1
|
Braish J, Cerchione C, Ferrajoli A. An overview of prognostic markers in patients with CLL. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1371057. [PMID: 38817892 PMCID: PMC11137234 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. It is the most prevalent type of leukemia in the western countries, with a median age at diagnosis of 70 years. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 18,740 new cases of CLL, and an estimated 4,490 people will die of this disease. It represents 1.0% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. The rate of new cases was 4.6 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2016-2020 cases, age-adjusted. Death rates from CLL are higher among older adults, or those 75 and older. The death rate was 1.1 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2016-2020 deaths, age-adjusted. A common question that patients with CLL ask during their first clinic visit is: "How long will it be before I would need treatment?" Although this might seem like a simple question, the answer is not straight forward. CLL is a heterogenous disease, with a variable clinical course. Some patients may present with an aggressive disease requiring early initiation of treatment, while others have an indolent course and some, having so called smoldering CLL, may never need treatment. The variability in disease course can make predicting disease prognosis a complicated process. This brings forth the importance of establishing prognostic models that can predict disease course, time to treatment, and survival outcomes in such a heterogenous disease. The Rai and Binet staging systems were developed in the late 1970s to early 1980s. They separated patients into different stages based on clinical characteristics and laboratory findings. These simple staging systems are still in use; however, several prognostic markers need to be added for an individualized assessment and, with the recent development of genomic techniques leading to better understanding of CLL at the molecular level, newer prognostic markers have emerged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Braish
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori “Dino Amadori” (IRST), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chatterjee S, Starrett GJ. Microhomology-mediated repair machinery and its relationship with HPV-mediated oncogenesis. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29674. [PMID: 38757834 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a diverse family of non-enveloped dsDNA viruses that infect the skin and mucosal epithelia. Persistent HPV infections can lead to cancer frequently involving integration of the virus into the host genome, leading to sustained oncogene expression and loss of capsid and genome maintenance proteins. Microhomology-mediated double-strand break repair, a DNA double-stranded breaks repair pathway present in many organisms, was initially thought to be a backup but it's now seen as vital, especially in homologous recombination-deficient contexts. Increasing evidence has identified microhomology (MH) near HPV integration junctions, suggesting MH-mediated repair pathways drive integration. In this comprehensive review, we present a detailed summary of both the mechanisms underlying MH-mediated repair and the evidence for its involvement in HPV integration in cancer. Lastly, we highlight the involvement of these processes in the integration of other DNA viruses and the broader implications on virus lifecycles and host innate immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Chatterjee
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabriel J Starrett
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nassour J, Przetocka S, Karlseder J. Telomeres as hotspots for innate immunity and inflammation. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103591. [PMID: 37951043 PMCID: PMC10842095 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Aging is marked by the gradual accumulation of deleterious changes that disrupt organ function, creating an altered physiological state that is permissive for the onset of prevalent human diseases. While the exact mechanisms governing aging remain a subject of ongoing research, there are several cellular and molecular hallmarks that contribute to this biological process. This review focuses on two factors, namely telomere dysfunction and inflammation, which have emerged as crucial contributors to the aging process. We aim to discuss the mechanistic connections between these two distinct hallmarks and provide compelling evidence highlighting the loss of telomere protection as a driver of pro-inflammatory states associated with aging. By reevaluating the interplay between telomeres, innate immunity, and inflammation, we present novel perspectives on the etiology of aging and its associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Nassour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sara Przetocka
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jan Karlseder
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Blechter B, Chien LH, Chen TY, Chang IS, Choudhury PP, Hsiao CF, Shu XO, Wong JYY, Chen KY, Chang GC, Tsai YH, Su WC, Huang MS, Chen YM, Chen CY, Hung HH, Hu JW, Shi J, Zheng W, Rositch AF, Chen CJ, Chatterjee N, Yang PC, Rothman N, Hsiung CA, Lan Q. Polygenic Risk Score, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, and Risk of Lung Adenocarcinoma in Never-Smoking Women in Taiwan. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2339254. [PMID: 37955902 PMCID: PMC10644212 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.39254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Estimating absolute risk of lung cancer for never-smoking individuals is important to inform lung cancer screening programs. Objectives To integrate data on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), a known lung cancer risk factor, with a polygenic risk score (PRS) that captures overall genetic susceptibility, to estimate the absolute risk of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) among never-smokers in Taiwan. Design, Setting, and Participants The analyses were conducted in never-smoking women in the Taiwan Genetic Epidemiology Study of Lung Adenocarcinoma, a case-control study. Participants were recruited between September 17, 2002, and March 30, 2011. Data analysis was performed from January 17 to July 15, 2022. Exposures A PRS was derived using 25 genetic variants that achieved genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10-8) in a recent genome-wide association study, and ETS was defined as never exposed, exposed at home or at work, and exposed at home and at work. Main Outcomes and Measures The Individualized Coherent Absolute Risk Estimator software was used to estimate the lifetime absolute risk of LUAD in never-smoking women aged 40 years over a projected 40-year span among the controls by using the relative risk estimates for the PRS and ETS exposures, as well as age-specific lung cancer incidence rates for never-smokers in Taiwan. Likelihood ratio tests were conducted to assess an additive interaction between the PRS and ETS exposure. Results Data were obtained on 1024 women with LUAD (mean [SD] age, 59.6 [11.4] years, 47.9% ever exposed to ETS at home, and 19.5% ever exposed to ETS at work) and 1024 controls (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [11.0] years, 37.0% ever exposed to ETS at home, and 14.3% ever exposed to ETS at work). The overall average lifetime 40-year absolute risk of LUAD estimated using PRS alone was 2.5% (range, 0.6%-10.3%) among women never exposed to ETS. When integrating both ETS and PRS data, the estimated absolute risk was 3.7% (range, 0.6%-14.5%) for women exposed to ETS at home or work and 5.3% (range, 1.2%-12.1%) for women exposed to ETS at home and work. A super-additive interaction between ETS and the PRS (P = 6.5 × 10-4 for interaction) was identified. Conclusions and Relevance This study found differences in absolute risk of LUAD attributed to genetic susceptibility according to levels of ETS exposure in never-smoking women. Future studies are warranted to integrate these findings in expanded risk models for LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batel Blechter
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Li-Hsin Chien
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Chung Yuan Christian University, Zhongli, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yu Chen
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - I-Shou Chang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Parichoy Pal Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
- Now with American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Chin-Fu Hsiao
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Xiao-Ou Shu
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jason Y. Y. Wong
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
- Now with Epidemiology and Community Health Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kuan-Yu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gee-Chen Chang
- School of Medicine and Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Huang Tsai
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shyan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Min Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yi Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Han Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Wei Hu
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jianxin Shi
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Wei Zheng
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Anne F. Rositch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nilanjan Chatterjee
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pan-Chyr Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Chao Agnes Hsiung
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Qing Lan
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yegorov YE. Olovnikov, Telomeres, and Telomerase. Is It Possible to Prolong a Healthy Life? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1704-1718. [PMID: 38105192 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110032] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The science of telomeres and telomerase has made tremendous progress in recent decades. In this review, we consider it first in a historical context (the Carrel-Hayflick-Olovnikov-Blackburn chain of discoveries) and then review current knowledge on the telomere structure and dynamics in norm and pathology. Central to the review are consequences of the telomere shortening, including telomere position effects, DNA damage signaling, and increased genetic instability. Cell senescence and role of telomere length in its development are discussed separately. Therapeutic aspects and risks of telomere lengthening methods including use of telomerase and other approaches are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yegor E Yegorov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tsatsakis A, Oikonomopoulou T, Nikolouzakis TK, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis M, Flamourakis M, Renieri E, Fragkiadaki P, Iliaki E, Bachlitzanaki M, Karzi V, Katsikantami I, Kakridonis F, Hatzidaki E, Tolia M, Svistunov AA, Spandidos DA, Nikitovic D, Tsiaoussis J, Berdiaki A. Role of telomere length in human carcinogenesis (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:78. [PMID: 37232367 PMCID: PMC10552730 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is considered the most important clinical, social and economic issue regarding cause‑specific disability‑adjusted life years among all human pathologies. Exogenous, endogenous and individual factors, including genetic predisposition, participate in cancer triggering. Telomeres are specific DNA structures positioned at the end of chromosomes and consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences, which, together with shelterin proteins, facilitate the maintenance of chromosome stability, while protecting them from genomic erosion. Even though the connection between telomere status and carcinogenesis has been identified, the absence of a universal or even a cancer‑specific trend renders consent even more complex. It is indicative that both short and long telomere lengths have been associated with a high risk of cancer incidence. When evaluating risk associations between cancer and telomere length, a disparity appears to emerge. Even though shorter telomeres have been adopted as a marker of poorer health status and an older biological age, longer telomeres due to increased cell growth potential are associated with the acquirement of cancer‑initiating somatic mutations. Therefore, the present review aimed to comprehensively present the multifaceted pattern of telomere length and cancer incidence association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Tatiana Oikonomopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Taxiarchis Konstantinos Nikolouzakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Evaggelia Iliaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Bachlitzanaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion
| | - Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Ioanna Katsikantami
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Fotios Kakridonis
- Department of Spine Surgery and Scoliosis, KAT General Hospital, 14561 Athens
| | - Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andrey A. Svistunov
