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Davis JA, Chakrabarti K. Molecular and Evolutionary Analysis of RNA-Protein Interactions in Telomerase Regulation. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:36. [PMID: 38921833 PMCID: PMC11206666 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10030036] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is an enzyme involved in the maintenance of telomeres. Telomere shortening due to the end-replication problem is a threat to the genome integrity of all eukaryotes. Telomerase inside cells depends on a myriad of protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions to properly assemble and regulate the function of the telomerase holoenzyme. These interactions are well studied in model eukaryotes, like humans, yeast, and the ciliated protozoan known as Tetrahymena thermophila. Emerging evidence also suggests that deep-branching eukaryotes, such as the parasitic protist Trypanosoma brucei require conserved and novel RNA-binding proteins for the assembly and function of their telomerase. In this review, we will discuss telomerase regulatory pathways in the context of telomerase-interacting proteins, with special attention paid to RNA-binding proteins. We will discuss these interactors on an evolutionary scale, from parasitic protists to humans, to provide a broader perspective on the extensive role that protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions play in regulating telomerase activity in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kausik Chakrabarti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
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2
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Ravazzano L, Colaianni G, Tarakanova A, Xiao YB, Grano M, Libonati F. Multiscale and multidisciplinary analysis of aging processes in bone. NPJ AGING 2024; 10:28. [PMID: 38879533 PMCID: PMC11180112 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-024-00156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
The world population is increasingly aging, deeply affecting our society by challenging our healthcare systems and presenting an economic burden, thus turning the spotlight on aging-related diseases: exempli gratia, osteoporosis, a silent disease until you suddenly break a bone. The increase in bone fracture risk with age is generally associated with a loss of bone mass and an alteration in the skeletal architecture. However, such changes cannot fully explain increased fragility with age. To successfully tackle age-related bone diseases, it is paramount to comprehensively understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for tissue degeneration. Aging mechanisms persist at multiple length scales within the complex hierarchical bone structure, raising the need for a multiscale and multidisciplinary approach to resolve them. This paper aims to provide an overarching analysis of aging processes in bone and to review the most prominent outcomes of bone aging. A systematic description of different length scales, highlighting the corresponding techniques adopted at each scale and motivating the need for combining diverse techniques, is provided to get a comprehensive description of the multi-physics phenomena involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ravazzano
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, Milano, 20134, Italy
| | - Graziana Colaianni
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Unit 3139, Storrs, 06269, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, 260 Glenbrook Road, Unit 3247, CT, 06269, Storrs, USA
| | - Yu-Bai Xiao
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Unit 3139, Storrs, 06269, CT, USA
| | - Maria Grano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Flavia Libonati
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Rubattino 81, Milano, 20134, Italy.
- Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transport Engineering - DIME, University of Genova, Via all'Opera Pia 15, Genova, 16145, Italy.
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Kirk B, Kuo C, Liu P, Xiang M, Earp JE, Kositsawat J, Kuchel GA, Duque G. Leukocyte telomere length is associated with MRI-thigh fat-free muscle volume: data from 16 356 UK Biobank adults. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:1157-1166. [PMID: 38553835 PMCID: PMC11154769 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere attrition may share common biological mechanisms with bone and muscle loss with aging. Here, we investigated the association between these hallmarks of aging using data from UK Biobank, a large observational study. METHODS Leukocyte telomere length (LTL as T/S ratio) was measured using a multiplex qPCR assay at baseline (2006-2010). Bone mineral density (whole body and regional; via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), trabecular bone score (via lumbar-spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images), fat-free muscle volume (thighs; via magnetic resonance imaging), and muscle fat infiltration (thighs; via magnetic resonance imaging) were measured during the imaging visit (2014-2018). Regression models were used to model LTL against a muscle or bone outcome, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates. RESULTS A total of 16 356 adults (mean age: 62.8 ± 7.5 years, 50.5% women) were included. In the fully adjusted model, thigh fat-free muscle volume was associated with LTL in the overall sample (adjusted standardized β (aβ) = 0.017, 95% CI 0.009 to 0.026, P < 0.001, per SD increase in LTL), with stronger associations in men (aβ = 0.022, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.034, P < 0.001) than in women (aβ = 0.013, 95% CI 0.000 to 0.025, P = 0.041) (sex-LTL P = 0.028). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for low thigh fat-free muscle volume (body mass index-adjusted, sex-specific bottom 20%) was 0.93 per SD increase in LTL (95% CI 0.89 to 0.96, P < 0.001) in the overall sample, with stronger associations in men (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, P = 0.008) than women (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98, P = 0.009), although the sex difference was not statistically significant in this model (sex-LTL P = 0.37). LTL was not associated with bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, or muscle fat infiltration in the overall or subgroup analyses (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LTL was consistently associated with thigh fat-free muscle volume in men and women. Future research should investigate moderating effects of lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, or chronic diseases) in the association between LTL and muscle volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Kirk
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical SchoolUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS)University of Melbourne and Western HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Chia‐Ling Kuo
- The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Translation in Regenerative EngineeringUniversity of Connecticut HealthFarmingtonCTUSA
- UConn Center on AgingUniversity of ConnecticutFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Peiran Liu
- The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Translation in Regenerative EngineeringUniversity of Connecticut HealthFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Meiruo Xiang
- The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Translation in Regenerative EngineeringUniversity of Connecticut HealthFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Jacob E. Earp
- UConn Center on AgingUniversity of ConnecticutFarmingtonCTUSA
| | | | | | - Gustavo Duque
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical SchoolUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS)University of Melbourne and Western HealthMelbourneVICAustralia
- Bone, Muscle & Geroscience GroupResearch Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMontrealQCCanada
- Dr. Joseph Kaufmann Chair in Geriatric Medicine, Department of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
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Islam MA, Sehar U, Sultana OF, Mukherjee U, Brownell M, Kshirsagar S, Reddy PH. SuperAgers and centenarians, dynamics of healthy ageing with cognitive resilience. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 219:111936. [PMID: 38657874 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111936] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Graceful healthy ageing and extended longevity is the most desired goal for human race. The process of ageing is inevitable and has a profound impact on the gradual deterioration of our physiology and health since it triggers the onset of many chronic conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, some people who lived/live more than 100 years called 'Centenarians" and how do they achieve their extended lifespans are not completely understood. Studying these unknown factors of longevity is important not only to establish a longer human lifespan but also to manage and treat people with shortened lifespans suffering from age-related morbidities. Furthermore, older adults who maintain strong cognitive function are referred to as "SuperAgers" and may be resistant to risk factors linked to cognitive decline. Investigating the mechanisms underlying their cognitive resilience may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that support the preservation of cognitive function as people age. The key to a long, physically, and cognitively healthy life has been a mystery to scientists for ages. Developments in the medical sciences helps us to a better understanding of human physiological function and greater access to medical care has led us to an increase in life expectancy. Moreover, inheriting favorable genetic traits and adopting a healthy lifestyle play pivotal roles in promoting longer and healthier lives. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking contribute to overall well-being. The synergy between positive lifestyle choices, access to education, socio-economic factors, environmental determinants and genetic supremacy enhances the potential for a longer and healthier life. Our article aims to examine the factors associated with healthy ageing, particularly focusing on cognitive health in centenarians. We will also be discussing different aspects of ageing including genomic instability, metabolic burden, oxidative stress and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, immunosenescence, and sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ariful Islam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Omme Fatema Sultana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Upasana Mukherjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Malcolm Brownell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Kshirsagar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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Barade A, Lakshmi KM, Korula A, Abubacker FN, Kulkarni UP, Abraham A, Mathews V, George B, Edison ES. Comparison of telomere length in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes and healthy controls. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:810-818. [PMID: 38213291 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14173] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During normal aging, telomeric DNA is gradually lost in dividing somatic cells, and critically short telomeres lead to replicative senescence, apoptosis, or chromosomal instability. We studied telomere length in bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFS) compared to normal healthy population. METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from the participants, and genomic DNA was extracted. Relative telomere length was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism 8.2 software. RESULTS The median age of normal Indian population was 31 (0-60) years. As expected, telomere length (TL) showed a decline with age and no difference in TL between males and females. The median age of 650 patients with aplastic anemia (AA) was 30 (1-60) years. TL was significantly shorter in patients with AA compared to healthy controls (p < .001). In FA and MDS patients, TL was significantly shorter than age-matched healthy controls (p = .028; p < .001), respectively. There was no difference between the median TL in age-matched AA and FA patients (p = .727). However, patients with MDS had shorter TL than age-matched AA (p = .031). CONCLUSION TL in BMF syndrome patients was significantly shorter than age-matched healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Barade
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Kavitha M Lakshmi
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Anu Korula
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | - Uday P Kulkarni
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Aby Abraham
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Vikram Mathews
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Biju George
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Eunice S Edison
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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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.
