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Yu HJ, Byun YH, Park CK. Techniques for assessing telomere length: A methodological review. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1489-1498. [PMID: 38633384 PMCID: PMC11021795 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes and have specific sequences with a distinctive structure that safeguards genes. They possess capping structures that protect chromosome ends from fusion events and ensure chromosome stability. Telomeres shorten in length during each cycle of cell division. When this length reaches a certain threshold, it can lead to genomic instability, thus being implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The possibility of telomeres serving as a biomarker for aging and age-related disease is being explored, and their significance is still under study. This is because post-mitotic cells, which are mature cells that do not undergo mitosis, do not experience telomere shortening due to age. Instead, other causes, for example, exposure to oxidative stress, can directly damage the telomeres, causing genomic instability. Nonetheless, a general agreement has been established that measuring telomere length offers valuable insights and forms a crucial foundation for analyzing gene expression and epigenetic data. Numerous approaches have been developed to accurately measure telomere lengths. In this review, we summarize various methods and their advantages and limitations for assessing telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Jong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Hwan Byun
- Department of Neurosurgery, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Kee Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Assadawi N, Ferderer M, Kusi-Appauh N, Yu H, Dillon CT, Sluyter R, Richardson C, Ralph SF. Effect of substituents on the ability of nickel Schiff base complexes with four pendant groups to bind to G-quadruplexes. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:12720-12739. [PMID: 39017709 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt00448e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of eleven new nickel Schiff base complexes each bearing four pendant groups is reported. The structures of the complexes differ in the identity of the pendant groups and/or diamine moiety. All complexes were characterised by microanalysis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), while the solid-state structures of two of the molecules were also determined using X-ray crystallographic methods. The DNA binding properties of the nickel complexes with double stranded DNA and a range of G-quadruplex DNA structures was explored using different spectroscopic methods as well as computational techniques. Results from ESI-MS experiments and Fluorescent Indicator Displacement (FID) assays were consistent with each other and indicated that varying the diamine moiety had less influence on DNA affinity than changing the pendant groups. These conclusions were also generally supported by results obtained from UV melting experiments and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays. The cytotoxicity of selected examples of the new complexes, and close analogues reported recently, towards V79 Chinese hamster lung cancer cells and THP-1 human leukemia cells was measured. All were found to display modest cytotoxicity, with flow cytometry experiments suggesting an apoptotic pathway was the most likely mechanism of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Assadawi
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Myles Ferderer
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Nicholas Kusi-Appauh
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Haibo Yu
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Carolyn T Dillon
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Christopher Richardson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Stephen F Ralph
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
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3
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Shen C, Jiang K, Zhang W, Su B, Wang Z, Chen X, Zheng B, He T. LASSO regression and WGCNA-based telomerase-associated lncRNA signaling predicts clear cell renal cell carcinoma prognosis and immunotherapy response. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9386-9409. [PMID: 38819232 PMCID: PMC11210217 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205871] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether telomerase-associated lncRNA expression affects the prognosis and anti-tumor immunity of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS A series of analyses were performed to establish a prognostic risk model and validate its accuracy. Immune-related analyses were performed to assess further the association between immune status, tumor microenvironment, and prognostic risk models. RESULTS Eight telomerase-associated lncRNAs associated with prognosis were identified and applied to establish a prognostic risk model. Overall survival was higher in the low-risk group. CONCLUSION The established prognostic risk model has a good predictive ability for the prognosis of ccRCC patients and provides a new possible therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/immunology
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/mortality
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/therapy
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Humans
- Kidney Neoplasms/genetics
- Kidney Neoplasms/immunology
- Kidney Neoplasms/mortality
- Kidney Neoplasms/therapy
- Telomerase/genetics
- Telomerase/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Male
- Female
- Gene Regulatory Networks
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Shen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Kaiyao Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Baohui Su
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xinfeng Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Bing Zheng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Tao He
- Party Committe and Hospital Administration Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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4
