1
|
Biglari N, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Mohammadian J, Mehdizadeh A, Abbasi K. ctDNA as a novel and promising approach for cancer diagnosis: a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:752-780. [PMID: 37720239 PMCID: PMC10502204 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat HCC patients promptly. As a novel discovery, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to analyze the tumor type and the cancer location. Additionally, ctDNA assists the cancer stage determination, which enables medical professionals to provide patients with the most appropriate treatment. This review will discuss the HCC-related mutated genes diagnosed by ctDNA. In addition, we will introduce the different and the most appropriate ctDNA diagnosis approaches based on the facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Biglari
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jamal Mohammadian
- School of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marchese PV, Mollica V, Tassinari E, De Biase D, Giunchi F, Marchetti A, Rosellini M, Fiorentino M, Massari F. Implications of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity in solid tumors with a focus on genitourinary cancers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:997-1008. [PMID: 36503370 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2154148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The reactivation of telomerase represents a key moment in the carcinogenesis process. Mutations in the central promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene cause telomerase reactivation in approximately 90% of solid tumors. In some of these, its prognostic and predictive role in response to treatments has already been demonstrated, in others (such as tumors of the genitourinary tract like urothelial carcinoma) data are controversial and the research is still ongoing. In the future, TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity could have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications in many types of cancer. AREAS COVERED We performed a review the literature with the aim of describing the current evidence on the prognostic and predictive role of TERT promoter mutations. In some tumor types, TERT promoter mutations have been associated with a worse prognosis and could have a potential value as biomarkers to guide therapeutic decisions. Mutations in TERT promoter seems to make the tumor particularly immunogenic and more responsive to immunotherapy, although data is controversial. EXPERT OPINION We described the role of TERT promoter mutations in solid tumors with a particular focus in genitourinary cancers, considering their frequency in this tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Valeria Marchese
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Tassinari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dario De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (Fabit), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.,Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Giunchi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Marchetti
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Rosellini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni - 15 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lupatov AY, Yarygin KN. Telomeres and Telomerase in the Control of Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102335. [PMID: 36289597 PMCID: PMC9598777 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells serve as a source of cellular material in embryogenesis and postnatal growth and regeneration. This requires significant proliferative potential ensured by sufficient telomere length. Telomere attrition in the stem cells and their niche cells can result in the exhaustion of the regenerative potential of high-turnover organs, causing or contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. In this review, stem cells are examined in the context of the current telomere-centric theory of cell aging, which assumes that telomere shortening depends not just on the number of cell doublings (mitotic clock) but also on the influence of various internal and external factors. The influence of the telomerase and telomere length on the functional activity of different stem cell types, as well as on their aging and prospects of use in cell therapy applications, is discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ecovoiu AA, Ratiu AC, Micheu MM, Chifiriuc MC. Inter-Species Rescue of Mutant Phenotype—The Standard for Genetic Analysis of Human Genetic Disorders in Drosophila melanogaster Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052613. [PMID: 35269756 PMCID: PMC8909942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster (the fruit fly) is arguably a superstar of genetics, an astonishing versatile experimental model which fueled no less than six Nobel prizes in medicine. Nowadays, an evolving research endeavor is to simulate and investigate human genetic diseases in the powerful D. melanogaster platform. Such a translational experimental strategy is expected to allow scientists not only to understand the molecular mechanisms of the respective disorders but also to alleviate or even cure them. In this regard, functional gene orthology should be initially confirmed in vivo by transferring human or vertebrate orthologous transgenes in specific mutant backgrounds of D. melanogaster. If such a transgene rescues, at least partially, the mutant phenotype, then it qualifies as a strong candidate for modeling the respective genetic disorder in the fruit fly. Herein, we review various examples of inter-species rescue of relevant mutant phenotypes of the fruit fly and discuss how these results recommend several human genes as candidates to study and validate genetic variants associated with human diseases. We also consider that a wider implementation of this evolutionist exploratory approach as a standard for the medicine of genetic disorders would allow this particular field of human health to advance at a faster pace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Al. Ecovoiu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Attila Cristian Ratiu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-722250366
