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Yegorov YE. Olovnikov, Telomeres, and Telomerase. Is It Possible to Prolong a Healthy Life? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1704-1718. [PMID: 38105192 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The science of telomeres and telomerase has made tremendous progress in recent decades. In this review, we consider it first in a historical context (the Carrel-Hayflick-Olovnikov-Blackburn chain of discoveries) and then review current knowledge on the telomere structure and dynamics in norm and pathology. Central to the review are consequences of the telomere shortening, including telomere position effects, DNA damage signaling, and increased genetic instability. Cell senescence and role of telomere length in its development are discussed separately. Therapeutic aspects and risks of telomere lengthening methods including use of telomerase and other approaches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegor E Yegorov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Peka M, Balatsky V, Saienko A, Tsereniuk O. Bioinformatic analysis of the effect of SNPs in the pig TERT gene on the structural and functional characteristics of the enzyme to develop new genetic markers of productivity traits. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:487. [PMID: 37626279 PMCID: PMC10463782 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09592-y] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays a crucial role in synthesizing telomeric repeats that safeguard chromosomes from damage and fusion, thereby maintaining genome stability. Mutations in the TERT gene can lead to a deviation in gene expression, impaired enzyme activity, and, as a result, abnormal telomere shortening. Genetic markers of productivity traits in livestock can be developed based on the TERT gene polymorphism for use in marker-associated selection (MAS). In this study, a bioinformatic-based approach is proposed to evaluate the effect of missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pig TERT gene on enzyme function and structure, with the prospect of developing genetic markers. RESULTS A comparative analysis of the coding and amino acid sequences of the pig TERT was performed with corresponding sequences of other species. The distribution of polymorphisms in the pig TERT gene, with respect to the enzyme's structural-functional domains, was established. A three-dimensional model of the pig TERT structure was obtained through homological modeling. The potential impact of each of the 23 missense SNPs in the pig TERT gene on telomerase function and stability was assessed using predictive bioinformatic tools utilizing data on the amino acid sequence and structure of pig TERT. CONCLUSIONS According to bioinformatic analysis of 23 missense SNPs of the pig TERT gene, a predictive effect of rs789641834 (TEN domain), rs706045634 (TEN domain), rs325294961 (TRBD domain) and rs705602819 (RTD domain) on the structural and functional parameters of the enzyme was established. These SNPs hold the potential to serve as genetic markers of productivity traits. Therefore, the possibility of their application in MAS should be further evaluated in associative analysis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykyta Peka
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022 Ukraine
| | - Viktor Balatsky
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022 Ukraine
| | - Artem Saienko
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Tsereniuk
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013 Ukraine
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Singh M, MacKenzie D, Desai S, Batista N, Zhang D. Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres-Positive Cancers. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2023; 27:123-125. [PMID: 37115645 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2023.29069.mas] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
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Liu J, Zhao S, Li Z, Zhang Z, Zhao B, Guan G, Yin H, Luo J. Activation of telomerase activity and telomere elongation of host cells by Theileria annulata infection. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1128433. [PMID: 36910209 PMCID: PMC9997645 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1128433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Theileria annulata-transformed cells share many phenotypes with cancer cells, including uncontrolled proliferation, immortalization, and dissemination. Telomeres are DNA-protein complex at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes that function to maintain genome stability and cell replicative capacity. Telomere length maintenance is primarily dependent on telomerase activity. In up to 90% of human cancer cells, telomerase is reactivated through expression of its catalytic subunit TERT. However, the effect of T. annulata infection on telomere and telomerase activity in bovine cells has not yet been described. In the present study, we confirmed that telomere length and telomerase activity are upregulated after T. annulata infection in three types of cell lines. This change depends on the presence of parasites. After eliminating Theileria from cells with antitheilerial drug buparvaquone, telomerase activity and the expression level of bTERT were decreased. In addition, inhibition of bHSP90 by novobiocin led to decreased AKT phosphorylation levels and telomerase activity, indicating that the bHSP90-AKT complex is a potent factor modulates telomerase activity in T. annulata-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shuaiyang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Baocai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Sagris M, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Telomere Length: A Cardiovascular Biomarker and a Novel Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416010. [PMID: 36555658 PMCID: PMC9781338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disease with a high prevalence, particularly in developing countries. Currently, the investigation of telomeres as a potential tool for the early detection of the atherosclerotic disease seems to be a promising method. Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the extremities of chromosomes that maintain genetic stability. Telomere length (TL) has been associated with several human disorders and diseases while its attrition rate varies significantly in the population. The rate of TL shortening ranges between 20 and 50 bp and is affected by factors such as the end-replication phenomenon, oxidative stress, and other DNA-damaging agents. In this review, we delve not only into the pathophysiology of TL shortening but also into its association with cardiovascular disease and the progression of atherosclerosis. We also provide current and future treatment options based on TL and telomerase function, trying to highlight the importance of these cutting-edge developments and their clinical relevance.