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Deb S, Berei J, Miliavski E, Khan MJ, Broder TJ, Akurugo TA, Lund C, Fleming SE, Hillwig R, Ross J, Puri N. The Effects of Smoking on Telomere Length, Induction of Oncogenic Stress, and Chronic Inflammatory Responses Leading to Aging. Cells 2024; 13:884. [PMID: 38891017 PMCID: PMC11172003 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110884] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, potential biomarkers of aging, are known to shorten with continued cigarette smoke exposure. In order to further investigate this process and its impact on cellular stress and inflammation, we used an in vitro model with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and observed the downregulation of telomere stabilizing TRF2 and POT1 genes after CSE treatment. hTERT is a subunit of telomerase and a well-known oncogenic marker, which is overexpressed in over 85% of cancers and may contribute to lung cancer development in smokers. We also observed an increase in hTERT and ISG15 expression levels after CSE treatment, as well as increased protein levels revealed by immunohistochemical staining in smokers' lung tissue samples compared to non-smokers. The effects of ISG15 overexpression were further studied by quantifying IFN-γ, an inflammatory protein induced by ISG15, which showed greater upregulation in smokers compared to non-smokers. Similar changes in gene expression patterns for TRF2, POT1, hTERT, and ISG15 were observed in blood and buccal swab samples from smokers compared to non-smokers. The results from this study provide insight into the mechanisms behind smoking causing telomere shortening and how this may contribute to the induction of inflammation and/or tumorigenesis, which may lead to comorbidities in smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Deb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Joseph Berei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Edward Miliavski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Muhammad J. Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Taylor J. Broder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Thomas A. Akurugo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Cody Lund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Sara E. Fleming
- Department of Pathology, UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Robert Hillwig
- Department of Health Sciences Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Joseph Ross
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Neelu Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (S.D.); (J.B.); (E.M.); (M.J.K.); (T.J.B.); (T.A.A.); (C.L.)
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Wang QL, Gong C, Meng XY, Fu M, Yang H, Zhou F, Wu Q, Zhou Y. TPP1 is associated with risk of advanced precursors and cervical cancer survival. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298118. [PMID: 38722833 PMCID: PMC11081309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It is unclear how telomere-binding protein TPP1 interacts with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and influences cervical cancer development and progression. This study included all eligible 156 cervical cancers diagnosed during 2003-2008 and followed up through 2014, 102 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients, and 16 participants with normal cervix identified at the same period. Correlation of expression of TPP1 and hTERT in these lesions was assessed using Kappa statistics. TPP1 was knocked down by siRNA in three cervical cancer cell lines. We assessed mRNA expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein expression using tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining. We further analyzed the impact of TPP1 expression on the overall survival of cervical cancer patients by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the multivariable-adjusted Cox regression model. Compared to the normal cervix, high TPP1expression was significantly associated with CIN 3 and cervical cancers (P<0.001 for both). Expressions of TPP1 and hTERT were highly correlated in CIN 3 (Kappa statistics = 0.50, P = 0.005), squamous cell carcinoma (Kappa statistics = 0.22, P = 0.011), and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma (Kappa statistics = 0.77, P = 0.001). Mechanistically, knockdown of TPP1 inhibited the expression of hTERT in both mRNA and protein levels. High expression of TPP1 (HR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.23-5.51) and co-high expression of TPP1 and hTERT (HR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.28-4.43) were independently associated with worse survival in cervical cancer patients. TPP1 and hTERT expression was correlated and high expression of TPP1 was associated with high risk of CIN 3 and cervical cancer and could predict a worse survival in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Li Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Caifeng Gong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Meng
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fuxiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Hidayatullah F, Andhika DP, Prasetyawan W, Rahman ZA, Pratama PKD, Hakim L. Effects of metformin and silodosin as supplementary treatments to abiraterone on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) level in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells: An in vitro study. NARRA J 2024; 4:e680. [PMID: 38798828 PMCID: PMC11125411 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The antiproliferative properties of metformin and silodosin have been observed in prostate cancer. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the molecular pathways related to these drugs may impact the levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of metformin and silodosin on the levels of hTERT in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells. The present study employed an experimental design with a post-test-only control group. This study utilized the PC3 cell line as a model for mCRPC. A viability experiment was conducted using the CCK-8 method to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of metformin, silodosin, and abiraterone acetate (AA) after a 72-hour incubation period of PC3 cells. In order to investigate the levels of hTERT, PC3 cells were divided into two control groups: a negative control and a standard therapy with AA. Additionally, three experimental combination groups were added: metformin with AA; silodosin with AA; and metformin, silodosin and AA. The level of hTERT was measured using sandwich ELISA technique. The difference in hTERT levels was assessed using ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. The IC50 values for metformin, silodosin, and AA were 17.7 mM, 44.162 mM, and 66.9 μM, respectively. Our data indicated that the combination of metformin with AA and the combination of metformin, silodosin and AA decreased the hTERT levels when compared to control, AA, and silodosin with AA. The administration of metformin resulted in a reduction of hTERT levels in the PC3 cell line, but the impact of silodosin on hTERT levels was not statistically significant compared to AA group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan Hidayatullah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Dimas P. Andhika
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Zakaria A. Rahman
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Putu KD. Pratama
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lukman Hakim
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
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7
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Bartoszewska E, Molik K, Woźniak M, Choromańska A. Telomerase Inhibition in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:427. [PMID: 38671875 PMCID: PMC11047729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040427] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation blockage of myeloid or lymphoid precursor cells, presents significant therapeutic challenges despite current treatment modalities like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Pursuing novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target leukemic cells is critical for improving patient outcomes. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing effective chemotherapy and preventive measures against leukemia, providing a rich source of biologically active compounds. Telomerase, a key enzyme involved in chromosome stabilization and mainly active in cancer cells, presents an attractive target for intervention. In this review article, we focus on the anti-leukemic potential of natural substances, emphasizing vitamins (such as A, D, and E) and polyphenols (including curcumin and indole-3-carbinol), which, in combination with telomerase inhibition, demonstrate reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional chemotherapies. We discuss the role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), particularly its mRNA expression, as a potential therapeutic target, highlighting the promise of natural compounds in leukemia treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Bartoszewska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Klaudia Molik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Marta Woźniak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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8
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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.
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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
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Banjan B, Koshy AJ, Kalath H, John L, Soman S, Raju R, Revikumar A. Potential protein kinase inhibitors that target G-quadruplex DNA structures in the human telomeric regions. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10768-7. [PMID: 38509417 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10768-7] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Telomeric regions contain Guanine-rich sequences arranged in a planar manner and connected by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds that can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures, and can be stabilized by monovalent metal cations. The presence of G4 DNA holds significance in cancer-related processes, especially due to their regulatory potential at transcriptional and translational levels of oncogene and tumor suppressor genes. The objective of this current research is to explore the evolving realm of FDA-approved protein kinase inhibitors, with a specific emphasis on their capacity to stabilize the G4 DNA structures formed at the human telomeric regions. This involves investigating the possibility of repurposing FDA-approved protein kinase inhibitors as a novel approach for targeting multiple cancer types. In this context, we have selected 16 telomeric G4 DNA structures as targets and 71 FDA-approved small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors as ligands. To investigate their binding affinities, molecular docking of human telomeric G4 DNA with nuclear protein kinase inhibitors and their corresponding co-crystalized ligands were performed. We found that Ponatinib and Lapatinib interact with all the selected G4 targets, the binding free energy calculations, and molecular dynamic simulations confirm their binding efficacy and stability. Thus, it is hypothesized that Ponatinib and Lapatinib may stabilize human telomeric G4 DNA in addition to their ability to inhibit BCR-ABL and the other members of the EGFR family. As a result, we also hypothesize that the stabilization of G4 DNA might represent an additional underlying mechanism contributing to their efficacy in exerting anti-cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya Banjan
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Abel John Koshy
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Haritha Kalath
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Levin John
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Sowmya Soman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India.
| | - Amjesh Revikumar
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science (CIODS), Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India.
