1
|
Rivosecchi J, Jurikova K, Cusanelli E. Telomere-specific regulation of TERRA and its impact on telomere stability. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 157:3-23. [PMID: 38088000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
TERRA is a class of telomeric repeat-containing RNAs that are expressed from telomeres in multiple organisms. TERRA transcripts play key roles in telomere maintenance and their physiological levels are essential to maintain the integrity of telomeric DNA. Indeed, deregulated TERRA expression or its altered localization can impact telomere stability by multiple mechanisms including fueling transcription-replication conflicts, promoting resection of chromosome ends, altering the telomeric chromatin, and supporting homologous recombination. Therefore, a fine-tuned control of TERRA is important to maintain the integrity of the genome. Several studies have reported that different cell lines express substantially different levels of TERRA. Most importantly, TERRA levels markedly vary among telomeres of a given cell type, indicating the existence of telomere-specific regulatory mechanisms which may help coordinate TERRA functions. TERRA molecules contain distinct subtelomeric sequences, depending on their telomere of origin, which may instruct specific post-transcriptional modifications or mediate distinct functions. In addition, all TERRA transcripts share a repetitive G-rich sequence at their 3' end which can form DNA:RNA hybrids and fold into G-quadruplex structures. Both structures are involved in TERRA functions and can critically affect telomere stability. In this review, we examine the mechanisms controlling TERRA levels and the impact of their telomere-specific regulation on telomere stability. We compare evidence obtained in different model organisms, discussing recent advances as well as controversies in the field. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of DNA:RNA hybrids and G-quadruplex structures in the context of TERRA biology and telomere maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Katarina Jurikova
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Manzato C, Larini L, Oss Pegorar C, Dello Stritto MR, Jurikova K, Jantsch V, Cusanelli E. TERRA expression is regulated by the telomere-binding proteins POT-1 and POT-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10681-10699. [PMID: 37713629 PMCID: PMC10602879 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several aspects of telomere biology are regulated by the telomeric repeat-containing RNA TERRA. While TERRA expression is conserved through evolution, species-specific mechanisms regulate its biogenesis and function. Here we report on the expression of TERRA in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that C. elegans TERRA is regulated by the telomere-binding proteins POT-1 and POT-2 which repress TERRA in a telomere-specific manner. C. elegans TERRA transcripts are heterogeneous in length and form discrete nuclear foci, as detected by RNA FISH, in both postmitotic and germline cells; a fraction of TERRA foci localizes to telomeres. Interestingly, in germ cells, TERRA is expressed in all stages of meiotic prophase I, and it increases during pachytene, a stage in meiosis when homologous recombination is ongoing. We used the MS2-GFP system to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of single-telomere TERRA molecules. Single particle tracking revealed different types of motilities, suggesting complex dynamics of TERRA transcripts. Finally, we unveiled distinctive features of C. elegans TERRA, which is regulated by telomere shortening in a telomere-specific manner, and it is upregulated in the telomerase-deficient trt-1; pot-2 double mutant prior to activation of the alternative lengthening mechanism ALT. Interestingly, in these worms TERRA displays distinct dynamics with a higher fraction of fast-moving particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Manzato
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Larini
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Oss Pegorar
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Dello Stritto
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katarina Jurikova
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská dolina 84215, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verena Jantsch
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilio Cusanelli
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rakotopare J, Toledo F. p53 in the Molecular Circuitry of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14940. [PMID: 37834388 PMCID: PMC10573108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914940] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice with a constitutive increase in p53 activity exhibited features of dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a bone marrow failure syndrome (BMFS) caused by defective telomere maintenance. Further studies confirmed, in humans and mice, that germline mutations affecting TP53 or its regulator MDM4 may cause short telomeres and alter hematopoiesis, but also revealed features of Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) or Fanconi anemia (FA), two BMFSs, respectively, caused by defects in ribosomal function or DNA repair. p53 downregulates several genes mutated in DC, either by binding to promoter sequences (DKC1) or indirectly via the DREAM repressor complex (RTEL1, DCLRE1B), and the p53-DREAM pathway represses 22 additional telomere-related genes. Interestingly, mutations in any DC-causal gene will cause telomere dysfunction and subsequent p53 activation to further promote the repression of p53-DREAM targets. Similarly, ribosomal dysfunction and DNA lesions cause p53 activation, and p53-DREAM targets include the DBA-causal gene TSR2, at least 9 FA-causal genes, and 38 other genes affecting ribosomes or the FA pathway. Furthermore, patients with BMFSs may exhibit brain abnormalities, and p53-DREAM represses 16 genes mutated in microcephaly or cerebellar hypoplasia. In sum, positive feedback loops and the repertoire of p53-DREAM targets likely contribute to partial phenotypic overlaps between BMFSs of distinct molecular origins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Rakotopare
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, CEDEX 05, 75248 Paris, France;
- CNRS UMR3244, 75005 Paris, France
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Sorbonne University, 75005 Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Franck Toledo
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, CEDEX 05, 75248 Paris, France;
- CNRS UMR3244, 75005 Paris, France
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Sorbonne University, 75005 Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rivosecchi J, Cusanelli E. TERRA beyond cancer: the biology of telomeric repeat-containing RNAs in somatic and germ cells. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1224225. [PMID: 37636218 PMCID: PMC10448526 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1224225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The telomeric noncoding RNA TERRA is a key component of telomeres and it is widely expressed in normal as well as cancer cells. In the last 15 years, several publications have shed light on the role of TERRA in telomere homeostasis and cell survival in cancer cells. However, only few studies have investigated the regulation or the functions of TERRA in normal tissues. A better understanding of the biology of TERRA in non-cancer cells may provide unexpected insights into how these lncRNAs are transcribed and operate in cells, and their potential role in physiological processes, such as aging, age-related pathologies, inflammatory processes and human genetic diseases. In this review we aim to discuss the findings that have advanced our understanding of the biology of TERRA using non-cancer mammalian cells as a model system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ignatieva EV, Yudin NS, Larkin DM. Compilation and functional classification of telomere length-associated genes in humans and other animal species. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2023; 27:283-292. [PMID: 37293446 PMCID: PMC10244590 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-23-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are the terminal regions of chromosomes that ensure their stability while cell division. Telomere shortening initiates cellular senescence, which can lead to degeneration and atrophy of tissues, so the process is associated with a reduction in life expectancy and predisposition to a number of diseases. An accelerated rate of telomere attrition can serve as a predictor of life expectancy and health status of an individual. Telomere length is a complex phenotypic trait that is determined by many factors, including the genetic ones. Numerous studies (including genome-wide association studies, GWAS) indicate the polygenic nature of telomere length control. The objective of the present study was to characterize the genetic basis of the telomere length regulation using the GWAS data obtained during the studies of various human and other animal populations. To do so, a compilation of the genes associated with telomere length in GWAS experiments was collected, which included information on 270 human genes, as well as 23, 22, and 9 genes identified in the cattle, sparrow, and nematode, respectively. Among them were two orthologous genes encoding a shelterin protein (POT1 in humans and pot-2 in C. elegans). Functional analysis has shown that telomere length can be influenced by genetic variants in the genes encoding: (1) structural components of telomerase; (2) the protein components of telomeric regions (shelterin and CST complexes); (3) the proteins involved in telomerase biogenesis and regulating its activity; (4) the proteins that regulate the functional activity of the shelterin components; (5) the proteins involved in telomere replication and/or capping; (6) the proteins involved in the alternative telomere lengthening; (7) the proteins that respond to DNA damage and are responsible for DNA repair; (8) RNA-exosome components. The human genes identified by several research groups in populations of different ethnic origins are the genes encoding telomerase components such as TERC and TERT as well as STN1 encoding the CST complex component. Apparently, the polymorphic loci