| | - Miruna Mihaela Micheu
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest and Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Associated with Worse Survival of Patients with Bladder Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153774. [PMID: 34359672 PMCID: PMC8345040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153774] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intrinsic telomere shortening promotes tumorigenesis in cells with impaired DNA damage repair mechanisms, as dysfunctional telomeres lead to chromosomal instability. More recent data show that the telomere length of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) cells can be a prognostic marker for survival of patients with solid tumors. However, reports on bladder cancer (BC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are not consistent and partly contradictory. Our results show, first, that telomere length is shorter in patients with BC or RCC compared to patients without malignant disease. More importantly, the relative telomere length (RTL) of PBL cells is associated with survival of patients with BC and RCC. Thus, telomere length in PBL cells could be an auxiliary prognostic marker in BC and RCC. Abstract Background: Telomeres are protein–DNA complexes at the tips of linear chromosomes. They protect the DNA from end-to-end fusion and exonucleolytic degradation. Shortening of telomeric DNA during aging can generate dysfunctional telomeres, promoting tumorigenesis. More recent data indicate that both short and long telomeres of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) cells can serve as prognostic biomarkers for cancer risk and may be associated with survival of patients with solid cancers. Telomere length in PBL cells could also be a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in bladder cancer (BC) or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: The relative telomere length (RTL) of PBL cells was assessed in patients with BC (n = 144) and RCC (n = 144) by using qPCR. A control population of patients without malignant disease (NC, n = 73) was included for comparison. The correlation and association of RTL with histopathological parameters and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: Patients with BC and RCC had significantly shorter telomeres compared to patients without malignant disease. Within the cancer cohorts, multivariate analysis revealed that short RTL is an independent predictor of worse survival in BC (p = 0.039) and RCC (p = 0.041). Conclusion: Patients with BC and RCC had significantly shorter telomeres compared to the normal population. Shorter RTL in BC and RCC was an independent predictor of reduced survival.
Collapse
|
6
|
Giunco S, Zangrossi M, Dal Pozzolo F, Celeghin A, Ballin G, Petrara MR, Amin A, Argenton F, Godinho Ferreira M, De Rossi A. Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Short-Term Inhibition of Telomerase In Vivo and in Human Malignant B Cells Xenografted in Zebrafish. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082052. [PMID: 32722398 PMCID: PMC7463531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides its canonical role in stabilizing telomeres, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) may promote tumor growth/progression through extra-telomeric functions. Our previous in vitro studies demonstrated that short-term TERT inhibition by BIBR1532 (BIBR), an inhibitor of TERT catalytic activity, negatively impacts cell proliferation and viability via telomeres’ length-independent mechanism. Here we evaluate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of short-term telomerase inhibition in vivo in wild-type (wt) and tert mutant (terthu3430/hu3430; tert−/−) zebrafish embryos, and in malignant human B cells xenografted in casper zebrafish embryos. Short-term Tert inhibition by BIBR in wt embryos reduced cell proliferation, induced an accumulation of cells in S-phase and ultimately led to apoptosis associated with the activation of DNA damage response; all these effects were unrelated to telomere shortening/dysfunction. BIBR treatment showed no effects in tert−/− embryos. Xenografted untreated malignant B cells proliferated in zebrafish embryos, while BIBR pretreated cells constantly decreased and were significantly less than those in the controls from 24 to up to 72 h after xenotransplantation. Additionally, xenografted tumor cells, treated with BIBR prior- or post-transplantation, displayed a significant higher apoptotic rate compared to untreated control cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that short-term telomerase inhibition impairs proliferation and viability in vivo and in human malignant B cells xenografted in zebrafish, thus supporting therapeutic applications of TERT inhibitors in human malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giunco
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-5831
| | - Manuela Zangrossi
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Francesca Dal Pozzolo
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV–IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Andrea Celeghin
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Giovanni Ballin
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Petrara
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Aamir Amin
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
| | | | - Miguel Godinho Ferreira
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284 U1081 UNS, Université Côte d’Azur, 06107 Nice CEDEX 2, France;
| | - Anita De Rossi
- Oncology and Immunology Section, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.R.P.); (A.A.); (A.D.R.)