- Kerala Genome Data Centre, Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
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10
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Talati VP, Karn V, Gadewal N, Bastikar VA. Mechanistic influence of discreet conformation of human telomerase linker region. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38319038 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2310212] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of malignancies have been shown to have human telomerase activity, establishing it as a viable therapeutic target. The crystal structure of telomerase was determined recently. However, the tertiary structure of the non-conserved flexible linker region remains unresolved. This study aims to predict the full-length tertiary structure of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Two strategies were employed to determine the full-length structure of hTERT (1132 amino acids); iterative threading and a conjoined model generated from machine learning and energy functions. After energy minimization, Ramachandran Plot analysis, and simulation; the conjoined model was considered of better quality and stability. The linker region of the conjoined depicted two helices from approximately 275-284 and 201-211 amino acids respectively in contrast to the iterative threading model which has a single helix. Moreover, the region was observed to undergo major structural changes throughout the simulation. These changes signify its flexibility which might be due to the region having a significant number of glycine and proline and could enhance the clamping movement.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun P Talati
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vamika Karn
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nikhil Gadewal
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Virupaksha A Bastikar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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11
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Radhakrishna U, Sadhasivam S, Radhakrishnan R, Forray A, Muvvala SB, Metpally RP, Patel S, Rawal RM, Vishweswaraiah S, Bahado-Singh RO, Nath SK. Placental cytochrome P450 methylomes in infants exposed to prenatal opioids: exploring the effects of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome on health horizons. Front Genet 2024; 14:1292148. [PMID: 38264209 PMCID: PMC10805101 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1292148] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), arises due to increased opioid use during pregnancy. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play a pivotal role in metabolizing a wide range of substances in the human body, including opioids, other drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds. The association between CYP gene methylation and opioid effects is unexplored and it could offer promising insights. Objective: To investigate the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on disrupted CYPs in infants and their anticipated long-term clinical implications. Study Design: DNA methylation levels of CYP genes were analyzed in a cohort of 96 placental tissues using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC (850 k) BeadChips. This involved three groups of placental tissues: 32 from mothers with infants exposed to opioids prenatally requiring pharmacologic treatment for NOWS, 32 from mothers with prenatally opioid-exposed infants not needing NOWS treatment, and 32 from unexposed control mothers. Results: The study identified 20 significantly differentially methylated CpG sites associated with 17 distinct CYP genes, with 14 CpGs showing reduced methylation across 14 genes (CYP19A1, CYP1A2, CYP4V2, CYP1B1, CYP24A1, CYP26B1, CYP26C1, CYP2C18, CYP2C9, CYP2U1, CYP39A1, CYP2R1, CYP4Z1, CYP2D7P1 and), while 8 exhibited hypermethylation (CYP51A1, CYP26B1, CYP2R1, CYP2U1, CYP4X1, CYP1A2, CYP2W1, and CYP4V2). Genes such as CYP1A2, CYP26B1, CYP2R1, CYP2U1, and CYP4V2 exhibited both increased and decreased methylation. These genes are crucial for metabolizing eicosanoids, fatty acids, drugs, and diverse substances. Conclusion: The study identified profound methylation changes in multiple CYP genes in the placental tissues relevant to NOWS. This suggests that disruption of DNA methylation patterns in CYP transcripts might play a role in NOWS and may serve as valuable biomarkers, suggesting a future pathway for personalized treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their potential for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uppala Radhakrishna
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Senthilkumar Sadhasivam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rupa Radhakrishnan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ariadna Forray
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Srinivas B. Muvvala
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Raghu P. Metpally
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Saumya Patel
- Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Science, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rakesh M. Rawal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Sangeetha Vishweswaraiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Ray O. Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Swapan K. Nath
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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12
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Fazelifar P, Cucchiarini A, Khoshbin Z, Mergny JL, Kazemi Noureini S. Strong and selective interactions of palmatine with G-rich sequences in TRF2 promoter; experimental and computational studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-15. [PMID: 38100552 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2292793] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