affecting the functions of these genes may be the most reliable susceptibility markers for telomere-related diseases. The systematized data about the genes and their functions can serve as a basis for the development of prognostic criteria for telomere length-associated diseases in humans. Information about the genes and processes that control telomere length can be used for marker-assisted and genomic selection in the farm animals, aimed at increasing the duration of their productive lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E V Ignatieva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N S Yudin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D M Larkin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Telomere Transcription in MLL-Rearranged Leukemia Cell Lines: Increased Levels of TERRA Associate with Lymphoid Lineage and Are Independent of Telomere Length and Ploidy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030925. [PMID: 36979904 PMCID: PMC10046226 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere transcription into telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is an integral component of all aspects of chromosome end protection consisting of telomerase- or recombination-dependent telomere elongation, telomere capping, and the preservation of the (sub)telomeric heterochromatin structure. The chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator MLL binds to telomeres and regulates TERRA transcription in telomere length homeostasis and response to telomere dysfunction. MLL fusion proteins (MLL-FPs), the product of MLL rearrangements in leukemia, also bind to telomeric chromatin. However, an effect on telomere transcription in MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemia has not yet been evaluated. Here, we show increased UUAGGG repeat-containing RNA levels in MLL-r acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when compared to non-MLL-r ALL and myeloid leukemia. MLL rearrangements do not affect telomere length and UUAGGG repeat-containing RNA levels correlate with mean telomere length and reflect increased levels of TERRA. Furthermore, high levels of TERRA in MLL-r ALL occur in the presence of telomerase activity and are independent of ploidy, an underestimated source of variation on the overall transcriptome size in a cell. This MLL rearrangement-dependent and lymphoid lineage-associated increase in levels of TERRA supports a sustained telomere transcription by MLL-FPs that correlates with marked genomic stability previously reported in pediatric MLL-r ALL.
Collapse
|
7
|
Power ML, Foley NM, Jones G, Teeling EC. Taking flight: An ecological, evolutionary and genomic perspective on bat telomeres. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6053-6068. [PMID: 34387012 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Over 20% of all living mammals are bats (order Chiroptera). Bats possess extraordinary adaptations including powered flight, laryngeal echolocation and a unique immune system that enables them to tolerate a diversity of viral infections without presenting clinical disease symptoms. They occupy multiple trophic niches and environments globally. Significant physiological and ecological diversity occurs across the order. Bats also exhibit extreme longevity given their body size with many species showing few signs of ageing. The molecular basis of this extended longevity has recently attracted attention. Telomere maintenance potentially underpins bats' extended healthspan, although functional studies are still required to validate the causative mechanisms. In this review, we detail the current knowledge on bat telomeres, telomerase expression, and how these relate to ecology, longevity and life-history strategies. Patterns of telomere shortening and telomerase expression vary across species, and comparative genomic analyses suggest that alternative telomere maintenance mechanisms evolved in the longest-lived bats. We discuss the unique challenges faced when working with populations of wild bats and highlight ways to advance the field including expanding long-term monitoring across species that display contrasting life-histories and occupy different environmental niches. We further review how new high quality, chromosome-level genome assemblies can enable us to uncover the molecular mechanisms governing telomere dynamics and how phylogenomic analyses can reveal the adaptive significance of telomere maintenance and variation in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Power
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Nicole M Foley
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Takeuchi C, Yokoshi M, Kondo S, Shibuya A, Saito K, Fukaya T, Siomi H, Iwasaki Y. Mod(mdg4) variants repress telomeric retrotransposon HeT-A by blocking subtelomeric enhancers. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11580-11599. [PMID: 36373634 PMCID: PMC9723646 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres in Drosophila are composed of sequential non-LTR retrotransposons HeT-A, TART and TAHRE. Although they are repressed by the PIWI-piRNA pathway or heterochromatin in the germline, the regulation of these retrotransposons in somatic cells is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that specific splice variants of Mod(mdg4) repress HeT-A by blocking subtelomeric enhancers in ovarian somatic cells. Among the variants, we found that the Mod(mdg4)-N variant represses HeT-A expression the most efficiently. Subtelomeric sequences bound by Mod(mdg4)-N block enhancer activity within subtelomeric TAS-R repeats. This enhancer-blocking activity is increased by the tandem association of Mod(mdg4)-N to repetitive subtelomeric sequences. In addition, the association of Mod(mdg4)-N couples with the recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the subtelomeres, which reinforces its enhancer-blocking function. Our findings provide novel insights into how telomeric retrotransposons are regulated by the specific variants of insulator proteins associated with subtelomeric sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chikara Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Moe Yokoshi
- Laboratory of Transcription Dynamics, Research Center for Biological Visualization, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Aoi Shibuya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Takashi Fukaya
- Laboratory of Transcription Dynamics, Research Center for Biological Visualization, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan,Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | | | - Yuka W Iwasaki
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +81 3 5363 3529; Fax: +81 3 5363 3266;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kroupa M, Tomasova K, Kavec M, Skrobanek P, Buchler T, Kumar R, Vodickova L, Vodicka P. TElomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA): Physiological functions and relevance in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913314. [PMID: 35982970 PMCID: PMC9380590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are complex protective structures located at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes. Their purpose is to prevent genomic instability. Research progress in telomere biology during the past decades has identified a network of telomeric transcripts of which the best-studied is TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). TERRA was shown to be important not only for the preservation of telomere homeostasis and genomic stability but also for the expression of hundreds of genes across the human genome. These findings added a new level of complexity to telomere biology. Herein we provide insights on the telomere transcriptome, its relevance for proper telomere function, and its implications in human pathology. We also discuss possible clinical opportunities of exosomal telomere transcripts detection as a biomarker in cancer precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kroupa
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Michal Kroupa, ; Pavel Vodicka,
| | - Kristyna Tomasova
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Miriam Kavec
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Skrobanek
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomas Buchler
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Vodicka
- Department of the Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Michal Kroupa, ; Pavel Vodicka,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Expression of Cellular and Extracellular TERRA, TERC and TERT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116183. [PMID: 35682861 PMCID: PMC9181112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are transcribed from telomeres and the telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are implicated in telomere homeostasis and in cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the cellular and extracellular expression of TERRA, the telomerase RNA subunit (TERC) and the telomerase catalytic subunit (TERT). We determined by qPCR the expression level of TERRA 1_2_10_13q, TERRA 15q, TERRA XpYp, TERC and of TERT mRNA in HCC tissues and in the plasma of HCC patients. Further, we profiled the same transcripts in the HCC cell lines, HA22T/VGH and SKHep1C3, and in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from their secretomes. We found that the expression of TERRA and TERT mRNA was significantly deregulated in HCC, being TERRA downregulated and TERT mRNA upregulated in HCC tissues vs. the peritumoral (PT) ones, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed a significant ability in discriminating HCC from PT tissue. Further, the determinations of circulating TERRA and TERC showed higher amounts of these transcripts in the plasma of HCC patients vs. controls and ROC analyses gave significant results. The expression characterization of the cultured HCC cells showed their ability to produce and secrete TERRA and TERC into the EVs; the ability to produce TERT mRNA that was not detectable in the EVs; and the ability to respond to sorafenib treatment increasing TERRA expression. Our results highlight that: (i) both cellular and extracellular expressions of TERRA and TERC are dysregulated in HCC as well as the cellular expression of TERT mRNA and (ii) the combined detection of TERRA and TERC in plasma may represent a promising approach for non-invasive diagnostic molecular indicators of HCC.
