1
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Martinez D, Lavebratt C, Millischer V, de Jesus R. de Paula V, Pires T, Michelon L, Camilo C, Esteban N, Pereira A, Schalling M, Vallada H. Shorter telomere length and suicidal ideation in familial bipolar disorder. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275999. [PMID: 36469522 PMCID: PMC9721487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar Disorder (BD) has recently been related to a process of accelerated aging, with shortened leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in this population. It has also been observed that the suicide rate in BD patients is higher than in the general population, and more recently the telomere length variation has been described as shorter in suicide completers compared with control subjects. Objectives The aim of the present study was to investigate if there is an association between LTL and BD in families where two or more members have BD including clinical symptomatology variables, along with suicide behavior. Methods Telomere length and single copy gene ratio (T/S ratio) was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a sample of 143 relatives from 22 families, of which 60 had BD. The statistical analysis was performed with a polygenic mixed model. Results LTL was associated with suicidal ideation (p = 0.02) as that there is an interaction between suicidal ideation and course of the disorder (p = 0.02). The estimated heritability for LTL in these families was 0.68. In addition, covariates that relate to severity of disease, i.e. suicidal ideation and course of the disorder, showed an association with shorter LTL in BD patients. No difference in LTL between BD patients and healthy relatives was observed. Conclusion LTL are shorter in subjects with familial BD suggesting that stress related sub-phenotypes possibly accelerate the process of cellular aging and correlate with disease severity and suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Martinez
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratório de Genética e Cardiologia Molecular, Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Millischer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vanessa de Jesus R. de Paula
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Pires
- Laboratório de Genética e Cardiologia Molecular, Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro Michelon
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Camilo
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nubia Esteban
- Laboratório de Genética e Cardiologia Molecular, Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Pereira
- Laboratório de Genética e Cardiologia Molecular, Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Martin Schalling
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Homero Vallada
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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2
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Sparks AM, Spurgin LG, van der Velde M, Fairfield EA, Komdeur J, Burke T, Richardson DS, Dugdale HL. Telomere heritability and parental age at conception effects in a wild avian population. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6324-6338. [PMID: 33586226 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Individual variation in telomere length is predictive of health and mortality risk across a range of species. However, the relative influence of environmental and genetic variation on individual telomere length in wild populations remains poorly understood. Heritability of telomere length has primarily been calculated using parent-offspring regression which can be confounded by shared environments. To control for confounding variables, quantitative genetic "animal models" can be used, but few studies have applied animal models in wild populations. Furthermore, parental age at conception may also influence offspring telomere length, but most studies have been cross-sectional. We investigated within- and between-parental age at conception effects and heritability of telomere length in the Seychelles warbler using measures from birds caught over 20 years and a multigenerational pedigree. We found a weak negative within-paternal age at conception effect (as fathers aged, their offspring had shorter telomeres) and a weak positive between-maternal age at conception effect (females that survived to older ages had offspring with longer telomeres). Animal models provided evidence that heritability and evolvability of telomere length were low in this population, and that variation in telomere length was not driven by early-life effects of hatch period or parental identities. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction plate had a large influence on telomere length variation and not accounting for it in the models would have underestimated heritability. Our study illustrates the need to include and account for technical variation in order to accurately estimate heritability, as well as other environmental effects, on telomere length in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Sparks
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lewis G Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Marco van der Velde
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Nature Seychelles, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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3
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Lee Y, Sun D, Ori AP, Lu AT, Seeboth A, Harris SE, Deary IJ, Marioni RE, Soerensen M, Mengel-From J, Hjelmborg J, Christensen K, Wilson JG, Levy D, Reiner AP, Chen W, Li S, Harris JR, Magnus P, Aviv A, Jugessur A, Horvath S. Epigenome-wide association study of leukocyte telomere length. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:5876-5894. [PMID: 31461406 PMCID: PMC6738430 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with age-related diseases and is highly heritable. It is unclear, however, to what extent epigenetic modifications are associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL). In this study, we conducted a large-scale epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of LTL using seven large cohorts (n=5,713) - the Framingham Heart Study, the Jackson Heart Study, the Women's Health Initiative, the Bogalusa Heart Study, the Lothian Birth Cohorts of 1921 and 1936, and the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins. Our stratified analysis suggests that EWAS findings for women of African ancestry may be distinct from those of three other groups: males of African ancestry, and males and females of European ancestry. Using a meta-analysis framework, we identified DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at 823 CpG sites to be significantly associated (P<1E-7) with LTL after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and imputed white blood cell counts. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these CpG sites are near genes that play a role in circadian rhythm, blood coagulation, and wound healing. Weighted correlation network analysis identified four co-methylation modules associated with LTL, age, and blood cell counts. Overall, this study reveals highly significant relationships between two hallmarks of aging: telomere biology and epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsung Lee
