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Martínez-Balsalobre E, García-Castillo J, García-Moreno D, Naranjo-Sánchez E, Fernández-Lajarín M, Blasco MA, Alcaraz-Pérez F, Mulero V, Cayuela ML. Telomerase RNA-based aptamers restore defective myelopoiesis in congenital neutropenic syndromes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5912. [PMID: 37737237 PMCID: PMC10516865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41472-7] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase RNA (TERC) has a noncanonical function in myelopoiesis binding to a consensus DNA binding sequence and attracting RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II), thus facilitating myeloid gene expression. The CR4/CR5 domain of TERC is known to play this role, since a mutation of this domain found in dyskeratosis congenita (DC) patients decreases its affinity for RNA Pol II, impairing its myelopoietic activity as a result. In this study, we report that two aptamers, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, based on the CR4/CR5 domain were able to increase myelopoiesis without affecting erythropoiesis in zebrafish. Mechanistically, the aptamers functioned as full terc; that is, they increased the expression of master myeloid genes, independently of endogenous terc, by interacting with RNA Pol II and with the terc-binding sequences of the regulatory regions of such genes, enforcing their transcription. Importantly, aptamers harboring the CR4/CR5 mutation that was found in DC patients failed to perform all these functions. The therapeutic potential of the aptamers for treating neutropenia was demonstrated in several preclinical models. The findings of this study have identified two potential therapeutic agents for DC and other neutropenic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Balsalobre
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Castillo
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Diana García-Moreno
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Naranjo-Sánchez
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Fernández-Lajarín
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - María A Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Alcaraz-Pérez
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María L Cayuela
- Grupo de Telomerasa, Cáncer y Envejecimiento, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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Revy P, Kannengiesser C, Bertuch AA. Genetics of human telomere biology disorders. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:86-108. [PMID: 36151328 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that prevent the activation of DNA damage response and repair pathways. Numerous factors localize at telomeres to regulate their length, structure and function, to avert replicative senescence or genome instability and cell death. In humans, Mendelian defects in several of these factors can result in abnormally short or dysfunctional telomeres, causing a group of rare heterogeneous premature-ageing diseases, termed telomeropathies, short-telomere syndromes or telomere biology disorders (TBDs). Here, we review the TBD-causing genes identified so far and describe their main functions associated with telomere biology. We present molecular aspects of TBDs, including genetic anticipation, phenocopy, incomplete penetrance and somatic genetic rescue, which underlie the complexity of these diseases. We also discuss the implications of phenotypic and genetic features of TBDs on fundamental aspects related to human telomere biology, ageing and cancer, as well as on diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Revy
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genome Dynamics in the Immune System, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.
| | - Caroline Kannengiesser
- APHP Service de Génétique, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
- Inserm U1152, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Alison A Bertuch
- Departments of Paediatrics and Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Telomerase RNA recruits RNA polymerase II to target gene promoters to enhance myelopoiesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2015528118. [PMID: 34353901 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015528118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in telomerase or telomeric proteins. Here, we report that zebrafish telomerase RNA (terc) binds to specific DNA sequences of master myeloid genes and controls their expression by recruiting RNA Polymerase II (Pol II). Zebrafish terc harboring the CR4-CR5 domain mutation found in DC patients hardly interacted with Pol II and failed to regulate myeloid gene expression in vivo and to increase their transcription rates in vitro. Similarly, TERC regulated myeloid gene expression and Pol II promoter occupancy in human myeloid progenitor cells. Strikingly, induced pluripotent stem cells derived from DC patients with a TERC mutation in the CR4-CR5 domain showed impaired myelopoiesis, while those with mutated telomerase catalytic subunit differentiated normally. Our findings show that TERC acts as a transcription factor, revealing a target for therapeutic intervention in DC patients.