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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
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Alanazi AFR, Parkinson GN, Haider S. Structural Motifs at the Telomeres and Their Role in Regulatory Pathways. Biochemistry 2024; 63:827-842. [PMID: 38481135 PMCID: PMC10993422 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized structures, found at the ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotic cells, that play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and integrity of genomes. They are composed of repetitive DNA sequences, ssDNA overhangs, and several associated proteins. The length of telomeres is linked to cellular aging in humans, and deficiencies in their maintenance are associated with various diseases. Key structural motifs at the telomeres serve to protect vulnerable chromosomal ends. Telomeric DNA also has the ability to form diverse complex DNA higher-order structures, including T-loops, D-loops, R-loops, G-loops, G-quadruplexes, and i-motifs, in the complementary C-rich strand. While many essential proteins at telomeres have been identified, the intricacies of their interactions and structural details are still not fully understood. This Perspective highlights recent advancements in comprehending the structures associated with human telomeres. It emphasizes the significance of telomeres, explores various telomeric structural motifs, and delves into the structural biology surrounding telomeres and telomerase. Furthermore, telomeric loops, their topologies, and the associated proteins that contribute to the safeguarding of telomeres are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer F R Alanazi
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Gary N Parkinson
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Shozeb Haider
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
- UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing, University College London, London WC1H 9RN, United Kingdom
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8
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Kuszel L, Trzeciak T, Begier‐Krasinska B, Richter M, Li J, Czarny‐Ratajczak M. Sex-specific differences in telomere length of patients with primary knee osteoarthritis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18107. [PMID: 38235989 PMCID: PMC10844687 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Accelerated telomere shortening is associated with age-related diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to determine the relative telomere length (TL) in leukocytes and cartilage of patients with primary knee OA and to investigate factors that may affect TL in OA. Relative TL measurements were performed using qPCR in leukocytes of 612 individuals (310 patients with primary knee OA undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 302 unaffected controls). We also analysed cartilage in 57 of the 310 OA patients, measuring relative TL in severely affected and less affected (control) cartilage collected from the same knee. Cartilage TLs were compared to leukocyte TLs in all 57 patients. A significant sex-by-disease-status interaction was found in regard to relative TL. Controlling for age, the average difference of leukocyte TL between female OA patients versus female controls was 0.217 units greater than that between male OA patients versus male controls (95% CI; [0.014, 0.421]). Relative TL comparison of severely and less affected cartilage samples from the same joint showed attrition of telomeres corresponding to disease severity (0.345 mean TL difference with 95% CI of [0.151, 0.539]) in the joint. We also noted that both severely and less affected cartilage had shorter telomeres than leukocytes collected from the same patient. Severe and moderate pain in OA patients was associated with shorter TL in leukocytes, but there was no association with depression or smoking in leukocytes and cartilage. Our study indicates that sex is an important factor in OA contributing to leukocyte and cartilage TL and that pain in OA shows an inverse association only with leukocyte TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Kuszel
- Department of Medical GeneticsPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - Tomasz Trzeciak
- Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologyPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - Beata Begier‐Krasinska
- Department of Hypertensiology, Angiology and Internal DiseasesPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - Magdalena Richter
- Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologyPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Biostatistics & Data ScienceTulane School of Public Health and Tropical MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Malwina Czarny‐Ratajczak
- Department of Medicine, Center for AgingTulane University, School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Department of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Informatics and GenomicsTulane University, School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
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9
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Zhao J, Han Z, Ding L, Wang P, He X, Lin L. The molecular mechanism of aging and the role in neurodegenerative diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24751. [PMID: 38312598 PMCID: PMC10835255 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex and inevitable biological process affected by a combination of external environmental and genetic factors. Humans are currently living longer than ever before, accompanied with aging-related alterations such as diminished autophagy, decreased immunological function, mitochondrial malfunction, stem cell failure, accumulation of somatic and mitochondrial DNA mutations, loss of telomere, and altered nutrient metabolism. Aging leads to a decline in body functions and age-related diseases, for example, Alzheimer's disease, which adversely affects human health and longevity. The quality of life of the elderly is greatly diminished by the increase in their life expectancy rather than healthy life expectancy. With the rise in the age of the global population, aging and related diseases have become the focus of attention worldwide. In this review, we discuss several major mechanisms of aging, including DNA damage and repair, free radical oxidation, telomeres and telomerase, mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and their role in neurodegenerative diseases to provide a reference for the prevention of aging and its related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanli Zhao
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Zhenjie Han
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Hubei Research Institute of Geriatrics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Xiutang He
- Center for Monitoring and Evaluation of Teaching Quality, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, 448000, China
| | - Li Lin
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
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Rasouli M, Naeimzadeh Y, Hashemi N, Hosseinzadeh S. Age-Related Alterations in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function: Understanding Mechanisms and Seeking Opportunities to Bypass the Cellular Aging. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:15-32. [PMID: 36642876 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230113144016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Undoubtedly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most common cell therapy candidates in clinical research and therapy. They not only exert considerable therapeutic effects to alleviate inflammation and promote regeneration, but also show low-immunogenicity properties, which ensure their safety following allogeneic transplantation. Thanks to the necessity of providing a sufficient number of MSCs to achieve clinically efficient outcomes, prolonged in vitro cultivation is indisputable. However, either following long-term in vitro expansion or aging in elderly individuals, MSCs face cellular senescence. Senescent MSCs undergo an impairment in their function and therapeutic capacities and secrete degenerative factors which negatively affect young MSCs. To this end, designing novel investigations to further elucidate cellular senescence and to pave the way toward finding new strategies to reverse senescence is highly demanded. In this review, we will concisely discuss current progress on the detailed mechanisms of MSC senescence and various inflicted changes following aging in MSC. We will also shed light on the examined strategies underlying monitoring and reversing senescence in MSCs to bypass the comprised therapeutic efficacy of the senescent MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rasouli
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Naeimzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nader Hashemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simzar Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Devrajani T, Abid S, Shaikh H, Shaikh I, Devrajani DB, Memon SM, Waryah AM, Ujjan ID, Syed BM. Relationship between aging and control of metabolic syndrome with telomere shortening: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17878. [PMID: 37857729 PMCID: PMC10587132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is considered one of the major risk factors for several human disorders. The telomere plays a crucial role in regulating cellular responsiveness to stress and growth stimuli as well as maintaining the integrity of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and aging leads to the progressive decline in the telomere length (TL) due to continuous cell division. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between TL and advancing age and the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on TL. Firstly, we determined the association of advancing age and TL, by measuring telomere length (T/S ratio) in healthy volunteers (n = 90). The TL was compared between normal population and patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 298). The age matched controlled and uncontrolled MetS patients (n = 149) were also compared for their TL T/S ratio. The TL showed negative correlation with advancing age, whereas the significant change was observed at the cut-offs of 40 and 70 years defining 40 with longer TL and 70 as shorter TL. The longest T/S ratio at 2.46 was measured at the age range of 1 year in healthy volunteers, while elderly population showed considerably shorter TL. The patients older than 60 years with poor or uncontrolled MetS had shorter TL, as compared to the controlled MetS. In conclusion our findings suggest that TL was negatively correlated with advancing age. Uncontrolled metabolic syndrome appeared to have worsening effects on TL. Telomere length appears to have potential to be used a parameter to determine age. However, further large scale studies are recommended to make firm guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarachand Devrajani
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Shariq Abid
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Hina Shaikh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Iram Shaikh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Durshana Bai Devrajani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Sikander Munir Memon
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Ali Muhammad Waryah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Din Ujjan
- Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Binafsha Manzoor Syed
- Clinical Research Division, Medical Research Center, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan.
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Scieszka D, Bolt AM, McCormick MA, Brigman JL, Campen MJ. Aging, longevity, and the role of environmental stressors: a focus on wildfire smoke and air quality. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1267667. [PMID: 37900096 PMCID: PMC10600394 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1267667] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process involving multiple interacting mechanisms and is being increasingly linked to environmental exposures such as wildfire smoke. In this review, we detail the hallmarks of aging, emphasizing the role of telomere attrition, cellular senescence, epigenetic alterations, proteostasis, genomic instability, and mitochondrial dysfunction, while also exploring integrative hallmarks - altered intercellular communication and stem cell exhaustion. Within each hallmark of aging, our review explores how environmental disasters like wildfires, and their resultant inhaled toxicants, interact with these aging mechanisms. The intersection between aging and environmental exposures, especially high-concentration insults from wildfires, remains under-studied. Preliminary evidence, from our group and others, suggests that inhaled wildfire smoke can accelerate markers of neurological aging and reduce learning capabilities. This is likely mediated by the augmentation of circulatory factors that compromise vascular and blood-brain barrier integrity, induce chronic neuroinflammation, and promote age-associated proteinopathy-related outcomes. Moreover, wildfire smoke may induce a reduced metabolic, senescent cellular phenotype. Future interventions could potentially leverage combined anti-inflammatory and NAD + boosting compounds to counter these effects. This review underscores the critical need to study the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the biological mechanisms of aging to pave the way for effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Scieszka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alicia M. Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Mark A. McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jonathan L. Brigman
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Butts B, Hope C, Herring C, Mueller K, Gary RA. The Effects of Exercise on Telomere Length in Persons With Heart Failure. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2023:00005082-990000000-00139. [PMID: 37801568 PMCID: PMC10997734 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000001044] [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] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length is reduced in persons with heart failure (HF). Inflammation is a putative mechanism contributing to telomere shortening. Although physical activity is known to increase telomere length, its effects in HF are unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on telomere length and its relationship with interleukin (IL)-1β in persons with HF. METHODS This secondary analysis of a 3-month home-based aerobic exercise intervention measured total telomere length and IL-1β levels in persons with HF (69% with reduced ejection fraction). RESULTS Total telomere length increased and plasma IL-1β levels decreased in the exercise group from baseline to 3 months. Total telomere length was negatively associated with IL-1β at baseline (r = -0.441 P = .001). CONCLUSIONS The association between telomere length and IL-1β suggests a relationship between inflammation and cellular aging. Moderate-intensity exercise may help maintain cellular functions. Further research is needed to examine the effects on outcomes in persons with HF.