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dianjianyi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Anil P.S. Ori
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anne Seeboth
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah E. Harris
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian J. Deary
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mette Soerensen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Center for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jonas Mengel-From
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jacob Hjelmborg
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - James G. Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Levy
- The Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
- Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Seattle, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alex P. Reiner
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Shengxu Li
- Children’s Minnesota Research Institute, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Harris
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Abraham Aviv
- Center of Development and Aging, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Astanand Jugessur
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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4
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Dugdale HL, Richardson DS. Heritability of telomere variation: it is all about the environment! Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2016.0450. [PMID: 29335377 PMCID: PMC5784070 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in telomere length have been linked to survival and senescence. Understanding the heritability of telomere length can provide important insight into individual differences and facilitate our understanding of the evolution of telomeres. However, to gain accurate and meaningful estimates of telomere heritability it is vital that the impact of the environment, and how this may vary, is understood and accounted for. The aim of this review is to raise awareness of this important, but much under-appreciated point. We outline the factors known to impact telomere length and discuss the fact that telomere length is a trait that changes with age. We highlight statistical methods that can separate genetic from environmental effects and control for confounding variables. We then review how well previous studies in vertebrate populations including humans have taken these factors into account. We argue that studies to date either use methodological techniques that confound environmental and genetic effects, or use appropriate methods but lack sufficient power to fully separate these components. We discuss potential solutions. We conclude that we need larger studies, which also span longer time periods, to account for changing environmental effects, if we are to determine meaningful estimates of the genetic component of telomere length. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding diversity in telomere dynamics'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - David S Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
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5
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Gielen M, Hageman GJ, Antoniou EE, Nordfjall K, Mangino M, Balasubramanyam M, de Meyer T, Hendricks AE, Giltay EJ, Hunt SC, Nettleton JA, Salpea KD, Diaz VA, Farzaneh-Far R, Atzmon G, Harris SE, Hou L, Gilley D, Hovatta I, Kark JD, Nassar H, Kurz DJ, Mather KA, Willeit P, Zheng YL, Pavanello S, Demerath EW, Rode L, Bunout D, Steptoe A, Boardman L, Marti A, Needham B, Zheng W, Ramsey-Goldman R, Pellatt AJ, Kaprio J, Hofmann JN, Gieger C, Paolisso G, Hjelmborg JBH, Mirabello L, Seeman T, Wong J, van der Harst P, Broer L, Kronenberg F, Kollerits B, Strandberg T, Eisenberg DTA, Duggan C, Verhoeven JE, Schaakxs R, Zannolli R, dos Reis RMR, Charchar FJ, Tomaszewski M, Mons U, Demuth I, Iglesias Molli AE, Cheng G, Krasnienkov D, D'Antono B, Kasielski M, McDonnell BJ, Ebstein RP, Sundquist K, Pare G, Chong M, Zeegers MP. Body mass index is negatively associated with telomere length: a collaborative cross-sectional meta-analysis of 87 observational studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2018; 108:453-475. [PMID: 30535086 PMCID: PMC6454526 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Even before the onset of age-related diseases, obesity might be a contributing factor to the cumulative burden of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation throughout the life course. Obesity may therefore contribute to accelerated shortening of telomeres. Consequently, obese persons are more likely to have shorter telomeres, but the association between body mass index (BMI) and leukocyte telomere length (TL) might differ across the life span and between ethnicities and sexes. Objective A collaborative cross-sectional meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to investigate the associations between BMI and TL across the life span. Design Eighty-seven distinct study samples were included in the meta-analysis capturing data from 146,114 individuals. Study-specific age- and sex-adjusted regression coefficients were combined by using a random-effects model in which absolute [base pairs (bp)] and relative telomere to single-copy gene ratio (T/S ratio) TLs were regressed against BMI. Stratified analysis was performed by 3 age categories ("young": 18-60 y; "middle": 61-75 y; and "old": >75 y), sex, and ethnicity. Results Each unit increase in BMI corresponded to a -3.99 bp (95% CI: -5.17, -2.81 bp) difference in TL in the total pooled sample; among young adults, each unit increase in BMI corresponded to a -7.67 bp (95% CI: -10.03, -5.31 bp) difference. Each unit increase in BMI corresponded to a -1.58 × 10(-3) unit T/S ratio (0.16% decrease; 95% CI: -2.14 × 10(-3), -1.01 × 10(-3)) difference in age- and sex-adjusted relative TL in the total pooled sample; among young adults, each unit increase in BMI corresponded to a -2.58 × 10(-3) unit T/S ratio (0.26% decrease; 95% CI: -3.92 × 10(-3), -1.25 × 10(-3)). The associations were predominantly for the white pooled population. No sex differences were observed. Conclusions A higher BMI is associated with shorter telomeres, especially in younger individuals. The presently observed difference is not negligible. Meta-analyses of longitudinal studies evaluating change in body weight alongside change in TL are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marij Gielen
- Departments of Complex Genetics,Address correspondence to MG (e-mail: )
| | - Geja J Hageman
- Toxicology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht University, Netherlands
| | - Evangelia E Antoniou
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Netherlands
| | | | - Massimo Mangino
- Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,NIHR Biomedical Research Center at Guy's and St. Thomas’ Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim de Meyer
- Department of Mathematical Modeling, Statistics, and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Audrey E Hendricks