Collapse
|
11
|
Telomeric Repeat-Containing RNA (TERRA): A Review of the Literature and First Assessment in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030539. [PMID: 35328092 PMCID: PMC8953746 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) are long non-coding RNAs transcribed from telomeric DNA sequences from multiple chromosome ends. Major research efforts have been made to understand TERRA roles and functions in several physiological and pathological processes. We summarize herein available data regarding TERRA’s roles in human cells and we report the first investigation in cutaneous T-cells lymphomas (CTCL) using real-time PCR. Among the TERRA analysed, our data suggest a particular role for TERRA 16p downregulation and TERRA 11q upregulation in CTCL lymphomagenesis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Endurance training alleviates MCP-1 and TERRA accumulation at old age in human skeletal muscle. Exp Gerontol 2021; 153:111510. [PMID: 34371098 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111510] [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] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Both oxidative stress and telomere transcription are up-regulated by acute endurance exercise in human skeletal muscle. Whether and how life-long exercise training influences the antioxidant system response at transcriptional level and TERRA expression is unknown, especially during aging. Response to acute endurance exercise was investigated in muscle biopsies of 3 male subjects after 45 min of cycling. MCP-1 and SOD1 mRNA levels increased up to, 15-fold and 63%, respectively, after the cycling session while the mRNA levels of SOD2 were downregulated by 25%. The effects of chronic endurance exercise and aging were tested in the blood and muscle of 34 male subjects divided into four groups: young (YU) or old (OU) untrained, young (YT) or old (OT) trained cyclists. Long-term endurance training limited the age-dependent elevation in SOD1 (OT vs OU, -26%, P = 0.03) and the decline in SOD2 mRNA levels (OU vs YU, -41%, P = 0.04). A high endurance training status alleviated the age-related increase in the aging biological marker MCP-1 in plasma (OU vs YU, +48%, P = 0.005). Similar results were observed for telomeric transcription as the age-associated increase in 16p TERRA levels (OU vs YU, +39%, P = 0.001) was counteracted by a high endurance training status (OT vs OU, -63%, P = 0.0005). In conclusion, as MCP-1, we propose that the age-related TERRA accumulation might represent a novel biological marker of aging. Those aging-related increase expression might be alleviated by a high endurance training status. Whether those biological markers of aging are linked to an elevation of oxidative stress is still an open question. Therefore, whether the positive adaptations provided by endurance training indeed reduce oxidative stress, including at telomeres, and whether TERRA plays any role in this, need to be further investigated.
Collapse
|
13
|
Grow EJ, Weaver BD, Smith CM, Guo J, Stein P, Shadle SC, Hendrickson PG, Johnson NE, Butterfield RJ, Menafra R, Kloet SL, van der Maarel SM, Williams CJ, Cairns BR. p53 convergently activates Dux/DUX4 in embryonic stem cells and in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy cell models. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1207-1220. [PMID: 34267371 PMCID: PMC8513633 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian embryos, proper zygotic genome activation (ZGA) underlies totipotent development. Double homeobox (DUX)-family factors participate in ZGA, and mouse Dux is required for forming cultured two-cell (2C)-like cells. Remarkably, in mouse embryonic stem cells, Dux is activated by the tumor suppressor p53, and Dux expression promotes differentiation into expanded-fate cell types. Long-read sequencing and assembly of the mouse Dux locus reveals its complex chromatin regulation including putative positive and negative feedback loops. We show that the p53-DUX/DUX4 regulatory axis is conserved in humans. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cells derived from patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) activate human DUX4 during p53 signaling via a p53-binding site in a primate-specific subtelomeric long terminal repeat (LTR)10C element. In summary, our work shows that p53 activation convergently evolved to couple p53 to Dux/DUX4 activation in embryonic stem cells, embryos and cells from patients with FSHD, potentially uniting the developmental and disease regulation of DUX-family factors and identifying evidence-based therapeutic opportunities for FSHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Grow
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bradley D Weaver
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christina M Smith
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sean C Shadle
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Peter G Hendrickson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicholas E Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Russell J Butterfield
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Roberta Menafra
- Leiden Genome Technology Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susan L Kloet
- Leiden Genome Technology Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Imran SAM, Yazid MD, Idrus RBH, Maarof M, Nordin A, Razali RA, Lokanathan Y. Is There an Interconnection between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Telomere Shortening in Aging? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083888. [PMID: 33918710 PMCID: PMC8070110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) was first discovered during the transition of cells from the primitive streak during embryogenesis in chicks. It was later discovered that EMT holds greater potential in areas other than the early development of cells and tissues since it also plays a vital role in wound healing and cancer development. EMT can be classified into three types based on physiological functions. EMT type 3, which involves neoplastic development and metastasis, has been the most thoroughly explored. As EMT is often found in cancer stem cells, most research has focused on its association with other factors involving cancer progression, including telomeres. However, as telomeres are also mainly involved in aging, any possible interaction between the two would be worth noting, especially as telomere dysfunction also contributes to cancer and other age-related diseases. Ascertaining the balance between degeneration and cancer development is crucial in cell biology, in which telomeres function as a key regulator between the two extremes. The essential roles that EMT and telomere protection have in aging reveal a potential mutual interaction that has not yet been explored, and which could be used in disease therapy. In this review, the known functions of EMT and telomeres in aging are discussed and their potential interaction in age-related diseases is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti A. M. Imran
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
| | - Muhammad Dain Yazid
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
| | - Ruszymah Bt Hj Idrus
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Manira Maarof
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
| | - Abid Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Rabiatul Adawiyah Razali
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.); (R.B.H.I.); (M.M.); (A.N.); (R.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-391457704
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gala K, Khattar E. Long non-coding RNAs at work on telomeres: Functions and implications in cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 502:120-132. [PMID: 33450357 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate various biological processes including cancer. Cancer cells possess limitless replicative potential which is attained by telomere length maintenance while normal somatic cells have a limited lifespan because their telomeres shorten with every cell division ultimately triggering replicative senescence. Two lncRNAs have been observed to play a key role in telomere length maintenance. First is the lncRNA TERC (telomerase RNA component) which functions as a template for telomeric DNA synthesis in association with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) which serves as the catalytic component. Together they constitute the telomerase complex which functions as a reverse transcriptase to elongate telomeres. Second lncRNA that helps in regulating telomere length is the telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) which is transcribed from the subtelomeric region and extends to the telomeric region. TERC and TERRA exhibit important functions in cancer with implications in precision oncology. In this review, we discuss various aspects of these important lncRNAs in humans and their role in cancer along with recent advancements in their anticancer therapeutic application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bagherpoor AJ, Kučírek M, Fedr R, Sani SA, Štros M. Nonhistone Proteins HMGB1 and HMGB2 Differentially Modulate the Response of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and the Progenitor Cells to the Anticancer Drug Etoposide. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101450. [PMID: 33076532 PMCID: PMC7602880 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