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Tichy ED, Lee JH, Li G, Estep KN, Brad Johnson F, Mourkioti F. Impacts of radiation exposure, hindlimb unloading, and recovery on murine skeletal muscle cell telomere length. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:76. [PMID: 37714858 PMCID: PMC10504369 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00303-1] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts are exposed to harsh conditions, including cosmic radiation and microgravity. Spaceflight elongates human telomeres in peripheral blood, which shorten upon return to Earth and approach baseline levels during postflight recovery. Astronauts also encounter muscle atrophy, losing up to 20% loss of muscle mass on spaceflights. Telomere length changes in muscle cells of astronauts remain unexplored. This study investigates telomere alterations in grounded mice experiencing radiation exposure and muscle atrophy, via a hindlimb unloading spaceflight mimicking model. We find telomere lengthening is present in muscle stem cells and in myofiber nuclei, but not in muscle-resident endothelial cells. We further assessed telomere length in the model following hindlimb unloading recovery. We find that telomere length failed to return to baseline values. Our results suggest a role for telomeres in muscle acclimatization, which is relevant for the well-being of astronauts in space, and upon their return to Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisia D Tichy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ji-Hyung Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Grant Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Katrina N Estep
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - F Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Foteini Mourkioti
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Musculoskeletal Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Culberson JW, Kopel J, Sehar U, Reddy PH. Urgent needs of caregiving in ageing populations with Alzheimer's disease and other chronic conditions: Support our loved ones. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102001. [PMID: 37414157 PMCID: PMC10756323 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The ageing process begins at birth. It is a life-long process, and its exact origins are still unknown. Several hypotheses attempt to describe the normal ageing process, including hormonal imbalance, formation of reactive oxygen species, DNA methylation & DNA damage accumulation, loss of proteostasis, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, senescence, inflammation, and stem cell depletion. With increased lifespan in elderly individuals, the prevalence of age-related diseases including, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's, and other mental illnesses are increased. These increased age-related illnesses, put tremendous pressure & burden on caregivers, family members, and friends who are living with patients with age-related diseases. As medical needs evolve, the caregiver is expected to experience an increase in duties and challenges, which may result in stress on themselves, and impact their own family life. In the current article, we assess the biological mechanisms of ageing and its effect on body systems, exploring lifestyle and ageing, with a specific focus on age-related disorders. We also discussed the history of caregiving and specific challenges faced by caregivers in the presence of multiple comorbidities. We also assessed innovative approaches to funding caregiving, and efforts to improve the medical system to better organize chronic care efforts, while improving the skill and efficiency of both informal and formal caregivers. We also discussed the role of caregiving in end-of-life care. Our critical analysis strongly suggests that there is an urgent need for caregiving in aged populations and support from local, state, and federal agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Culberson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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16
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Coskun M, Altinova AE, Babayeva A, Sel AT, Yapar D, Karaca M, Yalcin MM, Akturk M, Toruner FB, Karakoc MA, Yetkin I. Leukocyte Telomere Length and Neuregulin-4 Levels in Female Patients with Acromegaly: The Relationship between Disease Activity and Body Fat Distribution. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4108. [PMID: 37373801 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124108] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to examine leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and serum neuregulin-4 levels and their relationship with disease activity, co-morbidities and body fat distribution in female acromegaly patients. Forty female patients with acromegaly and thirty-nine age and body mass index (BMI) similar healthy female volunteers were included in the study. Patients were classified into two groups: active acromegaly (AA) and controlled acromegaly (CA). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to study LTL, and T/S ratio < 1 was accepted as shortened telomere length. Neuregulin-4 was studied by ELISA. There was no difference in median LTL between acromegaly and the control group (p = 0.530). The percentage of T/S < 1 in patients with acromegaly (60.0%) was similar to that of the control group (43.6%) (p = 0.144). However, serum neuregulin-4 was significantly higher in patients with acromegaly than those in the control group (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences concerning LTL, percentage of T/S < 1 and neuregulin-4 levels between active and controlled acromegaly groups (p > 0.05). Neuregulin-4 correlated positively with fasting glucose, triglyceride (TG), triglyceride/glucose (TyG) index, and lean body mass in the acromegaly group. A negative correlation was observed between LTL and neuregulin-4 in the control group (p = 0.039). When the factors affecting neuregulin-4 were evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis with an enter method, TG (β: 0.316, p = 0.025) was independently and positively associated with neuregulin-4. Our findings indicate that acromegaly is associated with unchanged LTL and high neuregulin-4 levels in female patients. However, the relationship between acromegaly, the aging process, and neuregulin-4 involves complex mechanisms, and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meric Coskun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Alev Eroglu Altinova
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Afruz Babayeva
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Aydin Tuncer Sel
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yapar
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mine Karaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Muhittin Yalcin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mujde Akturk
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Fusun Balos Toruner
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ayhan Karakoc
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Ilhan Yetkin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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Ignatieva EV, Yudin NS, Larkin DM. Compilation and functional classification of telomere length-associated genes in humans and other animal species. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2023; 27:283-292. [PMID: 37293446 PMCID: PMC10244590 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-23-34] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are the terminal regions of chromosomes that ensure their stability while cell division. Telomere shortening initiates cellular senescence, which can lead to degeneration and atrophy of tissues, so the process is associated with a reduction in life expectancy and predisposition to a number of diseases. An accelerated rate of telomere attrition can serve as a predictor of life expectancy and health status of an individual. Telomere length is a complex phenotypic trait that is determined by many factors, including the genetic ones. Numerous studies (including genome-wide association studies, GWAS) indicate the polygenic nature of telomere length control. The objective of the present study was to characterize the genetic basis of the telomere length regulation using the GWAS data obtained during the studies of various human and other animal populations. To do so, a compilation of the genes associated with telomere length in GWAS experiments was collected, which included information on 270 human genes, as well as 23, 22, and 9 genes identified in the cattle, sparrow, and nematode, respectively. Among them were two orthologous genes encoding a shelterin protein (POT1 in humans and pot-2 in C. elegans). Functional analysis has shown that telomere length can be influenced by genetic variants in the genes encoding: (1) structural components of telomerase; (2) the protein components of telomeric regions (shelterin and CST complexes); (3) the proteins involved in telomerase biogenesis and regulating its activity; (4) the proteins that regulate the functional activity of the shelterin components; (5) the proteins involved in telomere replication and/or capping; (6) the proteins involved in the alternative telomere lengthening; (7) the proteins that respond to DNA damage and are responsible for DNA repair; (8) RNA-exosome components. The human genes identified by several research groups in populations of different ethnic origins are the genes encoding telomerase components such as TERC and TERT as well as STN1 encoding the CST complex component. Apparently, the polymorphic loci affecting the functions of these genes may be the most reliable susceptibility markers for telomere-related diseases. The systematized data about the genes and their functions can serve as a basis for the development of prognostic criteria for telomere length-associated diseases in humans. Information about the genes and processes that control telomere length can be used for marker-assisted and genomic selection in the farm animals, aimed at increasing the duration of their productive lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Ignatieva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N S Yudin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D M Larkin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Harmak H, Redouane S, Charoute H, Aniq Filali O, Barakat A, Rouba H. In silico exploration and molecular dynamics of deleterious SNPs on the human TERF1 protein triggering male infertility. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14665-14688. [PMID: 36995171 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
By limiting chromosome erosion and end-to-end fusions, telomere integrity is critical for chromosome stability and cell survival. During mitotic cycles or due to environmental stresses, telomeres become progressively shorter and dysfunctional, thus triggering cellular senescence, genomic instability and cell death. To avoid such consequences, the telomerase action, as well as the Shelterin and CST complexes, assure the telomere's protection. Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TERF1), which is one of the primary components of the Shelterin complex, binds directly to the telomere and controls its length and function by regulating the telomerase activity. Several reports about TERF1 gene variations have been associated with different diseases, and some of them have linked these variations to male infertility. Hence, this paper can be advantageous to investigate the association between the missense variants of the TERF1 gene and the susceptibility to male infertility. The stepwise prediction of SNPs pathogenicity followed in this study was based on stability and conservation analysis, post-translational modification, secondary structure, functional interaction prediction, binding energy evaluation and finally molecular dynamic simulation. Prediction matching among the tools revealed that out of 18 SNPs, only four (rs1486407144, rs1259659354, rs1257022048 and rs1320180267) were predicted as the most damaging and highly deleterious SNPs affecting the TERF1 protein and its molecular dynamics when interacting with the TERB1 protein by influencing the function, structural stability, flexibility and compaction of the overall complex. Interestingly, these polymorphisms should be considered during genetic screening so they can be used effectively as genetic biomarkers for male infertility diagnosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Harmak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Salaheddine Redouane
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Research Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ouafaa Aniq Filali
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rouba
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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Short Telomere Lesions with Dysplastic Metaplasia Histology May Represent Precancerous Lesions of Helicobacter pylori-Positive Gastric Mucosa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043182. [PMID: 36834592 PMCID: PMC9958872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043182] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancers are strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, with intestinal metaplasia characterizing the background mucosa in most cases. However, only a subset of intestinal metaplasia cases proceed to carcinogenesis, and the characteristics of high-risk intestinal metaplasia that link it with gastric cancer are still unclear. We examined telomere reduction in five gastrectomy specimens using fluorescence in situ hybridization, and identified areas with localized telomere loss (outside of cancerous lesions), which were designated as short telomere lesions (STLs). Histological analyses indicated that STLs were characteristic of intestinal metaplasia accompanied by nuclear enlargement but lacking structural atypia, which we termed dysplastic metaplasia (DM). A review of gastric biopsy specimens from 587 H. pylori-positive patients revealed 32 cases of DM, 13 of which were classified as high-grade based on the degree of nuclear enlargement. All high-grade DM cases exhibited a telomere volume reduced to less than 60% of that of lymphocytes, increased stemness, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression. Two patients (15%) exhibited low levels of p53 nuclear retention. After a 10-year follow-up, 7 (54%) of the high-grade DM cases had progressed to gastric cancer. These results suggest that DM is characterized by telomere shortening, TERT expression, and stem cell proliferation, and high-grade DM is a high-grade intestinal metaplasia that likely represents a precancerous lesion of gastric cancer. High-grade DM is expected to effectively prevent progression to gastric cancer in H. pylori-positive patients.
