1
|
Andreikos D, Kyrodimos E, Kotsinas A, Chrysovergis A, Papacharalampous GX. The Association between Telomere Length and Head and Neck Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9000. [PMID: 39201686 PMCID: PMC11354702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres play a crucial role in maintaining chromosomal integrity and regulating the number of cell divisions and have been associated with cellular aging. Telomere length (TL) has been widely studied in manifold cancer types; however, the results have been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyze the evidence on the association between TL and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk. We comprehensively searched the literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus and identified nine eligible studies, which yielded 11 datasets. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to ascertain the strength of the association. On the basis of the median TL, we defined two groups, short TL and long TL, with the latter being the reference group. Our analysis found a significant relationship between short TL and increased HNC risk (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10-1.73, p = 0.005), while significant heterogeneity among the studies was noted. The subgroup analysis on HNC subtypes revealed a significant association between short TL and oral cancers (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.23-3.53, p = 0.007). Additionally, subgroup analysis indicates that adjustments for age, sex, and smoking did not affect the significance of our findings. In conclusion, our meta-analysis found evidence for an association between short TL and HNC risk, which could indicate that TL might act as a potential biomarker for HNC risk, but high-quality prospective studies are imperative to validate our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Andreikos
- School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Efthymios Kyrodimos
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vas Sofias Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanassios Kotsinas
- Laboratory Histology–Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Chrysovergis
- ENT Department, Athens General Hospital “ELPIS”, 7 Dimitsanas Street, 11522 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (G.X.P.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pańczyszyn A, Boniewska-Bernacka E, Włodarczyk K, Wertel I, Goc A. Telomeres and telomerase in endometrial cancer and hyperplasia. Arch Med Sci 2024; 20:682-685. [PMID: 38757009 PMCID: PMC11094811 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/186189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study aimed to measure telomeres length (TL) and telomerase expression in normal endometrium and endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Methods Total RNA and DNA were isolated from endometrium samples of 117 patients. The RT-PCR method was used to determine telomerase expression and relative telomere length. Results The control group had the longest telomeres in comparison to the hyperplasia and endometrial cancer groups. Only in the endometrial cancer group was telomerase expressed and positively correlated with telomere length. Conclusions Telomere extension in endometrial cancer is mediated by telomerase, but telomere length may not be an indicator of endometrioid cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pańczyszyn
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
| | - Ewa Boniewska-Bernacka
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
| | - Karolina Włodarczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Goc
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mervic A, Goricar K, Blagus T, Franko A, Trebusak-Podkrajsek K, Fikfak MD, Dolzan V, Kovac V. Telomere length and TERT polymorphisms as biomarkers in asbestos-related diseases. Radiol Oncol 2024; 58:87-98. [PMID: 38378028 PMCID: PMC10878767 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2024-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asbestos exposure has been proposed as a risk factor for shorter telomere length. The aim of our study was to investigate whether telomere length in leukocytes and hTERT genetic polymorphisms may serve as potential biomarkers for the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases and as biomarkers of progression and chemotherapy response rate in malignant mesothelioma (MM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS We conducted two retrospective studies. In the first study, a case-control study, telomere length and hTERT polymorphisms were determined in patients with MM, subjects with pleural plaques and controls without the asbestos related disease, who were occupationally exposed to asbestos. In the second study, a longitudinal observational study, telomere length was also determined in samples from MM patients before and after chemotherapy. Telomere length was determined by monochromatic multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while competitive allele-specific PCR was used to genotype hTERT rs10069690, rs2736100 and rs2736098. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS Patients with MM had shorter telomere length than subjects with pleural plaques (p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, rs2736098 CT, and rs10069690 TT and CT+TT genotypes were significantly associated with a higher risk of MM (padj = 0.023; padj = 0.026 and padj = 0.017), while rs2736100 AA and CA+AA genotypes conferred to a lower risk for MM compared to all other subjects (padj = 0.017, and padj = 0.026). Telomere length was not associated with a response to chemotherapy (p > 0.05) or time to disease progression (p > 0.05). Carriers of one or two polymorphic rs10069690 T alleles had a good response to chemotherapy (p = 0.039, and p = 0.048), these associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for age (padj = 0.019; padj = 0.017). Carriers of two polymorphic rs2736100 A alleles had a longer time to disease progression (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS Shorter telomere length and hTERT polymorphisms may serve as a biomarker for the risk of developing MM. Additionally, rs10069690 and rs2736100 polymorphisms, but not telomere length, were associated with a chemotherapy response or MM progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mervic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Goricar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Blagus
