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Fekrvand S, Abolhassani H, Rezaei N. An overview of early genetic predictors of IgA deficiency. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:715-727. [PMID: 39087770 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2385521] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) refer to a heterogeneous category of diseases with defects in the number and/or function of components of the immune system. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is the most prevalent IEI characterized by low serum level of IgA and normal serum levels of IgG and/or IgM. Most of the individuals with IgA deficiency are asymptomatic and are only identified through routine laboratory tests. Others may experience a wide range of clinical features including mucosal infections, allergies, and malignancies as the most important features. IgA deficiency is a multi-complex disease, and the exact pathogenesis of it is still unknown. AREAS COVERED This review compiles recent research on genetic and epigenetic factors that may contribute to the development of IgA deficiency. These factors include defects in B-cell development, IgA class switch recombination, synthesis, secretion, and the long-term survival of IgA switched memory B cells and plasma cells. EXPERT OPINION A better and more comprehensive understanding of the cellular pathways involved in IgA deficiency could lead to personalized surveillance and potentially curative strategies for affected patients, especially those with severe symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Fekrvand
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Network (PIDNet), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Abolhassani
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Network (PIDNet), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Kilic KD, Erisik D, Taskiran D, Turhan K, Kose T, Cetin EO, Sendemi R A, Uyanikgil Y. Protective effects of E-CG-01 (3,4-lacto cycloastragenol) against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117016. [PMID: 38943992 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117016] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an aging-related, chronic lung disease, with unclear pathogenesis and no effective treatment. One of the triggering factors in cell aging is oxidative stress and it is known to have a role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In this paper, the protective effect of the E-CG-01 (3,4-lacto-cycloastragenol) molecule in terms of its antioxidant properties was evaluated in the bleomycin induced mice lung fibrosis model. Bleomycin sulfate was administered as a single dose (2.5 U/kg body weight) intratracheally to induce lung fibrosis. E-CG-01 was administered intraperitoneally in three different doses (2 mg/kg/day, 6 mg/kg/day, and 10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, starting three days before the bleomycin administration. Fibrosis was examined by Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson Trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining for TGF-beta1, Type I collagen Ki-67, and gama-H2AX markers. Activity analysis of catalase and Superoxide dismutase enzymes, measurement of total oxidant, total glutathione, and Malondialdehyde levels. In histological analysis, it was determined that all three different doses of the molecule provided a prophylactic effect against the progression of fibrosis compared to the bleomycin control group. However, it was observed that only the molecule applied in the high dose decreased the total oxidant stress level. Lung weight ratio increased in the BLM group but significantly reduced with high-dose E-CG-01. E-CG-01 at all doses reduced collagen deposition, TGF-β expression, and Ki-67 expression compared to the BLM group. Intermediate and high doses of E-CG-01 also significantly reduced alveolar wall thickness and edema formation. These findings suggest that E-CG-01 has potential therapeutic effects in mitigating lung fibrosis through its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kubilay Dogan Kilic
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, İzmir, Turkiye; Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Derya Erisik
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, İzmir, Turkiye
| | - Dilek Taskiran
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, İzmir, Turkiye
| | - Kutsal Turhan
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery, İzmir, Turkiye; Acibadem Kent Hospital, Department of Thoracic Surgery, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Timur Kose
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, İzmir, Turkiye
| | - Emel Oyku Cetin
- Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, İzmir, Turkiye
| | - Aylin Sendemi R
- Ege University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, İzmir, Turkiye
| | - Yiğit Uyanikgil
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, İzmir, Turkiye; Ege University, Cord Blood Cell - Tissue Research and Application Center, İzmir, Turkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Stem Cell, İzmir, Turkiye
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3
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Villa C, Combi R. Epigenetics in Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5970. [PMID: 38892155 PMCID: PMC11173284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115970] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications have been implicated in a number of complex diseases as well as being a hallmark of organismal aging. Several reports have indicated an involvement of these changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and progression, most likely contributing to the dysregulation of AD-related gene expression measured by DNA methylation studies. Given that DNA methylation is tissue-specific and that AD is a brain disorder, the limitation of these studies is the ability to identify clinically useful biomarkers in a proxy tissue, reflective of the tissue of interest, that would be less invasive, more cost-effective, and easily obtainable. The age-related DNA methylation changes have also been used to develop different generations of epigenetic clocks devoted to measuring the aging in different tissues that sometimes suggests an age acceleration in AD patients. This review critically discusses epigenetic changes and aging measures as potential biomarkers for AD detection, prognosis, and progression. Given that epigenetic alterations are chemically reversible, treatments aiming at reversing these modifications will be also discussed as promising therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romina Combi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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4