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Alternative telomere maintenance mechanism in Alligator sinensis provides insights into aging evolution. iScience 2022; 26:105850. [PMID: 36636341 PMCID: PMC9829719 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lifespan is a life-history trait that undergoes natural selection. Telomeres are hallmarks of aging, and shortening rate predicts species lifespan, making telomere maintenance mechanisms throughout different lifespans a worthy topic for study. Alligators are suitable for the exploration of anti-aging molecular mechanisms, because they exhibit low or even negligible mortality in adults and no significant telomere shortening. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression is absent in the adult Alligator sinensis, as in humans. Selection analyses on telomere maintenance genes indicated that ATM, FANCE, SAMHD1, HMBOX1, NAT10, and MAP3K4 experienced positive selection on A. sinensis. Repressed pleiotropic ATM kinase in A. sinensis suggests their fitness optimum shift. In ATM downstream, Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT)-related genes were clustered in a higher expression pattern in A. sinensis, which covers 10-15% of human cancers showing no telomerase activities. In summary, we demonstrated how telomere shortening, telomerase activities, and ALT contributed to anti-aging strategies.
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Al Khleifat A, Iacoangeli A, Jones AR, van Vugt JJFA, Moisse M, Shatunov A, Zwamborn RAJ, van der Spek RAA, Cooper-Knock J, Topp S, van Rheenen W, Kenna B, Van Eijk KR, Kenna K, Byrne R, López V, Opie-Martin S, Vural A, Campos Y, Weber M, Smith B, Fogh I, Silani V, Morrison KE, Dobson R, van Es MA, McLaughlin RL, Vourc’h P, Chio A, Corcia P, de Carvalho M, Gotkine M, Panades MP, Mora JS, Shaw PJ, Landers JE, Glass JD, Shaw CE, Basak N, Hardiman O, Robberecht W, Van Damme P, van den Berg LH, Veldink JH, Al-Chalabi A. Telomere length analysis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using large-scale whole genome sequence data. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1050596. [PMID: 36589292 PMCID: PMC9799999 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1050596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to progressive weakness of voluntary muscles, with death following from neuromuscular respiratory failure, typically within 3 to 5 years. There is a strong genetic contribution to ALS risk. In 10% or more, a family history of ALS or frontotemporal dementia is obtained, and the Mendelian genes responsible for ALS in such families have now been identified in about 50% of cases. Only about 14% of apparently sporadic ALS is explained by known genetic variation, suggesting that other forms of genetic variation are important. Telomeres maintain DNA integrity during cellular replication, differ between sexes, and shorten naturally with age. Sex and age are risk factors for ALS and we therefore investigated telomere length in ALS. Methods Samples were from Project MinE, an international ALS whole genome sequencing consortium that includes phenotype data. For validation we used donated brain samples from motor cortex from people with ALS and controls. Ancestry and relatedness were evaluated by principal components analysis and relationship matrices of DNA microarray data. Whole genome sequence data were from Illumina HiSeq platforms and aligned using the Isaac pipeline. TelSeq was used to quantify telomere length using whole genome sequence data. We tested the association of telomere length with ALS and ALS survival using Cox regression. Results There were 6,580 whole genome sequences, reducing to 6,195 samples (4,315 from people with ALS and 1,880 controls) after quality control, and 159 brain samples (106 ALS, 53 controls). Accounting for age and sex, there was a 20% (95% CI 14%, 25%) increase of telomere length in people with ALS compared to controls (p = 1.1 × 10-12), validated in the brain samples (p = 0.03). Those with shorter telomeres had a 10% increase in median survival (p = 5.0×10-7). Although there was no difference in telomere length between sporadic ALS and familial ALS (p=0.64), telomere length in 334 people with ALS due to expanded C9orf72 repeats was shorter than in those without expanded C9orf72 repeats (p = 5.0×10-4). Discussion Although telomeres shorten with age, longer telomeres are a risk factor for ALS and worsen prognosis. Longer telomeres are associated with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al Khleifat
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Iacoangeli
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley R. Jones
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joke J. F. A. van Vugt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- Institute of Medicine, North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk, Russia
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ramona A. J. Zwamborn
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rick A. A. van der Spek
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Topp
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wouter van Rheenen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Brendan Kenna
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kristel R. Van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Kenna
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ross Byrne
- Complex Trait Genomics Laboratory, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Victoria López
- Computational Biology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sarah Opie-Martin
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Atay Vural
- School of Medicine, Translational Medicine Research Center-NDAL, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yolanda Campos
- Computational Biology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Weber
- School of Medicine, Translational Medicine Research Center-NDAL, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bradley Smith
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabella Fogh
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Karen E. Morrison
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Dobson
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. van Es
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Russell L. McLaughlin
- Complex Trait Genomics Laboratory, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Adriano Chio
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera Citta della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Centre SLA, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Federation des Centres SLA Tours and Limoges, LITORALS, Tours, France
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Physiology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marc Gotkine
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - John E. Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Glass
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christopher E. Shaw
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nazli Basak
- School of Medicine, Translational Medicine Research Center-NDAL, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wim Robberecht
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leonard H. van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan H. Veldink
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Vilkeviciute A, Gedvilaite G, Banevicius M, Kriauciuniene L, Zaliuniene D, Dobiliene O, Liutkeviciene R. Relative Leukocyte Telomere Length and Genetic Variants in Telomere-Related Genes and Serum Levels Role in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233847. [PMID: 36497103 PMCID: PMC9740443 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening is well known to be associated with ageing. Age is the most decisive risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) development. The older the individual, the higher the AMD risk. For this reason, we aimed to find any associations between telomere length, distribution of genetic variants in telomere-related genes (TERT, TERT-CLPTM1, TRF1, TRF2, and TNKS2), and serum TERF-1 and TERF2 levels on AMD development. METHODS Our study enrolled 342 patients with AMD and 177 healthy controls. Samples of DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes were extracted by DNA salting-out method. The genotyping of TERT rs2736098, rs401681 in TERT-CLPTM1 locus, TRF1 rs1545827, rs10107605, TNKS2 rs10509637, rs10509639, and TRF2 rs251796 and relative leukocyte telomere length (T/S) measurement were carried out using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Serum TERF-1 and TERF2 levels were measured by enzymatic immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS We found longer telomeres in early AMD patients compared to the control group. Additionally, we revealed that minor allele C at TRF1 rs10107605 was associated with decreases the odds of both early and exudative AMD. Each minor allele G at TRF2 rs251796 and TRF1 rs1545827 C/T genotype and C/T+T/T genotypes, compared to the C/C genotype, increases the odds of having shorter telomeres. Furthermore, we found elevated TERF1 serum levels in the early AMD group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these results suggest that relative leukocyte telomere length and genetic variants of TRF1 and TRF2 play a role in AMD development. Additionally, TERF1 is likely to be associated with early AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvita Vilkeviciute
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Greta Gedvilaite
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence:
| | - Mantas Banevicius
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Loresa Kriauciuniene
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dalia Zaliuniene
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Olivija Dobiliene
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
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23
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Shin DY, Lim KM, Park HS, Kwon S, Yoon SS, Lee DS. The importance of critically short telomere in myelodysplastic syndrome. Biomark Res 2022; 10:79. [PMID: 36357941 PMCID: PMC9650883 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A few critically short telomeres trigger genomic instability regardless of average telomere length (TL). Recently, the telomere shortest length assay (TeSLA) was developed to detect critically short telomeres and measure absolute telomeres. Using TeSLA with the internally labeled biotin probe, we measured the TL of bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 52 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A percentage of shortest telomeres (< 1.0 kb (ShTL1.0)) were calculated. ShTL1.0 was correlated to IPSS-R risk (spearman’s rho = 0.35 and p = 0.0196), and ShTL1.0 and BM blast (2.61% in < 5% blast, 4.15% in 5–10% blast, and 6.80% in 10–20% blast, respectively, p = 0.0332). Interestingly, MDS patients with a shortest TL ≥ 0.787 kb at the time of diagnosis showed better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than patients with a shortest TL < 0.787 kb in the multivariate analyses (HR = 0.13 and 0.30, p = 0.011 and 0.048 for OS and PFS, respectively). Our results clearly show the presence and abundance of critically short telomeres in MDS patients. These pathologic telomeres are associated with IPSS-R which is a validated prognostic scoring system in MDS. Furthermore, they are independent prognostic factors for OS in MDS patients. Future prospective studies are needed to validate our results. Telomere length (TL) has been reported to be important in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).A novel TeSLA method demonstrated the presence and abundance of extremely short telomeres (<1.0kb) in MDS.Critically short TL rather than an average TL is associated with the IPSS-R and BM blast in MDS.The shortest TL is an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS.Short TL should be incorporated into the risk scoring system in MDS in the future.