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de Oliveira BCD, Shiburah ME, Paiva SC, Vieira MR, Morea EGO, da Silva MS, Alves CDS, Segatto M, Gutierrez-Rodrigues F, Borges JC, Calado RT, Cano MIN. Possible Involvement of Hsp90 in the Regulation of Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity During the Leishmania amazonensis Developmental Cycle and Population Proliferation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713415. [PMID: 34778247 PMCID: PMC8581162 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Leishmania developmental cycle comprises three main life forms in two hosts, indicating that the parasite is continually challenged due to drastic environmental changes. The disruption of this cycle is critical for discovering new therapies to eradicate leishmaniasis, a neglected disease that affects millions worldwide. Telomeres, the physical ends of chromosomes, maintain genome stability and cell proliferation and are potential antiparasitic drug targets. Therefore, understanding how telomere length is regulated during parasite development is vital. Here, we show that telomeres form clusters spread in the nucleoplasm of the three parasite life forms. We also observed that amastigotes telomeres are shorter than metacyclic and procyclic promastigotes and that in parasites with continuous in vitro passages, telomere length increases over time. These observed differences in telomere length among parasite’s life stages were not due to lack/inhibition of telomerase since enzyme activity was detected in all parasite life stages, although the catalysis was temperature-dependent. These data led us to test if, similar to other eukaryotes, parasite telomere length maintenance could be regulated by Hsp83, the ortholog of Hsp90 in trypanosomatids, and Leishmania (LHsp90). Parasites were then treated with the Hsp90 inhibitor 17AAG. The results showed that 17AAG disturbed parasite growth, induced accumulation into G2/M phases, and telomere shortening in a time-dependent manner. It has also inhibited procyclic promastigote’s telomerase activity. Besides, LHsp90 interacts with the telomerase TERT component as shown by immunoprecipitation, strongly suggesting a new role for LHsp90 as a parasite telomerase component involved in controlling telomere length maintenance and parasite life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz C D de Oliveira
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark E Shiburah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stepany C Paiva
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina R Vieira
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edna Gicela O Morea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Santos da Silva
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane de Santis Alves
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Júlio C Borges
- São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T Calado
- Hemocentro da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel N Cano
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Assis LHC, Andrade-Silva D, Shiburah ME, de Oliveira BCD, Paiva SC, Abuchery BE, Ferri YG, Fontes VS, de Oliveira LS, da Silva MS, Cano MIN. Cell Cycle, Telomeres, and Telomerase in Leishmania spp.: What Do We Know So Far? Cells 2021; 10:cells10113195. [PMID: 34831418 PMCID: PMC8621916 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases belong to the inglorious group of neglected tropical diseases, presenting different degrees of manifestations severity. It is caused by the transmission of more than 20 species of parasites of the Leishmania genus. Nevertheless, the disease remains on the priority list for developing new treatments, since it affects millions in a vast geographical area, especially low-income people. Molecular biology studies are pioneers in parasitic research with the aim of discovering potential targets for drug development. Among them are the telomeres, DNA–protein structures that play an important role in the long term in cell cycle/survival. Telomeres are the physical ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Due to their multiple interactions with different proteins that confer a likewise complex dynamic, they have emerged as objects of interest in many medical studies, including studies on leishmaniases. This review aims to gather information and elucidate what we know about the phenomena behind Leishmania spp. telomere maintenance and how it impacts the parasite’s cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz H. C. Assis
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Débora Andrade-Silva
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Mark E. Shiburah
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Beatriz C. D. de Oliveira
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Stephany C. Paiva
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Bryan E. Abuchery
- DNA Replication and Repair Laboratory (DRRL), Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (B.E.A.); (Y.G.F.)