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Zareian N, Eremin O, Pandha H, Baird R, Kwatra V, Funingana G, Verma C, Choy D, Hargreaves S, Moghimi P, Shepherd A, Lobo DN, Eremin J, Farzaneh F, Kordasti S, Spicer J. A phase 1 trial of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) vaccination combined with therapeutic strategies to control immune-suppressor mechanisms. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2024; 249:10021. [PMID: 38463391 PMCID: PMC10911124 DOI: 10.3389/ebm.2024.10021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of inhibitory immune cells and difficulty in generating activated effector T cells remain obstacles to development of effective cancer vaccines. We designed a vaccine regimen combining human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) peptides with concomitant therapies targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)-mediated immunosuppression. This Phase 1 trial combined an hTERT-derived 7-peptide library, selected to ensure presentation by both HLA class-I and class-II in 90% of patients, with oral low-dose cyclophosphamide (to modulate Tregs) and the COX2 inhibitor celecoxib. Adjuvants were Montanide and topical TLR-7 agonist, to optimise antigen presentation. The primary objective was determination of the safety and tolerability of this combination therapy, with anti-cancer activity, immune response and detection of antigen-specific T cells as additional endpoints. Twenty-nine patients with advanced solid tumours were treated. All were multiply-pretreated, and the majority had either colorectal or prostate cancer. The most common adverse events were injection-site reactions, fatigue and nausea. Median progression-free survival was 9 weeks, with no complete or partial responses, but 24% remained progression-free for ≥6 months. Immunophenotyping showed post-vaccination expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with effector phenotypes. The in vitro re-challenge of T cells with hTERT peptides, TCR sequencing, and TCR similarity index analysis demonstrated the expansion following vaccination of oligoclonal T cells with specificity for hTERT. However, a population of exhausted PD-1+ cytotoxic T cells was also expanded in vaccinated patients. This vaccine combination regimen was safe and associated with antigen-specific immunological responses. Clinical activity could be improved in future by combination with anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibition to address the emergence of an exhausted T cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Zareian
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oleg Eremin
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hardev Pandha
- Department of Microbiology and Cellular Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Baird
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vineet Kwatra
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chandan Verma
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Desmond Choy
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Hargreaves
- Research Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Pejvak Moghimi
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB), Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Shepherd
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB), Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dileep N Lobo
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Queen's Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Eremin
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Farzin Farzaneh
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shahram Kordasti
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Spicer
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Keszthelyi TM, Tory K. The importance of pseudouridylation: human disorders related to the fifth nucleoside. Biol Futur 2023:10.1007/s42977-023-00158-3. [PMID: 37000312 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Pseudouridylation is one of the most abundant RNA modifications in eukaryotes, making pseudouridine known as the "fifth nucleoside." This highly conserved alteration affects all non-coding and coding RNA types. Its role and importance have been increasingly widely researched, especially considering that its absence or damage leads to serious hereditary diseases. Here, we summarize the human genetic disorders described to date that are related to the participants of the pseudouridylation process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kálmán Tory
- Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Mormone E, Iorio EL, Abate L, Rodolfo C. Sirtuins and redox signaling interplay in neurogenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, and neural cell reprogramming. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1073689. [PMID: 36816109 PMCID: PMC9929468 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1073689] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) there are still mechanism to be clarified, such as the role of mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of endogenous adult neurogenesis and its implication in neurodegeneration. Although stem cells require glycolysis to maintain their stemness, they can perform oxidative phosphorylation and it is becoming more and more evident that mitochondria are central players, not only for ATP production but also for neuronal differentiation's steps regulation, through their ability to handle cellular redox state, intracellular signaling, epigenetic state of the cell, as well as the gut microbiota-brain axis, upon dietary influences. In this scenario, the 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) repair system would link mitochondrial DNA integrity to the modulation of neural differentiation. On the other side, there is an increasing interest in NSCs generation, from induced pluripotent stem cells, as a clinical model for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), although this methodology still presents several drawbacks, mainly related to the reprogramming process. Indeed, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), associated with telomere shortening, genomic instability, and defective mitochondrial dynamics, lead to pluripotency limitation and reprogramming efficiency's reduction. Moreover, while a physiological or moderate ROS increase serves as a signaling mechanism, to activate differentiation and suppress self-renewal, excessive oxidative stress is a common feature of NDs and aging. This ROS-dependent regulatory effect might be modulated by newly identified ROS suppressors, including the NAD+-dependent deacetylase enzymes family called Sirtuins (SIRTs). Recently, the importance of subcellular localization of NAD synthesis has been coupled to different roles for NAD in chromatin stability, DNA repair, circadian rhythms, and longevity. SIRTs have been described as involved in the control of both telomere's chromatin state and expression of nuclear gene involved in the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression, as well as in several NDs and aging. SIRTs are ubiquitously expressed in the mammalian brain, where they play important roles. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on how SIRTs-dependent modulation of mitochondrial metabolism could impact on neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, focusing mainly on ROS function and their role in SIRTs-mediated cell reprogramming and telomere protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Mormone
- Unitá Produttiva per Terapie Avanzate, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy,*Correspondence: Elisabetta Mormone, ;
| | | | - Lucrezia Abate
- Unitá Produttiva per Terapie Avanzate, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Carlo Rodolfo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,Department of Paediatric Onco-Haematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy,Carlo Rodolfo,
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7