G-rich sequences have the potential to fold into G-quadruplexes (GQs). G-quadruplexes, particularly those positioned in the regulatory regions of proto-oncogenes, have recently garnered attention in anti-cancer drug design. A thermal FRET assay was employed to conduct preliminary screening of various alkaloids, aiming to identify stronger interactions with a specific set of G-rich double-labeled oligonucleotides in both K + and Na + buffers. These oligonucleotides were derived from regions associated with Kit, Myc, Ceb, Bcl2, human telomeres, and potential G-quadruplex forming sequences found in the Nrf2 and Trf2 promoters. Palmatine generally increased the stability of different G-rich sequences into their folded GQ structures, more or less in a concentration dependent manner. The thermal stability and interaction of palmatine was further studied using transition FRET (t-FRET), CD and UV-visible spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation methods. Palmatine showed the strongest interaction with T RF2 in both K+ and Na+ buffers even at equimolar concentration ratio. T-FRET studies revealed that palmatine has the potential to disrupt double-strand formation by the T RF2 sequence in the presence of its complementary strand. Palmatine exhibits a stronger interaction with G-rich strand DNA, promoting its folding into G-quadruplex structures. It is noteworthy that palmatine exhibits the strongest interaction with T RF2, which is the shortest sequence among the G-rich oligonucleotides studied, featuring only one nucleotide for two of its loops. Palmatine represents a suitable structure for drug design to develop more specific ligands targeting G-quadruplexes. Whether palmatine can also affect the expression of the T RF2 gene requires further studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Fazelifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Zahra Khoshbin
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
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13
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Liu XY, Tan Q, Li LX. A pan-cancer analysis of Dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1) as a prognostic biomarker. Hereditas 2023; 160:38. [PMID: 38082360 PMCID: PMC10712082 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-023-00302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1), a critical component of telomerase complex, is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. However, the association of DKC1 with cancer occurrence and development stages is not clear, making a pan-cancer analysis crucial. METHODS We conducted a study using various bioinformatic databases such as TIMER, GEPIA, UALCAN, and KM plotter Analysis to examine the different expressions of DKC1 in multiple tissues and its correlation with pathological stages. Through KEGG analysis, GO enrichment analysis and Venn analysis, we were able to reveal DKC1-associated genes and signaling pathways. In addition, we performed several tests including the CCK, wound healing assay, cell cycle arrest assay, transwell assay and Sa-β-gal staining on DKC1-deleted MDA-231 cells. RESULTS Our study demonstrates that DKC1 has relatively low expression specificity in different tissues. Furthermore, we found that in ACC, KICH, KIRP and LIHC, the expression level of DKC1 is positively correlated with pathological stages. Conversely, in NHSC, KIRP, LGG, LIHC, MESO and SARC, we observed a negative influence of DKC1 expression level on the overall survival rate. We also found a significant positive correlation between DKC1 expression and Tumor Mutational Burden in 14 tumors. Additionally, we observed a significantly negative impact of DKC1 DNA methylation on gene expression at the promoter region in BRCA. We also identified numerous phosphorylation sites concentrated at the C-terminus of the DKC1 protein. Our GO analysis revealed a correlation between DKC1 and ribosomal biosynthesis pathways, and the common element UTP14A was identified. We also observed decreased rates of cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities in DKC1-knockout MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Furthermore, DKC1-knockout induced cell cycle arrest and caused cell senescence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the precise expression of DKC1 is closely associated with the occurrence and developmental stages of cancer in multiple tissues. Depletion of DKC1 can inhibit the abilities of cancer cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade by arresting the cell cycle and inducing cell senescence. Therefore, DKC1 may be a valuable prognostic biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in various tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ying Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Huzhou College, Huzhou, 313000, China
- Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Qing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Lin-Xiao Li
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Huzhou College, Huzhou, 313000, China.
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14
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Kouroukli AG, Rajaram N, Bashtrykov P, Kretzmer H, Siebert R, Jeltsch A, Bens S. Targeting oncogenic TERT promoter variants by allele-specific epigenome editing. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:183. [PMID: 37993930 PMCID: PMC10666398 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01599-2] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of dominant oncogenes by small or structural genomic alterations is a common driver mechanism in many cancers. Silencing of such dominantly activated oncogenic alleles, thus, is a promising strategy to treat cancer. Recently, allele-specific epigenome editing (ASEE) has been described as a means to reduce transcription of genes in an allele-specific manner. In cancer, specificity to an oncogenic allele can be reached by either targeting directly a pathogenic single-nucleotide variant or a polymorphic single-nucleotide variant linked to the oncogenic allele. To investigate the potential of ASEE in cancer, we here explored this approach by targeting variants at the TERT promoter region. The TERT promoter region has been described as one of the most frequently mutated non-coding cancer drivers. RESULTS Sequencing of the TERT promoter in cancer cell lines showed 53% (41/77) to contain at least one heterozygous sequence variant allowing allele distinction. We chose the hepatoblastoma cell line Hep-G2 and the lung cancer cell line A-549 for this proof-of-principle study, as they contained two different kinds of variants, namely the