- Population Sciences Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, NHLBI's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA,Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado–Denver, Denver, CO
| | - Erik J Giltay
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Steven C Hunt
- Cardiovascular Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Jennifer A Nettleton
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
| | - Klelia D Salpea
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, BSRC “Alexander Fleming,” Athens, Greece
| | - Vanessa A Diaz
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Ramin Farzaneh-Far
- Division of Cardiology, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, and Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sarah E Harris
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Cognitive Epidemiology and Medical Genetics Section and Center for Genomics and Experimental Medicine and MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lifang Hou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - David Gilley
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Iiris Hovatta
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jeremy D Kark
- Epidemiology Unit, Hebrew University–Hadassah School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hisham Nassar
- Department of Cardiology, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David J Kurz
- Department of Cardiology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karen A Mather
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychiatry, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Willeit
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yun-Ling Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ellen W Demerath
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Line Rode
- The Copenhagen General Population Study, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Bunout
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Boardman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Amelia Marti
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belinda Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Wei Zheng
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | | | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Department of Public Health,Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Christian Gieger
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology and Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic, and Geriatric Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Jacob B H Hjelmborg
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Lisa Mirabello
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic, and Geriatric Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Seeman
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jason Wong
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Pim van der Harst
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Linda Broer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Florian Kronenberg
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular, and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Kollerits
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular, and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Timo Strandberg
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Center for Life Course Epidemiology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Josine E Verhoeven
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Roxanne Schaakxs
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Raffaela Zannolli
- Pediatrics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Senese/University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Rosana M R dos Reis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fadi J Charchar
- School of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, and Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Maciej Tomaszewski
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom,Division of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ute Mons
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research,Cancer Prevention Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilja Demuth
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Lipid Clinic at the Interdisciplinary Metabolism Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Elena Iglesias Molli
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM). Laboratorio de Diabetes y Metabolismo, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guo Cheng
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety, and Toxicology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dmytro Krasnienkov
- Department of Epigenetics, DF Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Bianca D'Antono
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, and Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marek Kasielski
- Bases of Clinical Medicine Teaching Center, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Barry J McDonnell
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Guillaume Pare
- Population Health Research Institute and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michael Chong
- Population Health Research Institute and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Maurice P Zeegers
- Departments of Complex Genetics,CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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6
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Seeker LA, Ilska JJ, Psifidi A, Wilbourn RV, Underwood SL, Fairlie J, Holland R, Froy H, Salvo-Chirnside E, Bagnall A, Whitelaw B, Coffey MP, Nussey DH, Banos G. Bovine telomere dynamics and the association between telomere length and productive lifespan. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12748. [PMID: 30143784 PMCID: PMC6109064 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Average telomere length (TL) in blood cells has been shown to decline with age in a range of vertebrate species, and there is evidence that TL is a heritable trait associated with late-life health and mortality in humans. In non-human mammals, few studies to date have examined lifelong telomere dynamics and no study has estimated the heritability of TL, despite these being important steps towards assessing the potential of TL as a biomarker of productive lifespan and health in livestock species. Here we measured relative leukocyte TL (RLTL) in 1,328 samples from 308 Holstein Friesian dairy cows and in 284 samples from 38 female calves. We found that RLTL declines after birth but remains relatively stable in adult life. We also calculated the first heritability estimates of RLTL in a livestock species which were 0.38 (SE = 0.03) and 0.32 (SE = 0.08) for the cow and the calf dataset, respectively. RLTL measured at the ages of one and five years were positively correlated with productive lifespan (p < 0.05). We conclude that bovine RLTL is a heritable trait, and its association with productive lifespan may be used in breeding programmes aiming to enhance cow longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise A Seeker
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK.