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Taghavi Rad F, Ghorbian S, Naghavi Gargari B, Shirvani Farsani Z, Sharifi R. hTERT Gene Modification Using CRISPR-dCas9-dnmt3a System as a Therapeutic Approach Against Glioma. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2023; 22:e137226. [PMID: 38116572 PMCID: PMC10728856 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-137226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Abnormal DNA methylation patterns have been reported in various diseases, including different cancers. CRISPR/Cas9 is a low-cost and highly effective gene editing tool that has lately revolutionized biotechnology. Studies have shown that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can effectively target and correct methylation. Objectives Telomerase plays a survival role for cancer cells. It is encoded by the hTERT gene. The effectiveness of CRISPR/Cas9 in targeting hTERT to treat glioma cancer cells was assessed in this study. Methods EF1a-hsaCas9-U6-gRNA vector carrying sgRNA and Cas9 hybrids were used to transfect U87 glioma cells. Four and eight μg/mL polybrene concentrations were investigated to improve transfection efficiency. The expression level of hTERT that has undergone metabisulfite modification was assessed using real-time PCR. Flow cytometry and Western blotting were also used to determine whether telomerase was present in the cells. High-resolution melting analysis (HRM) was used to examine the hTERT promoter's methylation. Finally, flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptotic rate of transfected U87 cells. Results The findings demonstrated that gRNA significantly boosted transfection effectiveness. Significant variations were seen in the expression of hTERT in U87 cells at 4 μg/mL polybrene and 80 μg/mL transfection compared to transfection without gRNA and basal cells. Flow cytometry showed a decrease in hTERT levels in transfected cells. Furthermore, transfection with gRNA increased U87 cell apoptosis compared to transfection without gRNA. Conclusions It appears that the designed CRISPR/Cas9 system can reduce hTERT expression and telomerase activity and thus inhibit glioma cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farbod Taghavi Rad
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
| | - Saied Ghorbian
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
| | - Bahar Naghavi Gargari
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Shirvani Farsani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Sharifi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
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Dratwa M, Wysoczańska B, Łacina P, Kubik T, Bogunia-Kubik K. TERT-Regulation and Roles in Cancer Formation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:589929. [PMID: 33329574 PMCID: PMC7717964 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.589929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a catalytic subunit of telomerase. Telomerase complex plays a key role in cancer formation by telomere dependent or independent mechanisms. Telomere maintenance mechanisms include complex TERT changes such as gene amplifications, TERT structural variants, TERT promoter germline and somatic mutations, TERT epigenetic changes, and alternative lengthening of telomere. All of them are cancer specific at tissue histotype and at single cell level. TERT expression is regulated in tumors via multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations which affect telomerase activity. Telomerase activity via TERT expression has an impact on telomere length and can be a useful marker in diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers and a new therapy approach. In this review we want to highlight the main roles of TERT in different mechanisms of cancer development and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Wysoczańska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kubik
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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9
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McKelvey BA, Umbricht CB, Zeiger MA. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) Regulation in Thyroid Cancer: A Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:485. [PMID: 32849278 PMCID: PMC7412884 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the catalytic subunit of the enzyme telomerase and is essential for telomerase activity. Upregulation of TERT expression and resulting telomerase activity occurs in the large majority of malignancies, including thyroid cancer. This upregulation results in continued cellular proliferation and avoidance of cellular senescence and cell death. In this review we will briefly introduce TERT and telomerase activity as it pertains to thyroid cancer and, highlight the effects of TERT on cancer cells. We will also explore in detail the different TERT regulatory strategies and how TERT is reactivated in thyroid cancer cells, specifically. These regulatory mechanisms include both activating single base pair TERT promoter mutations and epigenetic changes at the promoter, including changes in CpG methylation and histone modifications that affect chromatin structure. Further, regulation includes the allele-specific regulation of the TERT promoter in thyroid cancer cells harboring the TERT promoter mutation. These entail allele-specific transcriptional activator binding, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and mono-allelic expression of TERT. Lastly, TERT copy number alterations and alternative splicing are also implicated. Both amplifications of the TERT locus and increased full-length transcripts and decreased inactive and dominant negative isoforms result in active telomerase. Finally, the clinical significance of TERT in thyroid cancer is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. McKelvey
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher B. Umbricht
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martha A. Zeiger
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Martha A. Zeiger
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10
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Xie R, Tuo B, Yang S, Chen XQ, Xu J. Calcium-sensing receptor bridges calcium and telomerase reverse transcriptase in gastric cancers via Akt. Clin Transl Oncol 2019; 22:1023-1032. [PMID: 31650467 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-019-02226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) act as an oncogene in gastric cancers, however, their relationship in the progression of gastric cancers is yet to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to access the potential interaction between hTERT and CaSR in the development of gastric cancers. METHODS The clinical data of 41 patients with gastric cancers were analyzed regarding the expressions of hTERT and CaSR by immunohistochemistry. Among them, five patients' specimens were also analyzed by Western blotting. The regulation of calcium on the expression level of hTERT and the possible underlying mechanism via CaSR were explored in gastric cancer cell lines MKN45 and SGC-7901. RESULTS Both hTERT and CaSR were increased and positively correlated in human gastric cancers, which also occurs in gastric cancer cells MKN45 and SGC-7901. Calcium induced hTERT expression at the transcriptional level in a CaSR-dependent manner followed by an increase in telomerase activity, as either a CaSR shRNA or the CaSR antagonist NPS2143 abolished the calcium-mediated regulation of hTERT and telomerase activity. Further studies showed that CaSR-mediated cytosolic calcium rise followed by Akt activation was involved in the regulation of hTERT by extracellular calcium. Finally, neither CaSR overexpression nor shRNA-mediated CaSR downregulation had an effect on the expression level of hTERT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings established a functional linkage between CaSR and hTERT in the development of gastric cancers and CaSR-hTERT coupling might serve as a novel target for therapeutic strategy against human gastric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - B Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - S Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - X-Q Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - J Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