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24
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Gonçalves RSDSA, Maciel ÁCC, Rolland Y, Vellas B, de Souto Barreto P. Frailty biomarkers under the perspective of geroscience: A narrative review. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101737. [PMID: 36162706 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cellular and molecular aging biomarkers might contribute to identify at-risk individuals for frailty before overt clinical manifestations appear. Although studies on the associations of aging biomarkers and frailty exist, no investigation has gathered this information using a structured framework for identifying aging biomarkers; as a result, the evidence on frailty and aging biomarkers is diffuse and incomplete. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to gather information on the associations of the hallmarks of aging and frailty under the perspective of geroscience. The literature on human studies on this topic is sparse and mainly composed of cross-sectional investigations performed in small study samples. The main putative aging biomarkers associated to frailty were: mitochondrial DNA copy number (genomic instability and mitochondrial dysfunction), telomere length (telomere attrition), global DNA methylation (epigenetic alterations), Hsp70 and Hsp72 (loss of proteostasis), IGF-1 and SIRT1 (deregulated nutrient-sensing), GDF-15 (mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence and altered intercellular communication), CD4 + and CD8 + cell percentages (cellular senescence), circulating osteogenic progenitor (COP) cells (stem cell exhaustion), and IL-6, CRP and TNF-alpha (altered intercellular communication). IGF-1, SIRT1, GDF-15, IL-6, CRP and TNF-alpha presented more evidence among these biomarkers, highlighting the importance of inflammation and nutrient sensing on frailty. Further longitudinal studies investigating biomarkers across the hallmarks of aging would provide valuable information on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yves Rolland
- Gerontopole of Toulouse, Institute of Aging, Toulouse University Hospital (CHU Toulouse), Toulouse, France; CERPOP, Inserm 1295, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Bruno Vellas
- Gerontopole of Toulouse, Institute of Aging, Toulouse University Hospital (CHU Toulouse), Toulouse, France; CERPOP, Inserm 1295, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Philipe de Souto Barreto
- Gerontopole of Toulouse, Institute of Aging, Toulouse University Hospital (CHU Toulouse), Toulouse, France; CERPOP, Inserm 1295, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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25
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Asghar M, Odeh A, Fattahi AJ, Henriksson AE, Miglar A, Khosousi S, Svenningsson P. Mitochondrial biogenesis, telomere length and cellular senescence in Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17578. [PMID: 36266468 PMCID: PMC9584960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive age is the single major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Cellular aging markers during Parkinson's disease (PD) have been implicated in previous studies, however the majority of studies have investigated the association of individual cellular aging hallmarks with PD but not jointly. Here, we have studied the association of PD with three aging hallmarks (telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence) in blood and the brain tissue. Our results show that PD patients had 20% lower mitochondrial DNA copies but 26% longer telomeres in blood compared to controls. Moreover, telomere length in blood was positively correlated with medication (Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose, LEDD) and disease duration. Similar results were found in brain tissue, where patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) showed (46-95%) depleted mtDNA copies, but (7-9%) longer telomeres compared to controls. In addition, patients had lower mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α and PGC-1β) and higher load of a cellular senescence marker in postmortem prefrontal cortex tissue, with DLB showing the highest effect among the patient groups. Our results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction (copy number and biogenesis) in blood might be a valuable marker to assess the risk of PD. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to evaluate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asghar
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden ,grid.465198.7Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Amani Odeh
- grid.465198.7Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ahmad Jouni Fattahi
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Edwards Henriksson
- grid.465198.7Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Aurelie Miglar
- grid.465198.7Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Shervin Khosousi
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Basal and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Per Svenningsson
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Basal and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
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26
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Kirk B, Kuo CL, Xiang M, Duque G. Associations between leukocyte telomere length and osteosarcopenia in 20,400 adults aged 60 years and over: Data from the UK Biobank. Bone 2022; 161:116425. [PMID: 35489708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Two mechanisms implicated in telomere shortening are oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to bone and muscle loss suggesting a pathological link between telomere attrition and osteosarcopenia. Using older adults aged 60 years and over in the UK Biobank, we examined the association between leukocyte telomere length and osteosarcopenia. METHODS Baseline leukocyte telomere length was measured using a multiplex qPCR technique and expressed as the amount of the telomere amplification product (T) to that of a single-copy gene (S) (T/S ratio). Osteosarcopenia data was from the first imaging visit and defined by WHO criteria (femoral neck bone density T score ≤ -1) for osteopenia/osteoporosis plus either the EWGSOP2 (low appendicular lean mass/height2 and low grip strength) or SDOC (low grip strength and slow walking pace) criteria for sarcopenia. Binary or multinomial logistic regression models were used to associate telomere length and osteosarcopenia or its components, adjusting for the covariates: age, sex, race, education, Townsend deprivation index, alcohol, smoking, BMI/weight, physical activity levels. RESULTS Among 20,400 older adults (mean age: 67.79 ± 4.9 years, 53% men), the prevalence of osteosarcopenia by EWGSOP2 (n = 96, 0.47%) or SDOC (n = 205, 1%) criteria was low at the first imaging visit (mean 8.82 years after baseline). Baseline telomere length was not associated with osteosarcopenia by EWGSOP2 (Relative Risk (RR): 1.00, 95% CI: 0.82-1.23 comparing osteosarcopenia to normal (non-osteopenic, non-osteoporotic, and non-sarcopenic) per Standard Deviation (SD) increase in telomere length) or SDOC (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.83-1.09) criteria. Longer telomere length was associated with a lower risk of slow walking pace (Odds Ratio: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99 per SD increase in telomere length, p = 0.021). Telomere length, however, was not associated with low grip strength, low bone density or low appendicular lean mass/height2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this population-based study, telomere length was not associated with osteosarcopenia; however, slow walking pace was. Further studies are needed to reexamine this relationship, including a greater number of the oldest-old (≥75 years) where osteosarcopenia is more prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Kirk
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, St Albans, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chia-Ling Kuo
- Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, United States of America; Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Meiruo Xiang
- Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Duque
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, St Albans, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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27
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Niu Z, Wen X, Wang M, Tian L, Mu L. Personal exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEXs) mixture and telomere length: a cross-sectional study of the general US adult population. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112810. [PMID: 35101395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEXs) are a group of aromatic air pollutants from fossil fuels. There is no research on associations of the BTEXs mixture with telomere length (TL), a marker of cellular aging, in the general population. METHODS We analyzed a subsample of 549 US adults aged 20-59 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000. BTEXs samples were collected by passive exposure badges worn by participants for 48-72 h. Levels of BTEXs were measured with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Leukocyte TL was measured with qPCR. We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to examine the effect of the BTEXs mixture on TL adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by tobacco smoking status (serum cotinine≥10 ng/mL vs. <10 ng/mL). RESULTS Levels of personal exposure to BTEXs were detectable in most participants and were relatively higher in the 150 smokers than in the 399 nonsmokers. The BTEXs were moderately or strongly intercorrelated (0.5 < r ≤ 0.9, P < 0.05). All chemicals had weak, inverse correlations with TL (-0.1<r < 0, P > 0.05). In BKMR models among the nonsmokers, the BTEXs mixture was significantly inversely associated with TL at a low range of the BTEXs (20th-65th percentile) but was not associated with TL at a higher range (>65th percentile). Also, we found a U-shape association of benzene and a positive association of ethylbenzene with TL independent of other BTEXs. Among smokers, neither the BTEXs mixture nor any individual BTEXs were significantly associated with TL. CONCLUSION Within a low-to-middle range, exposure to the BTEXs mixture may be associated with shorter telomere length in the general nonsmoking population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzheng Niu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Wen
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; RENEW Institute, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lina Mu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Abstract
Telomeres are non-coding nucleoprotein structures consisting of a highly conserved tandem repeat DNA sequence that caps the ends of chromosomes in eukaryotes. Telomeres confer chromosomal stability, protect the genome from nucleolytic degradation, avoid aberrant recombination and improper repair, and prevent random fusion of chromosomes. The end-replication problem results in telomere shortening with every cell division, eventually leading to cellular senescence and aging. Telomere length (TL) is thereby an ideal candidate for "biological aging." Telomeres possess guanine-rich repeats, which are highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Epidemiological studies have indicated the association of telomere attrition with mortality and various age-related diseases. Micronutrients comprising vitamins and minerals act as potential modulators of stress and can influence TL. Research has indicated that vitamin B12 (B12) regulates oxidative stress and maintains genomic stability, thereby influencing telomere integrity and cellular aging. The deficiency of B12 leads to elevated levels of homocysteine, which reduces the methylation potential and increases oxidative stress, thereby compromising the TL. Telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction are independently linked to aging. However, they are connected through telomerase reverse transcriptase activity, which regulates mitochondrial biogenesis. Further, experimental evidence indicated the positive association of B12 with relative TL and mitochondrial DNA copy number, an indirect index of mitochondrial biogenesis. The present chapter provides some insights into the role of B12 in influencing TL. Exploring their association might open new avenues to understand the pathophysiology of aging and age-related diseases.