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK.
| | - Joanna J Ilska
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Rachael V Wilbourn
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Sarah L Underwood
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Jennifer Fairlie
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Rebecca Holland
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Hannah Froy
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | | | | | - Bruce Whitelaw
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Mike P Coffey
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Daniel H Nussey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
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7
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Bhattacharyya J, Mihara K, Bhattacharjee D, Mukherjee M. Telomere length as a potential biomarker of coronary artery disease. Indian J Med Res 2018; 145:730-737. [PMID: 29067974 PMCID: PMC5674542 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.216974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disease whose prevalence remains unabated especially in developing countries. Both lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition contribute to this disorder. Though notable achievements have been made in the medical, interventional and surgical management of CAD, the need for its prevention is more important. Among other modalities, this calls for defining evidence-based new biomarkers, which on their own or in combination with other known biomarkers may predict the risk of CAD to enable institution of appropriate preventive strategies. In the present communication, we have discussed the usefulness of shortening of telomeres as a potential biomarker of CAD. Clinical research evidence in favour of telomere shortening in CAD is well documented in different ethnic populations of the world. Establishing a well-standardized and accurate method of evaluating telomere length is essential before its routine use in preventive cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyeeta Bhattacharyya
- Department of Cardiac Research, Cumballa Hill Hospital & Heart Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Keichiro Mihara
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology & Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Manjarí Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiac Research, Cumballa Hill Hospital & Heart Institute, Mumbai, India
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8
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Suchy-Dicey AM, Muller CJ, Madhyastha TM, Shibata D, Cole SA, Zhao J, Longstreth WT, Buchwald D. Telomere Length and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Vascular Brain Injury and Central Brain Atrophy: The Strong Heart Study. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:1231-1239. [PMID: 29860472 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repeating regions of DNA that cap chromosomes. They shorten over the mammalian life span, especially in the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomeres may play a direct role in cell senescence, serving as markers of premature vascular aging. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) may be associated with premature vascular brain injury and cerebral atrophy. However, reports have been inconsistent, especially among minority populations with a heavy burden of illness related to vascular aging. We examined associations between LTL and magnetic resonance imaging in 363 American Indians aged 64-93 years from the Strong Heart Study (1989-1991) and its ancillary study, Cerebrovascular Disease and Its Consequences in American Indians (2010-2013). Our results showed significant associations of LTL with ventricular enlargement and the presence of white matter hyperintensities. Secondary models indicated that renal function may mediate these associations, although small case numbers limited inference. Hypertension and diabetes showed little evidence of effect modification. Results were most extreme among participants who evinced the largest decline in LTL. Although this study was limited to cross-sectional comparisons, it represents (to our knowledge) the first consideration of associations between telomere length and brain aging in American Indians. Findings suggest a relationship between vascular aging by cell senescence and severity of brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M Suchy-Dicey
- Initiative for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington
| | - Clemma J Muller
- Initiative for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tara M Madhyastha
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dean Shibata
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Jinying Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - W T Longstreth
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dedra Buchwald
- Initiative for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington
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9
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Depressive symptoms are associated with leukocyte telomere length in American Indians: findings from the Strong Heart Family Study. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 8:2961-2970. [PMID: 27870638 PMCID: PMC5191880 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with depression have an increased risk for many aging-related disorders, but the biological mechanisms underlying this link remain to be determined. Here we examined the association between depressive symptoms and leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker of biological aging, among 2,175 American Indians participating in the Strong Heart Family Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D), which was categorized into four levels: none (< 10), mild (10-15), moderate (16-24), and severe (> 24). LTL (T/S ratio) was quantified by qPCR. The association between depressive symptoms and LTL was examined by multivariate generalized estimating equation models, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, and chronic conditions. Results showed that individuals with a higher level of depressive symptoms had shorter LTL. Specifically, LTL in participants reporting none, mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms were 1.000, 0.999, 0.988, and 0.966, respectively (P for trend = 0.0278). Moreover, gender appears to modulate the effect of reported depressive symptoms that fall in the severe range (CES-D > 24) on LTL (P for interaction = 0.0346). Our results suggest that depressive symptoms may accelerate biological aging through pathways beyond traditional risk factors in American Indians.