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV–IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
in der Stroth L, Tharehalli U, Günes C, Lechel A. Telomeres and Telomerase in the Development of Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2048. [PMID: 32722302 PMCID: PMC7464754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Liver carcinoma is distinguished by a high heterogeneity in pathogenesis, histopathology and biological behavior. Dysregulated signaling pathways and various gene mutations are frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), which represent the two most common types of liver tumors. Both tumor types are characterized by telomere shortening and reactivation of telomerase during carcinogenesis. Continuous cell proliferation, e.g., by oncogenic mutations, can cause extensive telomere shortening in the absence of sufficient telomerase activity, leading to dysfunctional telomeres and genome instability by breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, which induce senescence or apoptosis as a tumor suppressor mechanism. Telomerase reactivation is required to stabilize telomere functionality and for tumor cell survival, representing a genetic risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Therefore, telomeres and telomerase could be useful targets in hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we review similarities and differences between HCC and iCCA in telomere biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena in der Stroth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Umesh Tharehalli
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
TCGA Pan-Cancer Genomic Analysis of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Related Genes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070834. [PMID: 32708340 PMCID: PMC7397314 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMM) are used by cancer cells to avoid apoptosis, 85–90% reactivate telomerase, while 10–15% use the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Due to anti-telomerase-based treatments, some tumors switch from a telomerase-dependent mechanism to ALT; in fact, the co-existence between both mechanisms has been observed in some cancers. Although different elements in the ALT pathway are uncovered, some molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Therefore, with the aim to identify potential molecular markers for the study of ALT, we combined in silico approaches in a 411 telomere maintenance gene set. As a consequence, we conducted a genomic analysis of these genes in 31 Pan-Cancer Atlas studies from The Cancer Genome Atlas and found 325,936 genomic alterations; from which, we identified 20 genes highly mutated in the cancer studies. Finally, we made a protein-protein interaction network and enrichment analysis to observe the main pathways of these genes and discuss their role in ALT-related processes, like homologous recombination and homology directed repair. Overall, due to the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ALT cancers, we proposed a group of genes, which after ex vivo validations, could represent new potential therapeutic markers in the study of ALT.
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu Q, Lu P. Stem Cell Transplantation for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1266:71-97. [PMID: 33105496 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4370-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuronal degeneration disease, in which the death of motor neurons causes lost control of voluntary muscles. The consequence is weakness of muscles with a wide range of disabilities and eventually death. Most patients died within 5 years after diagnosis, and there is no cure for this devastating neurodegenerative disease up to date. Stem cells, including non-neural stem cells and neural stem cells (NSCs) or neural progenitor cells (NPCs), are very attractive cell sources for potential neuroprotection and motor neuron replacement therapy which bases on the idea that transplant-derived and newly differentiated motor neurons can replace lost motor neurons to re-establish voluntary motor control of muscles in ALS. Our recent studies show that transplanted NSCs or NPCs not only survive well in injured spinal cord, but also function as neuronal relays to receive regenerated host axonal connection and extend their own axons to host for connectivity, including motor axons in ventral root. This reciprocal connection between host neurons and transplanted neurons provides a strong rationale for neuronal replacement therapy for ALS to re-establish voluntary motor control of muscles. In addition, a variety of new stem cell resources and the new methodologies to generate NSCs or motor neuron-specific progenitor cells have been discovered and developed. Together, it provides the basis for motor neuron replacement therapy with NSCs or NPCs in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhu
- Ludwig Institute, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paul Lu
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA. .,Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang X, Elshahawi SI, Ponomareva LV, Ye Q, Liu Y, Copley GC, Hower JC, Hatcher BE, Kharel MK, Van Lanen SG, She QB, Voss SR, Thorson JS, Shaaban KA. Structure Determination, Functional Characterization, and Biosynthetic Implications of Nybomycin Metabolites from a Mining Reclamation Site-Associated Streptomyces. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2019; 82:3469-3476. [PMID: 31833370 PMCID: PMC7084111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