| | - Yete G. Ferri
- DNA Replication and Repair Laboratory (DRRL), Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (B.E.A.); (Y.G.F.)
| | - Veronica S. Fontes
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Leilane S. de Oliveira
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
| | - Marcelo S. da Silva
- DNA Replication and Repair Laboratory (DRRL), Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (B.E.A.); (Y.G.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.d.S.); (M.I.N.C.)
| | - Maria Isabel N. Cano
- Telomeres Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (L.H.C.A.); (D.A.-S.); (M.E.S.); (B.C.D.d.O.); (S.C.P.); (V.S.F.); (L.S.d.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.d.S.); (M.I.N.C.)
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Reciprocal Inhibition of Immunogenic Performance in Mice of Two Potent DNA Immunogens Targeting HCV-Related Liver Cancer. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051073. [PMID: 34067686 PMCID: PMC8156932 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HCV infection and associated liver cancer impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Direct acting antivirals eliminate HCV, unless it is drug resistant, and partially reverse liver disease, but they cannot cure HCV-related cancer. A possible remedy could be a multi-component immunotherapeutic vaccine targeting both HCV-infected and malignant cells, but also those not infected with HCV. To meet this need we developed a two-component DNA vaccine based on the highly conserved core protein of HCV to target HCV-infected cells, and a renowned tumor-associated antigen telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) based on the rat TERT, to target malignant cells. Their synthetic genes were expression-optimized, and HCV core was truncated after aa 152 (Core152opt) to delete the domain interfering with immunogenicity. Core152opt and TERT DNA were highly immunogenic in BALB/c mice, inducing IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Additionally, DNA-immunization with TERT enhanced cellular immune response against luciferase encoded by a co-delivered plasmid (Luc DNA). However, DNA-immunization with Core152opt and TERT mix resulted in abrogation of immune response against both components. A loss of bioluminescence signal after co-delivery of TERT and Luc DNA into mice indicated that TERT affects the in vivo expression of luciferase directed by the immediate early cytomegalovirus and interferon-β promoters. Panel of mutant TERT variants was created and tested for their expression effects. TERT with deleted N-terminal nucleoli localization signal and mutations abrogating telomerase activity still suppressed the IFN-β driven Luc expression, while the inactivated reverse transcriptase domain of TERT and its analogue, enzymatically active HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, exerted only weak suppressive effects, implying that suppression relied on the presence of the full-length/nearly full-length TERT, but not its enzymatic activity. The effect(s) could be due to interference of the ectopically expressed xenogeneic rat TERT with biogenesis of mRNA, ribosomes and protein translation in murine cells, affecting the expression of immunogens. HCV core can aggravate this effect, leading to early apoptosis of co-expressing cells, preventing the induction of immune response.
