1
|
Vernasco BJ, Long KM, Braun MJ, Brawn JD. Genetic and telomeric variability: Insights from a tropical avian hybrid zone. Mol Ecol 2024:e17491. [PMID: 39192633 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17491] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Telomere lengths and telomere dynamics can correlate with lifespan, behaviour and individual quality. Such relationships have spurred interest in understanding variation in telomere lengths and their dynamics within and between populations. Many studies have identified how environmental processes can influence telomere dynamics, but the role of genetic variation is much less well characterized. To provide a novel perspective on how telomeric variation relates to genetic variability, we longitudinally sampled individuals across a narrow hybrid zone (n = 127 samples), wherein two Manacus species characterized by contrasting genome-wide heterozygosity interbreed. We measured individual (n = 66) and population (n = 3) differences in genome-wide heterozygosity and, among hybrids, amount of genetic admixture using RADseq-generated SNPs. We tested for population differences in telomere lengths and telomere dynamics. We then examined how telomere lengths and telomere dynamics covaried with genome-wide heterozygosity within populations. Hybrid individuals exhibited longer telomeres, on average, than individuals sampled in the adjacent parental populations. No population differences in telomere dynamics were observed. Within the parental population characterized by relatively low heterozygosity, higher genome-wide heterozygosity was associated with shorter telomeres and higher rates of telomere shortening-a pattern that was less apparent in the other populations. All of these relationships were independent of sex, despite the contrasting life histories of male and female manakins. Our study highlights how population comparisons can reveal interrelationships between genetic variation and telomeres, and how naturally occurring hybridization and genome-wide heterozygosity can relate to telomere lengths and telomere dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Vernasco
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Kira M Long
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael J Braun
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biology and Biology Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Brawn
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chik HYJ, Mannarelli ME, Dos Remedios N, Simons MJP, Burke T, Schroeder J, Dugdale HL. Adult telomere length is positively correlated with survival and lifetime reproductive success in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17455. [PMID: 38993011 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Explaining variation in individual fitness is a key goal in evolutionary biology. Recently, telomeres, repeating DNA sequences capping chromosome ends, have gained attention as a biomarker for body state, physiological costs, and senescence. Existing research has provided mixed evidence for whether telomere length correlates with fitness, including survival and reproductive output. Moreover, few studies have examined how the rate of change in telomere length correlates with fitness in wild populations. Here, we intensively monitored an insular population of house sparrows, and collected longitudinal telomere and life history data (16 years, 1225 individuals). We tested whether telomere length and its rate of change predict fitness measures, namely survival, lifespan and annual and lifetime reproductive effort and success. Telomere length positively predicted short-term survival, independent of age, but did not predict lifespan, suggesting either a diminishing telomere length-survival correlation with age or other extrinsic factors of mortality. The positive association of telomere length with survival translated into reproductive benefits, as birds with longer telomeres produced more genetic recruits, hatchlings and reared more fledglings over their lifetime. In contrast, there was no association between telomere dynamics and annual reproductive output, suggesting telomere dynamics might not reflect the costs of reproduction in this population, potentially masked by variation in individual quality. The rate of change of telomere length did not correlate with neither lifespan nor lifetime reproductive success. Our results provide further evidence that telomere length correlates with fitness, and contribute to our understanding of the selection on, and evolution of, telomere dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heung Ying Janet Chik
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria-Elena Mannarelli
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, UK
| | - Natalie Dos Remedios
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- School of Social Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mirre J P Simons
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Terry Burke
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julia Schroeder
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London Silwood Park, Ascot, UK
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Redon L, Constant T, Smith S, Habold C, Giroud S. Understanding seasonal telomere length dynamics in hibernating species. J Therm Biol 2024; 123:103913. [PMID: 39002254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the main causes of ageing as it progressively damages cell components throughout life, eventually causing cellular failure and apoptosis. In many organisms, telomeres shorten throughout life under the effect of, amongst other factors, oxidative stress, and are therefore commonly used as marker of biological ageing. However, hibernators, which are regularly exposed to acute oxidative stress when rewarming from torpor, are unexpectedly long-lived. In this review, we explore the causes of oxidative stress associated with hibernation and its impact on telomere dynamics in different taxa, focussing on hibernating rodents. We then speculate on the adaptive mechanisms of hibernators to compensate for the effects of oxidative stress, which may explain their increased longevity. Because winter hibernation appears to be associated with high oxidative stress, hibernators, particularly rodents, may periodically invest in repair mechanisms and antioxidant defences, resulting in seasonal variations in telomere lengths. This research shows how species with a slow life-history strategy deal with large changes in oxidative stress, unifying evolutionary and physiological theories of ageing. Because of the marked seasonal variation in telomere length, we also draw attention when using telomeres as markers for biological aging in seasonal heterotherms and possibly in other highly seasonal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Redon
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| | - Théo Constant
- Department of Ecology Physiology Ethology, Pluridisciplinary Institute Hubert Curien, UMR 7179 CNRS/UdS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Habold
- Department of Ecology Physiology Ethology, Pluridisciplinary Institute Hubert Curien, UMR 7179 CNRS/UdS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylvain Giroud
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ng GYQ, Hande MP. Use of peptide nucleic acid probe to determine telomere dynamics in improving chromosome analysis in genetic toxicology studies. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 897:503773. [PMID: 39054004 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Genetic toxicology, strategically located at the intersection of genetics and toxicology, aims to demystify the complex interplay between exogenous agents and our genetic blueprint. Telomeres, the protective termini of chromosomes, play instrumental roles in cellular longevity and genetic stability. Traditionally karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), have been indispensable tools for chromosomal analysis following exposure to genotoxic agents. However, their scope in discerning nuanced molecular dynamics is limited. Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are synthetic entities that embody characteristics of both proteins and nucleic acids and have emerged as potential game-changers. This perspective report comprehensively examines the vast potential of PNAs in genetic toxicology, with a specific emphasis on telomere research. PNAs' superior resolution and precision make them a favourable choice for genetic toxicological assessments. The integration of PNAs in contemporary analytical workflows heralds a promising evolution in genetic toxicology, potentially revolutionizing diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic avenues. In this timely review, we attempted to assess the limitations of current PNA-FISH methodology and recommend refinements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Yong Quan Ng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manoor Prakash Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Romero-Haro AÁ, Mulder E, Haussmann MF, Tschirren B. The association between age and telomere length is age-dependent: Evidence for a threshold model of telomere length maintenance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:338-344. [PMID: 38258326 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2785] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Telomere length and dynamics are commonly used biomarkers of somatic state, yet the role of telomeres underlying the aging process is still debated. Indeed, to date, empirical evidence for an association between age and telomere length is mixed. Here, we test if the age-dependency of the association between age and telomere length can provide a potential explanation for the reported inconsistencies across studies. To this end, we quantified telomere length by telomere restriction fragment analysis in two groups of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) that differed in their age distribution. One group consisted of young adults only, whereas the second group consisted of adults across a wide range of ages. In the young adults group, there was a highly significant negative association between telomere length and age, whereas no association between age and telomere length was found in the all-ages adults group. This difference between groups was not due to telomere length-dependent selective disappearance. Our results shows that the association between telomere length and age is age-dependent and suggest that the costs and benefits associated with telomere maintenance are dynamic across an individual's life course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Á Romero-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark F Haussmann
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Barbara Tschirren
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ravindran S, Underwood SL, Dorrens J, Seeker LA, Watt K, Wilbourn RV, Sparks AM, Sinclair R, Chen Z, Pilkington JG, McNeilly TN, Harrington L, Pemberton JM, Nussey DH, Froy H. No correlative evidence of costs of infection or immunity on leucocyte telomere length in a wild population of Soay sheep. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232946. [PMID: 38565156 PMCID: PMC10987235 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker hypothesized to capture evolutionarily and ecologically important physiological costs of reproduction, infection and immunity. Few studies have estimated the relationships among infection status, immunity, TL and fitness in natural systems. The hypothesis that short telomeres predict reduced survival because they reflect costly consequences of infection and immune investment remains largely untested. Using longitudinal data from a free-living Soay sheep population, we tested whether leucocyte TL was predicted by infection with nematode parasites and antibody levels against those parasites. Helminth parasite burdens were positively associated with leucocyte TL in both lambs and adults, which is not consistent with TL reflecting infection costs. We found no association between TL and helminth-specific IgG levels in either young or old individuals which suggests TL does not reflect costs of an activated immune response or immunosenescence. Furthermore, we found no support for TL acting as a mediator of trade-offs between infection, immunity and subsequent survival in the wild. Our results suggest that while variation in TL could reflect short-term variation in resource investment or environmental conditions, it does not capture costs of infection and immunity, nor does it behave like a marker of an individual's helminth-specific antibody immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Ravindran
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Sarah L. Underwood
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Jennifer Dorrens
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Luise A. Seeker
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Kathryn Watt
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Rachael V. Wilbourn
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Alexandra M. Sparks
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Rona Sinclair
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Zhulin Chen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Jill G. Pilkington
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Lea Harrington
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Josephine M. Pemberton
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Daniel H. Nussey
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Hannah Froy