activating mutation C228T in the TERT core promoter and the common SNP rs2853669 in the THOR region, respectively. These variants were targeted in an allele-specific manner using sgRNA-guided dCas9-DNMT3A-3L complexes. In both cell lines, we successfully introduced DNA methylation specifically to the on-target allele of the TERT promoter with limited background methylation on the off-target allele or an off-target locus (VEGFA), respectively. We observed a maximum CpG methylation gain of 39% and 76% on the target allele when targeting the activating mutation and the common SNP, respectively. The epigenome editing translated into reduced TERT RNA expression in Hep-G2. CONCLUSIONS We applied an ASEE-mediated approach to silence TERT allele specifically. Our results show that the concept of dominant oncogene inactivation by allele-specific epigenome editing can be successfully translated into cancer models. This new strategy may have important advantages in comparison with existing therapeutic approaches, e.g., targeting telomerase, especially with regard to reducing adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra G Kouroukli
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nivethika Rajaram
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Computational Genomics, Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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15
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Valeeva LR, Abdulkina LR, Agabekian IA, Shakirov EV. Telomere biology and ribosome biogenesis: structural and functional interconnections. Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 101:394-409. [PMID: 36989538 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0383] [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] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures that play a pivotal role in the protection and maintenance of eukaryotic chromosomes. Telomeres and the enzyme telomerase, which replenishes telomeric DNA lost during replication, are important factors necessary to ensure continued cell proliferation. Cell proliferation is also dependent on proper and efficient protein synthesis, which is carried out by ribosomes. Mutations in genes involved in either ribosome biogenesis or telomere biology result in cellular abnormalities and can cause human genetic diseases, defined as ribosomopathies and telomeropathies, respectively. Interestingly, recent discoveries indicate that many of the ribosome assembly and rRNA maturation factors have additional noncanonical functions in telomere biology. Similarly, several key proteins and enzymes involved in telomere biology, including telomerase, have unexpected roles in rRNA transcription and maturation. These observations point to an intriguing cross-talk mechanism potentially explaining the multiple pleiotropic symptoms of mutations in many causal genes identified in various telomeropathy and ribosomopathy diseases. In this review, we provide a brief summary of eukaryotic telomere and rDNA loci structures, highlight several universal features of rRNA and telomerase biogenesis, evaluate intriguing interconnections between telomere biology and ribosome assembly, and conclude with an assessment of overlapping features of human diseases of telomeropathies and ribosomopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liia R Valeeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Liliia R Abdulkina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Inna A Agabekian
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Eugene V Shakirov
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
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16
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Assadawi N, Richardson C, Ralph SF. G-quadruplex DNA binding properties of novel nickel Schiff base complexes with four pendant groups. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:12646-12660. [PMID: 37622418 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt02040a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Three new nickel Schiff base complexes were prepared using a two-step procedure that involves initial selective dialkylation of 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, followed by reaction with 1,2-phenylenediamine and nickel(II) acetate. Each of the complexes possessed the same Schiff base core but differed in the identity of the four pendant groups. All complexes were characterised by microanalysis, NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. In addition, two of the complexes were also characterised in the solid state using X-ray crystallography, which confirmed the presence of a square planar geometry around the metal ion. The DNA binding properties of the three nickel complexes with double stranded DNA and a range of G-quadruplex DNA structures were explored using ESI mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, UV melting curves, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays, Fluorescent Indicator Displacement (FID) assays and molecular docking studies. These techniques confirmed the ability of the three nickel complexes to bind to most of the DNA molecules examined, as well as stabilise the latter in several instances. In addition, the results of these investigations provided evidence that pendant groups with morpholine rings generally reduced DNA binding behaviour, whilst pendants featuring piperidine ring systems attached to the Schiff base core by three and not two methylene linkers often showed the greatest extent of binding or DNA stabilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Assadawi
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Christopher Richardson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Stephen F Ralph
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
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17