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Franko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute of Occupational Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Trebusak-Podkrajsek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metoda Dodic Fikfak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute of Occupational Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolzan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Viljem Kovac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chien CW, Tang YA, Jeng SL, Pan HA, Sun HS. Blastocyst telomere length predicts successful implantation after frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae012. [PMID: 38515829 PMCID: PMC10955253 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do embryos with longer telomere length (TL) at the blastocyst stage have a higher capacity to survive after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET)? SUMMARY ANSWER Digitally estimated TL using low-pass whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) process demonstrates that blastocyst TL is the most essential factor associated with likelihood of implantation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The lifetime TL is established in the early cleavage cycles following fertilization through a recombination-based lengthening mechanism and starts erosion beyond the blastocyst stage. In addition, a telomerase-mediated slow erosion of TL in human fetuses has been observed from a gestational age of 6-11 weeks. Finally, an abnormal shortening of telomeres is likely involved in embryo loss during early development. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Blastocyst samples were obtained from patients who underwent PGT-A and FET in an IVF center from March 2015 to May 2018. Digitally estimated mitochondrial copy number (mtCN) and TL were used to study associations with the implantation potential of each embryo. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING AND METHODS In total, 965 blastocysts from 232 cycles (164 patients) were available to investigate the biological and clinical relevance of TL. A WGS-based workflow was applied to determine the ploidy of each embryo. Data from low-pass WGS-PGT-A were used to estimate the mtCN and TL for each embryo. Single-variant and multi-variant logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest models were applied to study various factors in association with the implantation potential of each embryo. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 965 blastocysts originally available, only 216 underwent FET. While mtCN from the transferred embryos is significantly associated with the ploidy call of each embryo, mtCN has no role in impacting IVF outcomes after an embryo transfer in these women. The results indicate that mtCN is a marker of embryo aneuploidy. On the other hand, digitally estimated TL is the most prominent univariant factor and showed a significant positive association with pregnancy outcomes (P < 0.01, odds ratio 79.1). We combined several maternal and embryo parameters to study the joint effects on successful implantation. The machine learning models, namely decision tree and random forest, were trained and yielded classification accuracy of 0.82 and 0.91, respectively. Taken together, these results support the vital role of TL in governing implantation potential, perhaps through the ability to control embryo survival after transfer. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The small sample size limits our study as only 216 blastocysts were transferred. The number was further reduced to 153 blastocysts, where pregnancy outcomes could be accurately traced. The other limitation of this study is that all data were collected from a single IVF center. The uniform and controlled operation of IVF cycles in a single center may cause selection bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We present novel findings to show that digitally estimated TL at the blastocyst stage is a predictor of pregnancy capacity after a FET cycle. As elective single-embryo transfer has become the mainstream direction in reproductive medicine, prioritizing embryos based on their implantation potential is crucial for clinical infertility treatment in order to reduce twin pregnancy rate and the time to pregnancy in an IVF center. The AI-powered, random forest prediction model established in this study thus provides a way to improve clinical practice and optimize the chances for people with fertility problems to achieve parenthood. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by a grant from the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (MOST 108-2321-B-006-013 -). There were no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Chien
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Innovation Headquarters, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-An Tang
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Innovation Headquarters, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shuen-Lin Jeng
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Data Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Innovative FinTech Business Models, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-An Pan
- IVF center, An-An Women and Children Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - H Sunny Sun
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Innovation Headquarters, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Liu Q, Liang S, Yao M, Zheng H, Hu D, Wang Y. Genetically predicted telomere length and the risk of 11 hematological diseases: a Mendelian randomization study. