate, and interpret our findings from an evolutionary perspective. We conclude that certain cancers are uniquely common in humans, such as lung, prostate, and testicular cancer; while others are common across many species. Lymphomas appear in almost every animal analysed, including in young animals, which may be related to pathogens imposing selection on the immune system. Cancers unique to humans may be due to our modern environment or may be evolutionary accidents: random events in the evolution of our species. Finally, we find that cancer‐resistant animals such as whales and mole‐rats have evolved cellular mechanisms that help them avoid neoplasia, and we argue that there are multiple natural routes to cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales A F Albuquerque
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, SMHN Quadra 03 conjunto A, Bloco 1 Edifício Fepecs CEP 70, 710-907, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Luisa Drummond do Val
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, Room 281, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, U.K
| | - Aoife Doherty
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, Room 281, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, U.K
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, Room 281, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, U.K
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21
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Greaves M, Hughes W. Cancer cell transmission via the placenta. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 2018:106-115. [PMID: 29765597 PMCID: PMC5946918 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoy011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells have a parasitic propensity in the primary host but their capacity to transit between individuals is severely restrained by two factors: a lack of a route for viable cell transfer and immune recognition in allogeneic, secondary recipients. Several examples of transmissible animal cancers are now recognised. In humans, the only natural route for transmission is via the haemochorial placenta which is permissive for cell traffic. There are three special examples of this occurring in utero: maternal to foetus, intraplacental twin to twin leukaemias and choriocarcinoma-extra-embryonic cells to mother. We discuss the rare circumstances under which such transmission occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mel Greaves
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Brookes Lawley Building, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - William Hughes
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
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22
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Mainieri A, Haig D. Lost in translation: The 3'-UTR of IGF1R as an ancient long noncoding RNA. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 2018:82-91. [PMID: 29644076 PMCID: PMC5887972 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoy008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling system is a major arena of intragenomic conflict over embryonic growth between imprinted genes of maternal and paternal origin and the IGF type 1 receptor (IGF1R) promotes proliferation of many human cancers. The 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the mouse Igf1r mRNA is targeted by miR-675-3p derived from the imprinted H19 long noncoding RNA. We undertook a comparative sequence analysis of vertebrate IGF1R 3'-UTRs to determine the evolutionary history of miR-675 target sequences and to identify conserved features that are likely to be involved in post-transcriptional regulation of IGF1R translation. Methodology Sequences of IGF1R 3'-UTRs were obtained from public databases and analyzed using publicly available algorithms. Results A very long 3'-UTR is a conserved feature of vertebrate IGF1R mRNAs. We found that some ancient microRNAs, such as let-7 and mir-182, have predicted binding sites that are conserved between cartilaginous fish and mammals. One very conserved region is targeted by multiple, maternally expressed imprinted microRNAs that appear to have evolved more recently than the targeted sequences. Conclusions and implications The conserved structures we identify in the IGF1R 3'-UTR are strong candidates for regulating cell proliferation during development and carcinogenesis. These conserved structures are now targeted by multiple imprinted microRNAs. These observations emphasize the central importance of IGF signaling pathways in the mediation of intragenomic conflicts over embryonic growth and identify possible targets for therapeutic interventions in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Mainieri
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - David Haig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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23
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Russell T, Madsen T, Thomas F, Raven N, Hamede R, Ujvari B. Oncogenesis as a Selective Force: Adaptive Evolution in the Face of a Transmissible Cancer. Bioessays 2018; 40. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Russell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of SydneySydneyNSW2006Australia
| | - Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin UniversityWaurn PondsVictoria3218Australia
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREEC/MIVEGEC, UMR IRD/CNRS/UM 5290911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 6450134394 Montpellier Cedex 5France
| | - Nynke Raven
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin UniversityWaurn PondsVictoria3218Australia
| | - Rodrigo Hamede
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin UniversityWaurn PondsVictoria3218Australia
- School of Natural Sciences University of TasmaniaPrivate Bag 55HobartTasmania7001Australia
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin UniversityWaurn PondsVictoria3218Australia
- School of Natural Sciences University of TasmaniaPrivate Bag 55HobartTasmania7001Australia
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24
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Gardner A, Úbeda F. The meaning of intragenomic conflict. Nat Ecol Evol 2017; 1:1807-1815. [PMID: 29109471 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0354-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in genes that function for their own good and to the detriment of other genes that reside in the same genome. Such intragenomic conflicts are increasingly recognized to underpin maladaptation and disease. However, progress has been impeded by a lack of clear understanding regarding what intragenomic conflict actually means, and an associated obscurity concerning its fundamental drivers. Here we develop a general theory of intragenomic conflict in which genes are viewed as inclusive-fitness-maximizing agents that come into conflict when their inclusive-fitness interests disagree. This yields a classification of all intragenomic conflicts into three categories according to whether genes disagree about where they have come from, where they are going, or where they currently are. We illustrate each of these three basic categories, survey and classify all known forms of intragenomic conflict, and discuss the implications for organismal maladaptation and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Gardner
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9TH, UK.