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wolf SE, Woodruff MJ, Chang van Oordt DA, Clotfelter ED, Cristol DA, Derryberry EP, Ferguson SM, Stanback MT, Taff CC, Vitousek MN, Westneat DF, Rosvall KA. Among-population variation in telomere regulatory proteins and their potential role as hidden drivers of intraspecific variation in life history. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38509838 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Biologists aim to explain patterns of growth, reproduction and ageing that characterize life histories, yet we are just beginning to understand the proximate mechanisms that generate this diversity. Existing research in this area has focused on telomeres but has generally overlooked the telomere's most direct mediator, the shelterin protein complex. Shelterin proteins physically interact with the telomere to shape its shortening and repair. They also regulate metabolism and immune function, suggesting a potential role in life history variation in the wild. However, research on shelterin proteins is uncommon outside of biomolecular work. Intraspecific analyses can play an important role in resolving these unknowns because they reveal subtle variation in life history within and among populations. Here, we assessed ecogeographic variation in shelterin protein abundance across eight populations of tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) with previously documented variation in environmental and life history traits. Using the blood gene expression of four shelterin proteins in 12-day-old nestlings, we tested the hypothesis that shelterin protein gene expression varies latitudinally and in relation to both telomere length and life history. Shelterin protein gene expression differed among populations and tracked non-linear variation in latitude: nestlings from mid-latitudes expressed nearly double the shelterin mRNA on average than those at more northern and southern sites. However, telomere length was not significantly related to latitude. We next assessed whether telomere length and shelterin protein gene expression correlate with 12-day-old body mass and wing length, two proxies of nestling growth linked to future fecundity and survival. We found that body mass and wing length correlated more strongly (and significantly) with shelterin protein gene expression than with telomere length. These results highlight telomere regulatory shelterin proteins as potential mediators of life history variation among populations. Together with existing research linking shelterin proteins and life history variation within populations, these ecogeographic patterns underscore the need for continued integration of ecology, evolution and telomere biology, which together will advance understanding of the drivers of life history variation in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mary J Woodruff
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - David A Chang van Oordt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | - Daniel A Cristol
- Department of Biology, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Derryberry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stephen M Ferguson
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark T Stanback
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, USA
| | - Conor C Taff
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Maren N Vitousek
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - David F Westneat
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Taylor GT, McQueen A, Eastwood JR, Dupoué A, Wong BBM, Verhulst S, Peters A. No effect of testosterone or sexual ornamentation on telomere dynamics: A case study and meta-analyses. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11088. [PMID: 38435019 PMCID: PMC10905238 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Life-history theory predicts that reproductive investments are traded-off against self-maintenance. Telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, offer a promising avenue for assessing life-history trade-offs, as they shorten in response to stressors and are predictive of the remaining lifespan. In males, testosterone frequently mediates life-history trade-offs, in part, through its effects on sexual ornamentation, which is an important aspect of reproductive investment. However, studies of within-individual associations between telomere dynamics and sexual ornamentation are limited in number and have produced mixed results. Furthermore, most such studies have been observational, making it difficult to discern the nature of any causal relationship. To address this, we used short-acting testosterone implants in free-living male superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus) to stimulate the production of a sexual ornament: early moult into a costly blue breeding plumage. We found no evidence that elevated testosterone, and the consequent earlier moult into breeding plumage, accelerated telomere shortening. We therefore followed up with a systematic review and two meta-analyses (28 studies, 54 effect sizes) exploring the associations between telomeres and (1) testosterone and (2) sexual ornamentation. In line with our experimental findings, neither meta-analysis showed an overall correlation of testosterone or sexual ornamentation with telomere length or telomere dynamics. However, meta-regression showed that experimental, compared to observational, studies reported greater evidence of trade-offs. Our meta-analyses highlight the need for further experimental studies to better understand potential responses of telomere length or telomere dynamics to testosterone or sexual ornamentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory T. Taylor
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Alexandra McQueen
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Present address:
Centre for Integrative EcologyDeakin UniversityBurwoodVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Andréaz Dupoué
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Present address:
CNRS Sorbonne Université, UMR 7618, iEES ParisUniversité Pierre et Marie CurieParisFrance
| | - Bob B. M. Wong
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Anne Peters
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pepke ML. Telomere length is not a useful tool for chronological age estimation in animals. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300187. [PMID: 38047504 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are short repetitive DNA sequences capping the ends of chromosomes. Telomere shortening occurs during cell division and may be accelerated by oxidative damage or ameliorated by telomere maintenance mechanisms. Consequently, telomere length changes with age, which was recently confirmed in a large meta-analysis across vertebrates. However, based on the correlation between telomere length and age, it was concluded that telomere length can be used as a tool for chronological age estimation in animals. Correlation should not be confused with predictability, and the current data and studies suggest that telomeres cannot be used to reliably predict individual chronological age. There are biological reasons for why there is large individual variation in telomere dynamics, which is mainly due to high susceptibility to a wide range of environmental, but also genetic factors, rendering telomeres unfeasible as a tool for age estimation. The use of telomeres for chronological age estimation is largely a misguided effort, but its occasional reappearance in the literature raises concerns that it will mislead resources in wildlife conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Pepke
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lemaître JF, Moorad J, Gaillard JM, Maklakov AA, Nussey DH. A unified framework for evolutionary genetic and physiological theories of aging. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002513. [PMID: 38412150 PMCID: PMC10898761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Why and how we age are 2 intertwined questions that have fascinated scientists for many decades. However, attempts to answer these questions remain compartmentalized, preventing a comprehensive understanding of the aging process. We argue that the current lack of knowledge about the evolution of aging mechanisms is due to a lack of clarity regarding evolutionary theories of aging that explicitly involve physiological processes: the disposable soma theory (DST) and the developmental theory of aging (DTA). In this Essay, we propose a new hierarchical model linking genes to vital rates, enabling us to critically reevaluate the DST and DTA in terms of their relationship to evolutionary genetic theories of aging (mutation accumulation (MA) and antagonistic pleiotropy (AP)). We also demonstrate how these 2 theories can be incorporated in a unified hierarchical framework. The new framework will help to generate testable hypotheses of how the hallmarks of aging are shaped by natural selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Lemaître
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jacob Moorad
- Institute of Ecology & Evolution, School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alexei A. Maklakov
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel H. Nussey
- Institute of Ecology & Evolution, School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hansson A, Wapstra E, While GM, Olsson M. Sex and early-life conditions shape telomere dynamics in an ectotherm. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246512. [PMID: 38230426 PMCID: PMC10912812 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres, the repetitive DNA regions that protect the ends of chromosomes, and their shortening have been linked to key life history trade-offs among growth, reproduction and lifespan. In contrast to most endotherms, many ectotherms can compensate for telomere shortening throughout life by upregulation of telomerase in somatic tissues. However, during development, marked by rapid growth and an increased sensitivity to extrinsic factors, the upregulation of telomerase may be overwhelmed, resulting in long-term impacts on telomere dynamics. In ectotherms, one extrinsic factor that may play a particularly important role in development is temperature. Here, we investigated the influence of developmental temperature and sex on early-life telomere dynamics in an oviparous ectotherm, Lacerta agilis. While there was no effect of developmental temperature on telomere length at hatching, there were subsequent effects on telomere maintenance capacity, with individuals incubated at warm temperatures exhibiting less telomere maintenance compared with cool-incubated individuals. Telomere dynamics were also sexually dimorphic, with females having longer telomeres and greater telomere maintenance compared with males. We suggest that selection drives this sexual dimorphism in telomere maintenance, in which females maximise their lifetime reproductive success by investing in traits promoting longevity such as maintenance, while males invest in short-term reproductive gains through a polygynous mating behaviour. These early-life effects, therefore, have the potential to mediate life-long changes to life histories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hansson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Geoffrey M. While
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Prévot D'Alvise N, Ascensio E, Richard S. Influence of EE2 exposure, age and sex on telomere length in European long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 346:114419. [PMID: 38040384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
After a Telomere Lengthening in juvenile stage, a progressive telomere shortening occurs with age despite higher telomerase level. Telomere Length (TL) may also reflect past physiological state such as a chronic chemical stress. Several studies have revealed a correlation between TL, ageing and/or sex in vertebrates, including teleosts; however, the patterns of telomere dynamics with telomerase mRNA expression, sex, lifespan or chemical stress in teleosts are unclear. The first aim of this study is to verify if telomere length is age and sex-dependent. The second aim is to consider if TL is a useful indicator of stress response in European long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus, an ectothermic and non-model system. We showed that after telomere lengthening during the juvenile stage, a telomeric attrition became significant in sexually mature individuals (p = 0.042). TL decreased in older seahorses despite the presence of somatic telomerase mRNA expression at all life stages studied. There was no difference in TL between males and females, but telomerase mRNA expression was consistently higher in females than males. Exposure to EE2 had no effect on TL in young seahorses, but was correlated with a significant increase in telomerase mRNA expression and various physiological disruptions. Here, a growth retardation of -10 % for body length (p = 0.016) and approximately -45 % for mass (p = 0.001) compared to healthy juvenile seahorses was observed. Our data suggest that telomere dynamics alone should not be used as a marker of EE2 exposure in juvenile seahorses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Prévot D'Alvise
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR 7294, Équipe EMBIO, Université de Toulon, CS 60584 - 83 041 Toulon Cedex 9, France.
| | - Eliette Ascensio
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR 7294, Équipe EMBIO, Université de Toulon, CS 60584 - 83 041 Toulon Cedex 9, France
| | - Simone Richard
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR 7294, Équipe EMBIO, Université de Toulon, CS 60584 - 83 041 Toulon Cedex 9, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gómez‐Blanco D, Tobler M, Hasselquist D. Why and when should organisms elongate their telomeres? Elaborations on the 'excess resources elongation' and 'last resort elongation' hypotheses. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10825. [PMID: 38099139 PMCID: PMC10719541 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length and telomere shortening are thought to be critical cellular attributes and processes that are related to an individual's life span and fitness. The general pattern across most taxa is that after birth telomere length gradually decreases with age. Telomere protection and restoration mechanisms are usually assumed to reduce the rate of shortening or at most keep telomere length constant. However, here we have compiled a list of 26 articles showing that there is an increasing number of studies reporting apparent elongation of telomeres (i.e., a net increase in TL from timet to timet+1) often in a considerable proportion of the individuals studied. Moreover, the few studies which have studied telomere elongation in detail show that increases in telomere length are unlikely to be due to measurement error alone. In this article, we argue that episodes of telomere elongation deserve more attention as they could reflect individual strategies to optimise life histories and maximise fitness, which may not be reflected in the overall telomere dynamics patterns. We propose that patterns of telomere (net) elongation may be partly determined by other factors than those causing telomere shortening, and therefore deserve analyses specifically targeted to investigate the occurrence of telomere elongation. We elaborate on two ecological hypotheses that have been proposed to explain patterns of telomere elongation (the 'excess resources elongation' and the 'last resort elongation' hypothesis) and we discuss the current evidence for (or against) these hypotheses and propose ways to test them.