HMGB1 and HMGB2 proteins are abundantly expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and hESC-derived progenitor cells (neuroectodermal cells, hNECs), though their functional roles in pluripotency and the mechanisms underlying their differentiation in response to the anticancer drug etoposide remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that HMGB1 and/or HMGB2 knockdown (KD) by shRNA in hESCs did not affect the cell stemness/pluripotency regardless of etoposide treatments, while in hESC-derived neuroectodermal cells, treatment resulted in differential effects on cell survival and the generation of rosette structures. The objective of this work was to determine whether HMGB1/2 proteins could modulate the sensitivity of hESCs and hESC-derived progenitor cells (hNECs) to etoposide. We observed that HMGB1 KD knockdown (KD) and, to a lesser extent, HMGB2 KD enhanced the sensitivity of hESCs to etoposide. Enhanced accumulation of 53BP1 on telomeres was detected by confocal microscopy in both untreated and etoposide-treated HMGB1 KD hESCs and hNECs, indicating that the loss of HMGB1 could destabilize telomeres. On the other hand, decreased accumulation of 53BP1 on telomeres in etoposide-treated HMGB2 KD hESCs (but not in HMGB2 KD hNECs) suggested that the loss of HMGB2 promoted the stability of telomeres. Etoposide treatment of hESCs resulted in a significant enhancement of telomerase activity, with the highest increase observed in the HMGB2 KD cells. Interestingly, no changes in telomerase activity were found in etoposide-treated control hNECs, but HMGB2 KD (unlike HMGB1 KD) markedly decreased telomerase activity in these cells. Changes in telomerase activity in the etoposide-treated HMGB2 KD hESCs or hNECs coincided with the appearance of DNA damage markers and could already be observed before the onset of apoptosis. Collectively, we have demonstrated that HMGB1 or HMGB2 differentially modulate the impact of etoposide treatment on human embryonic stem cells and their progenitor cells, suggesting possible strategies for the enhancement of the efficacy of this anticancer drug.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sammons MA, Nguyen TAT, McDade SS, Fischer M. Tumor suppressor p53: from engaging DNA to target gene regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:8848-8869. [PMID: 32797160 PMCID: PMC7498329 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The p53 transcription factor confers its potent tumor suppressor functions primarily through the regulation of a large network of target genes. The recent explosion of next generation sequencing protocols has enabled the study of the p53 gene regulatory network (GRN) and underlying mechanisms at an unprecedented depth and scale, helping us to understand precisely how p53 controls gene regulation. Here, we discuss our current understanding of where and how p53 binds to DNA and chromatin, its pioneer-like role, and how this affects gene regulation. We provide an overview of the p53 GRN and the direct and indirect mechanisms through which p53 affects gene regulation. In particular, we focus on delineating the ubiquitous and cell type-specific network of regulatory elements that p53 engages; reviewing our understanding of how, where, and when p53 binds to DNA and the mechanisms through which these events regulate transcription. Finally, we discuss the evolution of the p53 GRN and how recent work has revealed remarkable differences between vertebrates, which are of particular importance to cancer researchers using mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Thuy-Ai T Nguyen
- Genome Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory and Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Simon S McDade
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Martin Fischer
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
Cao H, Zhai Y, Ji X, Wang Y, Zhao J, Xing J, An J, Ren T. Noncoding telomeric repeat-containing RNA inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating telomerase-mediated telomere length. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2789-2802. [PMID: 32357278 PMCID: PMC7419033 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeric repeat‐containing RNA (TERRA) is closely involved in the regulation of telomere length, which plays critical roles in tumorigenesis. However, the biological significance of TERRA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that HCC cells show a frequent downregulation of TERRA and its positive regulator TTAGGG repeat binding factor‐1 (TRF1), whereas the negative regulator TTAGGG repeat binding factor‐1 (TRF2) was upregulated. We found that TERRA, TRF1, and TRF2 contributed to poor prognosis of HCC patients. Importantly, we found that the downregulation of TERRA significantly promoted HCC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, whereas the upregulation of TERRA showed an opposite effect. Mechanistically, downregulation of TERRA significantly increased telomerase activity and promoted telomere elongation. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of TERRA overexpression on the growth and metastasis of HCC cells were reversed by treatment with TA‐65 that activates telomerase activity. In contrast, the protumor effect of TERRA downregulation was reversed by treatment with TMPyP4 that inhibits telomerase activity. Our findings reveal that TERRA plays a critical role in HCC cell growth and metastasis, indicating that TERRA is a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yulong Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoying Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yaya Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinliang Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaze An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Experimental, Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Toufektchan E, Lejour V, Durand R, Giri N, Draskovic I, Bardot B, Laplante P, Jaber S, Alter BP, Londono-Vallejo JA, Savage SA, Toledo F. Germline mutation of MDM4, a major p53 regulator, in a familial syndrome of defective telomere maintenance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay3511. [PMID: 32300648 PMCID: PMC7148086 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay3511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Dyskeratosis congenita is a cancer-prone inherited bone marrow failure syndrome caused by telomere dysfunction. A mouse model recently suggested that p53 regulates telomere metabolism, but the clinical relevance of this finding remained uncertain. Here, a germline missense mutation of MDM4, a negative regulator of p53, was found in a family with features suggestive of dyskeratosis congenita, e.g., bone marrow hypocellularity, short telomeres, tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. Using a mouse model, we show that this mutation (p.T454M) leads to increased p53 activity, decreased telomere length, and bone marrow failure. Variations in p53 activity markedly altered the phenotype of Mdm4 mutant mice, suggesting an explanation for the variable expressivity of disease symptoms in the family. Our data indicate that a germline activation of the p53 pathway may cause telomere dysfunction and point to polymorphisms affecting this pathway as potential genetic modifiers of telomere biology and bone marrow function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eléonore Toufektchan
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Lejour
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Romane Durand
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Neelam Giri
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Irena Draskovic
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Telomeres and Cancer, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Boris Bardot
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Laplante
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Sara Jaber
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Blanche P. Alter
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - José-Arturo Londono-Vallejo
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Telomeres and Cancer, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sharon A. Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Franck Toledo
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3244, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Porreca RM, Herrera-Moyano E, Skourti E, Law PP, Gonzalez Franco R, Montoya A, Faull P, Kramer H, Vannier JB. TRF1 averts chromatin remodelling, recombination and replication dependent-break induced replication at mouse telomeres. eLife 2020; 9:49817. [PMID: 31934863 PMCID: PMC6986873 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are a significant challenge to DNA replication and are prone to replication stress and telomere fragility. The shelterin component TRF1 facilitates telomere replication but the molecular mechanism remains uncertain. By interrogating the proteomic composition of telomeres, we show that mouse telomeres lacking TRF1 undergo protein composition reorganisation associated with the recruitment of DNA damage response and chromatin remodellers. Surprisingly, mTRF1 suppresses the accumulation of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein, BRCA1 and the SMC5/6 complex at telomeres, which is associated with increased Homologous Recombination (HR) and TERRA transcription. We uncovered a previously unappreciated role for mTRF1 in the suppression of telomere recombination, dependent on SMC5 and also POLD3 dependent Break Induced Replication at telomeres. We propose that TRF1 facilitates S-phase telomeric DNA synthesis to prevent illegitimate mitotic DNA recombination and chromatin rearrangement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Porreca
- Telomere Replication and Stability group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emilia Herrera-Moyano
- Telomere Replication and Stability group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Skourti
- Telomere Replication and Stability group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pui Pik Law
- Telomere Replication and Stability group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roser Gonzalez Franco
- Telomere Replication and Stability group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Montoya
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Faull
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Science and Technology Platform, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holger Kramer
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Baptiste Vannier
- Telomere Replication and Stability group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The Rich World of p53 DNA Binding Targets: The Role of DNA Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225605. [PMID: 31717504 PMCID: PMC6888028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor functions of p53 and its roles in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, senescence, and metabolism are accomplished mainly by its interactions with DNA. p53 works as a transcription factor for a significant number of genes. Most p53 target genes contain so-called p53 response elements in their promoters, consisting of 20 bp long canonical consensus sequences. Compared to other transcription factors, which usually bind to one concrete and clearly defined DNA target, the p53 consensus sequence is not strict, but contains two repeats of a 5′RRRCWWGYYY3′ sequence; therefore it varies remarkably among target genes. Moreover, p53 binds also to DNA fragments that at least partially and often completely lack this consensus sequence. p53 also binds with high affinity to a variety of non-B DNA structures including Holliday junctions, cruciform structures, quadruplex DNA, triplex DNA, DNA loops, bulged DNA, and hemicatenane DNA. In this review, we summarize information of the interactions of p53 with various DNA targets and discuss the functional consequences of the rich world of p53 DNA binding targets for its complex regulatory functions.