| | - Francisco Úbeda
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK.
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25
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The Genes of Life and Death: A Potential Role for Placental-Specific Genes in Cancer. Bioessays 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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26
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Buzby JS, Williams SA, Schaffer L, Head SR, Nugent DJ. Allele-specific wild-type TP53 expression in the unaffected carrier parent of children with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Cancer Genet 2017; 211:9-17. [PMID: 28279309 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder where an oncogenic TP53 germline mutation is passed from parent to child. Tumor protein p53 is a key tumor suppressor regulating cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. Paradoxically, some mutant TP53 carriers remain unaffected, while their children develop cancer within the first few years of life. To address this paradox, response to UV stress was compared in dermal fibroblasts (dFb) from an affected LFS patient vs. their unaffected carrier parent. UV induction of CDKN1A/p21, a regulatory target of p53, in LFS patient dFb was significantly reduced compared to the unaffected parent. UV exposure also induced significantly greater p53[Ser15]-phosphorylation in LFS patient dFb, a reported property of some mutant p53 variants. Taken together, these results suggested that unaffected parental dFb may express an increased proportion of wild-type vs. mutant p53. Indeed, a significantly increased ratio of wild-type to mutant TP53 allele-specific expression in the unaffected parent dFb was confirmed by RT-PCR-RFLP and RNA-seq analysis. Hence, allele-specific expression of wild-type TP53 may allow an unaffected parent to mount a response to genotoxic stress more characteristic of homozygous wild-type TP53 individuals than their affected offspring, providing protection from the oncogenesis associated with LFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Buzby
- Hematology Research and Advanced Diagnostics Laboratories, CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA.
| | - Shirley A Williams
- Hematology Research and Advanced Diagnostics Laboratories, CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Lana Schaffer
- Next Generation Sequencing and Microarray Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Steven R Head
- Next Generation Sequencing and Microarray Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diane J Nugent
- Hematology Research and Advanced Diagnostics Laboratories, CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA; Division of Hematology, CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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27
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Albertini DF. Explaining the futility of the reproductive process in humans: past, present, and future. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:157-158. [PMID: 28130663 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0878-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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28
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Abstract
The germ track is the cellular path by which genes are transmitted to future generations whereas somatic cells die with their body and do not leave direct descendants. Transposable elements (TEs) evolve to be silent in somatic cells but active in the germ track. Thus, the performance of most bodily functions by a sequestered soma reduces organismal costs of TEs. Flexible forms of gene regulation are permissible in the soma because of the self-imposed silence of TEs, but strict licensing of transcription and translation is maintained in the germ track to control proliferation of TEs. Delayed zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and maternally inherited germ granules are adaptations that enhance germ-track security. Mammalian embryos exhibit very early ZGA associated with extensive mobilization of retroelements. This window of vulnerability to retrotransposition in early embryos is an indirect consequence of evolutionary conflicts within the mammalian genome over postzygotic maternal provisioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Haig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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29
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Ujvari B, Gatenby RA, Thomas F. The evolutionary ecology of transmissible cancers. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 39:293-303. [PMID: 26861618 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible tumours, while rare, present a fascinating opportunity to examine the evolutionary dynamics of cancer as both an infectious agent and an exotic, invasive species. Only three naturally-occurring transmissible cancers have been observed so far in the wild: Tasmanian devil facial tumour diseases, canine transmissible venereal tumour, and clam leukaemia. Here, we define four conditions that are necessary and sufficient for direct passage of cancer cells between either vertebrate or invertebrate hosts. Successful transmission requires environment and behaviours that facilitate transfer of tumour cells between hosts including: tumour tissue properties that promote shedding of large numbers of malignant cells, tumour cell plasticity that permits their survival during transmission and growth in a new host, and a 'permissible' host or host tissue. This rare confluence of multiple host- and tumour cell-traits both explains the rarity of tumour cell transmission and provides novel insights into the dynamics that both promote and constrain their growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Ujvari