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu Y, Xie CB, Yang J, Xing YJ, Xia WP, Liu Y, Xi WB, Li ZJ, Tu WF, Zhang JL. Association between telomere length in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes and the propofol dose in anesthesia induction: an observational study. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIOLOGY (ELSEVIER) 2023; 73:764-768. [PMID: 34119568 PMCID: PMC10625149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjane.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. METHODS The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5'end or 3'end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. RESULTS We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5' end or 3' end of TERC was not found. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- The 74th Group Army Hospital of P.L.A, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuang Bo Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou, University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou, China; General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Ji Xing
- The 74th Group Army Hospital of P.L.A, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ping Xia
- The 74th Group Army Hospital of P.L.A, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- 32295 troops of P.L.A, Liaoyang, China
| | - Wen Bin Xi
- General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Ju Li
- General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Feng Tu
- General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Long Zhang
- The Affiliated Lianyungang No. 2 People...s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Department of Anesthesiology, Lianyungang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumawat S, Choi JY. No end in sight: Mysteries of the telomeric variation in plants. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2023; 110:e16244. [PMID: 37733763 PMCID: PMC10873042 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Kumawat
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Jae Young Choi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Westneat DF, Young RC, Cones AG, Kucera AC, Anacleto A, Heidinger BJ. Early-life telomeres are influenced by environments acting at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5959-5970. [PMID: 37837282 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
An individual's telomere length early in life may reflect or contribute to key life-history processes sensitive to environmental variation. Yet, the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors in shaping early-life telomere length is not well understood as it requires samples collected from multiple generations with known developmental histories. We used a confirmed pedigree and conducted an animal model analysis of telomere lengths obtained from nestling house sparrows (Passer domesticus) sampled over a span of 22 years. We found significant additive genetic variation for early-life telomere length, but it comprised a small proportion (9%) of the total biological variation. Three sources of environmental variation were important: among cohorts, among-breeding attempts within years, and among nestmates. The magnitude of variation among breeding attempts and among nestmates also differed by cohort, suggesting that interactive effects of environmental factors across time or spatial scales were important, yet we were unable to identify the specific causes of these interactions. The mean amount of precipitation during the breeding season positively predicted telomere length, but neither weather during a given breeding attempt nor date in the breeding season contributed to an offspring's telomere length. At the level of individual nestlings, offspring sex, size and mass at 10 days of age also did not predict telomere length. Environmental effects appear especially important in shaping early-life telomere length in some species, and more focus on how environmental factors that interact across scales may help to explain some of the variation observed among studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David F Westneat
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rebecca C Young
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Alexandra G Cones
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Aurelia C Kucera
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Angelo Anacleto
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Britt J Heidinger
- Department of Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Power ML, Ransome RD, Riquier S, Romaine L, Jones G, Teeling EC. Hibernation telomere dynamics in a shifting climate: insights from wild greater horseshoe bats. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231589. [PMID: 37817598 PMCID: PMC10565397 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hibernation is linked with various hypotheses to explain the extended lifespan of hibernating mammals compared with their non-hibernating counterparts. Studies on telomeres, markers of ageing and somatic maintenance, suggest telomere shortening slows during hibernation, and lengthening may reflect self-maintenance with favourable conditions. Bats in temperate zones adjust body temperatures during winter torpor to conserve energy and exploit mild conditions for foraging. Climate change may impact the hibernation cycle of bats, but more research is needed regarding the role of telomeres in understanding their response to a changing climate. Here, relative telomere length (rTL) was measured in the long-lived greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (n = 223 individuals) over three winters, considering climatic conditions. Cross-sectional analyses revealed between-individual variation in rTL with a strong year effect, likely linked to varying weather conditions and foraging success. Additionally, within-individual increases of rTL occurred in 51% of consecutive measurements, with evidence of increasing telomerase expression during hibernation in this species. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of hibernation on telomeres and potential consequences of changing climatic conditions for long-lived temperate bats. Understanding the interplay between hibernation, telomeres, and climate can provide insights into the adaptive capacity and survival of bat populations facing environmental challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Roger D Ransome
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Sébastien Riquier
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Luke Romaine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Batabyal A. Predator-prey systems as models for integrative research in biology: the value of a non-consumptive effects framework. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245851. [PMID: 37772622 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Predator-prey interactions are a cornerstone of many ecological and evolutionary processes that influence various levels of biological organization, from individuals to ecosystems. Predators play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems through the consumption of prey species and non-consumptive effects. Non-consumptive effects (NCEs) can induce changes in prey behavior, including altered foraging strategies, habitat selection, life history and anti-predator responses. These defensive strategies have physiological consequences for prey, affecting their growth, reproduction and immune function to name a few. Numerous experimental studies have incorporated NCEs in investigating predator-prey dynamics in the past decade. Interestingly, predator-prey systems can also be used as experimental models to answer physiology, cognition and adaptability questions. In this Commentary, I highlight research that uses NCEs in predator-prey systems to provide novel insights into cognition, adaptation, epigenetic inheritance and aging. I discuss the evolution of instinct, anxiety and other cognitive disorders, the shaping of brain connectomes, stress-induced aging and the development of behavioral coping styles. I outline how studies can integrate the investigation of NCEs with advanced behavioral, genomic and neurological tools to provide novel insights into physiological and cognitive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Batabyal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune 412115, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wolf SE, Shalev I. The shelterin protein expansion of telomere dynamics: Linking early life adversity, life history, and the hallmarks of aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105261. [PMID: 37268182 PMCID: PMC10527177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by functional decline occurring alongside changes to several hallmarks of aging. One of the hallmarks includes attrition of repeated DNA sequences found at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. While telomere attrition is linked to morbidity and mortality, whether and how it causally contributes to lifelong rates of functional decline is unclear. In this review, we propose the shelterin-telomere hypothesis of life history, in which telomere-binding shelterin proteins translate telomere attrition into a range of physiological outcomes, the extent of which may be modulated by currently understudied variation in shelterin protein levels. Shelterin proteins may expand the breadth and timing of consequences of telomere attrition, e.g., by translating early life adversity into acceleration of the aging process. We consider how the pleiotropic roles of shelterin proteins provide novel insights into natural variation in physiology, life history, and lifespan. We highlight key open questions that encourage the integrative, organismal study of shelterin proteins that enhances our understanding of the contribution of the telomere system to aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Carlson DM, Yarns BC. Managing medical and psychiatric multimorbidity in older patients. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231195274. [PMID: 37663084 PMCID: PMC10469275 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231195274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging increases susceptibility both to psychiatric and medical disorders through a variety of processes ranging from biochemical to pharmacologic to societal. Interactions between aging-related brain changes, emotional and psychological symptoms, and social factors contribute to multimorbidity - the presence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual - which requires a more patient-centered, holistic approach than used in traditional single-disease treatment guidelines. Optimal treatment of older adults with psychiatric and medical multimorbidity necessitates an appreciation and understanding of the links between biological, psychological, and social factors - including trauma and racism - that underlie physical and psychiatric multimorbidity in older adults, all of which are the topic of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brandon C. Yarns
- Department of Psychiatry/Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Bldg. 401, Rm. A236, Mail Code 116AE, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lundsgaard NU, Hird C, Doody KA, Franklin CE, Cramp RL. Carryover effects from environmental change in early life: An overlooked driver of the amphibian extinction crisis? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:3857-3868. [PMID: 37310166 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ecological carryover effects, or delayed effects of the environment on an organism's phenotype, are central predictors of individual fitness and a key issue in conservation biology. Climate change imposes increasingly variable environmental conditions that may be challenging to early life-history stages in animals with complex life histories, leading to detrimental physiological and fitness effects in later life. Yet, the latent nature of carryover effects, combined with the long temporal scales over which they can manifest, means that this phenomenon remains understudied and is often overlooked in short-term studies limited to single life-history stages. Herein, we review evidence for the physiological carryover effects induced by elevated ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280-400 nm) as a potential contributor to recent amphibian population declines. UVR exposure causes a suite of molecular, cellular and physiological consequences known to underpin carryover effects in other taxa, but there is a lack of research linking embryonic and larval UVR exposures to fitness consequences post-metamorphosis in amphibians. We propose that the key impacts of UVR on disease-related amphibian declines are facilitated through carryover effects that bridge embryonic and larval UVR exposure with potential increased disease susceptibility post-metamorphosis. We conclude by identifying a practical direction for the study of ecological carryover effects in amphibians that could guide future ecological research in the broader field of conservation physiology. Only by addressing carryover effects can many of the mechanistic links between environmental change and population declines be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niclas U Lundsgaard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Coen Hird
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Kathleen A Doody
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rouan A, Pousse M, Djerbi N, Porro B, Bourdin G, Carradec Q, Hume BC, Poulain J, Lê-Hoang J, Armstrong E, Agostini S, Salazar G, Ruscheweyh HJ, Aury JM, Paz-García DA, McMinds R, Giraud-Panis MJ, Deshuraud R, Ottaviani A, Morini LD, Leone C, Wurzer L, Tran J, Zoccola D, Pey A, Moulin C, Boissin E, Iwankow G, Romac S, de Vargas C, Banaigs B, Boss E, Bowler C, Douville E, Flores M, Reynaud S, Thomas OP, Troublé R, Thurber RV, Planes S, Allemand D, Pesant S, Galand PE, Wincker P, Sunagawa S, Röttinger E, Furla P, Voolstra CR, Forcioli D, Lombard F, Gilson E. Telomere DNA length regulation is influenced by seasonal temperature differences in short-lived but not in long-lived reef-building corals. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3038. [PMID: 37263999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are environment-sensitive regulators of health and aging. Here,we present telomere DNA length analysis of two reef-building coral genera revealing that the long- and short-term water thermal regime is a key driver of between-colony variation across the Pacific Ocean. Notably, there are differences between the two studied genera. The telomere DNA lengths of the short-lived, more stress-sensitive Pocillopora spp. colonies were largely determined by seasonal temperature variation, whereas those of the long-lived, more stress-resistant Porites spp. colonies were insensitive to seasonal patterns, but rather influenced by past thermal anomalies. These results reveal marked differences in telomere DNA length regulation between two evolutionary distant coral genera exhibiting specific life-history traits. We propose that environmentally regulated mechanisms of telomere maintenance are linked to organismal performances, a matter of paramount importance considering the effects of climate change on health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rouan
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France.