We report the isolation and characterization of three new nybomycins (nybomycins B-D, 1-3) and six known compounds (nybomycin, 4; deoxynyboquinone, 5; α-rubromycin, 6; β-rubromycin, 7; γ-rubromycin, 8; and [2α(1E,3E),4β]-2-(1,3-pentadienyl)-4-piperidinol, 9) from the Rock Creek (McCreary County, KY) underground coal mine acid reclamation site isolate Streptomyces sp. AD-3-6. Nybomycin D (3) and deoxynyboquinone (5) displayed moderate (3) to potent (5) cancer cell line cytotoxicity and displayed weak to moderate anti-Gram-(+) bacterial activity, whereas rubromycins 6-8 displayed little to no cancer cell line cytotoxicity but moderate to potent anti-Gram-(+) bacterial and antifungal activity. Assessment of the impact of 3 or 5 cancer cell line treatment on 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, a predictive marker of ROS-mediated control of cap-dependent translation, also revealed deoxynyboquinone (5)-mediated downstream inhibition of 4E-BP1p. Evaluation of 1-9 in a recently established axolotl embryo tail regeneration assay also highlighted the prototypical telomerase inhibitor γ-rubromycin (8) as a new inhibitor of tail regeneration. Cumulatively, this work highlights an alternative nybomycin production strain, a small set of new nybomycin metabolites, and previously unknown functions of rubromycins (antifungal activity and inhibition of tail regeneration) and also provides a basis for revision of the previously proposed nybomycin biosynthetic pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiachang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substances of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Sherif I. Elshahawi
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Larissa V. Ponomareva
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Qing Ye
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Gregory C. Copley
- Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States
| | - James C. Hower
- Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States
| | - Bruce E. Hatcher
- Division of Water, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, 2642 Russellville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, United States
| | - Madan K. Kharel
- School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853, United States
| | - Steven G. Van Lanen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Qing-Bai She
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - S. Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Jon S. Thorson
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Khaled A. Shaaban
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A Novel Tissue and Stem Cell Specific TERF1 Splice Variant Is Downregulated in Tumour Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010085. [PMID: 31877678 PMCID: PMC6981981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe the identification of a novel splice variant of TERF1/PIN2, one of the main components of the telomeric shelterin complex. This new splice variant is identical to TERF1, apart from a 30 amino acid internal insertion near to the C-terminus of TERF1. Based on genome comparison analyses and RNA expression data, we show that this splice variant is conserved among hominidae but absent from all other species. RNA expression and histological analyses show specific expression in human spermatogonial and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), while all other analyzed tissues lack the expression of this TERF1-isoform, hence the name TERF1-tsi (TERF1-tissue-specific-isoform). In addition, we could not detect any expression in primary human cells and established cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemistry results involving two new rabbit polyclonal antibodies, generated against TERF1-tsi specific peptides, indicate nuclear localization of TERF1-tsi in a subset of spermatogonial stem cells. In line with this observation, immunofluorescence analyzes in various cell lines consistently revealed that ectopic TERF1-tsi localizes to the cell nucleus, mainly but not exclusively at telomeres. In a first attempt to evaluate the impact of TERF1-tsi in the testis, we have tested its expression in normal testis samples versus matched tumor samples from the same patients. Both RT-PCR and IHC show a specific downregulation of TERF1-tsi in tumor samples while the expression of TERF1 and PIN2 remains unchanged.
Collapse
|
12
|
Grandjenette C, Schnekenburger M, Gaigneaux A, Gérard D, Christov C, Mazumder A, Dicato M, Diederich M. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase depletion potentiates the growth-inhibitory activity of imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells. Cancer Lett 2019; 469:468-480. [PMID: 31734352 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) revolutionized the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), resistance against TKIs and leukemia stem cell (LSC) persistence remain a clinical concern. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies combining conventional and novel therapies are urgently needed. Since telomerase is involved in oncogenesis and tumor progression but is silent in most human normal somatic cells, it may be an interesting target for CML therapy by selectively targeting cancer cells while minimizing effects on normal cells. Here, we report that hTERT expression is associated with CML disease progression. We also provide evidence that hTERT-deficient K-562 cells do not display telomere shortening and that telomere length is maintained through the ALT pathway. Furthermore, we show that hTERT depletion exerts a growth-inhibitory effect in K-562 cells and potentiates imatinib through alteration of cell cycle progression leading to a senescence-like phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate that hTERT depletion potentiates the imatinib-induced reduction of the ALDH+-LSC population. Altogether, our results suggest that the combination of telomerase and TKI should be considered as an attractive strategy to treat CML patients to eradicate cancer cells and prevent relapse by targeting LSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Grandjenette
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, Rue Edward Steichen, L-2540, Luxembourg
| | - Michael Schnekenburger
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, Rue Edward Steichen, L-2540, Luxembourg
| | - Anthoula Gaigneaux
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, Rue Edward Steichen, L-2540, Luxembourg
| | - Déborah Gérard
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, Rue Edward Steichen, L-2540, Luxembourg
| | - Christo Christov