- Deakin University, Geelong, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Waurn Ponds, Vic 3216, Australia.
| | - Robert A Gatenby
- Department of Radiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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30
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Kim J, Bretz CL, Lee S. Epigenetic instability of imprinted genes in human cancers. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:10689-99. [PMID: 26338779 PMCID: PMC4678850 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many imprinted genes are often epigenetically affected in human cancers due to their functional linkage to insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling pathways. Thus, the current study systematically characterized the epigenetic instability of imprinted genes in multiple human cancers. First, the survey results from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) revealed that the expression levels of the majority of imprinted genes are downregulated in primary tumors compared to normal cells. These changes are also accompanied by DNA methylation level changes in several imprinted domains, such as the PEG3, MEST and GNAS domains. Second, these DNA methylation level changes were further confirmed manually using several sets of cancer DNA. According to the results, the Imprinting Control Regions of the PEG3, MEST and GNAS domains are indeed affected in breast, lung and ovarian cancers. This DNA methylation survey also revealed that evolutionarily conserved cis-regulatory elements within these imprinted domains are very variable in both normal and cancer cells. Overall, this study highlights the epigenetic instability of imprinted domains in human cancers and further suggests its potential use as cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joomyeong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Corey L Bretz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Suman Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Nunney L, Maley CC, Breen M, Hochberg ME, Schiffman JD. Peto's paradox and the promise of comparative oncology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 370:20140177. [PMID: 26056361 PMCID: PMC4581022 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The past several decades have seen a paradigm shift with the integration of evolutionary thinking into studying cancer. The evolutionary lens is most commonly employed in understanding cancer emergence, tumour growth and metastasis, but there is an increasing realization that cancer defences both between tissues within the individual and between species have been influenced by natural selection. This special issue focuses on discoveries of these deeper evolutionary phenomena in the emerging area of 'comparative oncology'. Comparing cancer dynamics in different tissues or species can lead to insights into how biology and ecology have led to differences in carcinogenesis, and the diversity, incidence and lethality of cancers. In this introduction to the special issue, we review the history of the field and outline how the contributions use empirical, comparative and theoretical approaches to address the processes and patterns associated with 'Peto's paradox', the lack of a statistical relationship of cancer incidence with body size and longevity. This burgeoning area of research can help us understand that cancer is not only a disease but is also a driving force in biological systems and species life histories. Comparative oncology will be key to understanding globally important health issues, including cancer epidemiology, prevention and improved therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Nunney
- Department of Biology, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Carlo C Maley
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA Center for Evolution and Cancer, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Centre for Evolution and Cancer, Institute for Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Matthew Breen
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA Genetics Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Michael E Hochberg
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, Université Montpellier, UMR5554 du CNRS, Montpellier 34095, France Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Joshua D Schiffman
- Primary Children's Hospital (Intermountain Healthcare) and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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