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Avin BA, Wang Y, Gilpatrick T, Workman RE, Lee I, Timp W, Umbricht CB, Zeiger MA. Characterization of human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter methylation and transcription factor binding in differentiated thyroid cancer cell lines. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:530-540. [PMID: 30664813 PMCID: PMC6621557 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation plays an important role in cancer development by enabling the immortalization of cells. TERT regulation is multifaceted, and its promoter methylation has been implicated in controlling expression through alteration in transcription factor binding. We have characterized TERT promoter methylation, transcription factor binding, and TERT expression levels in five differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cell lines and six normal thyroid tissue samples by targeted bisulfite sequencing, ChIP-qPCR, and qRT-PCR. DTC cell lines express varying levels of TERT and exhibit TERT promoter methylation patterns similar to patterns seen in other telomerase positive cancer cell lines. The minimal promoter immediately surrounding the transcription start site is hypomethylated, while further upstream portions show dense methylation. In contrast, the TERT promoter in normal thyroid tissue is largely unmethylated throughout and expresses TERT minimally. Transcription factor binding is also affected by TERT mutation status. The E-twenty-six (ETS) factor GABPA exhibits TERT binding in the TERT mutant DTC cells only, and allele-specific methylation patterns at the minimal promoter were observed as well, which may indicate allele-specific factor recruitment at the minimal promoter. Furthermore, we identified binding sites for activators MYC and GSC in the hypermethylated upstream region, pointing to its possible importance in TERT regulation. Overall, TERT expression and telomerase activity depend on the interplay of multiple regulatory mechanisms including TERT promoter methylation, mutation status, and recruitment of transcription factors. This work explores of the interplay between these regulatory mechanisms and offers insight into cellular control of active telomerase in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Avin
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Yongchun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Timothy Gilpatrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Rachael E. Workman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Isac Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Winston Timp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Christopher B. Umbricht
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States 21287
| | - Martha A. Zeiger
- Department of Surgery, The University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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Leão R, Apolónio JD, Lee D, Figueiredo A, Tabori U, Castelo-Branco P. Mechanisms of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) regulation: clinical impacts in cancer. J Biomed Sci 2018. [PMID: 29526163 PMCID: PMC5846307 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Limitless self-renewal is one of the hallmarks of cancer and is attained by telomere maintenance, essentially through telomerase (hTERT) activation. Transcriptional regulation of hTERT is believed to play a major role in telomerase activation in human cancers. Main body The dominant interest in telomerase results from its role in cancer. The role of telomeres and telomere maintenance mechanisms is well established as a major driving force in generating chromosomal and genomic instability. Cancer cells have acquired the ability to overcome their fate of senescence via telomere length maintenance mechanisms, mainly by telomerase activation. hTERT expression is up-regulated in tumors via multiple genetic and epigenetic mechanisms including hTERT amplifications, hTERT structural variants, hTERT promoter mutations and epigenetic modifications through hTERT promoter methylation. Genetic (hTERT promoter mutations) and epigenetic (hTERT promoter methylation and miRNAs) events were shown to have clinical implications in cancers that depend on hTERT activation. Knowing that telomeres are crucial for cellular self-renewal, the mechanisms responsible for telomere maintenance have a crucial role in cancer diseases and might be important oncological biomarkers. Thus, rather than quantifying TERT expression and its correlation with telomerase activation, the discovery and the assessment of the mechanisms responsible for TERT upregulation offers important information that may be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring in oncology. Furthermore, a better understanding of these mechanisms may promote their translation into effective targeted cancer therapies. Conclusion Herein, we reviewed the underlying mechanisms of hTERT regulation, their role in oncogenesis, and the potential clinical applications in telomerase-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Leão
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Ave 3-130, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada. .,Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, R. Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Department of Urology, Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Dias Apolónio
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Edifício 2 - Ala Norte, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center, Campus Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Donghyun Lee
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Arnaldo Figueiredo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, R. Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Urology, Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Uri Tabori
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 1X8ON, Canada
| | - Pedro Castelo-Branco
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Edifício 2 - Ala Norte, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center, Campus Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
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Naderlinger E, Holzmann K. Epigenetic Regulation of Telomere Maintenance for Therapeutic Interventions in Gliomas. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E145. [PMID: 28513547 PMCID: PMC5448019 DOI: 10.3390/genes8050145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade astrocytoma of WHO grade 4 termed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common human brain tumor with poor patient outcome. Astrocytoma demonstrates two known telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) based on telomerase activity (TA) and on alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). ALT is associated with lower tumor grades and better outcome. In contrast to ALT, regulation of TA in tumors by direct mutation and epigenetic activation of the hTERT promoter is well established. Here, we summarize the genetic background of TMMs in non-malignant cells and in cancer, in addition to clinical and pathological features of gliomas. Furthermore, we present new evidence for epigenetic mechanisms (EMs) involved in regulation of ALT and TA with special emphasis on human diffuse gliomas as potential therapeutic drug targets. We discuss the role of TMM associated telomeric chromatin factors such as DNA and histone modifying enzymes and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and long telomeric TERRA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Naderlinger
- Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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Kumar A, Nilednu P, Kumar A, Sharma NK. Epigenetic perturbation driving asleep telomerase reverse transcriptase: Possible therapeutic avenues in carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317695951. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428317695951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, implications of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a component of ribonucleoprotein telomerase in aging, senescence, and stem cell are highly evident. Besides, the activation of hTERT is also being documented several cancer types including carcinoma. The awakening of telomerase during carcinoma initiation and development is being seen with different perspectives including genetic and epigenetic tools and events. In view of several tumor progenitors genes (also referred as epigenetic mediators), telomerase is placed as key enzyme to achieve the carcinoma phenotype and sustain during the progression. It is true that swaying of telomerase in carcinoma could be facilitated with dedicated set of epigenetic modulators and modifiers players. These epigenetic alterations are heritable, potentially reversible, and seen as the epigenetic signature of carcinoma. Several papers converge to suggest that DNA methylation, histone modification, and small non-coding RNAs are the widely appreciated epigenetic changes towards hTERT modulation. In this review, we summarize the contribution of epigenetic factors in the telomerase activation and discuss potential avenues to achieve therapeutic intervention in carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| | - Pritish Nilednu
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| | - Azad Kumar
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| | - Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
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15
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Avin BA, Umbricht CB, Zeiger MA. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase regulation by DNA methylation, transcription factor binding and alternative splicing (Review). Int J Oncol 2016; 49:2199-2205. [PMID: 27779655 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The catalytic subunit of telomerase, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), plays an essential role in telomere maintenance to oppose cellular senescence and, is highly regulated in normal and cancerous cells. Regulation of hTERT occurs through multiple avenues, including a unique pattern of CpG promoter methylation and alternative splicing. Promoter methylation affects the binding of transcription factors, resulting in changes in expression of the gene. In addition to expression level changes, changes in promoter binding can affect alternative splicing in a cotranscriptional manner. The alternative splicing of hTERT results in either the full length transcript which can form the active telomerase complex with hTR, or numerous inactive isoforms. Both regulation strategies are exploited in cancer to activate telomerase, however, the exact mechanism is unknown. Therefore, unraveling the link between promoter methylation status and alternative splicing for hTERT could expose yet another level of hTERT regulation. In an attempt to provide insight into the cellular control of active telomerase in cancer, this review will discuss our current perspective on CpG methylation of the hTERT promoter region, summarize the different forms of alternatively spliced variants, and examine examples of transcription factor binding that affects splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Avin
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christopher B Umbricht
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Martha A Zeiger
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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16
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Forero DA, González-Giraldo Y, López-Quintero C, Castro-Vega LJ, Barreto GE, Perry G. Meta-analysis of Telomere Length in Alzheimer's Disease. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2016; 71:1069-73. [PMID: 27091133 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and severe neurodegenerative disorder. Human telomeres are fundamental for the maintenance of genomic stability and play prominent roles in both cellular senescence and organismal aging. Regulation of telomere length (TL) is the result of the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Alterations in TL are increasingly being studied as a possible risk factor for AD, and published studies on TL in AD show discrepant results, highlighting the need for a meta-analysis. METHODS In the current study, we carried out a meta-analysis of published studies of TL in AD patients and healthy controls. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (from inception to September 2015) were used to identify relevant articles reporting TL in humans with AD, from which we retrieved data such as sample size, experimental methods, and mean TL for cases and controls. A random-effects model was used for meta-analytical procedures. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 13 primary studies and demonstrated a significant difference in TL between 860 AD patients and 2,022 controls, with a standardized mean difference of -0.984 (confidence interval: -1.433 to -0.535; p value: <.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results show a consistent evidence of shorter telomeres in AD patients and highlight the importance of the analysis of epigenomic markers associated with neurodegeneration and with the risk for common and severe neurological diseases, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Forero
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Yeimy González-Giraldo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catalina López-Quintero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | | | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio
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17
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Langie SAS, Koppen G, Desaulniers D, Al-Mulla F, Al-Temaimi R, Amedei A, Azqueta A, Bisson WH, Brown DG, Brunborg G, Charles AK, Chen T, Colacci A, Darroudi F, Forte S, Gonzalez L, Hamid RA, Knudsen LE, Leyns L, Lopez de Cerain Salsamendi A, Memeo L, Mondello C, Mothersill C, Olsen AK, Pavanello S, Raju J, Rojas E, Roy R, Ryan EP, Ostrosky-Wegman P, Salem HK, Scovassi AI, Singh N, Vaccari M, Van Schooten FJ, Valverde M, Woodrick J, Zhang L, van Larebeke N, Kirsch-Volders M, Collins AR. Causes of genome instability: the effect of low dose chemical exposures in modern society. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36 Suppl 1:S61-88. [PMID: 26106144 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome instability is a prerequisite for the development of cancer. It occurs when genome maintenance systems fail to safeguard the genome's integrity, whether as a consequence of inherited defects or induced via exposure to environmental agents (chemicals, biological agents and radiation). Thus, genome instability can be defined as an enhanced tendency for the genome to acquire mutations; ranging from changes to the nucleotide sequence to chromosomal gain, rearrangements or loss. This review raises the hypothesis that in addition to known human carcinogens, exposure to low dose of other chemicals present in our modern society could contribute to carcinogenesis by indirectly affecting genome stability. The selected chemicals with their mechanisms of action proposed to indirectly contribute to genome instability are: heavy metals (DNA repair, epigenetic modification, DNA damage signaling, telomere length), acrylamide (DNA repair, chromosome segregation), bisphenol A (epigenetic modification, DNA damage signaling, mitochondrial function, chromosome segregation), benomyl (chromosome segregation), quinones (epigenetic modification) and nano-sized particles (epigenetic pathways, mitochondrial function, chromosome segregation, telomere length). The purpose of this review is to describe the crucial aspects of genome instability, to outline the ways in which environmental chemicals can affect this cancer hallmark and to identify candidate chemicals for further study. The overall aim is to make scientists aware of the increasing need to unravel the underlying mechanisms via which chemicals at low doses can induce genome instability and thus promote carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine A S Langie
- Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium, Health Canada, Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Environmental Health Centre, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada, Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Florence 50134, Italy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31009, Spain, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA, Department of Chemicals and Radiation, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway, Hopkins Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6UB, UK, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA, Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy, Human and Environmental Safety Research, Department of Health Sciences, College of North Atlantic, Doha, State of Qatar, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy, Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia, University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen 1353, Denmark, Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia 27100, Italy, Medical Phys
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium, Health Canada, Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Environmental Health Centre, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada, Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Florence 50134, Italy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31009, Spain, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA, Department of Chemicals and Radiation, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway, Hopkins Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6UB, UK, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA, Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy, Human and Environmental Safety Research, Department of Health Sciences, College of North Atlantic, Doha, State of Qatar, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy, Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia, University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen 1353, Denmark, Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia 27100, Italy, Medical Phys
| | - Daniel Desaulniers
- Health Canada, Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Environmental Health Centre, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31009, Spain
| | - William H Bisson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Dustin G Brown
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
| | - Gunnar Brunborg
- Department of Chemicals and Radiation, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amelia K Charles
- Hopkins Building, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Tao Chen
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Annamaria Colacci
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Firouz Darroudi
- Human and Environmental Safety Research, Department of Health Sciences, College of North Atlantic, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Stefano Forte
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Laetitia Gonzalez
- Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Roslida A Hamid
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen 1353, Denmark
| | - Luc Leyns
- Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | | | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Chiara Mondello
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Carmel Mothersill
- Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Ann-Karin Olsen
- Department of Chemicals and Radiation, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Jayadev Raju
- Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Emilio Rojas
- Departamento de Medicina Genomica y Toxicologia Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, México CP 04510, México
| | - Rabindra Roy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Ryan
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
| | - Patricia Ostrosky-Wegman
- Departamento de Medicina Genomica y Toxicologia Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, México CP 04510, México
| | - Hosni K Salem
- Urology Department, kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, El Manial, Cairo 12515, Egypt
| | - A Ivana Scovassi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Neetu Singh
- Centre for Advanced Research, King George's Medical University, Chowk, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Monica Vaccari
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Frederik J Van Schooten
- Department of Toxicology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6200MD, PO Box 61, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mahara Valverde
- Departamento de Medicina Genomica y Toxicologia Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, México CP 04510, México
| | - Jordan Woodrick
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Luoping Zhang
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Nik van Larebeke
- Laboratory for Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1050, Belgium, Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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18
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Telomerase and the process of cervical carcinogenesis. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:7335-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3976-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Multiple tumor suppressor microRNAs regulate telomerase and TCF7, an important transcriptional regulator of the Wnt pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86990. [PMID: 24551047 PMCID: PMC3925088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human TERT (hTERT) gene encodes the telomerase catalytic subunit which plays a role in telomerase regulation. Telomerase is activated in more than 90% of all human malignancies and understanding how telomerase is regulated is necessary for implementation of successful anti-cancer therapies. microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression in eukaryotic cells but evidence of their role in telomerase regulation has not been documented. To determine whether hTERT activity is regulated by multiple miRNAs, eight miRNAs which have putative binding sites in the hTERT 3'UTR together with miR-138-5p were evaluated in luciferase assays with a reporter containing the hTERT 3'UTR. Six miRNAs (let-7g*, miR-133a, miR-138-5p, miR-342-5p, miR-491-5p, and miR-541-3p) specifically inhibited the expression of the reporter luciferase-driven constructs and let-7g*, miR-133a, miR-138-5p, and miR-491-5p also downregulated endogenous telomerase activity in cells. Moreover, all six miRNAs significantly inhibited cell proliferation. miRNAs (miR-133a, miR-138-5p, 342-5p, 491-5p, 541-3p) also have predicted binding sites within the 3'UTR of three genes involved in Wnt signaling (TCF7, MSI1, and PAX5). These miRNAs inhibited the expression of the luciferase reporter constructs containing 3'UTRs of these genes and downregulated protein expression of the TCF7 transcription factor, which mediates the canonical Wnt pathway. Together, these results suggest the existence of a miRNA regulatory network involving the hTERT and Wnt pathway.