- Department of Pharmacology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lansdorp PM. Telomeres, Telomerase and Cancer. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:741-746. [PMID: 36334946 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase play a crucial role in human aging and cancer. Three "drivers" of human aging can be identified. The developmental program encoded in DNA is the primary determinant of lifespan. Faithful execution of the developmental program requires stability of the (epi-)genome which is challenged throughout life by damage to DNA as well as epigenetic 'scars' from error-free DNA repair and stochastic errors made during the establishment and maintenance of the "epigenome". Over time (epi-)mutations accumulate, compromising cellular function and causing (pre-)malignant alterations. Damage to the genome and epigenome can be considered the second "driver" of aging. A third driver of the aging process, important to suppress tumors in long-lived animals, is caused by progressive loss of telomeric DNA. Telomere erosion protects against cancer early in life but limits cell renewal late in life, in agreement with the Antagonistic Pleiotropy theory on the evolutionary origin of aging. Malignant tumors arise when mutations and/or epimutations in cells (clock 2) corrupt the developmental program (clock 1) as well as tumor suppression by telomere erosion (clock 3). In cancer cells clock 3 is typically inactivated by loss of p53 as well as increased expression of telomerase. Taken together, aging in humans can be described by the ticking of three clocks: the clock that directs development, the accumulation of (epi-)mutations over time and the telomere clock that limits the number of cell divisions in normal stem and immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Lansdorp
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Geiller HEB, Harvey A, Jones RE, Grimstead JW, Cleal K, Hendrickson EA, Baird DM. ATRX modulates the escape from a telomere crisis. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010485. [PMID: 36350851 PMCID: PMC9678338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity is the principal telomere maintenance mechanism in human cancers, however 15% of cancers utilise a recombination-based mechanism referred to as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) that leads to long and heterogenous telomere length distributions. Loss-of-function mutations in the Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation Syndrome X-Linked (ATRX) gene are frequently found in ALT cancers. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of ATRX, coupled with telomere dysfunction during crisis, is sufficient to initiate activation of the ALT pathway and that it confers replicative immortality in human fibroblasts. Additionally, loss of ATRX combined with a telomere-driven crisis in HCT116 epithelial cancer cells led to the initiation of an ALT-like pathway. In these cells, a rapid and precise telomeric elongation and the induction of C-circles was observed; however, this process was transient and the telomeres ultimately continued to erode such that the cells either died or the escape from crisis was associated with telomerase activation. In both of these instances, telomere sequencing revealed that all alleles, irrespective of whether they were elongated, were enriched in variant repeat types, that appeared to be cell-line specific. Thus, our data show that the loss of ATRX combined with telomere dysfunction during crisis induces the ALT pathway in fibroblasts and enables a transient activation of ALT in epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene E. B. Geiller
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Harvey
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rhiannon E. Jones
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Julia W. Grimstead
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Eric A. Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Duncan M. Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jiang Y. Contribution of Microhomology to Genome Instability: Connection between DNA Repair and Replication Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12937. [PMID: 36361724 PMCID: PMC9657218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) is a highly mutagenic pathway to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs). MMEJ was thought to be a backup pathway of homologous recombination (HR) and canonical nonhomologous end joining (C-NHEJ). However, it attracts more attention in cancer research due to its special function of microhomology in many different aspects of cancer. In particular, it is initiated with DNA end resection and upregulated in homologous recombination-deficient cancers. In this review, I summarize the following: (1) the recent findings and contributions of MMEJ to genome instability, including phenotypes relevant to MMEJ; (2) the interaction between MMEJ and other DNA repair pathways; (3) the proposed mechanistic model of MMEJ in DNA DSB repair and a new connection with microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (MMBIR); and (4) the potential clinical application by targeting MMEJ based on synthetic lethality for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cytogenetics in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: ERIC Perspectives and Recommendations. Hemasphere 2022; 6:e707. [PMID: 35392482 PMCID: PMC8984316 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence underscores the clinical value of cytogenetic analysis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), particularly as it allows the identification of complex karyotype, that has recently emerged as a prognostic and potentially predictive biomarker. That said, explicit recommendations regarding the methodology and clinical interpretation of either chromosome banding analysis (CBA) or chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) are still lacking. We herein present the consensus of the Cytogenetic Steering Scientific Committee of ERIC, the European Research Initiative on CLL, regarding methodological issues as well as clinical interpretation of CBA/CMA and discuss their relevance in CLL. ERIC considers CBA standardized and feasible for CLL on the condition that standards are met, extending from the use of novel mitogens to the accurate interpretation of the findings. On the other hand, CMA, is also standardized, however, robust data on its clinical utility are still scarce. In conclusion, cytogenetic analysis is not yet mature enough to guide treatment choices in CLL. That notwithstanding, ERIC encourages the wide application of CBA, and potentially also CMA, in clinical trials in order to obtain robust evidence regarding the predictive value of specific cytogenetic profiles towards refining risk stratification and improving the management of patients with CLL.
Collapse
|
11
|
Telomeres, aging, and cancer: the big picture. Blood 2022; 139:813-821. [PMID: 35142846 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of telomeres in human health and disease is yet to be fully understood. The limitations of mouse models for the study of human telomere biology and difficulties in accurately measuring the length of telomere repeats in chromosomes and cells have diverted attention from many important and relevant observations. The goal of this perspective is to summarize some of these observations and to discuss the antagonistic role of telomere loss in aging and cancer in the context of developmental biology, cell turnover, and evolution. It is proposed that both damage to DNA and replicative loss of telomeric DNA contribute to aging in humans, with the differences in leukocyte telomere length between humans being linked to the risk of developing specific diseases. These ideas are captured in the Telomere Erosion in Disposable Soma theory of aging proposed herein.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zavacka K, Plevova K. Chromothripsis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Driving Force of Genome Instability. Front Oncol 2021; 11:771664. [PMID: 34900721 PMCID: PMC8661134 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.771664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromothripsis represents a mechanism of massive chromosome shattering and reassembly leading to the formation of derivative chromosomes with abnormal functions and expression. It has been observed in many cancer types, importantly, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Due to the associated chromosomal rearrangements, it has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of the disease. Recent studies have suggested that chromothripsis may be more common than initially inferred, especially in CLL cases with adverse clinical outcome. Here, we review the main features of chromothripsis, the challenges of its assessment, and the potential benefit of its detection. We summarize recent findings of chromothripsis occurrence across hematological malignancies and address its causes and consequences in the context of CLL clinical features, as well as chromothripsis-related molecular abnormalities described in published CLL studies. Furthermore, we discuss the use of the current knowledge about genome functions associated with chromothripsis in the optimization of treatment strategies in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Zavacka
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno & Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Center of Molecular Medicine, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Karla Plevova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno & Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Center of Molecular Medicine, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, University Hospital Brno & Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roger L, Tomas F, Gire V. Mechanisms and Regulation of Cellular Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313173. [PMID: 34884978 PMCID: PMC8658264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence entails a state of an essentially irreversible proliferative arrest in which cells remain metabolically active and secrete a range of pro-inflammatory and proteolytic factors as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. There are different types of senescent cells, and senescence can be induced in response to many DNA damage signals. Senescent cells accumulate in different tissues and organs where they have distinct physiological and pathological functions. Despite this diversity, all senescent cells must be able to survive in a nondividing state while protecting themselves from positive feedback loops linked to the constant activation of the DNA damage response. This capacity requires changes in core cellular programs. Understanding how different cell types can undergo extensive changes in their transcriptional programs, metabolism, heterochromatin patterns, and cellular structures to induce a common cellular state is crucial to preventing cancer development/progression and to improving health during aging. In this review, we discuss how senescent cells continuously evolve after their initial proliferative arrest and highlight the unifying features that define the senescent state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauréline Roger
- Structure and Instability of Genomes Laboratory, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS-UMR 7196/INSERM U1154, 43 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Fanny Tomas
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France;
| | - Véronique Gire
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier (CRBM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5237, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-434359513; Fax: +33-(0)-434359410
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Telomere Shortening and Fusions: A Link to Aneuploidy in Early Human Embryo Development. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2021; 76:429-436. [PMID: 34324695 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Importance It is known that oocytes undergo aging that is caused by exposure to an aged ovarian microenvironment. Telomere length in mouse and bovine oocytes declines with age, and age-associated telomere shortening in oocytes is considered a sign of poor development competency. Women with advanced age undergoing assisted reproductive technologies have poor outcomes because of increasing aneuploidy rates with age. Research has shown that aneuploidy is associated with DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and telomere dysfunction. Objective In this review, we focus on the possible relationship between telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in human early embryo development and several reproductive and perinatal outcomes, discussing the mechanism of aneuploidy caused by telomere shortening and fusion in human embryos. Evidence Acquisition We reviewed the current literature evidence concerning telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in early human embryo development. Results Shorter telomeres in oocytes, leukocytes, and granulosa cells, related to aging in women, were associated with recurrent miscarriage, trisomy 21, ovarian insufficiency, and decreasing chance of in vitro fertilization success. Telomere length and telomerase activity in embryos have been related to the common genomic instability at the cleavage stage of human development. Complications of assisted reproductive technology pregnancies, such as miscarriage, birth defects, preterm births, and intrauterine growth restriction, also might result from telomere shortening as observed in oocytes, polar body, granulosa cells, and embryos. Conclusions and Relevance Telomere length clearly plays an important role in the development of the embryo and fetus, and the abnormal shortening of telomeres is likely involved in embryo loss during early human development. However, telomere fusion studies have yet to be performed in early human development.