Collapse
|
23
|
Feretzaki M, Renck Nunes P, Lingner J. Expression and differential regulation of human TERRA at several chromosome ends. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:1470-1480. [PMID: 31350341 PMCID: PMC6795134 DOI: 10.1261/rna.072322.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The telomeric long noncoding RNA TERRA has been implicated in regulating telomere maintenance by telomerase and homologous recombination, and in influencing telomeric protein composition during the cell cycle and the telomeric DNA damage response. TERRA transcription starts at subtelomeric regions resembling the CpG islands of eukaryotic genes extending toward chromosome ends. TERRA contains chromosome-specific subtelomeric sequences at its 5' end and long tracts of UUAGGG-repeats toward the 3' end. Conflicting studies have been published as to whether TERRA is expressed from one or several chromosome ends. Here, we quantify TERRA species by RT-qPCR in normal and several cancerous human cell lines. By using chromosome-specific subtelomeric DNA primers, we demonstrate that TERRA is expressed from a large number of telomeres. Deficiency in DNA methyltransferases leads to TERRA up-regulation only at the subset of chromosome ends that contain CpG-island sequences, revealing differential regulation of TERRA promoters by DNA methylation. However, independently of the differences in TERRA expression, short telomeres were uniformly present in a DNA methyltransferase deficient cell line, indicating that telomere length was not dictated by TERRA expression in cis Bioinformatic analyses indicated the presence of a large number of putative transcription factors binding sites at TERRA promoters, and we identified a subset of them that repress TERRA expression. Altogether, our study confirms that TERRA corresponds to a large gene family transcribed from multiple chromosome ends where we identified two types of TERRA promoters, only one of which is regulated by DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Feretzaki
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Renck Nunes
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Lingner
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li Z, Chen Y, Tang M, Li Y, Zhu WG. Regulation of DNA damage-induced ATM activation by histone modifications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42764-019-00004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
25
|
Mazzolini R, Gonzàlez N, Garcia-Garijo A, Millanes-Romero A, Peiró S, Smith S, García de Herreros A, Canudas S. Snail1 transcription factor controls telomere transcription and integrity. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:146-158. [PMID: 29059385 PMCID: PMC5758914 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides controlling epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell invasion, the Snail1 transcriptional factor also provides cells with cancer stem cell features. Since telomere maintenance is essential for stemness, we have examined the control of telomere integrity by Snail1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicates that Snail1-depleted mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have both a dramatic increase of telomere alterations and shorter telomeres. Remarkably, Snail1-deficient MSC present higher levels of both telomerase activity and the long non-coding RNA called telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), an RNA that controls telomere integrity. Accordingly, Snail1 expression downregulates expression of the telomerase gene (TERT) as well as of TERRA 2q, 11q and 18q. TERRA and TERT are transiently downregulated during TGFβ-induced EMT in NMuMG cells, correlating with Snail1 expression. Global transcriptome analysis indicates that ectopic expression of TERRA affects the transcription of some genes induced during EMT, such as fibronectin, whereas that of TERT does not modify those genes. We propose that Snail1 repression of TERRA is required not only for telomere maintenance but also for the expression of a subset of mesenchymal genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Mazzolini
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Gonzàlez
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Garcia-Garijo
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Millanes-Romero
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Peiró
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susan Smith
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, USA
| | - Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Canudas
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigació Sanitaria Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain.,CIBER Fisiología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Elevated telomere dysfunction in cells containing the African-centric Pro47Ser cancer-risk variant of TP53. Oncotarget 2019; 10:3581-3591. [PMID: 31217894 PMCID: PMC6557208 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Subtelomeric transcription and chromatin can have a significant impact on telomere repeat maintenance and chromosome stability. We have previously found that tumor suppressor protein p53 (TP53) can bind to retrotransposon-like elements in a majority of human subtelomeres to regulate TERRA transcription and telomeric histone acetylation in response to DNA damage. TP53 also prevents the accumulation of γH2AX DNA-damage signaling at telomeres. We now show that the inherited TP53 polymorphism Pro47Ser (hereafter S47), which is enriched in populations of African descent, is associated with elevated marks of telomere dysfunction. We found that human and mouse cells carrying the S47 variant show increased γH2AX DNA-damage signals at telomeres, as well as reduced TERRA transcription and subtelomeric histone acetylation in response to DNA damage stress. Cell-lines containing inducible genes for P47 or S47 versions of p53, as well mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) reconstituted with human p53, showed elevated telomere-induced DNA damage foci and metaphase telomere signal loss in cells with S47. Human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from individuals homozygous for S47, show increased accumulation of subtelomeric γH2AX and unstable telomere repeats in response to DNA damage relative to age matched LCLs homozygous for P47. Furthermore, LCLs with S47 had reduced replicative lifespan. These studies indicate that the naturally occurring S47 variant of p53 can affect telomeric chromatin, telomere repeat stability, and replicative capacity. We discuss the potential evolutionary significance of the S47 variant to African populations with respect to telomere regulation and the implications for inherited health disparities.
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Telomeres are specialised structures at the end of linear chromosomes. They consist of tandem repeats of the hexanucleotide sequence TTAGGG, as well as a protein complex called shelterin. Together, they form a protective loop structure against chromosome fusion and degradation. Shortening or damage to telomeres and opening of the loop induce an uncapped state that triggers a DNA damage response resulting in senescence or apoptosis.Average telomere length, usually measured in human blood lymphocytes, was thought to be a biomarker for ageing, survival and mortality. However, it becomes obvious that regulation of telomere length is very complex and involves multiple processes. For example, the "end replication problem" during DNA replication as well as oxidative stress are responsible for the shortening of telomeres. In contrast, telomerase activity can potentially counteract telomere shortening when it is able to access and interact with telomeres. However, while highly active during development and in cancer cells, the enzyme is down-regulated in most human somatic cells with a few exceptions such as human lymphocytes. In addition, telomeres can be transcribed, and the transcription products called TERRA are involved in telomere length regulation.Thus, telomere length and their integrity are regulated at many different levels, and we only start to understand this process under conditions of increased oxidative stress, inflammation and during diseases as well as the ageing process.This chapter aims to describe our current state of knowledge on telomeres and telomerase and their regulation in order to better understand their role for the ageing process.
