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Challakkara MF, Chhabra R. snoRNAs in hematopoiesis and blood malignancies: A comprehensive review. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1207-1225. [PMID: 37183323 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31032] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules of highly variable size, usually ranging from 60 to 150 nucleotides. They are classified into H/ACA box snoRNAs, C/D box snoRNAs, and scaRNAs. Their functional profile includes biogenesis of ribosomes, processing of rRNAs, 2'-O-methylation and pseudouridylation of RNAs, alternative splicing and processing of mRNAs and the generation of small RNA molecules like miRNA. The snoRNAs have been observed to have an important role in hematopoiesis and malignant hematopoietic conditions including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Blood malignancies arise in immune system cells or the bone marrow due to chromosome abnormalities. It has been estimated that annually over 1.25 million cases of blood cancer occur worldwide. The snoRNAs often show a differential expression profile in blood malignancies. Recent reports associate the abnormal expression of snoRNAs with the inhibition of apoptosis, uncontrolled cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This implies that targeting snoRNAs could be a potential way to treat hematologic malignancies. In this review, we describe the various functions of snoRNAs, their role in hematopoiesis, and the consequences of their dysregulation in blood malignancies. We also evaluate the potential of the dysregulated snoRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for blood malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Fahad Challakkara
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Ravindresh Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Lan C, Huang X, Liao X, Zhou X, Peng K, Wei Y, Han C, Peng T, Wang J, Zhu G. PUS1 May Be a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:337-355. [PMID: 37091827 PMCID: PMC10115212 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s405621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The mechanisms of pseudouridine synthase (PUS) are not definite in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of PUS genes in HCC. Materials and Methods Differentially expressed and prognostic gene of PUS enzymes was identified based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. For the identified gene, pseudouridine synthase 1 (PUS1), was used for further research. The clinicopathological feature of PUS1 was analyzed by Student's t-test. Prognostic significance was explored by Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to appraise diagnostic and prognostic value. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were implemented to explore mechanism of PUS1. A Guangxi cohort was applied to verify differential expression. In vitro cell experiments were implemented to investigate the influence for proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, migration, and invasion of HCC cells after a knockdown of PUS1. Results PUS1 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues, and patients with high PUS1 were related to unpromising clinicopathological features. Survival analysis revealed high PUS1 expression was associated with a poor overall survival (OS) and 1 year-recurrence free survival (RFS), was an independent risk factor. Meanwhile, ROC curve showed that PUS1 had a diagnostic and prognostic significance to HCC. Functional enrichment analysis implied that PUS1 may be involved in metabolic pathways, mitochondrial function, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and some important carcinogenic pathways. Cell assays revealed that knockdown of PUS1 significantly constrained the migration, proliferation, invasion and improved the ROS level of HCC cells. Conclusion PUS1 may be a prognostic biomarker and a underlying treatment target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Lan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinlei Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongguang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Jianyao Wang, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Lianhua District, Shenzhen, 518026, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Guangzhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Guangzhi Zhu, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-771-5356528, Fax +86-771-5350031, Email
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3
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Telomere and Telomerase-Associated Proteins in Endometrial Carcinogenesis and Cancer-Associated Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020626. [PMID: 35054812 PMCID: PMC8775816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk of relapse of endometrial cancer (EC) after surgical treatment is 13% and recurrent disease carries a poor prognosis. Research into prognostic indicators is essential to improve EC management and outcome. "Immortality" of most cancer cells is dependent on telomerase, but the role of associated proteins in the endometrium is poorly understood. The Cancer Genome Atlas data highlighted telomere/telomerase associated genes (TTAGs) with prognostic relevance in the endometrium, and a recent in silico study identified a group of TTAGs and proteins as key regulators within a network of dysregulated genes in EC. We characterise relevant telomere/telomerase associated proteins (TTAPs) NOP10, NHP2, NOP56, TERF1, TERF2 and TERF2IP in the endometrium using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). qPCR data demonstrated altered expression of multiple TTAPs; specifically, increased NOP10 (p = 0.03) and reduced NHP2 (p = 0.01), TERF2 (p = 0.01) and TERF2IP (p < 0.003) in EC relative to post-menopausal endometrium. Notably, we report reduced NHP2 in EC compared to post-menopausal endometrium in qPCR and IHC (p = 0.0001) data; with survival analysis indicating high immunoscore is favourable in EC (p = 0.0006). Our findings indicate a potential prognostic role for TTAPs in EC, particularly NHP2. Further evaluation of the prognostic and functional role of the examined TTAPs is warranted to develop novel treatment strategies.