Collapse
|
15
|
Norris K, Walne AJ, Ponsford MJ, Cleal K, Grimstead JW, Ellison A, Alnajar J, Dokal I, Vulliamy T, Baird DM. High-throughput STELA provides a rapid test for the diagnosis of telomere biology disorders. Hum Genet 2021; 140:945-955. [PMID: 33709208 PMCID: PMC8099822 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Telomere biology disorders are complex clinical conditions that arise due to mutations in genes required for telomere maintenance. Telomere length has been utilised as part of the diagnostic work-up of patients with these diseases; here, we have tested the utility of high-throughput STELA (HT-STELA) for this purpose. HT-STELA was applied to a cohort of unaffected individuals (n = 171) and a retrospective cohort of mutation carriers (n = 172). HT-STELA displayed a low measurement error with inter- and intra-assay coefficient of variance of 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively. Whilst telomere length in unaffected individuals declined as a function of age, telomere length in mutation carriers appeared to increase due to a preponderance of shorter telomeres detected in younger individuals (< 20 years of age). These individuals were more severely affected, and age-adjusted telomere length differentials could be used to stratify the cohort for overall survival (Hazard Ratio = 5.6 (1.5-20.5); p < 0.0001). Telomere lengths of asymptomatic mutation carriers were shorter than controls (p < 0.0001), but longer than symptomatic mutation carriers (p < 0.0001) and telomere length heterogeneity was dependent on the diagnosis and mutational status. Our data show that the ability of HT-STELA to detect short telomere lengths, that are not readily detected with other methods, means it can provide powerful diagnostic discrimination and prognostic information. The rapid format, with a low measurement error, demonstrates that HT-STELA is a new high-quality laboratory test for the clinical diagnosis of an underlying telomeropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Norris
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Amanda J Walne
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Mark J Ponsford
- Immunodeficiency Centre for Wales, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Julia W Grimstead
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Alicia Ellison
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Jenna Alnajar
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Inderjeet Dokal
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Tom Vulliamy
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim WT, Hennick K, Johnson J, Finnerty B, Choo S, Short SB, Drubin C, Forster R, McMaster ML, Hockemeyer D. Cancer-associated POT1 mutations lead to telomere elongation without induction of a DNA damage response. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107346. [PMID: 33934394 PMCID: PMC8204863 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the shelterin protein POT1 are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin lymphoma, angiosarcoma, melanoma, and other cancers. These cancer‐associated POT1 (caPOT1) mutations are generally heterozygous, missense, or nonsense mutations occurring throughout the POT1 reading frame. Cancers with caPOT1 mutations have elongated telomeres and show increased genomic instability, but which of the two phenotypes promotes tumorigenesis is unclear. We tested the effects of CAS9‐engineered caPOT1 mutations in human embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells (hESCs and HSCs, respectively). HSCs with caPOT1 mutations did not show overt telomere damage. In vitro and in vivo competition experiments showed the caPOT1 mutations did not confer a selective disadvantage. Since DNA damage signaling is known to affect the fitness of HSCs, the data argue that caPOT1 mutations do not cause significant telomere damage. Furthermore, hESC lines with caPOT1 mutations showed no detectable telomere damage response while showing consistent telomere elongation. Thus, caPOT1 mutations are likely selected for during cancer progression because of their ability to elongate telomeres and extend the proliferative capacity of the incipient cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Tae Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey Hennick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Johnson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Brendan Finnerty
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Seunga Choo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sarah B Short
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Casey Drubin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Forster
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mary L McMaster
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dirk Hockemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Decades of study on cell cycle regulation have provided great insight into human cellular life span barriers, as well as their dysregulation during tumorigenesis. Telomeres, the extremities of linear chromosomes, perform an essential role in implementing these proliferative boundaries and preventing the propagation of potentially cancerous cells. The tumor-suppressive function of telomeres relies on their ability to initiate DNA damage signaling pathways and downstream cellular events, ranging from cell cycle perturbation to inflammation and cell death. While the tumor-suppressor role of telomeres is undoubtable, recent advances have pointed to telomeres as a major source of many of the genomic aberrations found in both early- and late-stage cancers, including the most recently discovered mutational phenomenon of chromothripsis. Telomere shortening appears as a double-edged sword that can function in opposing directions in carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the dual role of telomeres in cancer and suggests a new perspective to reconcile the paradox of telomeres and their implications in cancer etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Nassour
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Tobias T Schmidt
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Jan Karlseder
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liddiard K, Grimstead JW, Cleal K, Evans A, Baird DM. Tracking telomere fusions through crisis reveals conflict between DNA transcription and the DNA damage response. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcaa044. [PMID: 33447828 PMCID: PMC7787266 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying attributes that distinguish pre-malignant from senescent cells provides opportunities for targeted disease eradication and revival of anti-tumour immunity. We modelled a telomere-driven crisis in four human fibroblast lines, sampling at multiple time points to delineate genomic rearrangements and transcriptome developments that characterize the transition from dynamic proliferation into replicative crisis. Progression through crisis was associated with abundant intra-chromosomal telomere fusions with increasing asymmetry and reduced microhomology usage, suggesting shifts in DNA repair capacity. Eroded telomeres also fused with genomic loci actively engaged in transcription, with particular enrichment in long genes. Both gross copy number alterations and transcriptional responses to crisis likely underpin the elevated frequencies of telomere fusion with chromosomes 9, 16, 17, 19 and most exceptionally, chromosome 12. Juxtaposition of crisis-regulated genes with loci undergoing de novo recombination exposes the collusive contributions of cellular stress responses to the evolving cancer genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Liddiard
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Julia W Grimstead
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Anna Evans
- Wales Gene Park, Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Subecz C, Sun JS, Roger L. Effect of DNA repair inhibitor AsiDNA on the incidence of telomere fusion in crisis. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:172-181. [PMID: 33480989 PMCID: PMC8091035 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere fusions lead to a state of genomic instability, and are thought to drive clonal evolution and tumorigenesis. Telomere fusions occur via both Classical and Alternative Non-Homologous End Joining repair pathways. AsiDNA is a DNA repair inhibitor that acts by mimicking a DNA double strand break (DSB) and hijacking the recruitment of proteins involved in various DNA repair pathways. In this study, we investigated whether the inhibition of DSB-repair pathways by AsiDNA could prevent telomere fusions during crisis. The present study showed that AsiDNA decreased the frequency of telomere fusions without affecting the rate of telomere erosion. Further, it indicated that AsiDNA does not impact the choice of the repair pathway used for the fusion of short dysfunctional telomeres. AsiDNA is thought to prevent short telomeres from fusing by inhibiting DNA repair. An alternative, non-mutually exclusive possibility is that cells harbouring fusions preferentially die in the presence of AsiDNA, thus resulting in a reduction in fusion frequency. This important work could open the way for investigating the use of AsiDNA in the treatment of tumours that have short dysfunctional telomeres and/or are experiencing genomic instability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Subecz
- Structure and Instability of Genomes laboratory, "Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle" (MNHN), Inserm U1154, CNRS UMR 7196, Paris, France
| | - Jian-Sheng Sun
- Structure and Instability of Genomes laboratory, "Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle" (MNHN), Inserm U1154, CNRS UMR 7196, Paris, France
| | - Lauréline Roger