Collapse
|
28
|
The Emerging Roles of TERRA in Telomere Maintenance and Genome Stability. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030246. [PMID: 30875900 PMCID: PMC6468625 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The finding that transcription occurs at chromosome ends has opened new fields of study on the roles of telomeric transcripts in chromosome end maintenance and genome stability. Indeed, the ends of chromosomes are required to be protected from activation of DNA damage response and DNA repair pathways. Chromosome end protection is achieved by the activity of specific proteins that associate with chromosome ends, forming telomeres. Telomeres need to be constantly maintained as they are in a heterochromatic state and fold into specific structures (T-loops), which may hamper DNA replication. In addition, in the absence of maintenance mechanisms, chromosome ends shorten at every cell division due to limitations in the DNA replication machinery, which is unable to fully replicate the extremities of chromosomes. Altered telomere structure or critically short chromosome ends generate dysfunctional telomeres, ultimately leading to replicative senescence or chromosome instability. Telomere biology is thus implicated in multiple human diseases, including cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that a class of long noncoding RNAs transcribed at telomeres, known as TERRA for “TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA,” actively participates in the mechanisms regulating telomere maintenance and chromosome end protection. However, the molecular details of TERRA activities remain to be elucidated. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the emerging roles of TERRA in telomere maintenance and genome stability and their implications in human diseases.
Collapse
|
29
|
Targeting Cancer through the Epigenetic Features of Telomeric Regions. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:281-290. [PMID: 30660503 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The integrity of the chromatin associated with telomeric regions, which include telomeres and subtelomeres, is essential for telomeres function and cell viability. Whereas human subtelomeres are heterochromatic, telomeres are labeled with euchromatic marks like H4K20me1 and H3K27ac in most commonly studied human cell lines. The epigenetic marks of human telomeric regions influence oncogenic processes. Indeed, different drugs that decrease their genome-wide levels are currently being used or tested in specific cancer therapies. These drugs can challenge cancer by altering the function of key cellular proteins. However, they should also compromise oncogenic processes by modifying the epigenetic landscape of telomeric regions. We believe that studies of telomeric chromatin structure and telomeres dysfunction should help to design epigenetic therapies for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
30
|
Lazarchuk P, Roy S, Schlacher K, Sidorova J. Detection and Quantitation of Acetylated Histones on Replicating DNA Using In Situ Proximity Ligation Assay and Click-It Chemistry. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1983:29-45. [PMID: 31087291 PMCID: PMC10439737 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9434-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Histone acetylation plays important roles in the regulation of DNA transcription, repair, and replication. Here we detail a method for quantitative detection of specific histone modifications in the nascent chromatin at or behind replication forks in vivo in cultured cells. The method involves labeling DNA with EdU, using Click chemistry to biotinylate EdU moieties in DNA, and then using in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) to selectively visualize co-localization of EdU with a modified histone of choice recognized by a modification-specific antibody. We focus on detection of acetylated histones H3 and H4 in the nascent chromatin of cultured human cells as a specific example of the method's application. Notably, the method is fully applicable to studies of histones or nonhistone proteins expected to be present on nascent DNA or at replication forks, and has been successfully used in model organisms and human tissue culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Lazarchuk
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sunetra Roy
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katharina Schlacher
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julia Sidorova
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Marcondes JPDC, Andrade PFB, Sávio ALV, Silveira MAD, Rudge MVC, Salvadori DMF. BCL2 and miR-181a transcriptional alterations in umbilical-cord blood cells can be putative biomarkers for obesity. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2018; 836:90-96. [PMID: 30442352 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Several findings suggest that in utero stressor stimuli can alter fetal development by promoting transcriptional changes, and predisposing the neonate to diseases later in life. This study aimed to investigate whether a hyperglycemic environment in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is able to cause fetal genetic alterations and predispose neonates to obesity. Transcriptional alteration of SIRT1, TP53 and BCL2 genes, miR-181a (a SIRT1 or BCL2 regulator) and telomere length were evaluated in placental and umbilical-cord blood cells. Healthy (HP; n = 20) and GDM (n = 20) pregnant women and their respective neonates were included in the study. Additionally, obese (n = 20) and eutrophic (n = 20) adults also participated as reference populations. Gene expression data showed down-regulation of BCL2 in umbilical-cord and peripheral blood cells from GDM neonates and obese adults, respectively. The miR-181a was down-regulated only in umbilical-cord blood cells of GDM neonates. Telomere length presented no significant difference. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the GDM hyperglycemic intrauterine environment promotes transcriptional alterations in BCL2 and miR-181a in neonate umbilical-cord blood cells. Furthermore, both GDM neonates and obese subjects share the same transcriptional alteration in BCL2. Considering the relationship between obesity development and the functions regulated by these two genes, BCL2 and miR-181a could be adopted as potential biomarkers for childhood obesity. However, further study designs are recommended to confirm this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo de Castro Marcondes
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil; UNESP - São Paulo State University, Bioscience Institute, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ranjan A, Iwakuma T. Emerging Non-Canonical Functions and Regulation of p53. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041015. [PMID: 29597309 PMCID: PMC5979425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Atul Ranjan
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66010, USA.
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66010, USA.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Mercy Hospital Research Institute, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mitochondria, its DNA and telomeres in ageing and human population. Biogerontology 2018; 19:189-208. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-018-9748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
34
|
Diman A, Decottignies A. Genomic origin and nuclear localization of TERRA telomeric repeat-containing RNA: from Darkness to Dawn. FEBS J 2017; 285:1389-1398. [PMID: 29240300 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs, produced from distinct regions of the chromosomes, are emerging as new key players in several important biological processes. The long noncoding RNAs add a new layer of complexity to cellular regulatory pathways, from transcription to cellular trafficking or chromatin remodeling. More than 25 years ago, the discovery of a transcriptional activity at telomeres of protozoa ended the long-lasting belief that telomeres were transcriptionally silent. Since then, progressively accumulating evidences established that production of TElomeric Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) was a general feature of eukaryotic cells. Whether TERRA molecules always originate from the telomeres or whether they can be transcribed from internal telomeric repeats as well is however still a matter of debate. Whether TERRA transcripts always localize to telomeres and play similar roles in all eukaryotic cells is also unclear. We review the studies on TERRA localization in the cell, its composition and some aspects of its transcriptional regulation to summarize the current knowledge and controversies about the genomic origin of TERRA, with a focus on human and mouse TERRA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Diman
- Genetic & Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anabelle Decottignies
- Genetic & Epigenetic Alterations of Genomes, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
CTCF driven TERRA transcription facilitates completion of telomere DNA replication. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2114. [PMID: 29235471 PMCID: PMC5727389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere repeat DNA forms a nucleo-protein structure that can obstruct chromosomal DNA replication, especially under conditions of replication stress. Transcription of telomere repeats can initiate at subtelomeric CTCF-binding sites to generate telomere repeat-encoding RNA (TERRA), but the role of transcription, CTCF, and TERRA in telomere replication is not known. Here, we have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to mutate CTCF-binding sites at the putative start site of TERRA transcripts for a class of subtelomeres. Under replication stress, telomeres lacking CTCF-driven TERRA exhibit sister-telomere loss and upon entry into mitosis, exhibit the formation of ultra-fine anaphase bridges and micronuclei. Importantly, these phenotypes could be rescued by the forced transcription of TERRA independent of CTCF binding. Our findings indicate that subtelomeric CTCF facilitates telomeric DNA replication by promoting TERRA transcription. Our findings also demonstrate that CTCF-driven TERRA transcription acts in cis to facilitate telomere repeat replication and chromosome stability. TERRA RNA is involved in maintaining stability during telomere repeat replication. Here the authors, by using CRISPR/Cas9, mutate CTCF-binding sites at start site of TERRA transcripts and find that subtelomeric CTCF facilitates telomeric DNA replication by promoting TERRA transcription.