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Subasri M, Shooshtari P, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Analysis of TERT Isoforms across TCGA, GTEx and CCLE Datasets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081853. [PMID: 33924498 PMCID: PMC8070023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of the multi-subunit ribonucleoprotein telomerase is the primary telomere maintenance mechanism in cancer, but it is rate-limited by the enzymatic component, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). While regulatory in nature, TERT alternative splice variant/isoform regulation and functions are not fully elucidated and are further complicated by their highly diverse expression and nature. Our primary objective was to characterize TERT isoform expression across 7887 neoplastic and 2099 normal tissue samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), respectively. We confirmed the global overexpression and splicing shift towards full-length TERT in neoplastic tissue. Stratifying by tissue type we found uncharacteristic TERT expression in normal brain tissue subtypes. Stratifying by tumor-specific subtypes, we detailed TERT expression differences potentially regulated by subtype-specific molecular characteristics. Focusing on β-deletion splicing regulation, we found the NOVA1 trans-acting factor to mediate alternative splicing in a cancer-dependent manner. Of relevance to future tissue-specific studies, we clustered cancer cell lines with tumors from related origin based on TERT isoform expression patterns. Taken together, our work has reinforced the need for tissue and tumour-specific TERT investigations, provided avenues to do so, and brought to light the current technical limitations of bioinformatic analyses of TERT isoform expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathushan Subasri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Parisa Shooshtari
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Watson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.S.); (A.J.W.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 (ext. 83786)
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Yegorov YE, Poznyak AV, Nikiforov NG, Starodubova AV, Orekhov AN. Role of Telomeres Shortening in Atherogenesis: An Overview. Cells 2021; 10:395. [PMID: 33671887 PMCID: PMC7918954 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that the shortening of the telomeres leads to cell senescence, accompanied by acquiring of pro-inflammatory phenotype. The expression of telomerase can elongate telomeres and resist the onset of senescence. The initiation of atherosclerosis is believed to be associated with local senescence of the endothelial cells of the arteries in places with either low or multidirectional oscillatory wall shear stress. The process of regeneration of the artery surface that has begun does not lead to success for several reasons. Atherosclerotic plaques are formed, which, when developed, lead to fatal consequences, which are the leading causes of death in the modern world. The pronounced age dependence of the manifestations of atherosclerosis pushes scientists to try to link the development of atherosclerosis with telomere length. The study of the role of telomere shortening in atherosclerosis is mainly limited to measuring the telomeres of blood cells, and only in rare cases (surgery or post-mortem examination) are the telomeres of local cells available for measurement. The review discusses the basic issues of cellular aging and the interpretation of telomere measurement data in atherosclerosis, as well as the prospects for the prevention and possible treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yegor E. Yegorov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia;
| | - Anastasia V. Poznyak
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative Center, Moscow 121609, Russia
| | - Nikita G. Nikiforov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia;
- National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Moscow 121552, Russia
- Institute of Gene Biology, Center of Collective Usage, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Antonina V. Starodubova
- Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow 109240, Russia;
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander N. Orekhov
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative Center, Moscow 121609, Russia
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia;
- Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow 117418, Russia
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Schrumpfová PP, Fajkus J. Composition and Function of Telomerase-A Polymerase Associated with the Origin of Eukaryotes. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101425. [PMID: 33050064 PMCID: PMC7658794 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical DNA polymerases involved in the replication of the genome are unable to fully replicate the physical ends of linear chromosomes, called telomeres. Chromosomal termini thus become shortened in each cell cycle. The maintenance of telomeres requires telomerase—a specific RNA-dependent DNA polymerase enzyme complex that carries its own RNA template and adds telomeric repeats to the ends of chromosomes using a reverse transcription mechanism. Both core subunits of telomerase—its catalytic telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) subunit and telomerase RNA (TR) component—were identified in quick succession in Tetrahymena more than 30 years ago. Since then, both telomerase subunits have been described in various organisms including yeasts, mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Despite the fact that telomerase activity in plants was described 25 years ago and the TERT subunit four years later, a genuine plant TR has only recently been identified by our group. In this review, we focus on the structure, composition and function of telomerases. In addition, we discuss the origin and phylogenetic divergence of this unique RNA-dependent DNA polymerase as a witness of early eukaryotic evolution. Specifically, we discuss the latest information regarding the recently discovered TR component in plants, its conservation and its structural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Procházková Schrumpfová
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, CZ-61137 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, CZ-61137 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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