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10
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Deng Y, Zeng D, Zhao J, Cai J. Proportional hazards model with a change point for clustered event data. Biometrics 2017; 73:835-845. [PMID: 28257142 DOI: 10.1111/biom.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In many epidemiology studies, family data with survival endpoints are collected to investigate the association between risk factors and disease incidence. Sometimes the risk of the disease may change when a certain risk factor exceeds a certain threshold. Finding this threshold value could be important for disease risk prediction and diseases prevention. In this work, we propose a change-point proportional hazards model for clustered event data. The model incorporates the unknown threshold of a continuous variable as a change point in the regression. The marginal pseudo-partial likelihood functions are maximized for estimating the regression coefficients and the unknown change point. We develop a supremum test based on robust score statistics to test the existence of the change point. The inference for the change point is based on the m out of n bootstrap. We establish the consistency and asymptotic distributions of the proposed estimators. The finite-sample performance of the proposed method is demonstrated via extensive simulation studies. Finally, the Strong Heart Family Study dataset is analyzed to illustrate the methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Deng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Donglin Zeng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Jinying Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A
| | - Jianwen Cai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
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11
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Sethi I, Bhat GR, Singh V, Kumar R, Bhanwer AJS, Bamezai RNK, Sharma S, Rai E. Role of telomeres and associated maintenance genes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A review. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2016; 122:92-100. [PMID: 27816684 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a multifactorial complex disorder, is emerging as a major cause of morbidity, mortality and socio-economic burden across the world. Despite huge efforts in understanding genetics of T2DM, only ∼10% of the genetic factors have been identified so far. Telomere attrition, a natural phenomenon has recently emerged in understanding the pathophysiology of T2DM. It has been indicated that Telomeres and associated pathways might be the critical components in the disease etiology, though the mechanism(s) involved are not clear. Recent Genome Wide (GWAS) and Candidate Gene Case-Control Association Studies have also indicated an association of Telomere and associated pathways related genes with T2DM. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the telomere maintenance genes: TERT, TERC, TNKS, CSNK2A2, TEP1, ACD, TRF1 and TRF2, have shown strong association with telomere attrition in T2DM and its pathophysiology, in these studies. However, the assessment has been made within limited ethnicities (Caucasians, Han Chinese cohort and Punjabi Sikhs from South Asia), warranting the study of such associations in different ethnic groups. Here, we propose the possible mechanisms, in the light of existing knowledge, to understand the association of T2DM with telomeres and associated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itty Sethi
- Human Genetics Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, J&K 182320, India
| | - G R Bhat
- Human Genetics Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, J&K 182320, India
| | - Vinod Singh
- Human Genetics Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, J&K 182320, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Human Genetics Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, J&K 182320, India
| | - A J S Bhanwer
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Rameshwar N K Bamezai
- National Centre of Applied Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Swarkar Sharma
- Human Genetics Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, J&K 182320, India.
| | - Ekta Rai
- Human Genetics Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, J&K 182320, India.