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29
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Silva TD, Voisey J, Hopkins P, Apte S, Chambers D, O'Sullivan B. Markers of rejection of a lung allograft: state of the art. Biomark Med 2022; 16:483-498. [PMID: 35315284 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2021-1013] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) affects approximately 50% of all lung transplant recipients by 5 post-operative years and is the leading cause of death in lung transplant recipients. Early CLAD diagnosis or ideally prediction of CLAD is essential to enable early intervention before significant lung injury occurs. New technologies have emerged to facilitate biomarker discovery, including epigenetic modification and single-cell RNA sequencing. This review examines new and existing technologies for biomarker discovery and the current state of research on biomarkers for identifying lung transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharushi de Silva
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne Voisey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Hopkins
- Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon Apte
- Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Chambers
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brendan O'Sullivan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Impact of superovulation and in vitro fertilization on LINE-1 copy number and telomere length in C57BL/6 J mice blastocysts. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4909-4917. [PMID: 35316424 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Millions of babies have been conceived by IVF, yet debate about its safety to offspring continues. We hypothesized that superovulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) promote genomic changes, including altered telomere length (TL) and activation of the retrotransposon LINE-1 (L1), and tested this hypothesis in a mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Experimental study analyzing TL and L1 copy number in C57BL/6 J mouse blastocysts in vivo produced from natural mating cycles (N), in vivo produced following superovulation (S), or in vitro produced following superovulation (IVF). We also examined the effects of prolonged culture on TL and L1 copy number in the IVF group comparing blastocysts cultured 96 h versus blastocysts cultured 120 h. TL and L1 copy number were measured by Real Time PCR. RESULTS TL in S (n = 77; Mean: 1.50 ± 1.15; p = 0.0007) and IVF (n = 82; Mean: 1.72 ± 1.44; p < 0.0001) exceeded that in N (n = 16; Mean: 0.61 ± 0.27). TL of blastocysts cultured 120 h (n = 15, Mean: 2.14 ± 1.05) was significantly longer than that of embryos cultured for 96 h (n = 67, Mean: 1.63 ± 1.50; p = 0.0414). L1 copy number of blastocysts cultured for 120 h (n = 15, Mean: 1.71 ± 1.49) exceeded that of embryos cultured for 96 h (n = 67, Mean: 0.95 ± 1.03; p = 0.0162). CONCLUSIONS Intriguingly ovarian stimulation, alone or followed by IVF, produced embryos with significantly longer telomeres compared to in vivo, natural cycle-produced embryos. The significance of this enriched telomere endowment for the health and longevity of offspring born from IVF merit future studies.
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Sex disparities in DNA damage response pathways: Novel determinants in cancer formation and therapy. iScience 2022; 25:103875. [PMID: 35243237 PMCID: PMC8858993 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Ali S, Scapagnini G, Davinelli S. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length: A mini meta-analysis of clinical trials. Biomol Concepts 2022; 13:25-33. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2021-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Telomeres are protective caps at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes, whose length is correlated with health and lifespan. Telomere attrition is a common feature of the aging process and can be accelerated by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Various nutrients influence the telomere length, partially due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this review was to meta-analytically assess the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length. We searched four databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library) from inception until November 2021. Of 573 records, a total of 5 clinical trials were included for the quantitative meta-analysis, comprising a total of 337 participants. The results revealed an overall beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the telomere length (mean difference = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02, 0.30; p = 0.02). Despite a limited number of studies, the available evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may positively affect the telomere length. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings, along with studies aimed to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawan Ali
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise , Via V. De Sanctis, s.n.c. , Campobasso , Italy
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise , Via V. De Sanctis, s.n.c. , Campobasso , Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise , Via V. De Sanctis, s.n.c. , Campobasso , Italy
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Telomere and Telomerase-Associated Proteins in Endometrial Carcinogenesis and Cancer-Associated Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020626. [PMID: 35054812 PMCID: PMC8775816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk of relapse of endometrial cancer (EC) after surgical treatment is 13% and recurrent disease carries a poor prognosis. Research into prognostic indicators is essential to improve EC management and outcome. "Immortality" of most cancer cells is dependent on telomerase, but the role of associated proteins in the endometrium is poorly understood. The Cancer Genome Atlas data highlighted telomere/telomerase associated genes (TTAGs) with prognostic relevance in the endometrium, and a recent in silico study identified a group of TTAGs and proteins as key regulators within a network of dysregulated genes in EC. We characterise relevant telomere/telomerase associated proteins (TTAPs) NOP10, NHP2, NOP56, TERF1, TERF2 and TERF2IP in the endometrium using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). qPCR data demonstrated altered expression of multiple TTAPs; specifically, increased NOP10 (p = 0.03) and reduced NHP2 (p = 0.01), TERF2 (p = 0.01) and TERF2IP (p < 0.003) in EC relative to post-menopausal endometrium. Notably, we report reduced NHP2 in EC compared to post-menopausal endometrium in qPCR and IHC (p = 0.0001) data; with survival analysis indicating high immunoscore is favourable in EC (p = 0.0006). Our findings indicate a potential prognostic role for TTAPs in EC, particularly NHP2. Further evaluation of the prognostic and functional role of the examined TTAPs is warranted to develop novel treatment strategies.
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Vicari MR, Bruschi DP, Cabral-de-Mello DC, Nogaroto V. Telomere organization and the interstitial telomeric sites involvement in insects and vertebrates chromosome evolution. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 45:e20220071. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Ruiz A, Flores-Gonzalez J, Buendia-Roldan I, Chavez-Galan L. Telomere Shortening and Its Association with Cell Dysfunction in Lung Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:425. [PMID: 35008850 PMCID: PMC8745057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are localized at the end of chromosomes to provide genome stability; however, the telomere length tends to be shortened with each cell division inducing a progressive telomere shortening (TS). In addition to age, other factors, such as exposure to pollutants, diet, stress, and disruptions in the shelterin protein complex or genes associated with telomerase induce TS. This phenomenon favors cellular senescence and genotoxic stress, which increases the risk of the development and progression of lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and lung cancer. In an infectious environment, immune cells that exhibit TS are associated with severe lymphopenia and death, whereas in a noninfectious context, naïve T cells that exhibit TS are related to cancer progression and enhanced inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss how TS modifies the function of the immune system cells, making them inefficient in maintaining homeostasis in the lung. Finally, we discuss the advances in drug and gene therapy for lung diseases where TS could be used as a target for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leslie Chavez-Galan
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.); (J.F.-G.); (I.B.-R.)