- Service Commun de Microscopie, Université de Lorraine, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Aloran Mazumder
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08626, South Korea
| | - Mario Dicato
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire Du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, Rue Edward Steichen, L-2540, Luxembourg
| | - Marc Diederich
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08626, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Günes C, Wezel F, Southgate J, Bolenz C. Implications of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity in urothelial carcinogenesis. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 15:386-393. [PMID: 29599449 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase activity imparts eukaryotic cells with unlimited proliferation capacity, one of the cancer hallmarks. Over 90% of human urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) tumours are positive for telomerase activity. Telomerase activation can occur through several mechanisms. Mutations in the core promoter region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (TERT) cause telomerase reactivation in 60-80% of UCBs, whereas the prevalence of these mutations is lower in urothelial cancers of other origins. TERT promoter mutations are the most frequent genetic alteration across all stages of UCB, indicating a strong selection pressure during neoplastic transformation. TERT promoter mutations could arise during regeneration of normal urothelium and, owing to consequential telomerase reactivation, might be the basis of UCB initiation, which represents a new model of urothelial cancer origination. In the future, TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity might have diagnostic and therapeutic applications in UCB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Felix Wezel
- Department of Urology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jennifer Southgate
- Department of Biology, Jack Birch Unit of Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of York, York, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mirzoyan Z, Sollazzo M, Allocca M, Valenza AM, Grifoni D, Bellosta P. Drosophila melanogaster: A Model Organism to Study Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:51. [PMID: 30881374 PMCID: PMC6405444 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multistep disease driven by the activation of specific oncogenic pathways concomitantly with the loss of function of tumor suppressor genes that act as sentinels to control physiological growth. The conservation of most of these signaling pathways in Drosophila, and the ability to easily manipulate them genetically, has made the fruit fly a useful model organism to study cancer biology. In this review we outline the basic mechanisms and signaling pathways conserved between humans and flies responsible of inducing uncontrolled growth and cancer development. Second, we describe classic and novel Drosophila models used to study different cancers, with the objective to discuss their strengths and limitations on their use to identify signals driving growth cell autonomously and within organs, drug discovery and for therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhasmine Mirzoyan
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Manuela Sollazzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Allocca
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Grifoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Bellosta
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kaewtunjai N, Wongpoomchai R, Imsumran A, Pompimon W, Athipornchai A, Suksamrarn A, Lee TR, Tuntiwechapikul W. Ginger Extract Promotes Telomere Shortening and Cellular Senescence in A549 Lung Cancer Cells. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:18572-18581. [PMID: 32010796 PMCID: PMC6988994 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b02853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Replicative senescence, which is caused by telomere shortening from the end replication problem, is considered one of the tumor-suppressor mechanisms in eukaryotes. However, most cancers escape this replicative senescence by reactivating telomerase, an enzyme that extends the 3'-ends of the telomeres. Previously, we reported the telomerase inhibitory effect of a crude Zingiber officinale extract (ZOE), which suppressed hTERT expression, leading to a reduction in hTERT protein and telomerase activity in A549 lung cancer cells. In the present study, we found that ZOE-induced telomere shortening and cellular senescence during the period of 60 days when these A549 cells were treated with subcytotoxic doses of ZOE. Using assay-guided fractionation and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, we found that the major compounds in the active subfractions were paradols and shogaols of various chain lengths. The results from studies of pure 6-paradol and 6-shogaol confirmed that these two compounds could suppress hTERT expression as well as telomerase activity in A549 cells. These results suggest that these paradols and shogaols are likely the active compounds in ZOE that suppress hTERT expression and telomerase activity in these cells. Furthermore, ZOE was found to be nontoxic and had an anticlastogenic effect against diethylnitrosamine-induced liver micronucleus formation in rats. These findings suggest that ginger extract can potentially be useful in dietary cancer prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navakoon Kaewtunjai
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang
Mai University, Chiang
Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Rawiwan Wongpoomchai
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang
Mai University, Chiang
Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Arisa Imsumran
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang
Mai University, Chiang
Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wilart Pompimon
- Laboratory
of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and
Center of Innovation in Chemistry, Lampang