- Structure and Instability of Genomes laboratory, "Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle" (MNHN), Inserm U1154, CNRS UMR 7196, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jebaraj BMC, Stilgenbauer S. Telomere Dysfunction in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 10:612665. [PMID: 33520723 PMCID: PMC7844343 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.612665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleprotein structures that cap the chromosomal ends, conferring genomic stability. Alterations in telomere maintenance and function are associated with tumorigenesis. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), telomere length is an independent prognostic factor and short telomeres are associated with adverse outcome. Though telomere length associations have been suggested to be only a passive reflection of the cell's replication history, here, based on published findings, we suggest a more dynamic role of telomere dysfunction in shaping the disease course. Different members of the shelterin complex, which form the telomere structure have deregulated expression and POT1 is recurrently mutated in about 3.5% of CLL. In addition, cases with short telomeres have higher telomerase (TERT) expression and activity. TERT activation and shelterin deregulation thus may be pivotal in maintaining the minimal telomere length necessary to sustain survival and proliferation of CLL cells. On the other hand, activation of DNA damage response and repair signaling at dysfunctional telomeres coupled with checkpoint deregulation, leads to terminal fusions and genomic complexity. In summary, multiple components of the telomere system are affected and they play an important role in CLL pathogenesis, progression, and clonal evolution. However, processes leading to shelterin deregulation as well as cell intrinsic and microenvironmental factors underlying TERT activation are poorly understood. The present review comprehensively summarizes the complex interplay of telomere dysfunction in CLL and underline the mechanisms that are yet to be deciphered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Adishesh M, Alnafakh R, Baird DM, Jones RE, Simon S, Button L, Kamal AM, Kirwan J, DeCruze SB, Drury J, Saretzki G, Hapangama DK. Human Endometrial Carcinogenesis Is Associated with Significant Reduction in Long Non-Coding RNA, TERRA. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8686. [PMID: 33217925 PMCID: PMC7698627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are transcribed as long non-coding RNAs called TERRAs (Telomeric repeat containing RNA) that participate in a variety of cellular regulatory functions. High telomerase activity (TA) is associated with endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to examine the levels of three TERRAs, transcribed at chromosomes 1q-2q-4q-10q-13q-22q, 16p and 20q in healthy (n = 23) and pathological (n = 24) human endometrium and to examine their association with cellular proliferation, TA and telomere lengths. EC samples demonstrated significantly reduced levels of TERRAs for Chromosome 16p (Ch-16p) (p < 0.002) and Chromosome 20q (Ch-20q) (p = 0.0006), when compared with the postmenopausal samples. No significant correlation was found between TERRA levels and TA but both Ch-16p and Ch-20q TERRA levels negatively correlated with the proliferative marker Ki67 (r = -0.35, p = 0.03 and r = -0.42, p = 0.01 respectively). Evaluation of single telomere length analysis (STELA) at XpYp telomeres demonstrated a significant shortening in EC samples when compared with healthy tissues (p = 0.002). We detected TERRAs in healthy human endometrium and observed altered individual TERRA-specific levels in malignant endometrium. The negative correlation of TERRAs with cellular proliferation along with their significant reduction in EC may suggest a role for TERRAs in carcinogenesis and thus future research should explore TERRAs as potential therapeutic targets in EC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meera Adishesh
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (M.A.); (J.K.); (S.B.D.)
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
| | - Rafah Alnafakh
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
| | - Duncan M. Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (D.M.B.); (R.E.J.)
| | - Rhiannon E. Jones
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (D.M.B.); (R.E.J.)
| | - Shannon Simon
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
| | - Lucy Button
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
| | - Areege M. Kamal
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
- The National Centre for Early Detection of Cancer, Oncology Teaching Hospital, Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - John Kirwan
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (M.A.); (J.K.); (S.B.D.)
| | - S. Bridget DeCruze
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (M.A.); (J.K.); (S.B.D.)
| | - Josephine Drury
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
| | - Gabriele Saretzki
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK;
| | - Dharani K. Hapangama
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (M.A.); (J.K.); (S.B.D.)
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (S.S.); (L.B.); (A.M.K.); (J.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nogueira BMD, Machado CB, Montenegro RC, DE Moraes MEA, Moreira-Nunes CA. Telomere Length and Hematological Disorders: A Review. In Vivo 2020; 34:3093-3101. [PMID: 33144412 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres compose the end portions of human chromosomes, and their main function is to protect the genome. In hematological disorders, telomeres are shortened, predisposing to genetic instability that may cause DNA damage and chromosomal rearrangements, inducing a poor clinical outcome. Studies from 2010 to 2019 were compiled and experimental studies using samples of patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies that reported the size of the telomeres were described. Abnormal telomere shortening is described in cancer, but in hematological neoplasms, telomeres are still shortened even after telomerase reactivation. In this study, we compared the sizes of telomeres in leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome and lymphomas, identifying that the smallest telomeres are present in patients at relapse. In conclusion, the experimental and clinical data analyzed in this review demonstrate that excessive telomere shortening is present in major hematological malignancies and its analysis and measurement is a crucial step in determining patient prognosis, predicting disease risk and assisting in the decision for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Maria Dias Nogueira
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Caio Bezerra Machado
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Raquel Carvalho Montenegro
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabete Amaral DE Moraes
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Caroline Aquino Moreira-Nunes
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Aramburu T, Plucinsky S, Skordalakes E. POT1-TPP1 telomere length regulation and disease. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:1939-1946. [PMID: 32774788 PMCID: PMC7385035 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are DNA repeats at the ends of linear chromosomes and are replicated by telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase. Telomere length regulation and chromosome end capping are essential for genome stability and are mediated primarily by the shelterin and CST complexes. POT1-TPP1, a subunit of shelterin, binds the telomeric overhang, suppresses ATR-dependent DNA damage response, and recruits telomerase to telomeres for DNA replication. POT1 localization to telomeres and chromosome end protection requires its interaction with TPP1. Therefore, the POT1-TPP1 complex is critical to telomere maintenance and full telomerase processivity. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize recent POT1-TPP1 structural studies and discuss how the complex contributes to telomere length regulation. In addition, we review how disruption of POT1-TPP1 function leads to human disease.
Collapse
Key Words
- ATM, Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated protein
- ATR, Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related Protein
- CST, CTC1, Stn1 and Ten1
- CTC1, Conserved Telomere Capping Protein 1
- POT1
- POT1, Protection of telomere 1
- RAP1, Repressor/Activator Protein 1
- RPA, Replication Protein A
- SMCHD1, Structural Maintenance Of Chromosomes Flexible Hinge Domain Containing 1
- Shelterin
- Stn1, Suppressor of Cdc Thirteen
- TERC, Telomerase RNA
- TERT, Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase
- TIN2, TRF1- and TRF2-Interacting Nuclear Protein 2
- TPP1
- TPP1 also known as ACD, Adrenocortical Dysplasia Protein Homolog
- TRF1, Telomere Repeat binding Factor 1
- TRF2, Telomere Repeat binding Factor 2
- TSPYL5, Testis-specific Y-encoded-like protein 5
- Telomerase
- Telomeres
- Ten1, Telomere Length Regulation Protein
- USP7, ubiquitin-specific-processing protease 7
Collapse
|
24
|
Cleal K, Baird DM. Catastrophic Endgames: Emerging Mechanisms of Telomere-Driven Genomic Instability. Trends Genet 2020; 36:347-359. [PMID: 32294415 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
When cells progress to malignancy, they must overcome a final telomere-mediated proliferative lifespan barrier called replicative crisis. Crisis is characterized by extensive telomere fusion that drives widespread genomic instability, mitotic arrest, hyperactivation of autophagy, and cell death. Recently, it has become apparent that that the resolution of dicentric chromosomes, which arise from telomere fusions during crisis, can initiate a sequence of events that leads to chromothripsis, a form of extreme genomic catastrophe. Chromothripsis is characterized by localized genomic regions containing tens to thousands of rearrangements and it is becoming increasingly apparent that chromothripsis occurs widely across tumor types and has a clinical impact. Here we discuss how telomere dysfunction can initiate genomic complexity and the emerging mechanisms of chromothripsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Telomere instability initiates and then boosts carcinogenesis by the butterfly effect. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 60:92-98. [PMID: 32199233 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are composed of DNA repeat sequences at the ends of chromosomes that recruit a multitude of proteins to form a complex loop structure at each extremity. The integrity of this structure is critical and correct conformation of the loop is essential for the protection of chromosome ends from DDR signaling. The properties of telomere composition and synthesis result in telomere shortening at each cell division, programming cellular lifespan by driving aged cells towards death. Indeed, many external factors, such as cellular stress, trigger cell-cycle dysfunction and, in some cases, enable the survival of cells with dysfunctionally short telomeres. Destabilized loops at chromosome ends can then lead to dramatic consequences, via a butterfly effect such as multiple chromosomal fusions and rearrangements causing large chromosomal deletions, XXL-LOH (loss of heterozygoty due to very large chromosome deletions, up to whole chromosome arm), the expression of recessive mutations, and potential cell transformation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Pepper C, Norris K, Fegan C. Clinical utility of telomere length measurements in cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 60:107-111. [PMID: 32220800 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the developed world and despite impressive advances in therapeutic modalities, only a small subset of patients are currently cured. The underlying genetic heterogeneity of cancers clearly plays a crucial role in determining both the clinical course of individual pathologies and their responses to standard treatments. Although every tumour is to some extent distinct, there are recurrent features of cancers that can be exploited as therapeutic targets and as prognostic and predictive biomarkers; one such attribute is telomere length. Here we discuss the utility of telomere length evaluation in cancer and describe some of the promise and challenges of bringing this into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Pepper
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9PX, United Kingdom.