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France.
| | - Melanie Pousse
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Nadir Djerbi
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Barbara Porro
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Quentin Carradec
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Cc Hume
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Julie Poulain
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
| | - Julie Lê-Hoang
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
| | - Eric Armstrong
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Agostini
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Japan
| | - Guillem Salazar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Joachim Ruscheweyh
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Aury
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
| | - David A Paz-García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Av. IPN 195, La Paz, Baja California Sur, 23096, La Paz, México
| | - Ryan McMinds
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- University of South Florida Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Tampa, FL, USA
- Maison de la Modélisation, de la Simulation et des Interactions (MSI),, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Marie-Josèphe Giraud-Panis
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Romane Deshuraud
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Alexandre Ottaviani
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Lycia Die Morini
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
| | - Camille Leone
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
| | - Lia Wurzer
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
| | - Jessica Tran
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
| | - Didier Zoccola
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Principality of Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Alexis Pey
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Clémentine Moulin
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Tara Ocean Foundation, 8 rue de Prague, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Boissin
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL," PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Guillaume Iwankow
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL," PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Sarah Romac
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, AD2M, UMR 7144, ECOMAP, Roscoff, France
| | - Colomban de Vargas
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, AD2M, UMR 7144, ECOMAP, Roscoff, France
| | - Bernard Banaigs
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL," PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Emmanuel Boss
- School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Chris Bowler
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Eric Douville
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, LSCE/IPSL, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michel Flores
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Earth, and Planetary Sciences, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stéphanie Reynaud
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Principality of Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Olivier P Thomas
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, H91TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - Romain Troublé
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Tara Ocean Foundation, 8 rue de Prague, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Vega Thurber
- Oregon State University, Department of Microbiology, 220 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Serge Planes
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL," PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Denis Allemand
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Principality of Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Stephane Pesant
- European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK, UK
| | - Pierre E Galand
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques (LECOB), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Patrick Wincker
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
| | - Shinichi Sunagawa
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eric Röttinger
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Paola Furla
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Didier Forcioli
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Fabien Lombard
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans GO-SEE, 75016, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de la Mer de Villefranche sur mer, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Ministère chargé de l'enseignement supérieur, Paris, France
| | - Eric Gilson
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm-Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), Medical School, Nice, France.
- Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur-Centre Scientifique de Monaco (LIA ROPSE), Monaco, Nice, France.
- Institut Fédératif de Recherche-Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
- Department of Medical Genetics, CHU, Nice, France.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Daoust AR, Thakur A, Kotelnikova Y, Kleiber ML, Singh SM, Hayden EP. Associations Between Children's Telomere Length, Parental Intrusiveness, and the Development of Early Externalizing Behaviors. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:672-682. [PMID: 34727279 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Shorter telomeres mark cellular aging and are linked to chronic stress exposure as well as negative physical and psychological outcomes. However, it is unclear whether telomere length mediates associations between early stress exposure and later externalizing problems, or whether boys and girls differ in pathways to these concerns. We therefore examined associations between telomere length, early stress via negative caregiving, and children's externalizing symptom development over time in 409 three-year-old children and their parents. Telomere length mediated the association between early parental intrusiveness and later rule-breaking behavior; however, this association was moderated by children's biological sex such that parent intrusiveness was related only to boys' rule-breaking. Findings support the notion that children's telomere length may mark individual differences in responses to negative early caregiving, and highlight a potential mechanism contributing to the development of rule-breaking problems in boys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Daoust
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, Room 2178, Perth Drive, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada.
| | - Aditi Thakur
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Morgan L Kleiber
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth P Hayden
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
D’Angiolo M, Yue JX, De Chiara M, Barré BP, Giraud Panis MJ, Gilson E, Liti G. Telomeres are shorter in wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates than in domesticated ones. Genetics 2023; 223:iyac186. [PMID: 36563016 PMCID: PMC9991508 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are ribonucleoproteins that cap chromosome-ends and their DNA length is controlled by counteracting elongation and shortening processes. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been a leading model to study telomere DNA length control and dynamics. Its telomeric DNA is maintained at a length that slightly varies between laboratory strains, but little is known about its variation at the species level. The recent publication of the genomes of over 1,000 S. cerevisiae strains enabled us to explore telomere DNA length variation at an unprecedented scale. Here, we developed a bioinformatic pipeline (YeaISTY) to estimate telomere DNA length from whole-genome sequences and applied it to the sequenced S. cerevisiae collection. Our results revealed broad natural telomere DNA length variation among the isolates. Notably, telomere DNA length is shorter in those derived from wild rather than domesticated environments. Moreover, telomere DNA length variation is associated with mitochondrial metabolism, and this association is driven by wild strains. Overall, these findings reveal broad variation in budding yeast's telomere DNA length regulation, which might be shaped by its different ecological life-styles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melania D’Angiolo
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Jia-Xing Yue
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), 651 Dongfeng Road East, China
| | - Matteo De Chiara
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Benjamin P Barré
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Marie-Josèphe Giraud Panis
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Eric Gilson
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- Department of Genetics, CHU, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Gianni Liti
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Burraco P, Hernandez-Gonzalez M, Metcalfe NB, Monaghan P. Ageing across the great divide: tissue transformation, organismal growth and temperature shape telomere dynamics through the metamorphic transition. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222448. [PMID: 36750187 PMCID: PMC9904946 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere attrition is considered a useful indicator of cellular and whole-organism ageing rate. While approximately 80% of animal species undergo metamorphosis that includes extensive tissue transformations (involving cell division, apoptosis, de-differentiation and de novo formation of stem cells), the effect on telomere dynamics is unknown. We measured telomeres in Xenopus laevis developing from larvae to adults under contrasting environmental temperatures. Telomere dynamics were linked to the degree of tissue transformation during development. Average telomere length in gut tissue increased dramatically during metamorphosis, when the gut shortens by 75% and epithelial cells de-differentiate into stem cells. In the liver (retained from larva) and hindlimb muscle (newly formed before metamorphosis), telomeres gradually shortened until adulthood, likely due to extensive cell division. Tail muscle telomere lengths were constant until tail resorption, and those in heart (retained from larva) showed no change over time. Telomere lengths negatively correlated with larval growth, but for a given growth rate, telomeres were shorter in cooler conditions, suggesting that growing in the cold is more costly. Telomere lengths were not related to post-metamorphic growth rate. Further research is now needed to understand whether telomere dynamics are a good indicator of ageing rate in species undergoing metamorphosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Burraco
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Ecology, Evolution and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station (CSIC), 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Hernandez-Gonzalez
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Neil B. Metcalfe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Power ML, Foley NM, Jones G, Teeling EC. Taking flight: An ecological, evolutionary and genomic perspective on bat telomeres. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6053-6068. [PMID: 34387012 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Over 20% of all living mammals are bats (order Chiroptera). Bats possess extraordinary adaptations including powered flight, laryngeal echolocation and a unique immune system that enables them to tolerate a diversity of viral infections without presenting clinical disease symptoms. They occupy multiple trophic niches and environments globally. Significant physiological and ecological diversity occurs across the order. Bats also exhibit extreme longevity given their body size with many species showing few signs of ageing. The molecular basis of this extended longevity has recently attracted attention. Telomere maintenance potentially underpins bats' extended healthspan, although functional studies are still required to validate the causative mechanisms. In this review, we detail the current knowledge on bat telomeres, telomerase expression, and how these relate to ecology, longevity and life-history strategies. Patterns of telomere shortening and telomerase expression vary across species, and comparative genomic analyses suggest that alternative telomere maintenance mechanisms evolved in the longest-lived bats. We discuss the unique challenges faced when working with populations of wild bats and highlight ways to advance the field including expanding long-term monitoring across species that display contrasting life-histories and occupy different environmental niches. We further review how new high quality, chromosome-level genome assemblies can enable us to uncover the molecular mechanisms governing telomere dynamics and how phylogenomic analyses can reveal the adaptive significance of telomere maintenance and variation in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Nicole M Foley