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Al-Thuwaini TM. Association of antidiabetic therapy with shortened telomere length in middle-aged Type 2 diabetic patients. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021; 20:1161-1168. [PMID: 34900769 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction A wide range of antidiabetic therapies have been developed to manage diabetes and limit its lifespan but each of them have adverse long-term drug reactions. This study was performed for the investigation of the possible association of antidiabetic therapy with shortened telomere length in middle-aged Type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and methods The subjects in this case-control study included 100 non-diabetic patients and 300 patients with Type 2 diabetes with ages in the range of 30-50 years. The treated patients were further subdivided into diabetic patients using Doanil, those using insulin and those using both the therapies. The mean telomere length was determined using the southern-blotting technique. A logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the relationship between antidiabetic therapy and shortened telomere length. Results The results revealed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in non-treatment diabetic patients compared to diabetic patients with treatment, and also in diabetic patients with insulin therapy, compared to diabetic patients with Doanil or both therapies. The results showed that non-treatment diabetic patients had shorter telomere length, compared to the diabetic patients with treatment, and patients treated with insulin therapy had shorter telomere length, compared to the diabetic patients with Doanil or both therapies. The logistic regression analysis confirmed that insulin therapy was closely related to diabetic risk factors and shortened telomere length. Conclusions The results revealed that Doanil therapy was more effective in managing diabetic risk and limiting the shortening telomere length than insulin therapy.
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Accelerated biological aging secondary to cardiometabolic risk factors is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Cardiol 2021; 38:365-375. [PMID: 34822967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronological aging is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the impact of biological aging on CVD and outcomes remain poorly understood. Herein, we evaluated the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker of biological age, and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science Core Collection for the studies on the association between LTL and myocardial infarction (MI), CV death, and/or CVD risk factors from inception to July 2020. Extracted data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis and summarized as risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) per LTL tertiles. RESULTS A total of 32 studies (n=144,610 participants) were included. In a pooled analysis of MI and LTL in a multivariate-adjusted model, the shortest LTL was associated with a 39% higher risk of MI (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16-1.67, p<0.001). After adjusting for chronological age and traditional covariance, we demonstrated a 28% increased risk of CV death in the shortest tertile of LTL (RR: 1.28, 95% CI:1.05-1.56, p=0.01). Analysis of the studies investigating the association between CV risk factors and LTL (N=7) demonstrated that diabetes mellitus is associated with a 46% increased risk of LTL attrition (RR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.46-2.09, p=0.039). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a strong association between LTL, a marker of biological aging, and the risk of MI and CV death. Cardiometabolic risk factors contribute to telomere attrition and therefore accelerates biological aging. PROSPERO ID CRD42018112579.
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Victor J, Deutsch J, Whitaker A, Lamkin EN, March A, Zhou P, Botten JW, Chatterjee N. SARS-CoV-2 triggers DNA damage response in Vero E6 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 579:141-145. [PMID: 34600299 PMCID: PMC8440005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic and has now infected more than 200 million people with more than 4 million deaths globally. Recent data suggest that symptoms and general malaise may continue long after the infection has ended in recovered patients, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection has profound consequences in the host cells. Here we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger a DNA damage response (DDR) in African green monkey kidney cells (Vero E6). We observed a transcriptional upregulation of the Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related protein (ATR) in infected cells. In addition, we observed enhanced phosphorylation of CHK1, a downstream effector of the ATR DNA damage response, as well as H2AX. Strikingly, SARS-CoV-2 infection lowered the expression of TRF2 shelterin-protein complex, and reduced telomere lengths in infected Vero E6 cells. Thus, our observations suggest SARS-CoV-2 may have pathological consequences to host cells beyond evoking an immunopathogenic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Victor
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jamie Deutsch
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Annalis Whitaker
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Erica N Lamkin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Anthony March
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Pei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jason W Botten
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Nimrat Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA; University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
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Lin CYG, Näger AC, Lunardi T, Vančevska A, Lossaint G, Lingner J. The human telomeric proteome during telomere replication. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12119-12135. [PMID: 34747482 PMCID: PMC8643687 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening can cause detrimental diseases and contribute to aging. It occurs due to the end replication problem in cells lacking telomerase. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that telomere shortening can be attributed to difficulties of the semi-conservative DNA replication machinery to replicate the bulk of telomeric DNA repeats. To investigate telomere replication in a comprehensive manner, we develop QTIP-iPOND - Quantitative Telomeric chromatin Isolation Protocol followed by isolation of Proteins On Nascent DNA - which enables purification of proteins that associate with telomeres specifically during replication. In addition to the core replisome, we identify a large number of proteins that specifically associate with telomere replication forks. Depletion of several of these proteins induces telomere fragility validating their importance for telomere replication. We also find that at telomere replication forks the single strand telomere binding protein POT1 is depleted, whereas histone H1 is enriched. Our work reveals the dynamic changes of the telomeric proteome during replication, providing a valuable resource of telomere replication proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the replisome at a specific region of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yi Gabriela Lin
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Christina Näger
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lunardi
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Vančevska
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gérald Lossaint
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Lingner
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Peña E, León-Mengíbar J, Powell TR, Caixàs A, Cardoner N, Rosa A. Telomere length in patients with obesity submitted to bariatric surgery: A systematic review. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2021; 29:842-853. [PMID: 34545641 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with obesity show evidence of increased levels of inflammation, oxidative stress and premature ageing. Telomere length (TL) is a key marker of cellular ageing, and patients with obesity often present shorter TL. Bariatric surgery (BS) is currently the most effective treatment for severe obesity. The aim of this systematic review was to explore whether the beneficial health effects observed after surgery in obese patients correspond to a restoration in TL or slower rates of shortening. As a secondary aim, we evaluated, at baseline and post-surgery, the relationship between TL and different factors that could play a role in TL changes along time. METHODS Searches for relevant articles were performed in MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge and SCOPUS. Prospective longitudinal studies that evaluated leukocyte TL in adult patients who had undergone BS were included. Data were extracted and evaluated by two independent researchers. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the number CRD42020197711. RESULTS Seven studies based on independent samples that fulfilled our inclusion criteria were included. Obese patients showed shorter telomeres compared to healthy individuals. Long-term studies (>2 years) seem to suggest an improvement in TL after surgery presumably due to the improvement of the inflammatory and oxidative levels of the patients induced by weight loss. CONCLUSION Studies seem to point towards a beneficial long-term effect of BS on TL recovery. However, the scarce number of studies and the heterogeneity in the variables analysed in the different cohorts make it difficult to draw a firm conclusion. More studies are needed to evaluate long-term changes to TL following BS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Peña
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep León-Mengíbar
- Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Corporacio Sanitària Parc taulí, Sabadell, Spain.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Tauli, Sabadell, Spain.,Medicine Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Sabadell, Spain
| | - Timothy R Powell
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Assumpta Caixàs
- Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Corporacio Sanitària Parc taulí, Sabadell, Spain.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Tauli, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Narcís Cardoner
- Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Corporacio Sanitària Parc taulí, Sabadell, Spain.,Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain.,Depression and Anxiety Program, Department of Mental Health, Parc Tauli Sabadell, Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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Baiocchi L, Glaser S, Francis H, Kennedy L, Felli E, Alpini G, Gracia-Sancho J. Impact of Aging on Liver Cells and Liver Disease: Focus on the Biliary and Vascular Compartments. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1125-1137. [PMID: 34278165 PMCID: PMC8279468 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging process is represented by the time-dependent decay in physiologic functions of living beings. Major interest has been focused in recent years on the determinants of this progressive condition due to its correlative relationship with the onset of diseases. Several hallmark features have been observed in aging, such as genetic alterations, mitochondrial impairment, and telomere shortening. At the cellular level, a senescent phenotype has been identified in response to aging that is characterized by a flat appearance, proliferative arrest, and production of specific molecules. The net effect of these cells in the course of diseases is an argument of debate. In fact, while the onset of a senescent phenotype may prevent tumor spreading, these cells appear to support pathological processes in some conditions. Several studies are now focused on clarifying the specific molecular pathways of aging/senescence in different cells, tissues, or organs. Biliary and vascular components, within the liver, have emerged as important determinants of some form of liver disease. In this review we summarize the most recent achievements on aging/senescence, focusing on the biliary and vascular liver system. Conclusion: Several findings, in both preclinical animal models and on human liver specimens, converge in supporting the presence of specific aging hallmarks in the diseases involving these hepatic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology UnitDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Heather Francis
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Eric Felli
- HepatologyDepartment of Biomedical ResearchInselspitalBernSwitzerland
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular BiologyIDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute and CIBEREHDBarcelonaSpain.,HepatologyDepartment of Biomedical ResearchInselspitalBernSwitzerland
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Franke K, Bublak P, Hoyer D, Billiet T, Gaser C, Witte OW, Schwab M. In vivo biomarkers of structural and functional brain development and aging in humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 117:142-164. [PMID: 33308708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain aging is a major determinant of aging. Along with the aging population, prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, therewith placing economic and social burden on individuals and society. Individual rates of brain aging are shaped by genetics, epigenetics, and prenatal environmental. Biomarkers of biological brain aging are needed to predict individual trajectories of aging and the risk for age-associated neurological impairments for developing early preventive and interventional measures. We review current advances of in vivo biomarkers predicting individual brain age. Telomere length and epigenetic clock, two important biomarkers that are closely related to the mechanistic aging process, have only poor deterministic and predictive accuracy regarding individual brain aging due to their high intra- and interindividual variability. Phenotype-related biomarkers of global cognitive function and brain structure provide a much closer correlation to age at the individual level. During fetal and perinatal life, autonomic activity is a unique functional marker of brain development. The cognitive and structural biomarkers also boast high diagnostic specificity for determining individual risks for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Franke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - P Bublak
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - D Hoyer
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - C Gaser
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - O W Witte
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - M Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Bitto A, Lee MB, Hill CM, Korstanje R, Kaeberlein M. The AGE Presents Introduction to Geroscience video lecture series. GeroScience 2021; 43:1697-1701. [PMID: 34129171 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The AGE Presents Introduction to Geroscience video lecture series is a collection of high-quality didactic video lectures and associated teaching materials focused on foundational topics in aging biology. The videos are made freely available on YouTube and are targeted toward an audience familiar with concepts learned in the first year of a college undergraduate biology/biomedical major. Members of the American Aging Association also receive the original lecture slides and lecture notes, with additional course materials to be developed in the future. We expect that these lectures will enhance understanding of geroscience among the general public while also providing tools that educators can use in the classroom for high school, undergraduate, and graduate level curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bitto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA
| | - Mitchell B Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA
| | - Cristal M Hill
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | | | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA.