Rajabhat University, Lampang 52100, Thailand
| | - Anan Athipornchai
- Department
of Chemistry, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand
| | - Apichart Suksamrarn
- Department
of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
| | - T. Randall Lee
- Department
of Chemistry and the Texas Center for Superconductivity, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-5003, United States
| | - Wirote Tuntiwechapikul
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang
Mai University, Chiang
Mai 50200, Thailand
- E-mail: . Phone: +66-53-945323, +66-53-934-438. Fax: +66-53-894031 (W.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Heymann WR. Promoting TERT promoter mutations for prognostication in cutaneous oncology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018; 80:606-607. [PMID: 30584893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Warren R Heymann
- Division of Dermatology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Marlton, New Jersey.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ludlow AT, Wong MS, Robin JD, Batten K, Yuan L, Lai TP, Dahlson N, Zhang L, Mender I, Tedone E, Sayed ME, Wright WE, Shay JW. NOVA1 regulates hTERT splicing and cell growth in non-small cell lung cancer. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3112. [PMID: 30082712 PMCID: PMC6079032 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is dysregulated in cancer and the reactivation of telomerase involves the splicing of TERT transcripts to produce full-length (FL) TERT. Knowledge about the splicing factors that enhance or silence FL hTERT is lacking. We identified splicing factors that reduced telomerase activity and shortened telomeres using a siRNA minigene reporter screen and a lung cancer cell bioinformatics approach. A lead candidate, NOVA1, when knocked down resulted in a shift in hTERT splicing to non-catalytic isoforms, reduced telomerase activity, and progressive telomere shortening. NOVA1 knockdown also significantly altered cancer cell growth in vitro and in xenografts. Genome engineering experiments reveal that NOVA1 promotes the inclusion of exons in the reverse transcriptase domain of hTERT resulting in the production of FL hTERT transcripts. Utilizing hTERT splicing as a model splicing event in cancer may provide new insights into potentially targetable dysregulated splicing factors in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Ludlow
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Mandy Sze Wong
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Jerome D Robin
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), UMR125, Marseille, 13385, France
| | - Kimberly Batten
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Laura Yuan
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Tsung-Po Lai
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Nicole Dahlson
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ilgen Mender
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Enzo Tedone
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Mohammed E Sayed
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Woodring E Wright
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ozcagli E, Kara M, Kotil T, Fragkiadaki P, Tzatzarakis MN, Tsitsimpikou C, Stivaktakis PD, Tsoukalas D, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM, Alpertunga B. Stanozolol administration combined with exercise leads to decreased telomerase activity possibly associated with liver aging. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:405-413. [PMID: 29717770 PMCID: PMC5979936 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic agents are doping substances which are commonly used in sports. Stanozolol, a 17α‑alkylated derivative of testosterone, has a widespread use among athletes and bodybuilders. Several medical and behavioral adverse effects are associated with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse, while the liver remains the most well recognized target organ. In the present study, the hepatic effects of stanozolol administration in rats at high doses resembling those used for doping purposes were investigated, in the presence or absence of exercise. Stanozolol and its metabolites, 16‑β‑hydroxystanozolol and 3'‑hydroxystanozolol, were detected in rat livers using liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry (LC‑MS). Telomerase activity, which is involved in cellular aging and tumorigenesis, was detected by examining telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression levels in the livers of stanozolol‑treated rats. Stanozolol induced telomerase activity at the molecular level in the liver tissue of rats and exercise reversed this induction, reflecting possible premature liver tissue aging. PTEN gene expression in the rat livers was practically unaffected either by exercise or by stanozolol administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eren Ozcagli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and
| | - Mehtap Kara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and
| | - Tugba Kotil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Turkey
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Manolis N. Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | | | - Dimitrios Tsoukalas
- Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristides M. Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Buket Alpertunga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu Z, Wang T, Wu Z, Zhang K, Li W, Yang J, Chen C, Chen L, Xing J. Association between TERT rs2853669 polymorphism and cancer risk: A meta-analysis of 9,157 cases and 11,073 controls. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29534075 PMCID: PMC5849304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been reported that the functional telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) rs2853669 polymorphism might contribute to different types of human cancer. However, the association of this mutation with cancer remains controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to characterize this relationship. Materials and methods/Main results A systematic search of studies on the association of TERT rs2853669 polymorphism with all types of cancer was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. The summary odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to pool the effect size in a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model where appropriate. A total of 13 articles and 15 case-control studies, including 9,157 cases and 11,073 controls, were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled results indicated that the rs2853669 polymorphism was significantly associated with increased cancer risk in a homozygote comparison model (CT vs. TT: OR = 1.085, 95% CI: 1.015–1.159, P = 0.016). In the stratified analyses, a significant increased cancer risk was observed in Asian, but not Caucasian patients. A subgroup analysis by cancer type also revealed a significant increase in the risk of lung cancer, but not breast cancer. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the TERT rs2853669 polymorphism is associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, in Asian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengsheng Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhun Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Kaiyan Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jianbin Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Zhuxi People Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Jinchun Xing
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gunes C, Avila AI, Rudolph KL. Telomeres in cancer. Differentiation 2017; 99:41-50. [PMID: 29291448 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomere shortening as a consequence of cell divisions during aging and chronic diseases associates with an increased cancer risk. Experimental data revealed that telomere shortening results in telomere dysfunction, which in turn affects tumorigenesis in two ways. First, telomere dysfunction suppresses tumor progression by the activation of DNA damage checkpoints, which induce cell cycle arrest (senescence) or apoptosis, as well as by inducing metabolic compromise and activation of immune responses directed against senescent cells. Second, telomere dysfunction promotes tumorigenesis by inducing chromosomal instability in tumor initiating cells, by inhibiting proliferative competition of non-transformed cells, and possibly, also by influencing tumor cell plasticity. The tumor promoting effects of telomere dysfunction are context dependent and require the loss of p53-dependent DNA damage checkpoints or other genetic modifiers that attenuate DNA damage responses possibly involving complex interactions of different genes. The activation of telomere stabilizing mechanisms appears as a subsequent step, which is required to enable immortal grotwh of emerging cancer cells. Here, we conceptually discuss our current knowledge and new, unpublished experimental data on telomere dependent influences on tumor initiation and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alush Irene Avila
- Research Group on Stem Cell Aging, Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstr. 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - K Lenhard Rudolph
- Research Group on Stem Cell Aging, Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstr. 11, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
It is well known that a decreased expression or inhibited activity of telomerase in cancer cells is accompanied by an increased sensitivity to some drugs (e.g., doxorubicin, cisplatin, or 5-fluorouracil). However, the mechanism of the resistance resulting from telomerase alteration remains elusive. There are theories claiming that it might be associated with telomere shortening, genome instability, hTERT translocation, mitochondria functioning modulation, or even alterations in ABC family gene expression. However, association of those mechanisms, i.e., drug resistance and telomerase alterations, is not fully understood yet. We review the current theories on the aspect of the role of telomerase in cancer cells resistance to therapy. We believe that revealing/unravelling this correlation might significantly contribute to an increased efficiency of cancer cells elimination, especially the most difficult ones, i.e., drug resistant.
Collapse
|
22
|
Kumar A, Nilednu P, Kumar A, Sharma NK. Epigenetic perturbation driving asleep telomerase reverse transcriptase: Possible therapeutic avenues in carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317695951. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428317695951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, implications of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a component of ribonucleoprotein telomerase in aging, senescence, and stem cell are highly evident. Besides, the activation of hTERT is also being documented several cancer types including carcinoma. The awakening of telomerase during carcinoma initiation and development is being seen with different perspectives including genetic and epigenetic tools and events. In view of several tumor progenitors genes (also referred as epigenetic mediators), telomerase is placed as key enzyme to achieve the carcinoma phenotype and sustain during the progression. It is true that swaying of telomerase in carcinoma could be facilitated with dedicated set of epigenetic modulators and modifiers players. These epigenetic alterations are heritable, potentially reversible, and seen as the epigenetic signature of carcinoma. Several papers converge to suggest that DNA methylation, histone modification, and small non-coding RNAs are the widely appreciated epigenetic changes towards hTERT modulation. In this review, we summarize the contribution of epigenetic factors in the telomerase activation and discuss potential avenues to achieve therapeutic intervention in carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| | - Pritish Nilednu
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| | - Azad Kumar
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| | - Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Pune, India
| |
Collapse
|