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12
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Fulcher N, Teubenbacher A, Kerdaffrec E, Farlow A, Nordborg M, Riha K. Genetic architecture of natural variation of telomere length in Arabidopsis thaliana. Genetics 2015; 199:625-35. [PMID: 25488978 PMCID: PMC4317667 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.114.172163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres represent the repetitive sequences that cap chromosome ends and are essential for their protection. Telomere length is known to be highly heritable and is derived from a homeostatic balance between telomeric lengthening and shortening activities. Specific loci that form the genetic framework underlying telomere length homeostasis, however, are not well understood. To investigate the extent of natural variation of telomere length in Arabidopsis thaliana, we examined 229 worldwide accessions by terminal restriction fragment analysis. The results showed a wide range of telomere lengths that are specific to individual accessions. To identify loci that are responsible for this variation, we adopted a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping approach with multiple recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. A doubled haploid RIL population was first produced using centromere-mediated genome elimination between accessions with long (Pro-0) and intermediate (Col-0) telomere lengths. Composite interval mapping analysis of this population along with two established RIL populations (Ler-2/Cvi-0 and Est-1/Col-0) revealed a number of shared and unique QTL. QTL detected in the Ler-2/Cvi-0 population were examined using near isogenic lines that confirmed causative regions on chromosomes 1 and 2. In conclusion, this work describes the extent of natural variation of telomere length in A. thaliana, identifies a network of QTL that influence telomere length homeostasis, examines telomere length dynamics in plants with hybrid backgrounds, and shows the effects of two identified regions on telomere length regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Fulcher
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Astrid Teubenbacher
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Envel Kerdaffrec
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Ashley Farlow
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Magnus Nordborg
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Karel Riha
- Gregor Mendel Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna 1030, Austria Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, Czech Republic
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13
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Chen S, Yeh F, Lin J, Matsuguchi T, Blackburn E, Lee ET, Howard BV, Zhao J. Short leukocyte telomere length is associated with obesity in American Indians: the Strong Heart Family study. Aging (Albany NY) 2015; 6:380-9. [PMID: 24861044 PMCID: PMC4069265 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been associated with a wide range of age-related disorders including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Obesity is an important risk factor for CVD and diabetes. The association of LTL with obesity is not well understood. This study for the first time examines the association of LTL with obesity indices including body mass index, waist circumference, percent body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio in 3,256 American Indians (14-93 years old, 60% women) participating in the Strong Heart Family Study. Association of LTL with each adiposity index was examined using multivariate generalized linear mixed model, adjusting for chronological age, sex, study center, education, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, and total energy intake), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hypertension and diabetes. Results show that obese participants had significantly shorter LTL than non-obese individuals (age-adjusted P=0.0002). Multivariate analyses demonstrate that LTL was significantly and inversely associated with all of the studied obesity parameters. Our results may shed light on the potential role of biological aging in pathogenesis of obesity and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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14
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Chen S, Lin J, Matsuguchi T, Blackburn E, Yeh F, Best LG, Devereux RB, Lee ET, Howard BV, Roman MJ, Zhao J. Short leukocyte telomere length predicts incidence and progression of carotid atherosclerosis in American Indians: the Strong Heart Family Study. Aging (Albany NY) 2015; 6:414-27. [PMID: 24902894 PMCID: PMC4069268 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Short leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been associated with atherosclerosis in cross-sectional studies, but the prospective relationship between telomere shortening and risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis has not been well-established. This study examines whether LTL at baseline predicts incidence and progression of carotid atherosclerosis in American Indians in the Strong Heart Study. The analysis included 2,819 participants who were free of overt cardiovascular disease at baseline (2001-2003) and were followed through the end of 2006-2009 (average 5.5-yr follow-up). Discrete atherosclerotic plaque was defined as focal protrusion with an arterial wall thickness ≥50% the surrounding wall. Carotid progression was defined as having a higher plaque score at the end of study follow-up compared to baseline. Associations of LTL with incidence and progression of carotid plaque were examined using Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusting for standard coronary risk factors. Compared to participants in the highest LTL tertile, those in the lowest tertile had significantly elevated risk for both incident plaque (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09–2.03) and plaque progression (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.26–2.07). Our results provide initial evidence for a potential prognostic utility of LTL in risk prediction for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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15
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Staples J, Qiao D, Cho M, Silverman E, Nickerson D, Below J, Below JE. PRIMUS: rapid reconstruction of pedigrees from genome-wide estimates of identity by descent. Am J Hum Genet 2014; 95:553-64. [PMID: 25439724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding and correctly utilizing relatedness among samples is essential for genetic analysis; however, managing sample records and pedigrees can often be error prone and incomplete. Data sets ascertained by random sampling often harbor cryptic relatedness that can be leveraged in genetic analyses for maximizing power. We have developed a method that uses genome-wide estimates of pairwise identity by descent to identify families and quickly reconstruct and score all possible pedigrees that fit the genetic data by using up to third-degree relatives, and we have included it in the software package PRIMUS (Pedigree Reconstruction and Identification of the Maximally Unrelated Set). Here, we validate its performance on simulated, clinical, and HapMap pedigrees. Among these samples, we demonstrate that PRIMUS can verify reported pedigree structures and identify cryptic relationships. Finally, we show that PRIMUS reconstructed pedigrees, all of which were previously unknown, for 203 families from a cohort collected in Starr County, TX (1,890 samples).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer E Below
- Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77225, USA.
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