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20
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Maqsood MI, Matin MM, Bahrami AR, Ghasroldasht MM. Immortality of cell lines: challenges and advantages of establishment. Cell Biol Int 2013; 37:1038-45. [PMID: 23723166 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular immortality happens upon impairment of cell-cycle checkpoint pathways (p53/p16/pRb), reactivation or up-regulation of telomerase enzyme, or upregulation of some oncogenes or oncoproteins leading to a higher rate of cell division.There are also some other factors and mechanisms involved in immortalisation, which need to be discovered. Immortalisation of cells derived from different sources and establishment of immortal cell lines has proven useful in understanding the molecular pathways governing cell developmental cascades in eukaryotic, especially human, cells. After the breakthrough of achieving the immortal cells and understanding their critical importance in the field of molecular biology, intense efforts have been dedicated to establish cell lines useful for elucidating the functions of telomerase, developmental lineage of progenitors, self-renewal potency, cellular transformation, differentiation patterns and some bioprocesses, like odontogenesis. Meanwhile, discovering the exact mechanisms of immortality, a major challenge for science yet, is believed to open new gateways toward understanding and treatment of cancer in the long term. This review summarises the methods involved in establishing immortality, its advantages and the challenges still being faced in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan Maqsood
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Abstract
Telomeres serve the dual function of protecting chromosomes from genomic instability as well as protecting the ends of chromosomes from DNA damage machinery. The enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance is telomerase, an enzyme capable of reverse transcription. Telomerase activity is typically limited to specific cell types. However, telomerase activation in somatic cells serves as a key step toward cell immortalization and cancer. Targeting telomerase serves as a potential cancer treatment with significant therapeutic benefits. Beyond targeting cancers by inhibiting telomerase, manipulating the regulation of telomerase may also provide therapeutic benefit to other ailments, such as those related to aging. This review will introduce human telomeres and telomerase and discuss pharmacological regulation of telomerase, including telomerase inhibitors and activators, and their use in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Sprouse
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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22
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Cardin R, Romilda C, Piciocchi M, Marika P, Sinigaglia A, Alessandro S, Lavezzo E, Enrico L, Bortolami M, Marina B, Kotsafti A, Andromachi K, Cillo U, Umberto C, Zanus G, Giacomo Z, Mescoli C, Claudia M, Rugge M, Massimo R, Farinati F, Fabio F. Oxidative DNA damage correlates with cell immortalization and mir-92 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2012. [PMID: 22587342 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs expression has been extensively studied in hepatocellular carcinoma but little is known regarding the relationship, if any, with inflammation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), host's repair mechanisms and cell immortalization. This study aimed at assessing the extent of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine - 8-OHdG) in different phases of the carcinogenetic process, in relation to DNA repair gene polymorphism, telomeric dysfunction and to the expression of several microRNAs, non-coding genes involved in post-transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation and death. METHODS Tissue samples obtained either at surgery, [neoplastic (HCC) and adjacent non-cancerous cirrhotic tissues (NCCT)] at percutaneous or laparoscopic biopsy (patients with HCV or HBV-related hepatitis or patients undergoing cholecystectomy) were analysed for 8-OHdG (HPLC-ED), OGG1 (a DNA repair gene) polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), telomerase activity, telomere length (T/S, by RT-PCR), Taqman microRNA assay and Bad/Bax mRNA (RT-PCR). Fifty-eight samples from 29 HCC patients (obtained in both neoplastic and peritumoral tissues), 22 from chronic hepatitis (CH) and 10 controls (cholecystectomy patients - CON) were examined. RESULTS Eight-OHdG levels were significantly higher in HCC and NCCT than in CH and CON (p=0.001). Telomerase activity was significantly higher in HCC than in the remaining subgroups (p=0.002); conversely T/S was significantly lower in HCC (p=0.05). MiR-199a-b, -195, -122, -92a and -145 were down-regulated in the majority of HCCs while miR-222 was up-regulated. A positive correlation was observed among 8-OHdG levels, disease stage, telomerase activity, OGG1 polymorphisms and ALT/GGT levels. In HCC, miR-92 expression correlated positively with telomerase activity, 8-OHdG levels and Bad/Bax mRNA. CONCLUSIONS The above findings confirm the accumulation, in the progression of chronic liver damage to HCC, of a ROS-mediated oxidative DNA damage, and suggest that this correlates with induction of telomerase activity and, as a novel finding, with over-expression of miR-92, a microRNA that plays a role in both the apoptotic process and in cellular proliferation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cardin Romilda