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:4270-4281. [PMID: 38393686 PMCID: PMC10968687 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated that various hematologic diseases (HDs) induce alterations in telomere length (TL). The aim of this study is to investigate whether genetically predicted changes in TL have an impact on the risk of developing HDs. METHODS GWAS data for TL and 11 HDs were extracted from the database. The R software package "TwoSampleMR" was employed to conduct a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, in order to estimate the influence of TL changes on the risk of developing the 11 HDs. RESULTS We examined the effect of TL changes on the risk of developing the 11 HDs. The IVW results revealed a significant causal association between genetically predicted longer TL and the risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MANTLE), and hodgkin lymphoma (HODGKIN). However, there was no significant causal relationship observed between TL changes and the risk of developing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), marginal zone b-cell lymphoma (MARGINAL), follicular lymphoma (FOLLICULAR), monocytic leukemia (MONOCYTIC), and mature T/NK-cell lymphomas (TNK). CONCLUSIONS The MR analysis revealed a positive association between genetically predicted longer TL and an increased risk of developing ALL, AML, CLL, MANTLE, and HODGKIN. This study further supports the notion that cells with longer TL have greater proliferative and mutational potential, leading to an increased risk of certain HDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shibing Liang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghao Yao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Huimin Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dongqing Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gedvilaite G, Kriauciuniene L, Tamasauskas A, Liutkeviciene R. The Influence of Telomere-Related Gene Variants, Serum Levels, and Relative Leukocyte Telomere Length in Pituitary Adenoma Occurrence and Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:643. [PMID: 38339395 PMCID: PMC10854692 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030643] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined 130 patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) and 320 healthy subjects, using DNA samples from peripheral blood leukocytes purified through the DNA salting-out method. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and relative leukocyte telomere lengths (RLTLs), while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of TERF1, TERF2, TNKS2, CTC1, and ZNF676 in blood serum. Our findings reveal several significant associations. Genetic associations with pituitary adenoma occurrence: the TERF1 rs1545827 CT + TT genotypes were linked to 2.9-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence. Conversely, the TNKS2 rs10509637 GG genotype showed 6.5-fold increased odds of PA occurrence. Gender-specific genetic associations with PA occurrence: in females, the TERF1 rs1545827 CC + TT genotypes indicated 3.1-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 4.6-fold increased odds. In males, the presence of the TERF1 rs1545827 T allele was associated with 2.2-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was linked to a substantial 10.6-fold increase in odds. Associations with pituitary adenoma recurrence: the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 4.2-fold increased odds of PA recurrence. On the other hand, the TERF1 rs1545827 CT + TT genotypes were linked to 3.5-fold decreased odds of PA without recurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 6.4-fold increased odds of PA without recurrence. Serum TERF2 and TERF1 levels: patients with PA exhibited elevated serum TERF2 levels compared to the reference group. Conversely, patients with PA had decreased TERF1 serum levels compared to the reference group. Relative leukocyte telomere length (RLTL): a significant difference in RLTL between the PA group and the reference group was observed, with PA patients having longer telomeres. Genetic associations with telomere shortening: the TERF1 rs1545827 T allele was associated with 1.4-fold decreased odds of telomere shortening. In contrast, the CTC1 rs3027234 TT genotype was linked to 4.8-fold increased odds of telomere shortening. These findings suggest a complex interplay between genetic factors, telomere length, and pituitary adenoma occurrence and recurrence, with potential gender-specific effects. Furthermore, variations in TERF1 and TNKS2 genes may play crucial roles in telomere length regulation and disease susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Gedvilaite
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Eiveniu 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (R.L.)
| | - Loresa Kriauciuniene
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Eiveniu 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (R.L.)
| | - Arimantas Tamasauskas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Eiveniu 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Eiveniu 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (R.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu M, Yang D, Chen C, Xia H. Effects of SETD2 on telomere length and malignant transformation property of Met-5A after one-month crocidolite exposure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2023; 41:121-134. [PMID: 37899647 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2023.2271822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Crocidolite is a carcinogen contributing to the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. This study aimed to characterize the possible telomere-related events mediating the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells with and without SETD2 under crocidolite exposure. The crocidolite concentration resulting in 90% viable SETD2 knockout Met-5A (Met-5ASETD2-KO) and Met-5A were estimated to be 0.71 μg/cm2 and 1.8 μg/cm2, respectively, during 72 h of exposure, which was further employed in chronical crocidolite exposure during a 72 h exposure interval per time up to 1 month. Chronical crocidolite-exposed Met-5ASETD2-KO (chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO) had higher colony formation and increased telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein levels than chronical crocidolite-exposed Met-5A (chronical Cro-Met-5A) and Met-5ASETD2-KO. Chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO had longer telomere length (TL) than chronical Cro-Met-5A, although there were no changes in TL for either chronical Cro-Met-5A or chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO compared with their corresponding cells without crocidolite exposure. BIBR 1532, an inhibitor targeting TERT, partially reduced colony formation and TL for chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO, while BIBR 1532 reduced TL but had no effect on colony formation for chronical Cro-Met-5A. Therefore, SETD2 deficient mesothelial cells are susceptible to malignant transformation during chronical crocidolite exposure, and TERT-dependent TL modification likely partially drives SETD2 loss-mediated early onset of mesothelial malignant transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Department of Occupational Health & Radiation Hygiene, Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Yang