| | - Kevin Norris
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Fegan
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University Medical School, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kwok M, Oldreive C, Rawstron AC, Goel A, Papatzikas G, Jones RE, Drennan S, Agathanggelou A, Sharma-Oates A, Evans P, Smith E, Dalal S, Mao J, Hollows R, Gordon N, Hamada M, Davies NJ, Parry H, Beggs AD, Munir T, Moreton P, Paneesha S, Pratt G, Taylor AMR, Forconi F, Baird DM, Cazier JB, Moss P, Hillmen P, Stankovic T. Integrative analysis of spontaneous CLL regression highlights genetic and microenvironmental interdependency in CLL. Blood 2020; 135:411-428. [PMID: 31794600 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous regression is a recognized phenomenon in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but its biological basis remains unknown. We undertook a detailed investigation of the biological and clinical features of 20 spontaneous CLL regression cases incorporating phenotypic, functional, transcriptomic, and genomic studies at sequential time points. All spontaneously regressed tumors were IGHV-mutated with no restricted IGHV usage or B-cell receptor (BCR) stereotypy. They exhibited shortened telomeres similar to nonregressing CLL, indicating prior proliferation. They also displayed low Ki-67, CD49d, cell-surface immunoglobulin M (IgM) expression and IgM-signaling response but high CXCR4 expression, indicating low proliferative activity associated with poor migration to proliferation centers, with these features becoming increasingly marked during regression. Spontaneously regressed CLL displayed a transcriptome profile characterized by downregulation of metabolic processes as well as MYC and its downstream targets compared with nonregressing CLL. Moreover, spontaneous regression was associated with reversal of T-cell exhaustion features including reduced programmed cell death 1 expression and increased T-cell proliferation. Interestingly, archetypal CLL genomic aberrations including HIST1H1B and TP53 mutations and del(13q14) were found in some spontaneously regressing tumors, but genetic composition remained stable during regression. Conversely, a single case of CLL relapse following spontaneous regression was associated with increased BCR signaling, CLL proliferation, and clonal evolution. These observations indicate that spontaneously regressing CLL appear to undergo a period of proliferation before entering a more quiescent state, and that a complex interaction between genomic alterations and the microenvironment determines disease course. Together, the findings provide novel insight into the biological processes underpinning spontaneous CLL regression, with implications for CLL treatment.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cell Proliferation
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Immunoglobulin M/genetics
- Ki-67 Antigen/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Receptors, CXCR4/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Kwok
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri Oldreive
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andy C Rawstron
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Anshita Goel
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Grigorios Papatzikas
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rhiannon E Jones
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Drennan
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Angelo Agathanggelou
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Archana Sharma-Oates
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Evans
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Smith
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Surita Dalal
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jingwen Mao
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hollows
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Naheema Gordon
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mayumi Hamada
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Davies
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Parry
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Beggs
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Talha Munir
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Moreton
- Department of Haematology, Pinderfields General Hospital, Wakefield, United Kingdom
| | - Shankara Paneesha
- Department of Haematology, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Guy Pratt
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - A Malcolm R Taylor
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Forconi
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Baptiste Cazier
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Moss
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hillmen
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Section of Experimental Haematology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Tatjana Stankovic
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Brambati A, Barry RM, Sfeir A. DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) - an error-prone polymerase necessary for genome stability. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 60:119-126. [PMID: 32302896 PMCID: PMC7230004 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cells have evolved multiple pathways to repair DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and ensure genome stability. In addition to non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), cells evolved an error-prone repair pathway termed microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ). The mutagenic outcome of MMEJ derives from the activity of DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) - a multidomain enzyme that is minimally expressed in normal tissue but overexpressed in tumors. Polθ expression is particularly crucial for the proliferation of HR deficient cancer cells. As a result, this mutagenic repair emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy, and inhibitors are currently in pre-clinical development. Here, we review the multifunctionality of this enigmatic polymerase, focusing on its role during DSB repair in mammalian cells and its impact on cancer genomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Brambati
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Raymond Mario Barry
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Agnel Sfeir
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dewhurst SM. Chromothripsis and telomere crisis: engines of genome instability. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 60:41-47. [PMID: 32151946 PMCID: PMC7230029 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the early stages of carcinogenesis cells confront two key suppressive checkpoints; senescence and telomere crisis. Telomere crisis is characterized by massive chromosomal instability and cell death. The genetic instability initiated during crisis leaves detectable scars on cancer genomes, the full scope of which is only just beginning to be appreciated. In particular, the dramatic genome reshuffling phenomenon chromothripsis has been mechanistically linked to the resolution of DNA bridges formed by dicentric chromosomes, and by the shattering of DNA inside micronuclei. Furthermore, an intriguing connection to innate immune signaling has begun to position telomere crisis as a crucial stage not only in the evolution of the cancer genome, but also in the interaction between the genome and the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally M Dewhurst
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Anderson CB, Lipsky M, Nandula SV, Freeman CE, Matthews T, Walsh CE, Li G, Szabolcs M, Mansukhani MM, McKiernan JM, Murty VV. Cytogenetic analysis of 130 renal oncocytomas identify three distinct and mutually exclusive diagnostic classes of chromosome aberrations. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:6-12. [PMID: 31112346 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytogenetic alterations in renal oncocytoma (RO) are poorly understood. We analyzed 130 consecutive RO for karyotypic alterations. Clonal chromosome abnormalities were identified in 63 (49%) cases, which could be categorized into three classes of mutually exclusive cytogenetic categories. Class 1 (N = 20) RO had diploid karyotypes with characteristic 11q13 rearrangement in balanced translocations with 10 or more different chromosome partners in all cases. We identified recurrent translocation partners at 5q35, 6p21, 9p24, 11p13-14, and 11q23, and confirmed that CCND1 gene rearrangement at 11q13 utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Class 2 RO (N = 25) exhibited hypodiploid karyotypes with loss of chromosome 1 and/or losses of Y in males and X in females in all cases. The class 3 tumors comprising of 18 cases showed diverse types of abnormalities with the involvement of two or more chromosomes exclusive of abnormalities seen in classes 1 and 2 tumors. Furthermore, karyotypically uninformative cases were subjected to FISH analysis to identify classes 1 and 2 abnormalities. In this group, we found similar frequencies of CCND1 rearrangement, loss of chromosome 1 or Y as with karyotypically abnormal cases. We validated our results against 91 tumors from the Mitelman database. Correlation of clinical data with all the three classes of ROs showed no clear evidence of overall patient survival. Our findings support the hypothesis that RO exhibit three principal cytogenetic categories, which may have different roles in initiation and/or progression. These cytogenetic markers provide a key tool in the diagnostic evaluation of RO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Lipsky
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Christopher E Freeman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Matthews
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Caitlin E Walsh
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Gen Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Matthias Szabolcs