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang Z, Deng Z, Tutton S, Lieberman PM. The Telomeric Response to Viral Infection. Viruses 2017; 9:v9080218. [PMID: 28792463 PMCID: PMC5580475 DOI: 10.3390/v9080218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ends of linear genomes, whether viral or cellular, can elicit potent DNA damage and innate immune signals. DNA viruses entering the nucleus share many features with telomeres in their ability to either suppress or co-opt these pathways. Here, we review some of the common mechanisms that viruses and telomeres use to manage the DNA damage and innate immune response pathways. We highlight recent studies on the role of the telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) in response to viral infection. We discuss how TERRA can be activated through a p53-response element embedded in a retrotransposon-like repeat found in human subtelomeres. We consider how TERRA can function as a danger signal when secreted in extracellular vesicles to induce inflammatory cytokines in neighboring cells. These findings suggest that TERRA may be part of the innate immune response to viral infection, and support the hypothesis that telomeres and viruses utilize common mechanisms to maintain genome integrity and regulate innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Zhong Deng
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Steve Tutton
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang T, Zhang Z, Li F, Hu Q, Liu H, Tang M, Ma W, Huang J, Songyang Z, Rong Y, Zhang S, Chen BP, Zhao Y. Looping-out mechanism for resolution of replicative stress at telomeres. EMBO Rep 2017; 18:1412-1428. [PMID: 28615293 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201643866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA is prone to replication fork stalling, which can lead to genome instability. Here, we find that replication fork stalling at telomeres leads to the formation of t-circle-tails, a new extrachromosomal structure that consists of circular telomeric DNA with a single-stranded tail. Structurally, the t-circle-tail resembles cyclized leading or lagging replication intermediates that are excised from the genome by topoisomerase II-mediated cleavage. We also show that the DNA damage repair machinery NHEJ is required for the formation of t-circle-tails and for the resolution of stalled replication forks, suggesting that NHEJ, which is normally constitutively suppressed at telomeres, is activated in the context of replication stress. Inhibition of NHEJ or knockout of DNA-PKcs impairs telomere replication, leading to multiple-telomere sites (MTS) and telomere shortening. Collectively, our results support a "looping-out" mechanism, in which the stalled replication fork is cut out and cyclized to form t-circle-tails, and broken DNA is religated. The telomere loss induced by replication stress may serve as a new factor that drives replicative senescence and cell aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Zepeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Mengfan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yikang Rong
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shichuan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Benjamin Pc Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China .,Collaborative Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
CENP-A chromatin disassembly in stressed and senescent murine cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42520. [PMID: 28186195 PMCID: PMC5301216 DOI: 10.1038/srep42520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Centromeres are chromosomal domains essential for genomic stability. We report here the remarkable transcriptional and epigenetic perturbations at murine centromeres in genotoxic stress conditions. A strong and selective transcriptional activation of centromeric repeats is detected within hours. This is followed by disorganization of centromeres with striking delocalization of nucleosomal CENP-A, the key determinant of centromere identity and function, in a mechanism requiring active transcription of centromeric repeats, the DNA Damage Response (DDR) effector ATM and chromatin remodelers/histone chaperones. In the absence of p53 checkpoint, activated transcription of centromeric repeats and CENP-A delocalization do not occur and cells accumulate micronuclei indicative of genomic instability. In addition, activated transcription and loss of centromeres identity are features of permanently arrested senescent cells with persistent DDR activation. Together, these findings bring out cooperation between DDR effectors and loss of centromere integrity as a safeguard mechanism to prevent genomic instability in context of persistent DNA damage signalling.
Collapse
|
39
|
Brázda V, Coufal J. Recognition of Local DNA Structures by p53 Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020375. [PMID: 28208646 PMCID: PMC5343910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
p53 plays critical roles in regulating cell cycle, apoptosis, senescence and metabolism and is commonly mutated in human cancer. These roles are achieved by interaction with other proteins, but particularly by interaction with DNA. As a transcription factor, p53 is well known to bind consensus target sequences in linear B-DNA. Recent findings indicate that p53 binds with higher affinity to target sequences that form cruciform DNA structure. Moreover, p53 binds very tightly to non-B DNA structures and local DNA structures are increasingly recognized to influence the activity of wild-type and mutant p53. Apart from cruciform structures, p53 binds to quadruplex DNA, triplex DNA, DNA loops, bulged DNA and hemicatenane DNA. In this review, we describe local DNA structures and summarize information about interactions of p53 with these structural DNA motifs. These recent data provide important insights into the complexity of the p53 pathway and the functional consequences of wild-type and mutant p53 activation in normal and tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Coufal
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
p53 Specifically Binds Triplex DNA In Vitro and in Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167439. [PMID: 27907175 PMCID: PMC5131957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Triplex DNA is implicated in a wide range of biological activities, including regulation of gene expression and genomic instability leading to cancer. The tumor suppressor p53 is a central regulator of cell fate in response to different type of insults. Sequence and structure specific modes of DNA recognition are core attributes of the p53 protein. The focus of this work is the structure-specific binding of p53 to DNA containing triplex-forming sequences in vitro and in cells and the effect on p53-driven transcription. This is the first DNA binding study of full-length p53 and its deletion variants to both intermolecular and intramolecular T.A.T triplexes. We demonstrate that the interaction of p53 with intermolecular T.A.T triplex is comparable to the recognition of CTG-hairpin non-B DNA structure. Using deletion mutants we determined the C-terminal DNA binding domain of p53 to be crucial for triplex recognition. Furthermore, strong p53 recognition of intramolecular T.A.T triplexes (H-DNA), stabilized by negative superhelicity in plasmid DNA, was detected by competition and immunoprecipitation experiments, and visualized by AFM. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed p53 binding T.A.T forming sequence in vivo. Enhanced reporter transactivation by p53 on insertion of triplex forming sequence into plasmid with p53 consensus sequence was observed by luciferase reporter assays. In-silico scan of human regulatory regions for the simultaneous presence of both consensus sequence and T.A.T motifs identified a set of candidate p53 target genes and p53-dependent activation of several of them (ABCG5, ENOX1, INSR, MCC, NFAT5) was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Our results show that T.A.T triplex comprises a new class of p53 binding sites targeted by p53 in a DNA structure-dependent mode in vitro and in cells. The contribution of p53 DNA structure-dependent binding to the regulation of transcription is discussed.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lieberman PM. Retrotransposon-derived p53 binding sites enhance telomere maintenance and genome protection. Bioessays 2016; 38:943-9. [PMID: 27539745 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53) plays a central role in the control of genome stability, acting primarily through the transcriptional activation of stress-response genes. However, many p53 binding sites are located at genomic locations with no obvious regulatory-link to known stress-response genes. We recently discovered p53 binding sites within retrotransposon-derived elements in human and mouse subtelomeres. These retrotransposon-derived p53 binding sites protected chromosome ends through transcription activation of telomere repeat RNA, as well as through the direct modification of local chromatin structure in response to DNA damage. Based on these findings, I hypothesize that a class of p53 binding sites, including the retrotransposon-derived p53-sites found in subtlomeres, provide a primary function in genome stability by mounting a direct and local protective chromatin-response to DNA damage. I speculate that retrotransposon-derived p53 binding sites share features with telomere-repeats through an evolutionary drive to monitor and maintain genome integrity.