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chiyun Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cixi People Hospital Medical Health Group (Cixi People Hospital), Cixi, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hailing Xia
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sutterlüty H, Bargl M, Holzmann K. Quantifying telomere transcripts as tool to improve risk assessment for genetic instability and genotoxicity. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 891:503690. [PMID: 37770147 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503690] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Telomere repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA) are transcribed from telomeres as long non-coding RNAs and are part of the telomere structure with protective function. The genetic stability of cells requires telomeric repeats at the ends of chromosomes. Maintenance of telomere length (TL) is essential for proliferative capacity and chromosomal integrity. In contrast, telomere shortening is a recognized risk factor for carcinogenesis and a biomarker of aging due to the cumulative effects of environmental exposures and life experiences such as trauma or stress. In this context, telomere repeats are lost due to cell proliferation, but are also susceptible to stress factors including reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing oxidative base damage. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of genomic DNA is an established method to analyze TL as a tool to detect genotoxic events. That same qPCR method can be applied to RNA converted into cDNA to quantify TERRA as a useful tool to perform high-throughput screenings. This short review summarizes relevant qPCR studies using both TL and TERRA quantification, provides an overall view of the molecular mechanisms of telomere protection against ROS by TERRA, and summarizes the presented studies comparing the results at DNA and RNA levels, which indicate that fluctuations at transcript level might reflect a short-term response. Therefore, we conclude that performing both of these measurements together will improve genotoxicity studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hedwig Sutterlüty
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Bargl
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hovhannisyan G, Harutyunyan T, Aroutiounian R, Liehr T. The Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Potential of Cell-Free DNA with a Special Focus on COVID-19 and Other Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14163. [PMID: 37762464 PMCID: PMC10532175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in human blood serum, urine, and other body fluids recently became a commonly used diagnostic marker associated with various pathologies. This is because cfDNA enables a much higher sensitivity than standard biochemical parameters. The presence of and/or increased level of cfDNA has been reported for various diseases, including viral infections, including COVID-19. Here, we review cfDNA in general, how it has been identified, where it can derive from, its molecular features, and mechanisms of release and clearance. General suitability of cfDNA for diagnostic questions, possible shortcomings and future directions are discussed, with a special focus on coronavirus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina Hovhannisyan
- Department of Genetics and Cytology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (G.H.); (T.H.); (R.A.)
| | - Tigran Harutyunyan
- Department of Genetics and Cytology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (G.H.); (T.H.); (R.A.)
| | - Rouben Aroutiounian
- Department of Genetics and Cytology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, Yerevan 0025, Armenia; (G.H.); (T.H.); (R.A.)
| | - Thomas Liehr
- Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gregório C, Thakur S, Camara Rivero R, Márcia Dos Santos Machado S, Cuenin C, Carreira C, White V, Cree IA, Vukojevic K, Glavina Durdov M, Bersch Osvaldt A, Ashton-Prolla P, Herceg Z, Talukdar FR. Telomere length assessment and molecular characterization of TERT gene promoter in periampullary carcinomas. Gene 2023; 873:147460. [PMID: 37150235 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147460] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic alterations of the telomere maintenance machinery like telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase (encoded by TERT gene) are reported in several human malignancies. However, there is limited knowledge on the status of the telomere machinery in periampullary carcinomas (PAC) which are rare and heterogeneous groups of cancers arising from different anatomic sites around the ampulla of Vater. In the current study, we investigated the relative telomere length (RTL) and the most frequent genetic and epigenetic alterations in the TERT promoter in PAC and compared it with tumor-adjacent nonpathological duodenum (NDu). We found shorter RTLs (1.27 vs 1.33, P = 0.01) and lower TERT protein expression (p = 0.04) in PAC tissues as compared to the NDu. Although we did not find any mutation at two reactivating hotspot mutation sites of the TERT promoter, we detected polymorphism in 45% (9/20) of the cases at rs2853669 (T > C). Also, we found a hypermethylated region in the TERT promoter of PACs consisting of four CpGs (cg10896616 with Δβ 7%; cg02545192 with Δβ 9%; cg03323598 with Δβ 19%; and cg07285213 with Δβ 15%). In conclusion, we identified shorter telomeres with DNA hypermethylation in the TERT promoter region and lower TERT protein expression in PAC tissues. These results could be used further to investigate molecular pathology and develop theranostics for PAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleandra Gregório
- Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Shefali Thakur
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Raquel Camara Rivero
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Serviço de Patologia- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Simone Márcia Dos Santos Machado
- Grupo de Vias Biliares e Pâncreas - Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | | | - Valerie White
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Ian A Cree
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Alessandro Bersch Osvaldt
- Serviço de Patologia- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina: Ciências Cirúrgicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Patricia Ashton-Prolla
- Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Serviço de Patologia- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | | |
Collapse
|