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Brown TJ, Spurgin LG, Dugdale HL, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS. Causes and consequences of telomere lengthening in a wild vertebrate population. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5933-5945. [PMID: 34219315 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres have been advocated to be important markers of biological age in evolutionary and ecological studies. Telomeres usually shorten with age and shortening is frequently associated with environmental stressors and increased subsequent mortality. Telomere lengthening - an apparent increase in telomere length between repeated samples from the same individual - also occurs. However, the exact circumstances, and consequences, of telomere lengthening are poorly understood. Using longitudinal data from the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we tested whether telomere lengthening - which occurs in adults of this species - is associated with specific stressors (reproductive effort, food availability, malarial infection and cooperative breeding) and predicts subsequent survival. In females, telomere shortening was observed under greater stress (i.e., low food availability, malaria infection), while telomere lengthening was observed in females experiencing lower stress (i.e., high food availability, assisted by helpers, without malaria). The telomere dynamics of males were not associated with the key stressors tested. These results indicate that, at least for females, telomere lengthening occurs in circumstances more conducive to self-maintenance. Importantly, both females and males with lengthened telomeres had improved subsequent survival relative to individuals that displayed unchanged, or shortened, telomeres - indicating that telomere lengthening is associated with individual fitness. These results demonstrate that telomere dynamics are bidirectionally responsive to the level of stress that an individual faces, but may poorly reflect the accumulation of stress over an individuals lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Lewis G Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sepp T, Meitern R, Heidinger B, Noreikiene K, Rattiste K, Hõrak P, Saks L, Kittilson J, Urvik J, Giraudeau M. Parental age does not influence offspring telomeres during early life in common gulls (Larus canus). Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6197-6207. [PMID: 33772917 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Parental age can affect offspring telomere length through heritable and epigenetic-like effects, but at what stage during development these effects are established is not well known. To address this, we conducted a cross-fostering experiment in common gulls (Larus canus) that enabled us distinguish between pre- and post-natal parental age effects on offspring telomere length. Whole clutches were exchanged after clutch completion within and between parental age classes (young and old) and blood samples were collected from chicks at hatching and during the fastest growth phase (11 days later) to measure telomeres. Neither the ages of the natal nor the foster parents predicted the telomere length or the change in telomere lengths of their chicks. Telomere length (TL) was repeatable within chicks, but increased across development (repeatability = 0.55, intraclass correlation coefficient within sampling events 0.934). Telomere length and the change in telomere length were not predicted by post-natal growth rate. Taken together, these findings suggest that in common gulls, telomere length during early life is not influenced by parental age or growth rate, which may indicate that protective mechanisms buffer telomeres from external conditions during development in this relatively long-lived species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuul Sepp
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Richard Meitern
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Britt Heidinger
- Biological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Kristina Noreikiene
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalev Rattiste
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peeter Hõrak
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lauri Saks
- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jeffrey Kittilson
- Biological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Janek Urvik
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- CREEC, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.,MIVEGEC, UMR IRD/CNRS/UM 5290, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Friesen CR, Wapstra E, Olsson M. Of telomeres and temperature: Measuring thermal effects on telomeres in ectothermic animals. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6069-6086. [PMID: 34448287 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Ectotherms are classic models for understanding life-history tradeoffs, including the reproduction-somatic maintenance tradeoffs that may be reflected in telomere length and their dynamics. Importantly, life-history traits of ectotherms are tightly linked to their thermal environment, with diverse or synergistic mechanistic explanations underpinning the variation. Telomere dynamics potentially provide a mechanistic link that can be used to monitor thermal effects on individuals in response to climatic perturbations. Growth rate, age and developmental stage are all affected by temperature, which interacts with telomere dynamics in complex and intriguing ways. The physiological processes underpinning telomere dynamics can be visualized and understood using thermal performance curves (TPCs). TPCs reflect the evolutionary history and the thermal environment during an individual's ontogeny. Telomere maintenance should be enhanced at or near the thermal performance optimum of a species, population and individual. The thermal sensitivity of telomere dynamics should reflect the interacting TPCs of the processes underlying them. The key processes directly underpinning telomere dynamics are mitochondrial function (reactive oxygen production), antioxidant activity, telomerase activity and telomere endcap protein status. We argue that identifying TPCs for these processes will significantly help design robust, repeatable experiments and field studies of telomere dynamics in ectotherms. Conceptually, TPCs are a valuable framework to predict and interpret taxon- and population-specific telomere dynamics across thermal regimes. The literature of thermal effects on telomeres in ectotherms is sparse and mostly limited to vertebrates, but our conclusions and recommendations are relevant across ectothermic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Friesen
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mats Olsson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tobler M, Gómez-Blanco D, Hegemann A, Lapa M, Neto JM, Tarka M, Xiong Y, Hasselquist D. Telomeres in ecology and evolution: A review and classification of hypotheses. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5946-5965. [PMID: 34865259 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Research on telomeres in the fields of ecology and evolution has been rapidly expanding over the last two decades. This has resulted in the formulation of a multitude of, often name-given, hypotheses related to the associations between telomeres and life-history traits or fitness-facilitating processes (and the mechanisms underlying them). However, the differences (or similarities) between the various hypotheses, which can originate from different research fields, are often not obvious. Our aim here is therefore to give an overview of the hypotheses that are of interest in ecology and evolution and to provide two frameworks that help discriminate among them. We group the hypotheses (i) based on their association with different research questions, and (ii) using a hierarchical approach that builds on the assumptions they make, such as about causality of telomere length/shortening and/or the proposed functional consequences of telomere shortening on organism performance. Both our frameworks show that there exist parallel lines of thoughts in different research fields. Moreover, they also clearly illustrate that there are in many cases competing hypotheses within clusters, and that some of these even have contradictory assumptions and/or predictions. We also touch upon two topics in telomere research that would benefit from further conceptualization. This review should help researchers, both those familiar with and those new to the subject, to identify future avenues of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arne Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mariana Lapa
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Júlio M Neto
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maja Tarka
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ye Xiong
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Noguera JC, da Silva A, Velando A. Egg corticosterone can stimulate telomerase activity and promote longer telomeres during embryo development. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6252-6260. [PMID: 33065771 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It is often assumed that the transfer of maternal glucocorticoids (GCs; e.g., corticosterone or cortisol) to offspring is an inevitable cost associated with adverse or stressful conditions experienced by mothers. However, recent evidence indicates that maternal GCs may adaptively programme particular physiological and molecular pathways during development to enhance offspring fitness. In this context, an important mechanism through which maternal GCs may lastingly affect offspring phenotypic quality and survival is via effects on embryo telomerase activity and so on offspring postnatal telomere length. Here, using a field experimental design for which we manipulated the corticosterone content in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) eggs, we show that embryos from corticosterone-injected eggs not only had a higher telomerase activity but also longer telomeres just after hatching. A complementary analysis further revealed that gull hatchlings with longer telomeres had a higher survival probability during the period when most of the chick mortality occurs. Given the important role that telomere length and its restoring mechanisms have on ageing trajectories and disease risk, our findings provide a new mechanistic link by which mothers may presumably shape offspring life-history trajectories and phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Noguera
- Grupo de Ecología Animal (GEA), Centro de Investigacion Mariña (CIM), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| | - Alberto da Silva
- Grupo de Ecología Animal (GEA), Centro de Investigacion Mariña (CIM), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| | - Alberto Velando
- Grupo de Ecología Animal (GEA), Centro de Investigacion Mariña (CIM), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
van Lieshout SHJ, Badás EP, Bright Ross JG, Bretman A, Newman C, Buesching CD, Burke T, Macdonald DW, Dugdale HL. Early-life seasonal, weather and social effects on telomere length in a wild mammal. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5993-6007. [PMID: 34101279 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early-life environmental conditions can provide a source of individual variation in life-history strategies and senescence patterns. Conditions experienced in early life can be quantified by measuring telomere length, which can act as a biomarker of survival probability in some species. Here, we investigate whether seasonal changes, weather conditions and group size are associated with early-life and/or early-adulthood telomere length in a wild population of European badgers (Meles meles). We found substantial intra-annual changes in telomere length during the first 3 years of life, where within-individual effects showed shorter telomere lengths in the winter following the first spring and a trend for longer telomere lengths in the second spring compared to the first winter. In terms of weather conditions, cubs born in warmer, wetter springs with low rainfall variability had longer early-life (3-12 months old) telomeres. Additionally, cubs born in groups with more cubs had marginally longer early-life telomeres, providing no evidence of resource constraint from cub competition. We also found that the positive association between early-life telomere length and cub survival probability remained when social and weather variables were included. Finally, after sexual maturity, in early adulthood (i.e., 12-36 months) we found no significant association between same-sex adult group size and telomere length (i.e., no effect of intrasexual competition). Overall, we show that controlling for seasonal effects, which are linked to food availability, is important in telomere length analyses, and that variation in telomere length in badgers reflects early-life conditions and also predicts first year cub survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sil H J van Lieshout
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NERC Environmental Omics Visitor Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elisa P Badás
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julius G Bright Ross
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Abingdon, UK
| | - Amanda Bretman
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Abingdon, UK
| | - Christina D Buesching
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Abingdon, UK.,Department of Biology, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Terry Burke
- NERC Environmental Omics Visitor Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Abingdon, UK