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Nagpal N, Agarwal S. Telomerase RNA processing: Implications for human health and disease. Stem Cells 2020; 38:10.1002/stem.3270. [PMID: 32875693 PMCID: PMC7917152 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are composed of repetitive DNA sequences that are replenished by the enzyme telomerase to maintain the self-renewal capacity of stem cells. The RNA component of human telomerase (TERC) is the essential template for repeat addition by the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and also serves as a scaffold for several factors comprising the telomerase ribonucleoprotein (RNP). Unique features of TERC regulation and function have been informed not only through biochemical studies but also through human genetics. Disease-causing mutations impact TERC biogenesis at several levels including RNA transcription, post-transcriptional processing, folding, RNP assembly, and trafficking. Defects in TERC reduce telomerase activity and impair telomere maintenance, thereby causing a spectrum of degenerative diseases called telomere biology disorders (TBDs). Deciphering mechanisms of TERC dysregulation have led to a broader understanding of noncoding RNA biology, and more recently points to new therapeutic strategies for TBDs. In this review, we summarize over two decades of work revealing mechanisms of human telomerase RNA biogenesis, and how its disruption causes human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Nagpal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Suneet Agarwal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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5
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Laudadio I, Carissimi C, Fulci V. How RNAi machinery enters the world of telomerase. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1056-1067. [PMID: 31014212 PMCID: PMC6592256 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1609834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human telomerase holoenzyme consists of the catalytic component TERT and the template RNA TERC. However, a network of accessory proteins plays key roles in its assembly, localization and stability. Defects in genes involved in telomerase biology affect the renewal of critical stem cell populations and cause disorders such as telomeropathies. Moreover, activation of telomerase in somatic cells allows neoplastic cells to proliferate indefinitely, thus contributing to tumorigenesis. For these reasons, identification of new players involved in telomerase regulation is crucial for the determination of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. In the very last years, increasing evidence describes components of the RNAi machinery as a new layer of complexity in human telomerase activity. In this review, we will discuss how AGO2 and other proteins which collaborate with AGO2 in RNAi pathway play a pivotal role in TERC stability and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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6
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Laudadio I, Orso F, Azzalin G, Calabrò C, Berardinelli F, Coluzzi E, Gioiosa S, Taverna D, Sgura A, Carissimi C, Fulci V. AGO2 promotes telomerase activity and interaction between the telomerase components TERT and TERC. EMBO Rep 2018; 20:embr.201845969. [PMID: 30591524 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201845969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA component (TERC) constitute the core telomerase enzyme that maintains the length of telomeres. Telomere maintenance is affected in a broad range of cancer and degenerative disorders. Taking advantage of gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we show that Argonaute 2 (AGO2) promotes telomerase activity and stimulates the association between TERT and TERC AGO2 depletion results in shorter telomeres as well as in lower proliferation rates in vitro and in vivo We also demonstrate that AGO2 interacts with TERC and with a newly identified sRNA (terc-sRNA), arising from the H/ACA box of TERC Notably, terc-sRNA is sufficient to enhance telomerase activity when overexpressed. Analyses of sRNA-Seq datasets show that terc-sRNA is detected in primary human tissues and increases in tumors as compared to control tissues. Collectively, these data uncover a new layer of complexity in the regulation of telomerase activity by AGO2 and might lay the foundation for new therapeutic targets in tumors and telomere diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Azzalin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Calabrò
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Coluzzi
- Department of Science, University of Rome "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Gioiosa
- CNR, Istituto di Biomembrane, Bioenergetica e Biotecnologie Molecolari (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Sgura
- Department of Science, University of Rome "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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7
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Rinelli M, Bellacchio E, Berardinelli F, Pascolini G, Grammatico P, Sgura A, Iori AP, Quattrocchi L, Novelli A, Majore S, Agolini E. Structural modeling of a novel TERC variant in a patient with aplastic anemia and short telomeres. Ann Hematol 2018; 98:805-807. [PMID: 29980875 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Rinelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Bellacchio
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - F Berardinelli
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - G Pascolini
- Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine Department, Sapienza University of Rome San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - P Grammatico
- Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine Department, Sapienza University of Rome San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Sgura
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - A P Iori
- Department of Cell Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Quattrocchi
- Department of Cell Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - S Majore
- Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine Department, Sapienza University of Rome San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - E Agolini
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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