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Principles of the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Aging. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:951-960. [PMID: 33518357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aging can be defined as a state of progressive functional decline accompanied by an increase in mortality. Time-dependent accumulation of cellular damage, namely lesions and mutations in the DNA and misfolded proteins, impair organellar and cellular function. Ensuing cell fate alterations lead to the accumulation of dysfunctional cells and hamper homeostatic processes, thus limiting regenerative potential; trigger low-grade inflammation; and alter intercellular and intertissue communication. The accumulation of molecular damage together with modifications in the epigenetic landscape, dysregulation of gene expression, and altered endocrine communication, drive the aging process and establish age as the main risk factor for age-associated diseases and multimorbidity.
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Shah A, George M, Dhangar S, Rajendran A, Mohan S, Vundinti BR. Severe telomere shortening in Fanconi anemia complementation group L. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:585-593. [PMID: 33394227 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease with the incidence of 1 in 360,000 and is characterised by bone marrow failure, physical abnormalities, pancytopenia, and high frequency of chromosomal breakage and increased risk of evolving into malignancy. Telomere plays an important role in genomic stability, ageing process and cancers. Telomere shortening has been reported in FA. We studied telomere length in FA subjects and compared with complementation groups. Chromosomal breakage analysis from PHA stimulated, MMC induced peripheral blood culture was carried out in 37 clinically diagnosed FA. Molecular study of FANCA, G, and L was done through Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing. Telomere length was estimated using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. Student t-test was applied to test the significance. A high frequency of chromosomal breakage was observed in all the patients compared to healthy controls. We found significantly shorter telomere length in all the three complementation groups compare to age matched healthy controls. Among all complementation groups, FANCL showed severe telomere shortening (P value 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between telomere length and chromosomal breakage frequency (R = -0.3116). Telomere shortening is not uncommon in FA subjects. However the telomere length shortening is different in complementation groups as FANCL showed severe telomere shortening in FA subjects. Though BM transplantation is essential for the management of the FA subjects, the telomere length can be considered as biological marker to understand the prognosis of the disease as FA subjects primarily treated with androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Shah
- Department of Cytogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology, 13th floor, New Multistoried Building, K.E.M. Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Merin George
- Department of Cytogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology, 13th floor, New Multistoried Building, K.E.M. Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Somprakash Dhangar
- Department of Cytogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology, 13th floor, New Multistoried Building, K.E.M. Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Aruna Rajendran
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sheila Mohan
- Pediatric Haematology Department, Apollo Children's Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Babu Rao Vundinti
- Department of Cytogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology, 13th floor, New Multistoried Building, K.E.M. Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India.
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Mahady LJ, He B, Malek-Ahmadi M, Mufson EJ. Telomeric alterations in the default mode network during the progression of Alzheimer's disease: Selective vulnerability of the precuneus. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 47:428-440. [PMID: 33107640 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although telomere length (TL) and telomere maintenance proteins (shelterins) are markers of cellular senescence and peripheral blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), little information is available on telomeric alterations during the prodromal stage (MCI) of AD. We investigated TL in the default mode network (DMN), which underlies episodic memory deficits in AD, as well as shelterin protein and mRNA levels in the precuneus (PreC). METHODS Telomere length was evaluated in DMN hubs and visual cortex using quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the PreC, western blotting and NanoString nCounter expression analyses evaluated shelterin protein and mRNA levels, respectively, in cases with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI and AD. RESULTS TL was significantly reduced in the PreC in MCI and AD compared to NCI, but stable in frontal, inferior temporal, posterior cingulate and visual cortex. PreC TL correlated significantly with performance on cognitive tests. NCI cases with high vs low Braak scores displayed significantly shorter TL in posterior cingulate and frontal cortex, which correlated significantly with neuritic and diffuse amyloid-β plaque counts. Shelterin protein levels (TIN2, TRF1, TRF2 and POT1) declined in MCI and AD compared to NCI. The PreC displayed stable expression of shelterins TERF1, TERF2, POT1, RAP1 and TPP1, while TINF2 mRNA significantly increased in AD compared to NCI. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate a selective vulnerability to telomere attrition within different nodes of the DMN in prodromal AD and in aged NCI individuals with high Braak scores highlighting a putative role in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Mahady
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bin He
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Telomere shortening in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2020; 166:106427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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The joint effects of frailty and telomere length for predicting mortality in older adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. Aging Clin Exp Res 2020; 32:1839-1847. [PMID: 31646458 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-019-01376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty and short telomere length, which address different aspects of biological aging, are separately associated with mortality in older adults. AIMS To evaluate whether the combination of these two biomarkers would be a better predictor of mortality than either alone. METHODS This present study included participants 60 years of age or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the 1999-2002 phase. The frailty phenotype was identified based on the Fried definition. Telomere length relative to standard reference DNA (T/S ratio) was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the individual and combined effects of frailty phenotype and telomere length on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS Compared with participants with neither impairment, the mortality risks increased slightly among participants with short telomere length only (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.42) or pre-frailty only (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.80-2.60) and gradually elevated approximately 3 folds with both short telomere length and pre-frailty (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.81-2.74) or frailty (HR 3.57, 95% CI 2.56-4.98). Moreover, participants with both short telomere length and frailty had the highest increased all-cause mortality (HR 5.16, 95% CI 3.38-7.85) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 4.67, 95% CI 2.02-10.82). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The combined predictor had more capability of predicting mortality, which suggested that integrating both molecular biomarkers and physiological functional parameters would be a more informative measure of biological aging.
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Valles GJ, Bezsonova I, Woodgate R, Ashton NW. USP7 Is a Master Regulator of Genome Stability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:717. [PMID: 32850836 PMCID: PMC7419626 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations, including DNA mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, are primary drivers of tumor formation and cancer progression. These alterations can endow cells with a selective growth advantage, enabling cancers to evade cell death, proliferation limits, and immune checkpoints, to metastasize throughout the body. Genetic alterations occur due to failures of the genome stability pathways. In many cancers, the rate of alteration is further accelerated by the deregulation of these processes. The deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) has recently emerged as a key regulator of ubiquitination in the genome stability pathways. USP7 is also deregulated in many cancer types, where deviances in USP7 protein levels are correlated with cancer progression. In this work, we review the increasingly evident role of USP7 in maintaining genome stability, the links between USP7 deregulation and cancer progression, as well as the rationale of targeting USP7 in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle J Valles
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Irina Bezsonova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Roger Woodgate
- Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nicholas W Ashton
- Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Mendelian randomization implies no direct causal association between leukocyte telomere length and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12184. [PMID: 32699404 PMCID: PMC7376149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68848-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the causal relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (n = ~ 38,000 for LTL and ~ 81,000 for ALS in the European population; n = ~ 23,000 for LTL and ~ 4,100 for ALS in the Asian population). We further evaluated mediation roles of lipids in the pathway from LTL to ALS. The odds ratio per standard deviation decrease of LTL on ALS was 1.10 (95% CI 0.93–1.31, p = 0.274) in the European population and 0.75 (95% CI 0.53–1.07, p = 0.116) in the Asian population. This null association was also detected between LTL and frontotemporal dementia in the European population. However, we found that an indirect effect of LTL on ALS might be mediated by low density lipoprotein (LDL) or total cholesterol (TC) in the European population. These results were robust against extensive sensitivity analyses. Overall, our MR study did not support the direct causal association between LTL and the ALS risk in neither population, but provided suggestive evidence for the mediation role of LDL or TC on the influence of LTL and ALS in the European population.
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