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Reichard M, Giannetti K, Ferreira T, Maouche A, Vrtílek M, Polačik M, Blažek R, Ferreira MG. Lifespan and telomere length variation across populations of wild-derived African killifish. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5979-5992. [PMID: 34826177 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase prevent the continuous erosion of chromosome-ends caused by lifelong cell division. Shortened telomeres are associated with age-related pathologies. While short telomere length is positively correlated with increased lethality at the individual level, in comparisons across species short telomeres are associated with long (and not short) lifespans. Here, we tested this contradiction between individual and evolutionary patterns in telomere length using African annual killifish. We analysed lifespan and telomere length in a set of captive strains derived from well-defined wild populations of Nothobranchius furzeri and its sister species, N. kadleci, from sites along a strong gradient of aridity which ultimately determines maximum natural lifespan. Overall, males were shorter-lived than females, and also had shorter telomeres. Male lifespan (measured in controlled laboratory conditions) was positively associated with the amount of annual rainfall in the site of strain origin. However, fish from wetter climates had shorter telomeres. In addition, individual fish which grew largest over the juvenile period possessed shorter telomeres at the onset of adulthood. This demonstrates that individual condition and environmentally-driven selection indeed modulate the relationship between telomere length and lifespan in opposite directions, validating the existence of inverse trends within a single taxon. Intraindividual heterogeneity of telomere length (capable to detect very short telomeres) was not associated with mean telomere length, suggesting that the shortest telomeres are controlled by regulatory pathways other than those that determine mean telomere length. The substantial variation in telomere length between strains from different environments identifies killifish as a powerful system in understanding the adaptive value of telomere length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reichard
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Ahmed Maouche
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284 U1081 Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Milan Vrtílek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Polačik
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Blažek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miguel Godinho Ferreira
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal.,Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284 U1081 Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ravindran S, Froy H, Underwood SL, Dorrens J, Seeker LA, Watt K, Wilbourn RV, Pilkington JG, Harrington L, Pemberton JM, Nussey DH. The association between female reproductive performance and leukocyte telomere length in wild Soay sheep. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6184-6196. [PMID: 34514660 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL), typically measured across a sample of blood cells, has emerged as an exciting potential marker of physiological state and of the costs of investment in growth and reproduction within evolutionary ecology. While there is mounting evidence from studies of wild vertebrates that short TL predicts raised subsequent mortality risk, the relationship between reproductive investment and TL is less clear cut, and previous studies report both negative and positive associations. In this study, we examined the relationship between TL and different aspects of maternal reproductive performance in a free-living population of Soay sheep. We find evidence for shorter TL in females that bred, and thus paid any costs of gestation, compared to females that did not breed. However, we found no evidence for any association between TL and litter size. Furthermore, females that invested in gestation and lactation actually had longer TL than females who only invested in gestation because their offspring died shortly after birth. We used multivariate models to decompose these associations into among- and within-individual effects, and discovered that within-individual effects were driving both the negative association between TL and gestation, and the positive association between TL and lactation. This suggests that telomere dynamics may reflect recent physiologically costly investment or variation in physiological condition, depending on the aspect of reproduction being investigated. Our results highlight the physiological complexity of vertebrate reproduction, and the need to better understand how and why different aspects of physiological variation underpinning life histories impact blood cell TL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Ravindran
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah Froy
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Institute for Biology, Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sarah L Underwood
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer Dorrens
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luise A Seeker
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kathryn Watt
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachael V Wilbourn
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jill G Pilkington
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lea Harrington
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Josephine M Pemberton
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel H Nussey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rouan A, Pousse M, Tambutté E, Djerbi N, Zozaya W, Capasso L, Zoccola D, Tambutté S, Gilson E. Telomere dysfunction is associated with dark-induced bleaching in the reef coral Stylophora pistillata. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6087-6099. [PMID: 34587336 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere DNA length is a complex trait controlled by both multiple loci and environmental factors. A growing number of studies are focusing on the impact of stress and stress accumulation on telomere length and the link with survival and fitness in ecological contexts. Here, we investigated the telomere changes occurring in a symbiotic coral, Stylophora pistillata, that has experienced continuous darkness over 6 months. This stress condition led to the loss of its symbionts in a similar manner to that observed during large-scale bleaching events due to climate changes and anthropogenic activities, threatening reef ecosystems worldwide. We found that continuous darkness was associated with telomere length shortening. This result, together with a phylogenetic analysis of the telomere coral proteins and a transcriptome survey of the continuous darkness condition, paves the way for future studies on the role of telomeres in the coral stress response and the importance of environmentally induced telomere shortening in endangered coral species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rouan
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | | | - Eric Tambutté
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
| | - Nadir Djerbi
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | | | - Laura Capasso
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco.,Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Didier Zoccola
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
| | - Sylvie Tambutté
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
| | - Eric Gilson
- Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS-Inserm, IRCAN, Nice, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, CHU, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Boonekamp J, Rodríguez-Muñoz R, Hopwood P, Zuidersma E, Mulder E, Wilson A, Verhulst S, Tregenza T. Telomere length is highly heritable and independent of growth rate manipulated by temperature in field crickets. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6128-6140. [PMID: 33728719 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms are capable of growing faster than they do. Restrained growth rate has functionally been explained by negative effects on lifespan of accelerated growth. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Telomere attrition has been proposed as a causal agent and has been mostly studied in endothermic vertebrates. We established that telomeres exist as chromosomal-ends in a model insect, the field cricket Gryllus campestris, using terminal restriction fragment and Bal 31 methods. Telomeres comprised TTAGGn repeats of 38 kb on average, more than four times longer than the telomeres of human infants. Bal 31 assays confirmed that telomeric repeats were located at the chromosome-ends. We tested whether rapid growth between day 1, day 65, day 85, and day 125 is achieved at the expense of telomere length by comparing nymphs reared at 23°C with their siblings reared at 28°C, which grew three times faster in the initial 65 days. Surprisingly, neither temperature treatment nor age affected average telomere length. Concomitantly, the broad sense heritability of telomere length was remarkably high at ~100%. Despite high heritability, the evolvability (a mean-standardized measure of genetic variance) was low relative to that of body mass. We discuss our findings in the context of telomere evolution. Some important features of vertebrate telomere biology are evident in an insect species dating back to the Triassic. The apparent lack of an effect of growth rate on telomere length is puzzling, suggesting strong telomere length maintenance during the growth phase. Whether such maintenance of telomere length is adaptive remains elusive and requires further study investigating the links with fitness in the wild.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Boonekamp
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Paul Hopwood
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Erica Zuidersma
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alastair Wilson
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Tregenza
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sparks AM, Spurgin LG, van der Velde M, Fairfield EA, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS, Dugdale HL. Telomere heritability and parental age at conception effects in a wild avian population. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6324-6338. [PMID: 33586226 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Individual variation in telomere length is predictive of health and mortality risk across a range of species. However, the relative influence of environmental and genetic variation on individual telomere length in wild populations remains poorly understood. Heritability of telomere length has primarily been calculated using parent-offspring regression which can be confounded by shared environments. To control for confounding variables, quantitative genetic "animal models" can be used, but few studies have applied animal models in wild populations. Furthermore, parental age at conception may also influence offspring telomere length, but most studies have been cross-sectional. We investigated within- and between-parental age at conception effects and heritability of telomere length in the Seychelles warbler using measures from birds caught over 20 years and a multigenerational pedigree. We found a weak negative within-paternal age at conception effect (as fathers aged, their offspring had shorter telomeres) and a weak positive between-maternal age at conception effect (females that survived to older ages had offspring with longer telomeres). Animal models provided evidence that heritability and evolvability of telomere length were low in this population, and that variation in telomere length was not driven by early-life effects of hatch period or parental identities. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction plate had a large influence on telomere length variation and not accounting for it in the models would have underestimated heritability. Our study illustrates the need to include and account for technical variation in order to accurately estimate heritability, as well as other environmental effects, on telomere length in natural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Sparks
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lewis G Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Marco van der Velde
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Lundregan S, Boner W, Monaghan P, Saether BE, Jensen H, Ringsby TH. Genetic architecture and heritability of early-life telomere length in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6360-6381. [PMID: 34825754 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early-life telomere length (TL) is associated with fitness in a range of organisms. Little is known about the genetic basis of variation in TL in wild animal populations, but to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of TL it is important to quantify the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation in TL. In this study, we measured TL in 2746 house sparrow nestlings sampled across 20 years and used an animal model to show that there is a small heritable component of early-life TL (h2 = 0.04). Variation in TL among individuals was mainly driven by environmental (annual) variance, but also brood and parental effects. Parent-offspring regressions showed a large maternal inheritance component in TL ( h maternal 2 = 0.44), but no paternal inheritance. We did not find evidence for a negative genetic correlation underlying the observed negative phenotypic correlation between TL and structural body size. Thus, TL may evolve independently of body size and the negative phenotypic correlation is likely to be caused by nongenetic environmental effects. We further used genome-wide association analysis to identify genomic regions associated with TL variation. We identified several putative genes underlying TL variation; these have been inferred to be involved in oxidative stress, cellular growth, skeletal development, cell differentiation and tumorigenesis in other species. Together, our results show that TL has a low heritability and is a polygenic trait strongly affected by environmental conditions in a free-living bird.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sarah Lundregan