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Akincilar SC, Chan CHT, Ng QF, Fidan K, Tergaonkar V. Non-canonical roles of canonical telomere binding proteins in cancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4235-4257. [PMID: 33599797 PMCID: PMC8164586 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03783-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactivation of telomerase is a major hallmark observed in 90% of all cancers. Yet paradoxically, enhanced telomerase activity does not correlate with telomere length and cancers often possess short telomeres; suggestive of supplementary non-canonical roles that telomerase might play in the development of cancer. Moreover, studies have shown that aberrant expression of shelterin proteins coupled with their release from shortening telomeres can further promote cancer by mechanisms independent of their telomeric role. While targeting telomerase activity appears to be an attractive therapeutic option, this approach has failed in clinical trials due to undesirable cytotoxic effects on stem cells. To circumvent this concern, an alternative strategy could be to target the molecules involved in the non-canonical functions of telomeric proteins. In this review, we will focus on emerging evidence that has demonstrated the non-canonical roles of telomeric proteins and their impact on tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we aim to address current knowledge gaps in telomeric protein functions and propose future research approaches that can be undertaken to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semih Can Akincilar
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Laboratory of NFκB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Proteos, 61, Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Claire Hian Tzer Chan
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Laboratory of NFκB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Proteos, 61, Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Qin Feng Ng
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Laboratory of NFκB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Proteos, 61, Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Kerem Fidan
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Laboratory of NFκB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Proteos, 61, Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Division of Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Laboratory of NFκB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Proteos, 61, Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
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Alnafakh R, Saretzki G, Midgley A, Flynn J, Kamal AM, Dobson L, Natarajan P, Stringfellow H, Martin-Hirsch P, DeCruze SB, Coupland SE, Hapangama DK. Aberrant Dyskerin Expression Is Related to Proliferation and Poor Survival in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020273. [PMID: 33450922 PMCID: PMC7828388 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, and they are maintained by an enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase activity allows rapid reproduction of the cells (proliferation) of the lining of the womb (endometrium). Telomerase levels are high in cancers in general, including in endometrial cancer. Dyskerin is one of the main components of the telomerase enzyme. While the other main components of telomerase have been studied in endometrial cancer, there are no previous studies on dyskerin in the endometrium. Our study shows that dyskerin levels are significantly lower in endometrial cancer and levels are linked to the survival of women. Experimentally increasing dyskerin protein in endometrial cells in the laboratory reduces the rate of cell proliferation. Consequently, we propose that dyskerin may be a regulator of endometrial cancer cell proliferation, and further studies are required to test if it can be targeted to develop new therapies for endometrial cancer. Abstract Dyskerin is a core-component of the telomerase holo-enzyme, which elongates telomeres. Telomerase is involved in endometrial epithelial cell proliferation. Most endometrial cancers (ECs) have high telomerase activity; however, dyskerin expression in human healthy endometrium or in endometrial pathologies has not been investigated yet. We aimed to examine the expression, prognostic relevance, and functional role of dyskerin in human EC. Endometrial samples from a cohort of 175 women were examined with immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and qPCR. The EC cells were transfected with Myc-DDK-DKC1 plasmid and the effect of dyskerin overexpression on EC cell proliferation was assessed by flow cytometry. Human endometrium expresses dyskerin (DKC1) and dyskerin protein levels are significantly reduced in ECs when compared with healthy postmenopausal endometrium. Low dyskerin immunoscores were potentially associated with worse outcomes, suggesting a possible prognostic relevance. Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ECs dataset (n = 589) was also interrogated. The TCGA dataset further confirmed changes in DKC1 expression in EC with prognostic significance. Transient dyskerin overexpression had a negative effect on EC cell proliferation. Our data demonstrates a role for dyskerin in normal endometrium for the first time and confirms aberrant expression with possible prognostic relevance in EC. Interventions aimed at modulating dyskerin levels may provide novel therapeutic options in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafah Alnafakh
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (L.D.); (P.N.); (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;
- Department of Pathology, Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital, Babil, Iraq
| | - Gabriele Saretzki
- Biosciences Institute, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK;
| | - Angela Midgley
- Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre for Children, Institute in the Park, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK;
| | | | - 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;
- Pathology Department, Oncology Teaching Hospital, Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Lucy Dobson
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (L.D.); (P.N.); (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;
| | - Purushothaman Natarajan
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (L.D.); (P.N.); (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;
| | - Helen Stringfellow
- Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Preston PR2 9HT, UK; (H.S.); (P.M.-H.)
| | | | - Shandya B. DeCruze
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (L.D.); (P.N.); (S.B.D.)