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mahesh M Mansukhani
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - James M McKiernan
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Vundavalli V Murty
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bhattacharya P, Dhanyamraju PK, Sarmah A, Jay MP, Jose CM, Dbritto S, Mallavarapu S, Patel TN. Mutational profiling of POT1 gene and its interaction with TPP1 in cancer- A computational approach. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
|
32
|
Norris K, Hillmen P, Rawstron A, Hills R, Baird DM, Fegan CD, Pepper C. Telomere length predicts for outcome to FCR chemotherapy in CLL. Leukemia 2019; 33:1953-1963. [PMID: 30700843 PMCID: PMC6756045 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0389-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that dividing patients with CLL into those with telomeres inside the fusogenic range (TL-IFR) and outside the fusogenic range (TL-OFR) is powerful prognostic tool. Here, we used a high-throughput version of the assay (HT-STELA) to establish whether telomere length could predict for outcome to fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab (FCR)-based treatment using samples collected from two concurrent phase II studies, ARCTIC and ADMIRE (n = 260). In univariate analysis, patients with TL-IFR had reduced progression-free survival (PFS) (P < 0.0001; HR = 2.17) and shorter overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0002; HR = 2.44). Bifurcation of the IGHV-mutated and unmutated subsets according to telomere length revealed that patients with TL-IFR in each subset had shorter PFS (HR = 4.35 and HR = 1.48, respectively) and shorter OS (HR = 3.81 and HR = 2.18, respectively). In addition, the OS of the TL-OFR and TL-IFR subsets were not significantly altered by IGHV mutation status (P = 0.61; HR = 1.24 and P = 0.41; HR = 1.47, respectively). In multivariate modeling, telomere length was the dominant co-variable for PFS (P = 0.0002; HR = 1.85) and OS (P = 0.05; HR = 1.61). Taken together, our data suggest that HT-STELA is a powerful predictor of outcome to FCR-based treatment and could be used to inform the design of future risk-adapted clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Norris
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Hillmen
- Section of Experimental Haematology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Andrew Rawstron
- Section of Experimental Haematology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert Hills
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LF, USA
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Christopher D Fegan
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chris Pepper
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
- University of Sussex, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Escudero L, Cleal K, Ashelford K, Fegan C, Pepper C, Liddiard K, Baird DM. Telomere fusions associate with coding sequence and copy number alterations in CLL. Leukemia 2019; 33:2093-2097. [PMID: 30796307 PMCID: PMC6690834 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Escudero
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kevin Ashelford
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chris Fegan
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chris Pepper
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex University, Brighton, UK
| | - Kate Liddiard
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Telomere length and its correlation with gene mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a Korean population. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220177. [PMID: 31335885 PMCID: PMC6650075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a prognostic indicator in Caucasian chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but its significance in Asian CLL remains unknown. To investigate the prognostic significance of TL and its correlation with cytogenetic aberrations and somatic mutations, we analyzed TL measurements at the cellular level by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in patients with CLL in Korea. The present study enrolled 110 patients (41 females and 69 males) diagnosed with CLL according to the World Health Organization criteria (2001-2017). TLs of bone marrow nucleated cells at the single-cell level were measured by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) in 71 patients. The correlations of TL with clinical characteristics, cytogenetic aberrations, genetic mutations, and overall survival were assessed. The median value of mean TL in CLL patients (T/C ratio 7.46 (range 1.19-18.14) was significantly shorter than that in the normal controls (T/C ratio 15.28 (range 8.59-24.93) (p < 0.001). Shorter TLs were associated with complex karyotypes (p = 0.030), del(11q22) (p = 0.023), presence of deletion and/or mutation in ATM and/or TP53 (p = 0.019), and SH2B3 mutation (p = 0.015). A shorter TL was correlated with lower hemoglobin levels and adverse survival (mean TL < 9.35, p = 0.021). When the proportion of cells with extremely short TLs (< 7.61) was greater than 90%, CLL patients showed poor survival (p = 0.002). Complex karyotypes, TP53 mutation, and the number of mutated genes were determined to be significant adverse variables by multivariable Cox analysis (p = 0.011, p = 0.002, and p = 0.002, respectively). TL was attrited in CLL, and attrited telomeres were correlated with adverse survival and other well-known adverse prognostic factors. We infer that TL is an independent adverse prognostic predictor in Korean CLL.
Collapse
|
35
|
Wysoczanska B, Dratwa M, Gebura K, Mizgala J, Mazur G, Wrobel T, Bogunia-Kubik K. Variability within the human TERT gene, telomere length and predisposition to chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:4309-4320. [PMID: 31239704 PMCID: PMC6551596 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s198313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase that is essential for maintenance of telomere length. We aimed to find out whether variability within the TERT gene could be associated with telomere length and development of the disease in non-treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Materials and methods: Telomere length, rs2736100, rs2853690, rs33954691, rs35033501 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR-MNS16A) were assessed in patients at diagnosis. In addition, blood donors served as controls for the polymorphism studies. Results: The minor rs35033501 A variant was more frequent among CLL patients than in healthy controls (OR=3.488, p=0.039). CLL patients over 60 years of age were characterized with lower disease stage at diagnosis (p=0.001 and p=0.008, for the Rai and Binet criteria, respectively). The MNS16A VNTR-243 short allele was more frequent in patients with a low disease stage (p=0.020 and p=0.028, for the Rai and Binet staging system) and also among older patients having longer telomeres (p=0.046). Patients with Rai 0-I stage were characterized with longer telomeres than those with more advanced disease (p=0.030). This relationship was especially pronounced in patients carrying the rs2736100 C allele, independently of the criteria used, ie, Binet (p=0.048) or Rai (p=0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that the genetic variation within the TERT gene seems to play a regulatory role in CLL and telomere length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wysoczanska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw53-114, Poland
| | - Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw53-114, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gebura
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw53-114, Poland
| | - Jakub Mizgala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw53-114, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, 50-001, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wrobel
- Department of Haematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw50-367, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw53-114, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Huda N, Xu Y, Bates AM, Rankin DA, Kannan N, Gilley D. Onset of Telomere Dysfunction and Fusions in Human Ovarian Carcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:E414. [PMID: 31060240 PMCID: PMC6562548 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere dysfunction has been strongly implicated in the initiation of genomic instability and is suspected to be an early event in the carcinogenesis of human solid tumors. Recent findings have established the presence of telomere fusions in human breast and prostate malignancies; however, the onset of this genomic instability mechanism during progression of other solid cancers is not well understood. Herein, we explored telomere dynamics in patient-derived epithelial ovarian cancers (OC), a malignancy characterized by multiple distinct subtypes, extensive molecular heterogeneity, and widespread genomic instability. We discovered a high frequency of telomere fusions in ovarian tumor tissues; however, limited telomere fusions were detected in normal adjacent tissues or benign ovarian samples. In addition, we found relatively high levels of both telomerase activity and hTERT expression, along with anaphase bridges in tumor tissues, which were notably absent in adjacent normal ovarian tissues and benign lesions. These results suggest that telomere dysfunction may occur early in ovarian carcinogenesis and, importantly, that it may play a critical role in the initiation and progression of the disease. Recognizing telomere dysfunction as a pervasive feature of this heterogeneous malignancy may facilitate the future development of novel diagnostic tools and improved methods of disease monitoring and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazmul Huda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Alison M Bates
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Deborah A Rankin
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Science, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA.