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bernt-Erik Saether
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wood EM, Capilla-Lasheras P, Cram DL, Walker LA, York JE, Lange A, Hamilton PB, Tyler CR, Young AJ. Social dominance and rainfall predict telomere dynamics in a cooperative arid-zone bird. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6141-6154. [PMID: 33657651 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In many vertebrate societies dominant individuals breed at substantially higher rates than subordinates, but whether this hastens ageing remains poorly understood. While frequent reproduction may trade off against somatic maintenance, the extraordinary fecundity and longevity of some social insect queens highlight that breeders need not always suffer more rapid somatic deterioration than their nonbreeding subordinates. Here, we used extensive longitudinal assessments of telomere dynamics to investigate the impact of dominance status on within-individual age-related changes in somatic integrity in a wild social bird, the white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali). Dominant birds, who monopolise reproduction, had neither shorter telomeres nor faster telomere attrition rates over the long-term (1-5 years) than their subordinates. However, over shorter (half-year) time intervals dominants with shorter telomeres showed lower rates of telomere attrition (and evidence suggestive of telomere lengthening), while the same was not true among subordinates. Dominants may therefore invest more heavily in telomere length regulation (and/or somatic maintenance more broadly); a strategy that could mitigate the long-term costs of reproductive effort, leaving their long-term telomere dynamics comparable to those of subordinates. Consistent with the expectation that reproduction entails short-term costs to somatic integrity, telomere attrition rates were most severe for all birds during the breeding seasons of wetter years (rainfall is the key driver of reproductive activity in this arid-zone species). Our findings suggest that, even in vertebrate societies in which dominants monopolise reproduction, dominants may experience long-term somatic integrity trajectories indistinguishable from those of their nonreproductive subordinates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Wood
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Pablo Capilla-Lasheras
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dominic L Cram
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lindsay A Walker
- Geoffrey Pope, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jenny E York
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Anke Lange
- Geoffrey Pope, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Patrick B Hamilton
- Geoffrey Pope, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Charles R Tyler
- Geoffrey Pope, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Andrew J Young
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Rønning B, Jensen H, Boner W, Saether BE, Monaghan P, Ringsby TH. Artificial size selection experiment reveals telomere length dynamics and fitness consequences in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6224-6238. [PMID: 34997994 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere dynamics could underlie life-history trade-offs among growth, size and longevity, but our ability to quantify such processes in natural, unmanipulated populations is limited. We investigated how 4 years of artificial selection for either larger or smaller tarsus length, a proxy for body size, affected early-life telomere length (TL) and several components of fitness in two insular populations of wild house sparrows over a study period of 11 years. The artificial selection was expected to shift the populations away from their optimal body size and increase the phenotypic variance in body size. Artificial selection for larger individuals caused TL to decrease, but there was little evidence that TL increased when selecting for smaller individuals. There was a negative correlation between nestling TL and tarsus length under both selection regimes. Males had longer telomeres than females and there was a negative effect of harsh weather on TL. We then investigated whether changes in TL might underpin fitness effects due to the deviation from the optimal body size. Mortality analyses indicated disruptive selection on TL because both short and long early-life telomeres tended to be associated with the lowest mortality rates. In addition, there was a tendency for a negative association between TL and annual reproductive success, but only in the population where body size was increased experimentally. Our results suggest that natural selection for optimal body size in the wild may be associated with changes in TL during growth, which is known to be linked to longevity in some bird species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bernt Rønning
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bernt-Erik Saether
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Salmón P, Burraco P. Telomeres and anthropogenic disturbances in wildlife: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6018-6039. [PMID: 35080073 PMCID: PMC9790527 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Human-driven environmental changes are affecting wildlife across the globe. These challenges do not influence species or populations to the same extent and therefore a comprehensive evaluation of organismal health is needed to determine their ultimate impact. Evidence suggests that telomeres (the terminal chromosomal regions) are sensitive to environmental conditions and have been posited as a surrogate for animal health and fitness. Evaluation of their use in an applied ecological context is still scarce. Here, using information from molecular and occupational biomedical studies, we aim to provide ecologists and evolutionary biologists with an accessible synthesis of the links between human disturbances and telomere length. In addition, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on studies measuring telomere length in wild/wild-derived animals facing anthropogenic disturbances. Despite the relatively small number of studies to date, our meta-analysis revealed a significant small negative association between disturbances and telomere length (-0.092 [-0.153, -0.031]; n = 28; k = 159). Yet, our systematic review suggests that the use of telomeres as a biomarker to understand the anthropogenic impact on wildlife is limited. We propose some research avenues that will help to broadly evaluate their suitability: (i) further causal studies on the link between human disturbances and telomeres; (ii) investigating the organismal implications, in terms of fitness and performance, of a given telomere length in anthropogenically disturbed scenarios; and (iii) better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of telomere dynamics. Future studies in these facets will help to ultimately determine their role as markers of health and fitness in wildlife facing anthropogenic disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Salmón
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK,Department of Plant Biology and EcologyFaculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
| | - Pablo Burraco
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bauch C, Boonekamp JJ, Korsten P, Mulder E, Verhulst S. High heritability of telomere length and low heritability of telomere shortening in wild birds. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6308-6323. [PMID: 34532917 PMCID: PMC9787985 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length and telomere shortening predict survival in many organisms. This raises the question of the contribution of genetic and environmental effects to variation in these traits, which is still poorly known, particularly for telomere shortening. We used experimental (cross-fostering) and statistical (quantitative genetic "animal models") means to disentangle and estimate genetic and environmental contributions to telomere length variation in pedigreed free-living jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Telomere length was measured twice in nestlings, at ages 4 (n = 715) and 29 days (n = 474), using telomere restriction fragment (TRF) analysis, adapted to exclude interstitial telomeric sequences. Telomere length shortened significantly over the nestling period (10.4 ± 0.3 bp day-1 ) and was highly phenotypically (rP = 0.95 ± 0.01) and genetically (rG > 0.99 ± 0.01) correlated within individuals. Additive genetic effects explained a major part of telomere length variation among individuals, with its heritability estimated at h2 = 0.74 on average. We note that TRF-based studies reported higher heritabilities than qPCR-based studies, and we discuss possible explanations. Parent-offspring regressions yielded similar heritability estimates for mothers and fathers when accounting for changes in paternal telomere length over life. Year effects explained a small but significant part of telomere length variation. Heritable variation for telomere shortening was low (h2 = 0.09 ± 0.11). The difference in heritability between telomere length (high) and telomere shortening (low) agrees with evolutionary theory, in that telomere shortening has stronger fitness consequences in this population. Despite the high heritability of telomere length, its evolvability, which scales the additive genetic variance by mean telomere length, was on average 0.48%. Hence, evolutionary change of telomere length due to selection is likely to be slow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bauch
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jelle J. Boonekamp
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Present address:
Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health & Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical, Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Animal BehaviourBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bae J, Bertucci EM, Bock SL, Hale MD, Moore J, Wilkinson PM, Rainwater TR, Bowden JA, Koal T, PhamTuan H, Parrott BB. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors interact during development to influence telomere length in a long-lived reptile. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6114-6127. [PMID: 34101921 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms connecting environmental conditions to plasticity in biological aging trajectories are fundamental to understanding individual variation in functional traits and life history. Recent findings suggest that telomere biology is especially dynamic during early life stages and has long-term consequences for subsequent reproduction and survival. However, our current understanding is mostly derived from studies investigating ecological and anthropogenic factors separately, leaving the effects of complex environmental interactions unresolved. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are long-lived apex predators that rely on incubation temperature during a discrete period during development and endocrine cues to determine sex, making them especially vulnerable to current climatic variability and exposure to anthropogenic contaminants interfering with hormone function. Here, we combine field studies with a factorial design to understand how the developmental environment, along with intrinsic biological variation contribute to persistent telomere variation. We found that exposure to a common endocrine disrupting contaminant, DDE, affects telomere length, but that the directionality is highly dependent upon incubation temperature. Variation in hatchling growth, underlies a strong clutch effect. We also assess concentrations of a panel of glucocorticoid hormones and find that contaminant exposure elicits an increase in circulating glucocorticoids. Consistent with emerging evidence linking stress and aging trajectories, GC levels also appear to trend with shorter telomere length. Thus, we add support for a mechanistic link between contaminants and glucocorticoid signalling, which interacts with ecological aspects of the developmental environment to alter telomere dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junsoo Bae
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Emily M Bertucci
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Samantha L Bock
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Matthew D Hale
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jameel Moore