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35128, Italy
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Cardin R, Romilda C, Piciocchi M, Marika P, Sinigaglia A, Alessandro S, Lavezzo E, Enrico L, Bortolami M, Marina B, Kotsafti A, Andromachi K, Cillo U, Umberto C, Zanus G, Giacomo Z, Mescoli C, Claudia M, Rugge M, Massimo R, Farinati F, Fabio F. Oxidative DNA damage correlates with cell immortalization and mir-92 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:177. [PMID: 22587342 PMCID: PMC3420318 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs expression has been extensively studied in hepatocellular carcinoma but little is known regarding the relationship, if any, with inflammation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), host's repair mechanisms and cell immortalization. This study aimed at assessing the extent of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine - 8-OHdG) in different phases of the carcinogenetic process, in relation to DNA repair gene polymorphism, telomeric dysfunction and to the expression of several microRNAs, non-coding genes involved in post-transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation and death. METHODS Tissue samples obtained either at surgery, [neoplastic (HCC) and adjacent non-cancerous cirrhotic tissues (NCCT)] at percutaneous or laparoscopic biopsy (patients with HCV or HBV-related hepatitis or patients undergoing cholecystectomy) were analysed for 8-OHdG (HPLC-ED), OGG1 (a DNA repair gene) polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), telomerase activity, telomere length (T/S, by RT-PCR), Taqman microRNA assay and Bad/Bax mRNA (RT-PCR). Fifty-eight samples from 29 HCC patients (obtained in both neoplastic and peritumoral tissues), 22 from chronic hepatitis (CH) and 10 controls (cholecystectomy patients - CON) were examined. RESULTS Eight-OHdG levels were significantly higher in HCC and NCCT than in CH and CON (p=0.001). Telomerase activity was significantly higher in HCC than in the remaining subgroups (p=0.002); conversely T/S was significantly lower in HCC (p=0.05). MiR-199a-b, -195, -122, -92a and -145 were down-regulated in the majority of HCCs while miR-222 was up-regulated. A positive correlation was observed among 8-OHdG levels, disease stage, telomerase activity, OGG1 polymorphisms and ALT/GGT levels. In HCC, miR-92 expression correlated positively with telomerase activity, 8-OHdG levels and Bad/Bax mRNA. CONCLUSIONS The above findings confirm the accumulation, in the progression of chronic liver damage to HCC, of a ROS-mediated oxidative DNA damage, and suggest that this correlates with induction of telomerase activity and, as a novel finding, with over-expression of miR-92, a microRNA that plays a role in both the apoptotic process and in cellular proliferation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cardin Romilda
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35128, Italy
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Expression of telomeres in astrocytoma WHO grade 2 to 4: TERRA level correlates with telomere length, telomerase activity, and advanced clinical grade. Transl Oncol 2012; 5:56-65. [PMID: 22348177 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.11202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells bypass replicative senescence, the major barrier to tumor progression, by using telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) as telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs). Correlation between ALT and patient survival was demonstrated for high-grade astrocytomas. Transcription from subtelomeres produces telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), a natural inhibitor of telomerase activity (TA). This led us to evaluate correlations of TERRA and TMM with tumor grade and outcome in astrocytoma patients. SYBR Green real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays for quantitation of total and chromosome 2p and 18p specific TERRA levels were developed. Tumor samples from 46 patients with astrocytoma grade 2 to 4, tissue controls, and cell lines were assessed. TMMs were evaluated by measuring TA and by detecting long telomeres due to ALT. In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) grade 4, total TERRA levels were similar to cell lines but 14-, 31-, and 313-fold lower compared with grade 3, grade 2, and nonmalignant tissue, respectively. Total TERRA levels differed from chromosomal levels. Low 2p TERRA levels correlated with dense promoter methylation of subtelomeric CpG islands, indicating that TERRA expression in gliomas may be chromosome specific and epigenetically regulated. Total TERRA levels correlated with diagnosis, with low or absent TA and the presence of ALT, and were tentatively associated with favorable patient prognosis in our cohort (P = .06). TA and short telomeres identified a subset of GBM with a median survival of only 14.8 months. TERRA and TA may be prognostic in astrocytic tumors.
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