| | - Nagarajan Kannan
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - David Gilley
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Science, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Liddiard K, Ruis B, Kan Y, Cleal K, Ashelford KE, Hendrickson EA, Baird DM. DNA Ligase 1 is an essential mediator of sister chromatid telomere fusions in G2 cell cycle phase. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:2402-2424. [PMID: 30590694 PMCID: PMC6411840 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of critically short or damaged telomeres is associated with the genomic rearrangements that support malignant transformation. We have demonstrated the fundamental contribution of DNA ligase 4-dependent classical non-homologous end-joining to long-range inter-chromosomal telomere fusions. In contrast, localized genomic recombinations initiated by sister chromatid fusion are predominantly mediated by alternative non-homologous end-joining activity that may employ either DNA ligase 3 or DNA ligase 1. In this study, we sought to discriminate the relative involvement of these ligases in sister chromatid telomere fusion through a precise genetic dissociation of functional activity. We have resolved an essential and non-redundant role for DNA ligase 1 in the fusion of sister chromatids bearing targeted double strand DNA breaks that is entirely uncoupled from its requisite engagement in DNA replication. Importantly, this fusogenic repair occurs in cells fully proficient for non-homologous end-joining and is not compensated by DNA ligases 3 or 4. The dual functions of DNA ligase 1 in replication and non-homologous end-joining uniquely position and capacitate this ligase for DNA repair at stalled replication forks, facilitating mitotic progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Liddiard
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Brian Ruis
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Yinan Kan
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kevin E Ashelford
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Eric A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lai TP, Wright WE, Shay JW. Comparison of telomere length measurement methods. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2016.0451. [PMID: 29335378 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The strengths and limitations of the major methods developed to measure telomere lengths (TLs) in cells and tissues are presented in this review. These include Q-PCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), TRF (Terminal Restriction Fragment) analysis, a variety of Q-FISH (Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) methods, STELA (Single TElomere Length Analysis) and TeSLA (Telomere Shortest Length Assay). For each method, we will cover information about validation studies, including reproducibility in independent laboratories, accuracy, reliability and sensitivity for measuring not only the average but also the shortest telomeres. There is substantial evidence that it is the shortest telomeres that trigger DNA damage responses leading to replicative senescence in mammals. However, the most commonly used TL measurement methods generally provide information on average or relative TL, but it is the shortest telomeres that leads to telomere dysfunction (identified by TIF, Telomere dysfunction Induced Foci) and limit cell proliferation in the absence of a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as telomerase. As the length of the shortest telomeres is a key biomarker determining cell fate and the onset of senescence, a new technique (TeSLA) that provides quantitative information about all the shortest telomeres will be highlighted.This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Po Lai
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Woodring E Wright
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cacchione S, Biroccio A, Rizzo A. Emerging roles of telomeric chromatin alterations in cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:21. [PMID: 30654820 PMCID: PMC6337846 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, the nucleoprotein structures that cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, play important and multiple roles in tumorigenesis. Functional telomeres need the establishment of a protective chromatin structure based on the interplay between the specific complex named shelterin and a tight nucleosomal organization. Telomere shortening in duplicating somatic cells leads eventually to the destabilization of the telomere capping structure and to the activation of a DNA damage response (DDR) signaling. The final outcome of this process is cell replicative senescence, which constitute a protective barrier against unlimited proliferation. Cells that can bypass senescence checkpoint continue to divide until a second replicative checkpoint, crisis, characterized by chromosome fusions and rearrangements leading to massive cell death by apoptosis. During crisis telomere dysfunctions can either inhibit cell replication or favor tumorigenesis by the accumulation of chromosomal rearrangements and neoplastic mutations. The acquirement of a telomere maintenance mechanism allows fixing the aberrant phenotype, and gives the neoplastic cell unlimited replicative potential, one of the main hallmarks of cancer.Despite the crucial role that telomeres play in cancer development, little is known about the epigenetic alterations of telomeric chromatin that affect telomere protection and are associated with tumorigenesis. Here we discuss the current knowledge on the role of telomeric chromatin in neoplastic transformation, with a particular focus on H3.3 mutations in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) cancers and sirtuin deacetylases dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Cacchione
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Rizzo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ngo G, Hyatt S, Grimstead J, Jones R, Hendrickson E, Pepper C, Baird D. PARP inhibition prevents escape from a telomere-driven crisis and inhibits cell immortalisation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:37549-37563. [PMID: 30680069 PMCID: PMC6331021 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeric crisis is the final replicative barrier to cell immortalisation; it is characterised by genome instability and cell death and is triggered when telomeres become critically short and are subjected to fusion. Pre-cancerous lesions, or early stage cancers, often show signs of a telomere crisis, suggesting that escape from telomere crisis is a prerequisite for disease progression. Telomeric crisis therefore represents an attractive, and as yet unexplored, opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Here, we show that two clinically approved PARP inhibitors, selectively eliminate human cells undergoing a telomere-driven crisis. Clonal populations of a colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116), or the plasma cell leukaemia cell line (JJN-3), expressing a dominant-negative telomerase, entered a telomere-driven crisis at defined population doubling points and telomere lengths. The addition of the PARP inhibitors, olaparib or rucaparib prevented these cells from escaping crisis. PARP inhibition did not alter cellular proliferation prior to crisis, rates of telomere erosion or the telomere length at which crisis was initiated, but affected repair of eroded telomeres, resulting in an increased in intra-chromosomal telomere fusion. This was accompanied by enhanced DNA damage checkpoint activation and elevated levels of apoptosis. We propose that PARP inhibitors impair the repair of dysfunctional telomeres and/or induce replicative stress at telomeres to inhibit escape from a telomere crisis. This is the first demonstration that a drug can selectively kill cells experiencing telomeric crisis. We propose that this type of drug, which we term 'crisolytic', has the potential to eliminate pre-cancerous lesions and tumours exhibiting short dysfunctional telomeres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Ngo
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sam Hyatt
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Julia Grimstead
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rhiannon Jones
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eric Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chris Pepper
- University of Sussex, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Duncan Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Amir M, Kumar V, Mohammad T, Dohare R, Hussain A, Rehman MT, Alam P, Alajmi MF, Islam A, Ahmad F, Hassan MI. Investigation of deleterious effects of nsSNPs in the
POT1
gene: a structural genomics‐based approach to understand the mechanism of cancer development. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:10281-10294. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd. Amir
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University Noida Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi India
| | - Ravins Dohare
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi India
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Tabish Rehman
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Perwez Alam
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed F. Alajmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi India
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi India
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Telomere length measurement is increasingly recognized as a clinical gauge for age-related disease risk. There are several methods for studying blood telomere length (BTL) as a clinical biomarker. The first is an observational study approach, which directly measures telomere lengths using either cross-sectional or longitudinal patient cohorts and compares them to a population of age- and sex-matched individuals. These direct traceable measurements can be considered reflective of an individual's current health or disease state. Escalating interest in personalized medicine, access to high-throughput genotyping and resulting acquisition of large volumes of genetic data corroborates the second method, Mendelian randomization (MR). MR employs telomere length-associated genetic variants to indicate predisposition to disease risk based on the genomic composition of the individual. When assessed from cells in the bloodstream, telomeres can show variation from their genetically predisposed lengths due to environmental-induced changes. These alterations in telomere length act as an indicator of cellular health, which, in turn, can provide disease risk status. Overall, BTL measurement is a dynamic marker of biological health and well-being that together with genetically defined telomere lengths can provide insights into improved healthcare for the individual.
Collapse
|
43
|
Kaifie A, Schikowsky C, Vasko T, Kraus T, Brümmendorf TH, Ziegler P. Additional benefits of telomere length (TL) measurements in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 60:541-543. [PMID: 29966475 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1482544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kaifie
- a Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty , RWTH Aachen University
| | - Christian Schikowsky
- a Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty , RWTH Aachen University
| | - Theresa Vasko
- a Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty , RWTH Aachen University
| | - Thomas Kraus
- a Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty , RWTH Aachen University
| | - Tim Henrik Brümmendorf
- b Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation , University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Medical Faculty , Aachen , Germany
| | - Patrick Ziegler
- a Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty , RWTH Aachen University
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pilsworth JA, Cochrane DR, Xia Z, Aubert G, Färkkilä AEM, Horlings HM, Yanagida S, Yang W, Lim JLP, Wang YK, Bashashati A, Keul J, Wong A, Norris K, Brucker SY, Taran FA, Krämer B, Staebler A, van Meurs H, Oliva E, Shah SP, Kommoss S, Kommoss F, Gilks CB, Baird DM, Huntsman DG. TERT promoter mutation in adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:1107-1115. [PMID: 29449679 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene is highly expressed in stem cells and silenced upon differentiation. Cancer cells can attain immortality by activating TERT to maintain telomere length and telomerase activity, which is a crucial step of tumorigenesis. Two somatic mutations in the TERT promoter (C228T; C250T) have been identified as gain-of-function mutations that promote transcriptional activation of TERT in multiple cancers, such as melanoma and glioblastoma. A recent study investigating TERT promoter mutations in ovarian carcinomas found C228T and C250T mutations in 15.9% of clear cell carcinomas. However, it is unknown whether these mutations are frequent in other ovarian cancer subtypes, in particular, sex cord-stromal tumors including adult granulosa cell tumors. We performed whole-genome sequencing on ten adult granulosa cell tumors with matched normal blood and identified a TERT C228T promoter mutation in 50% of tumors. We found that adult granulosa cell tumors with mutated TERT promoter have increased expression of TERT mRNA and exhibited significantly longer telomeres compared to those with wild-type TERT promoter. Extension cohort analysis using allelic discrimination revealed the TERT C228T mutation in 51 of 229 primary adult granulosa cell tumors (22%), 24 of 58 recurrent adult granulosa cell tumors (41%), and 1 of 22 other sex cord-stromal tumors (5%). There was a significant difference in overall survival between patients with TERT C228T promoter mutation in the primary tumors and those without it (p = 0.00253, log-rank test). In seven adult granulosa cell tumors, we found the TERT C228T mutation present in recurrent tumors and absent in the corresponding primary tumor. Our data suggest that TERT C228T promoter mutations may have an important role in progression of adult granulosa cell tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Pilsworth