Collapse
|
42
|
Toledo F. p53: A two-faced regulator of telomere metabolism? (comment on DOI 10.1002/bies.201600078). Bioessays 2016; 38:938. [PMID: 27538365 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Franck Toledo
- Genetics of Tumor Suppression - Equipe Labellisée Ligue, Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche - PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Adámik M, Kejnovská I, Bažantová P, Petr M, Renčiuk D, Vorlíčková M, Brázdová M. p53 binds human telomeric G-quadruplex in vitro. Biochimie 2016; 128-129:83-91. [PMID: 27422117 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor protein p53 is a key factor in genome stability and one of the most studied of DNA binding proteins. This is the first study on the interaction of wild-type p53 with guanine quadruplexes formed by the human telomere sequence. Using electromobility shift assay and ELISA, we show that p53 binding to telomeric G-quadruplexes increases with the number of telomeric repeats. Further, p53 strongly favors G-quadruplexes folded in potassium over those formed in sodium, thus indicating the telomeric G-quadruplex conformational selectivity of p53. The presence of the quadruplex-stabilizing ligand, N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), increases p53 recognition of G-quadruplexes in potassium. Using deletion mutants and selective p53 core domain oxidation, both p53 DNA binding domains are shown to be crucial for telomeric G-quadruplex recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matej Adámik
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Kejnovská
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Bažantová
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Petr
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Renčiuk
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Vorlíčková
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Brázdová
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang Z, Lieberman PM. The crosstalk of telomere dysfunction and inflammation through cell-free TERRA containing exosomes. RNA Biol 2016; 13:690-5. [PMID: 27351774 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1203503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeric repeats-containing RNA (TERRA) are telomere-derived non-coding RNAs that contribute to telomere function in protecting chromosome ends. We recently identified a cell-free form of TERRA (cfTERRA) enriched in extracellular exosomes. These cfTERRA-containing exosomes stimulate inflammatory cytokines when incubated with immune responsive cells. Here, we report that cfTERRA levels were increased in exosomes during telomere dysfunction induced by the expression of the dominant negative TRF2. The exosomes from these damaged cells also enriched with DNA damage marker γH2AX and fragmented telomere repeat DNA. Purified cfTERRA stimulated inflammatory cytokines, but the intact membrane-associated nucleoprotein complexes produced a more robust cytokine activation. Therefore, we propose cfTERRA-containing exosomes transport a telomere-associated molecular pattern (TAMP) and telomere-specific alarmin from dysfunctional telomeres to the extracellular environment to elicit an inflammatory response. Since cfTERRA can be readily detected in human serum it may provide a useful biomarker for the detection of telomere dysfunction in the early stage of cancers and aging-associated inflammatory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- a The Wistar Institute , Philadelphia , PA , USA.,b University of the Sciences in Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liddiard K, Ruis B, Takasugi T, Harvey A, Ashelford KE, Hendrickson EA, Baird DM. Sister chromatid telomere fusions, but not NHEJ-mediated inter-chromosomal telomere fusions, occur independently of DNA ligases 3 and 4. Genome Res 2016; 26:588-600. [PMID: 26941250 PMCID: PMC4864465 DOI: 10.1101/gr.200840.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres shorten with each cell division and can ultimately become substrates for nonhomologous end-joining repair, leading to large-scale genomic rearrangements of the kind frequently observed in human cancers. We have characterized more than 1400 telomere fusion events at the single-molecule level, using a combination of high-throughput sequence analysis together with experimentally induced telomeric double-stranded DNA breaks. We show that a single chromosomal dysfunctional telomere can fuse with diverse nontelomeric genomic loci, even in the presence of an otherwise stable genome, and that fusion predominates in coding regions. Fusion frequency was markedly increased in the absence of TP53 checkpoint control and significantly modulated by the cellular capacity for classical, versus alternative, nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). We observed a striking reduction in inter-chromosomal fusion events in cells lacking DNA ligase 4, in contrast to a remarkably consistent profile of intra-chromosomal fusion in the context of multiple genetic knockouts, including DNA ligase 3 and 4 double-knockouts. We reveal distinct mutational signatures associated with classical NHEJ-mediated inter-chromosomal, as opposed to alternative NHEJ-mediated intra-chromosomal, telomere fusions and evidence for an unanticipated sufficiency of DNA ligase 1 for these intra-chromosomal events. Our findings have implications for mechanisms driving cancer genome evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Liddiard
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Ruis
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Taylor Takasugi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Adam Harvey
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Kevin E Ashelford
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Eric A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tutton S, Lieberman PM. A role for p53 in telomere protection. Mol Cell Oncol 2016; 4:e1143078. [PMID: 29209637 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2016.1143078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes and are crucial for genome stability. The p53 protein (TP53) is a vital tumor suppressor, activating the transcription of numerous genes in response to cell stress. We reported that direct binding of p53 at human subtelomeres corresponds with local transcription activation and enhanced telomere stability in the presence of DNA damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Tutton
- Gene Expression and Regulation, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul M Lieberman
- Gene Expression and Regulation, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tutton S, Azzam GA, Stong N, Vladimirova O, Wiedmer A, Monteith JA, Beishline K, Wang Z, Deng Z, Riethman H, McMahon SB, Murphy M, Lieberman PM. Subtelomeric p53 binding prevents accumulation of DNA damage at human telomeres. EMBO J 2015; 35:193-207. [PMID: 26658110 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201490880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres and tumor suppressor protein TP53 (p53) function in genome protection, but a direct role of p53 at telomeres has not yet been described. Here, we have identified non-canonical p53-binding sites within the human subtelomeres that suppress the accumulation of DNA damage at telomeric repeat DNA. These non-canonical subtelomeric p53-binding sites conferred transcription enhancer-like functions that include an increase in local histone H3K9 and H3K27 acetylation and stimulation of subtelomeric transcripts, including telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). p53 suppressed formation of telomere-associated γH2AX and prevented telomere DNA degradation in response to DNA damage stress. Our findings indicate that p53 provides a direct chromatin-associated protection to human telomeres, as well as other fragile genomic sites. We propose that p53-associated chromatin modifications enhance local DNA repair or protection to provide a previously unrecognized tumor suppressor function of p53.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jessica A Monteith
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Zhuo Wang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhong Deng
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Steven B McMahon
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|