| | - Sarah E. Coupland
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
| | - Dharani K. Hapangama
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK; (R.A.); (L.D.); (P.N.); (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;
- Correspondence:
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Elsharawy KA, Althobiti M, Mohammed OJ, Aljohani AI, Toss MS, Green AR, Rakha EA. Nucleolar protein 10 (NOP10) predicts poor prognosis in invasive breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 185:615-627. [PMID: 33161513 PMCID: PMC7920889 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05999-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Nucleolar protein 10 (NOP10) is required for ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance and plays a key role in carcinogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and prognostic significance of NOP10 in breast cancer (BC). Methods NOP10 expression was assessed at mRNA level employing the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) (n = 1980) and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) BC cohorts (n = 854). Protein expression was evaluated on tissue microarray of a large BC cohort (n = 1081) using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between NOP10 expression, clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome was assessed. Results NOP10 expression was detected in the nucleus and nucleolus of the tumour cells. At the transcriptomic and proteomic levels, NOP10 was significantly associated with aggressive BC features including high tumour grade, high nucleolar score and poor Nottingham Prognostic Index. High NOP10 protein expression was an independent predictor of poor outcome in the whole cohort and in triple-negative BC (TNBC) class (p = 0.002 & p = 0.014, respectively). In chemotherapy- treated patients, high NOP10 protein expression was significantly associated with shorter survival (p = 0.03) and was predictive of higher risk of death (p = 0.028) and development of distant metastasis (p = 0.02) independent of tumour size, nodal stage and tumour grade. Conclusion High NOP10 expression is a poor prognostic biomarker in BC and its expression can help in predicting chemotherapy resistance. Functional assessments are necessary to decipher the underlying mechanisms and to reveal its potential therapeutic values in various BC subtypes especially in the aggressive TNBC class. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10549-020-05999-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khloud A Elsharawy
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Maryam Althobiti
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar J Mohammed
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Abrar I Aljohani
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael S Toss
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK. .,Division of Cancer and Stem Cell, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
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7
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Rosselló-Tortella M, Ferrer G, Esteller M. Epitranscriptomics in Hematopoiesis and Hematologic Malignancies. Blood Cancer Discov 2020; 1:26-31. [DOI: 10.1158/2643-3249.bcd-20-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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8
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Zyner KG, Mulhearn DS, Adhikari S, Martínez Cuesta S, Di Antonio M, Erard N, Hannon GJ, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. Genetic interactions of G-quadruplexes in humans. eLife 2019; 8:e46793. [PMID: 31287417 PMCID: PMC6615864 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are alternative nucleic acid structures involved in transcription, translation and replication. Aberrant G4 formation and stabilisation is linked to genome instability and cancer. G4 ligand treatment disrupts key biological processes leading to cell death. To discover genes and pathways involved with G4s and gain mechanistic insights into G4 biology, we present the first unbiased genome-wide study to systematically identify human genes that promote cell death when silenced by shRNA in the presence of G4-stabilising small molecules. Many novel genetic vulnerabilities were revealed opening up new therapeutic possibilities in cancer, which we exemplified by an orthogonal pharmacological inhibition approach that phenocopies gene silencing. We find that targeting the WEE1 cell cycle kinase or USP1 deubiquitinase in combination with G4 ligand treatment enhances cell killing. We also identify new genes and pathways regulating or interacting with G4s and demonstrate that the DDX42 DEAD-box helicase is a newly discovered G4-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Zyner
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Darcie S Mulhearn
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Santosh Adhikari
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Marco Di Antonio
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Erard
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Alnafakh RAA, Adishesh M, Button L, Saretzki G, Hapangama DK. Telomerase and Telomeres in Endometrial Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:344. [PMID: 31157162 PMCID: PMC6533802 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres at the termini of human chromosomes are shortened with each round of cell division due to the “end replication problem” as well as oxidative stress. During carcinogenesis, cells acquire or retain mechanisms to maintain telomeres to avoid initiation of cellular senescence or apoptosis and halting cell division by critically short telomeres. The unique reverse transcriptase enzyme complex, telomerase, catalyzes the maintenance of telomeres but most human somatic cells do not have sufficient telomerase activity to prevent telomere shortening. Tissues with high and prolonged replicative potential demonstrate adequate cellular telomerase activity to prevent telomere erosion, and high telomerase activity appears to be a critical feature of most (80–90%) epithelial cancers, including endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancers regress in response to progesterone which is frequently used to treat advanced endometrial cancer. Endometrial telomerase is inhibited by progestogens and deciphering telomere and telomerase biology in endometrial cancer is therefore important, as targeting telomerase (a downstream target of progestogens) in endometrial cancer may provide novel and more effective therapeutic avenues. This review aims to examine the available evidence for the role and importance of telomere and telomerase biology in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafah A A Alnafakh
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Meera Adishesh
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Button
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Saretzki
- The Ageing Biology Centre and Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Dharani K Hapangama
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Turning Uridines around: Role of rRNA Pseudouridylation in Ribosome Biogenesis and Ribosomal Function. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8020038. [PMID: 29874862 PMCID: PMC6023024 DOI: 10.3390/biom8020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is extensively edited through base methylation and acetylation, 2'-O-ribose methylation and uridine isomerization. In human rRNA, 95 uridines are predicted to by modified to pseudouridine by ribonucleoprotein complexes sharing four core proteins and differing for a RNA sequence guiding the complex to specific residues to be modified. Most pseudouridylation sites are placed within functionally important ribosomal domains and can influence ribosomal functional features. Information obtained so far only partially explained the degree of regulation and the consequences of pseudouridylation on ribosomal structure and function in different physiological and pathological conditions. This short review focuses on the available evidence in this topic, highlighting open questions in the field and perspectives that the development of emerging techniques is offering.
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