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Benedict College, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, Georgetown, SC, USA.,Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology & Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Smith S, Hoelzl F, Zahn S, Criscuolo F. Telomerase activity in ecological studies: What are its consequences for individual physiology and is there evidence for effects and trade-offs in wild populations. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6239-6251. [PMID: 34664335 PMCID: PMC9788021 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence at the cellular level is helping to provide proximate explanations for the balance between investment in growth, reproduction and somatic maintenance in wild populations. Studies of telomere dynamics have informed researchers about the loss and gain of telomere length both on a seasonal scale and across the lifespan of individuals. In addition, telomere length and telomere rate of loss seems to have evolved differently among taxonomic groups, and relate differently to organismal diversity of lifespan. So far, the mechanisms behind telomere maintenance remain elusive, although many studies have inferred a role for telomerase, an enzyme/RNA complex known to induce telomere elongation from laboratory studies. Exciting further work is also emerging that suggests telomerase (and/or its individual component parts) has a role in fitness that goes beyond the maintenance of telomere length. Here, we review the literature on telomerase biology and examine the evidence from ecological studies for the timing and extent of telomerase activation in relation to life history events associated with telomere maintenance. We suggest that the underlying mechanism is more complicated than originally anticipated, possibly involves several complimentary pathways, and is probably associated with high energetic costs. Potential pathways for future research are numerous and we outline what we see as the most promising prospects to expand our understanding of individual differences in immunity or reproduction efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of EthologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sandrine Zahn
- Department of Physiology, Evolution and BehaviourInstitut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CurienCNRSUniversity of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - François Criscuolo
- Department of Physiology, Evolution and BehaviourInstitut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CurienCNRSUniversity of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kärkkäinen T, Briga M, Laaksonen T, Stier A. Within-individual repeatability in telomere length: A meta-analysis in nonmammalian vertebrates. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6339-6359. [PMID: 34455645 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length is increasingly used as a biomarker of long-term somatic state and future survival prospects. While most studies have overlooked this aspect, biological interpretations based on a given telomere length will benefit from considering the level of within-individual repeatability of telomere length through time. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on 74 longitudinal studies in nonmammalian vertebrates, with the aim to establish the current pattern of within-individual repeatability in telomere length and to identify the methodological (e.g., qPCR/TRF) and biological factors (e.g., age class, phylogeny) that may affect it. While the median within-individual repeatability of telomere length was moderate to high (R = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.05-0.95; N = 82), marked heterogeneity between studies was evident. Measurement method affected the repeatability estimate strongly, with TRF-based studies exhibiting high repeatability (R = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.34-0.96; N = 25), while repeatability of qPCR-based studies was markedly lower and more variable (R = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.04-0.82; N = 57). While phylogeny explained some variance in repeatability, phylogenetic signal was not significant (λ = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.00-0.83). None of the biological factors investigated here significantly explained variation in the repeatability of telomere length, being potentially obscured by methodological differences. Our meta-analysis highlights the high variability in within-individual repeatability estimates between studies and the need to put more effort into separating technical and biological explanations. This is important to better understand to what extent biological factors can affect the repeatability of telomere length and thus the interpretation of telomere length data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Briga
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antoine Stier
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dobson FS, Schull Q, Criscuolo F. Two aspects of longevity are associated with rates of loss of telomeres in birds. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9364. [PMID: 36311389 PMCID: PMC9596331 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, the terminal repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of linear chromosomes, have strong associations with longevity in some major taxa. Longevity has been linked to rate of decline in telomere length in birds and mammals, and absolute telomere length seems to be associated with body mass in mammals. Using a phylogenetic comparative method and 30 species of birds, we examined longevity (reflected by maximum lifespan), absolute telomere length, the rate of change in telomere length (TROC), and body mass (often strongly associated with longevity) to ascertain their degree of association. We divided lifespan into two life-history components, one reflected by body size (measured as body mass) and a component that was statistically independent of body mass. While both lifespan and body mass were strongly associated with a family tree of the species (viz., the phylogeny of the species), telomere measures were not. Telomere length was not significantly associated with longevity or body mass or our measure of mass-independent lifespan. TROC, however, was strongly associated with mass-independent lifespan, but only to a much lesser degree at best with body mass-predicted lifespan. Our results supported an association of TROC and longevity, in particular longevity that was independent of body size and part of the pace-of-life syndrome of life histories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Stephen Dobson
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178CNRSStrasbourgFrance
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | - Quentin Schull
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178CNRSStrasbourgFrance
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, IFREMERIRD, CNRSSèteFrance
| | - François Criscuolo
- University of Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR 7178CNRSStrasbourgFrance
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wordsworth J, O' Keefe H, Clark P, Shanley D. The damage-independent evolution of ageing by selective destruction. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 207:111709. [PMID: 35868541 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is widely believed to reflect the accumulation of molecular damage due to energetic costs of maintenance, as proposed in disposable soma theory (DST). Here we use agent-based modelling to describe an alternative theory by which ageing could undergo positive selection independent of energetic costs. We suggest that the selective advantage of aberrant cells with fast growth might necessitate a mechanism of counterselection we name selective destruction that specifically removes the faster cells from tissues, preventing the morbidity and mortality risks they pose. The resulting survival advantage of slower mutants could switch the direction of selection, allowing them to outcompete both fast mutants and wildtype cells, causing them to spread and induce ageing in the form of a metabolic slowdown. Selective destruction could therefore provide a proximal cause of ageing that is both consistent with the gene expression hallmarks of ageing, and independent of accumulating damage. Furthermore, negligible senescence would acquire a new meaning of increased basal mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Wordsworth
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Hannah O' Keefe
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Clark
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Daryl Shanley
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Borges G, Criqui M, Harrington L. Tieing together loose ends: telomere instability in cancer and aging. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3380-3396. [PMID: 35920280 PMCID: PMC9490142 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance is essential for maintaining genome integrity in both normal and cancer cells. Without functional telomeres, chromosomes lose their protective structure and undergo fusion and breakage events that drive further genome instability, including cell arrest or death. One means by which this loss can be overcome in stem cells and cancer cells is via re-addition of G-rich telomeric repeats by the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). During aging of somatic tissues, however, insufficient telomerase expression leads to a proliferative arrest called replicative senescence, which is triggered when telomeres reach a critically short threshold that induces a DNA damage response. Cancer cells express telomerase but do not entirely escape telomere instability as they often possess short telomeres; hence there is often selection for genetic alterations in the TERT promoter that result in increased telomerase expression. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the consequences of telomere instability in cancer and aging, and outline the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in exploiting the reliance of cells on telomere maintenance for preserving genome stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Borges
- Molecular Biology Programme, Institute for Research in Immunology and CancerUniversity of MontrealQCCanada
| | - Mélanie Criqui
- Molecular Biology Programme, Institute for Research in Immunology and CancerUniversity of MontrealQCCanada
| | - Lea Harrington
- Molecular Biology Programme, Institute for Research in Immunology and CancerUniversity of MontrealQCCanada
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of MontrealQCCanada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Precioso M, Molina-Morales M, Dawson DA, Burke TA, Martínez JG. Effects of long-term ethanol storage of blood samples on the estimation of telomere length. Evol Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTelomeres, DNA structures located at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes, shorten with each cellular cycle. The shortening rate is affected by factors associated with stress, and, thus telomere length has been used as a biomarker of ageing, disease, and different life history trade-offs. Telomere research has received much attention in the last decades, however there is still a wide variety of factors that may affect telomere measurements and to date no study has thoroughly evaluated the possible long-term effect of a storage medium on telomere measurements. In this study we evaluated the long-term effects of ethanol on relative telomere length (RTL) measured by qPCR, using blood samples of magpies collected over twelve years and stored in absolute ethanol at room temperature. We firstly tested whether storage time had an effect on RTL and secondly we modelled the effect of time of storage (from 1 to 12 years) in differences in RTL from DNA extracted twice in consecutive years from the same blood sample. We also tested whether individual amplification efficiencies were influenced by storage time, and whether this could affect our results. Our study provides evidence of an effect of storage time on telomere length measurements. Importantly, this effect shows a pattern of decreasing loss of telomere sequence with storage time that stops after approximate 4 years of storage, which suggests that telomeres may degrade in blood samples stored in ethanol. Our method to quantify the effect of storage time could be used to evaluate other storage buffers and methods. Our results highlight the need to evaluate the long-term effects of storage on telomere measurements, particularly in long-term studies.
Collapse
|
50
|
Lundsgaard NU, Cramp RL, Franklin CE. Early exposure to UV radiation causes telomere shortening and poorer condition later in life. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276293. [PMID: 35950364 PMCID: PMC9482364 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Determining the contribution of elevated ultraviolet-B radiation (UVBR; 280–315 nm) to amphibian population declines is being hindered by a lack of knowledge about how different acute UVBR exposure regimes during early life-history stages might affect post-metamorphic stages via long-term carryover effects. We acutely exposed tadpoles of the Australian green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) to a combination of different UVBR irradiances and doses in a multi-factorial laboratory experiment, and then reared them to metamorphosis in the absence of UVBR to assess carryover effects in subsequent juvenile frogs. Dose and irradiance of acute UVBR exposure influenced carryover effects into metamorphosis in somewhat opposing manners. Higher doses of UVBR exposure in larvae yielded improved rates of metamorphosis. However, exposure at a high irradiance resulted in frogs metamorphosing smaller in size and in poorer condition than frogs exposed to low and medium irradiance UVBR as larvae. We also demonstrate some of the first empirical evidence of UVBR-induced telomere shortening in vivo, which is one possible mechanism for life-history trade-offs impacting condition post-metamorphosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of how acute UVBR exposure regimes in early life affect later life-history stages, which has implications for how this stressor may shape population dynamics. Summary: Ultraviolet radiation exposure in amphibian larvae generates detrimental carryover effects on body condition and relative telomere length post-metamorphosis, a mechanism that may influence amphibian population dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niclas U Lundsgaard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|