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Hou B, Shu M, Liu C, Du Y, Xu C, Jiang H, Hou J, Chen X, Wang L, Wu X. Unveiling the role of UPF3B in hepatocellular carcinoma: Potential therapeutic target. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2646-2658. [PMID: 38889220 PMCID: PMC11309952 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16240] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins can regulate nucleotide metabolism and gene expression. UPF3B regulator of nonsense mediated mRNA decay (UPF3B) exhibits dysfunction in cancers. However, its role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still insufficiently understood. Here, we found that UPF3B was markedly upregulated in HCC samples and associated with adverse prognosis in patients. UPF3B dramatically promoted HCC growth both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, UPF3B was found to bind to PPP2R2C, a regulatory subunit of PP2A, boosting its mRNA degradation and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. E2F transcription factor 6 (E2F6) directly binds to the UPF3B promoter to facilitate its transcription. Together, the E2F6/UPF3B/PPP2R2C axis promotes HCC growth through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Hence, it could be a promising therapeutic target for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Hou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Min Shu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Chenghao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Yunfeng Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Cuicui Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Huijiao Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic DiseasesShihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Jun Hou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic DiseasesShihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Xueling Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic DiseasesShihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Lianghai Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic DiseasesShihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital/Shihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic DiseasesShihezi University School of MedicineShiheziChina
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Projahn EF, Fuellen G, Walter M, Möller S. Proposing candidate genes under telomeric control based on cross-species position data. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae037. [PMID: 38666215 PMCID: PMC11044432 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we present a comprehensive computational framework aimed at suggesting genes whose transcriptional regulation is likely to be influenced by their chromosomal position. This framework provides a user-friendly web interface, enabling researchers to explore the positional properties of all human genes and their orthologs across species, with a focus on their relation to the telomeres. Our approach involves multiple scoring methods, each adjustable by users, representing different features of the genes' positional variation across species. The resulting rankings can be combined to identify candidate genes that may be subject to position effects. Furthermore, the ranking can be tailored to a specific set of reference genes. We evaluate the method within the context of TPE-OLD, a mechanism where telomeres can exert a direct influence on gene expression across considerable genomic distances, and empower researchers to delve deeper into genes of interest, analyzing their position across species and estimating their susceptibility to position effects like TPE-OLD. We also provide simple enrichment analyses of user-provided gene lists in relation to top-ranking candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias F Projahn
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Steffen Möller
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Ali JH, Walter M. Combining old and new concepts in targeting telomerase for cancer therapy: transient, immediate, complete and combinatory attack (TICCA). Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:197. [PMID: 37679807 PMCID: PMC10483736 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03041-2] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Haj Ali
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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Zhang X, Yu Q, Wu Y, Zhang Y, He Y, Wang R, Yu X, Li S. Glc7/PP1 dephosphorylates histone H3T11 to regulate autophagy and telomere silencing in response to nutrient availability. Cell Discov 2023; 9:71. [PMID: 37433812 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
How cells adapt their gene expression to nutritional changes remains poorly understood. Histone H3T11 is phosphorylated by pyruvate kinase to repress gene transcription. Here, we identify the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), Glc7 as the enzyme that specifically dephosphorylates H3T11. We also characterize two novel Glc7-containing complexes and reveal their roles in regulating gene expression upon glucose starvation. Specifically, the Glc7-Sen1 complex dephosphorylates H3T11 to activate the transcription of autophagy-related genes. The Glc7-Rif1-Rap1 complex dephosphorylates H3T11 to derepress the transcription of telomere-proximal genes. Upon glucose starvation, Glc7 expression is up-regulated and more Glc7 translocates into the nucleus to dephosphorylate H3T11, leading to induction of autophagy and derepressed transcription of telomere-proximal genes. Furthermore, the functions of PP1/Glc7 and the two Glc7-containing complexes are conserved in mammals to regulate autophagy and telomere structure. Collectively, our results reveal a novel mechanism that regulate gene expression and chromatin structure in response to glucose availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yinsheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rongsha Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xilan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Ali JH, Abdeen Z, Azmi K, Berman T, Jager K, Barnett-Itzhaki Z, Walter M. Influence of exposure to pesticides on telomere length and pregnancy outcome: Diethylphosphates but not Dimethylphosphates are associated with accelerated telomere attrition in a Palestinian cohort. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114801. [PMID: 36989559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental pesticides during pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes such as low birth weight and impaired neuro-development. In this study, we assessed maternal leukocyte telomere lengths (TL) in Palestinian pregnant women and compared the data with urinary organophosphate concentrations, demographic, lifestyle and dietary factors, birth weight, body length, gestational age, and head circumference. Women with high urine levels of creatinine adjusted diethylphosphate(DE)derived pesticide metabolites DEP, DETP or DEDTP had shorter telomeres (p = 0.05). Women living in proximity to agricultural fields had shorter telomeres compared to women not living in proximity to agricultural fields (p = 0.011). Regular consumption of organic food was associated with shorter telomeres (p = 0.01), whereas the consumption of other vegetables such as artichokes was rather associated with longer telomeres. By contrast, urine levels of dimethylphosphate(DM)-derived pesticide metabolites DMTP and DMDTP were associated with lower birth weight (p = 0.05) but not with shrter telomeres. In conclusion organophosphate pesticides and living in proximity to agriculture are associated with shorter TL, likely due to higher consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables and/or the transport of pesticides to non-treatment sites. DE and DM substituted pesticides seem to have different effects on telomeres and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Haj Ali
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Consulting Medical Laboratory, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ziad Abdeen
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Kifaya Azmi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, The West Bank, Palestine; Al-Quds Public Health Society, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Tamar Berman
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kathrin Jager
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki
- Ruppin Research Group in Environmental and Social Sustainability, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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Lin H, Mensch J, Haschke M, Jäger K, Köttgen B, Dernedde J, Orsó E, Walter M. Establishment and Characterization of hTERT Immortalized Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Fibroblast Cell Lines. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182784. [PMID: 36139359 PMCID: PMC9497314 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging syndrome caused by a dominant mutation in the LMNA gene. Previous research has shown that the ectopic expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) can elongate the telomeres of the patients’ fibroblasts. Here, we established five immortalized HGP fibroblast cell lines using retroviral infection with the catalytic subunit of hTERT. Immortalization enhanced the proliferative life span by at least 50 population doublings (PDs). The number of cells with typical senescence signs was reduced by 63 + 17%. Furthermore, the growth increase and phenotype improvement occurred with a lag phase of 50–100 days and was not dependent on the degree of telomere elongation. The initial telomeric stabilization after hTERT infection and relatively low amounts of hTERT mRNA were sufficient for the phenotype improvement but the retroviral infection procedure was associated with transient cell stress. Our data have implications for therapeutic strategies in HGP and other premature aging syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihuan Lin
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Mensch
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Maria Haschke
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Kathrin Jäger
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Köttgen
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Dernedde
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Evelyn Orsó
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence:
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