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dawn R Cochrane
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zhouchunyang Xia
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Geraldine Aubert
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anniina E M Färkkilä
- Children's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hugo M Horlings
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Satoshi Yanagida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Winnie Yang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jamie L P Lim
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yi Kan Wang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ali Bashashati
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Keul
- Department of Women's Health, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adele Wong
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Norris
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sara Y Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florin-Andrei Taran
- Department of Women's Health, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Krämer
- Department of Women's Health, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annette Staebler
- Tübingen University Hospital, Institute of Pathology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hannah van Meurs
- Department of Gynecology, Center for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Oliva
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sohrab P Shah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stefan Kommoss
- Department of Women's Health, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - C Blake Gilks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
The terminal regions of eukaryotic chromosomes, composed of telomere repeat sequences and sub-telomeric sequences, represent some of the most variable and rapidly evolving regions of the genome. The sub-telomeric regions are characterized by segmentally duplicated repetitive DNA elements, interstitial telomere repeat sequences and families of variable genes. Sub-telomeric repeat sequence families are shared among multiple chromosome ends, often rendering detailed sequence characterization difficult. These regions are composed of constitutive heterochromatin and are subjected to high levels of meiotic recombination. Dysfunction within telomere repeat arrays, either due to disruption in the chromatin structure or because of telomere shortening, can lead to chromosomal fusion and the generation of large-scale genomic rearrangements across the genome. The dynamic nature of telomeric regions, therefore, provides functionally useful variation to create genetic diversity, but also provides a mechanism for rapid genomic evolution that can lead to reproductive isolation and speciation. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cleal K, Norris K, Baird D. Telomere Length Dynamics and the Evolution of Cancer Genome Architecture. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E482. [PMID: 29415479 PMCID: PMC5855704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are progressively eroded during repeated rounds of cell division due to the end replication problem but also undergo additional more substantial stochastic shortening events. In most cases, shortened telomeres induce a cell-cycle arrest or trigger apoptosis, although for those cells that bypass such signals during tumour progression, a critical length threshold is reached at which telomere dysfunction may ensue. Dysfunction of the telomere nucleoprotein complex can expose free chromosome ends to the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair machinery, leading to telomere fusion with both telomeric and non-telomeric loci. The consequences of telomere fusions in promoting genome instability have long been appreciated through the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle mechanism, although recent studies using high-throughput sequencing technologies have uncovered evidence of involvement in a wider spectrum of genomic rearrangements including chromothripsis. A critical step in cancer progression is the transition of a clone to immortality, through the stabilisation of the telomere repeat array. This can be achieved via the reactivation of telomerase, or the induction of the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Whilst telomere dysfunction may promote genome instability and tumour progression, by limiting the replicative potential of a cell and enforcing senescence, telomere shortening can act as a tumour suppressor mechanism. However, the burden of senescent cells has also been implicated as a driver of ageing and age-related pathology, and in the promotion of cancer through inflammatory signalling. Considering the critical role of telomere length in governing cancer biology, we review questions related to the prognostic value of studying the dynamics of telomere shortening and fusion, and discuss mechanisms and consequences of telomere-induced genome rearrangements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, UHW Main Building, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Kevin Norris
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, UHW Main Building, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Duncan Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, UHW Main Building, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Telomeres: Implications for Cancer Development. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010294. [PMID: 29351238 PMCID: PMC5796239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres facilitate the protection of natural ends of chromosomes from constitutive exposure to the DNA damage response (DDR). This is most likely achieved by a lariat structure that hides the linear telomeric DNA through protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. The telomere shortening associated with DNA replication in the absence of a compensatory mechanism culminates in unmasked telomeres. Then, the subsequent activation of the DDR will define the fate of cells according to the functionality of cell cycle checkpoints. Dysfunctional telomeres can suppress cancer development by engaging replicative senescence or apoptotic pathways, but they can also promote tumour initiation. Studies in telomere dynamics and karyotype analysis underpin telomere crisis as a key event driving genomic instability. Significant attainment of telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT)-pathway to maintain telomere length may be permissive and required for clonal evolution of genomically-unstable cells during progression to malignancy. We summarise current knowledge of the role of telomeres in the maintenance of chromosomal stability and carcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
48
|
Baird DM, Hendrickson EA. Telomeres and Chromosomal Translocations : There's a Ligase at the End of the Translocation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1044:89-112. [PMID: 29956293 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0593-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations are now well understood to not only constitute signature molecular markers for certain human cancers but often also to be causative in the genesis of that tumor. Despite the obvious importance of such events, the molecular mechanism of chromosomal translocations in human cells remains poorly understood. Part of the explanation for this dearth of knowledge is due to the complexity of the reaction and the need to archaeologically work backwards from the final product (a translocation) to the original unrearranged chromosomes to infer mechanism. Although not definitive, these studies have indicated that the aberrant usage of endogenous DNA repair pathways likely lies at the heart of the problem. An equally obfuscating aspect of this field, however, has also originated from the unfortunate species-specific differences that appear to exist in the relevant model systems that have been utilized to investigate this process. Specifically, yeast and murine systems (which are often used by basic science investigators) rely on different DNA repair pathways to promote chromosomal translocations than human somatic cells. In this chapter, we will review some of the basic concepts of chromosomal translocations and the DNA repair systems thought to be responsible for their genesis with an emphasis on underscoring the differences between other species and human cells. In addition, we will focus on a specific subset of translocations that involve the very end of a chromosome (a telomere). A better understanding of the relationship between DNA repair pathways and chromosomal translocations is guaranteed to lead to improved therapeutic treatments for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eric A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hata T, Dal Molin M, McGregor-Das A, Song TJ, Wolfgang C, Eshleman JR, Hruban RH, Goggins M. Simple Detection of Telomere Fusions in Pancreatic Cancer, Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm, and Pancreatic Cyst Fluid. J Mol Diagn 2017; 20:46-55. [PMID: 29229290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere end-to-end fusions are an important source of chromosomal instability that arise in cells with critically shortened telomeres. We developed a nested real-time quantitative PCR method for telomere fusion detection in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), and IPMN cyst fluids. Ninety-one pancreatic cancer cell lines and xenograft samples, 93 IPMNs, and 93 surgically aspirated IPMN cyst fluid samples were analyzed. The association between telomere shortening, telomerase activity, and telomere fusion detection was evaluated. Telomere fusions were detected in 56 of 91 pancreatic cancers (61.5%). Telomere fusion-positive cell lines had significantly shorter telomere lengths than fusion-negative lines (P = 0.003). Telomere fusions were undetectable in normal pancreas or IPMNs with low-grade dysplasia (0.0%) and were detected in IPMN with high-grade dysplasia (HGD; 48.0%) (P < 0.001). In IPMN cyst fluids, telomere fusions were more frequent in IPMNs with HGD (26.9%) or associated invasive cancer (42.9%) than IPMN with intermediate-grade dysplasia (15.4%) or low-grade dysplasia (0%) (P = 0.025). Telomerase activity levels were higher in cyst fluids with fusions than in those without (P = 0.0414). Cyst fluid telomere fusion status was an independent predictor of HGD/invasive cancer by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 6.23; 95% CI, 1.61-28.0). Telomere fusions are detected in later stages of IPMN progression and can serve as a marker for predicting the presence of HGD and/or invasive cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Hata
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marco Dal Molin
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anne McGregor-Das
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tae Jun Song
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher Wolfgang
- Department of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James R Eshleman
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael Goggins
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Medicine, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ye G, Tan N, Meng C, Li J, Jing L, Yan M, Jin T, Chen F. Genetic variations in TERC and TERT genes are associated with lung cancer risk in a Chinese Han population. Oncotarget 2017; 8:110145-110152. [PMID: 29299136 PMCID: PMC5746371 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was aimed to explore whether the TERT and TERC polymorphisms are associated with the lung cancer risk. Five TERC and TERT polymorphisms were genotyped from 554 lung cancer patients and 603 healthy controls. We used χ2 test, genetic model, linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype analyses to evaluate the association between the polymorphisms and lung cancer risk. We found that the allele “C” of rs10936599 (TERC) and the allele “T” of rs10069690 (TERT) were associated with increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12-1.55, P = 0.001; OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.14-1.76, P = 0.002, respectively). The genotype of “CC” of rs10936599, genotype “CT” of rs10069690 and genotype “GG and “AG” of rs2853677 were also associated with increased the risk of lung cancer. In addition, rs10936599 under the dominant, recessive and log-additive models; rs10069690 under the dominant, overdominant and log-additive models; rs2853677 under the dominant and log-additive models were found to be associated with increased lung cancer risk. The SNP rs2242652 was found to be associated with an increased lung cancer risk under the dominant and overdominant models without adjustment. The haplotype “TA” of TERT was also associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Our study indicated that rs10936599 (TERC) and rs10069690, rs2242652 and rs2853677 in TERT and haplotype “TA” of TERT were revealed as risk factors of lung cancer in a Chinese Han population. However, it required to verify our result and investigate the function genetic variants and mechanism of lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.,First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P. R. China
| | - Nan Tan
- Department of Cadre's Ward, Xi'an No.1 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710002, China
| | - Chenyang Meng
- Graduate School of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Li Jing
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Mengdan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Tianbo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.,Xi'an Tianqin Precision Medical Institute, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710075, China
| | - Fulin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| |
Collapse
|