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MacKenzie TMG, Cisneros R, Maynard RD, Snyder MP. Reverse-ChIP Techniques for Identifying Locus-Specific Proteomes: A Key Tool in Unlocking the Cancer Regulome. Cells 2023; 12:1860. [PMID: 37508524 PMCID: PMC10377898 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141860] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A phenotypic hallmark of cancer is aberrant transcriptional regulation. Transcriptional regulation is controlled by a complicated array of molecular factors, including the presence of transcription factors, the deposition of histone post-translational modifications, and long-range DNA interactions. Determining the molecular identity and function of these various factors is necessary to understand specific aspects of cancer biology and reveal potential therapeutic targets. Regulation of the genome by specific factors is typically studied using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq) that identifies genome-wide binding interactions through the use of factor-specific antibodies. A long-standing goal in many laboratories has been the development of a 'reverse-ChIP' approach to identify unknown binding partners at loci of interest. A variety of strategies have been employed to enable the selective biochemical purification of sequence-defined chromatin regions, including single-copy loci, and the subsequent analytical detection of associated proteins. This review covers mass spectrometry techniques that enable quantitative proteomics before providing a survey of approaches toward the development of strategies for the purification of sequence-specific chromatin as a 'reverse-ChIP' technique. A fully realized reverse-ChIP technique holds great potential for identifying cancer-specific targets and the development of personalized therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío Cisneros
- Sarafan ChEM-H/IMA Postbaccalaureate Fellow in Target Discovery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rajan D Maynard
- Genetics Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Genetics Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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18
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Yi M, Wang M, Xu Y, Cao Z, Ling Y, Zhang Z, Cao H. CRISPR-based m 6A modification and its potential applications in telomerase regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200734. [PMID: 37519297 PMCID: PMC10382234 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase determines cell lifespan by controlling chromosome stability and cell viability, m6A epigenetic modification plays an important role in the regulation of telomerase activity. Using CRISPR epigenome editing to analyze specific m6A modification sites in telomerase will provide an important tool for analyzing the molecular mechanism of m6A modification regulating telomerase activity. In this review, we clarified the relevant applications of CRISPR system, paid special attention to the regulation of m6A modification in stem cells and cancer cells based on CRISPR system, emphasized the regulation of m6A modification on telomerase activity, pointed out that m6A modification sites regulate telomerase activity, and discussed strategies based on telomerase activity and disease treatment, which are helpful to promote the research of anti-aging and tumor related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Yi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongjie Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhikun Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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19
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Yang H, Xia L, Zheng J, Xie Z, Zhou J, Wu Y. Screening and identification of a DNA aptamer to construct the label-free fluorescent aptasensor for ultrasensitive and selective detection of clothianidin residue in agricultural products. Talanta 2023; 262:124712. [PMID: 37244242 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Clothianidin pesticide not only pollutes the ecological environment, but also poses a potential threat to human health. Thus, it is of great importance to develop efficient and accurate methods to recognize and detect clothianidin residues in agricultural products. Aptamer has the advantages of easy modification, high affinity and good stability, which is particularly suitable as a recognition biomolecule for pesticide detection. However, the aptamer against clothianidin has not been reported. Herein, the aptamer (named CLO-1) had good selectivity and strong affinity (Kd = 40.66 ± 3.47 nM) to clothianidin pesticide, which was screened for the first time by Capture-SELEX strategy. The binding effect of CLO-1 aptamer to clothianidin was further studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and molecular docking technique. Finally, the CLO-1 aptamer was used as the recognition molecule to construct a label-free fluorescent aptasensor using GeneGreen dye as sensing signal for the highly sensitive detection of clothianidin pesticide. The constructed fluorescent aptasensor had the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 5.527 μg L-1 for clothianidin, and displayed good selectivity against other competitive pesticides. The aptasensor was applied to detect the clothianidin spiked in tomatoes, pears and cabbages, and the recovery rate was good in the range of 81.99%-106.64%. This study provides a good application prospect for the recognition and detection of clothianidin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Lian Xia
- Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biopharmacy, School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jia Zheng
- Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhengmin Xie
- Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd, Yibin, 644000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jianli Zhou
- Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biopharmacy, School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yuangen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biopharmacy, School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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20
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Naeini SH, Mavaddatiyan L, Kalkhoran ZR, Taherkhani S, Talkhabi M. Alpha-ketoglutarate as a potent regulator for lifespan and healthspan: Evidences and perspectives. Exp Gerontol 2023; 175:112154. [PMID: 36934991 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112154] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a natural process that determined by a functional decline in cells and tissues as organisms are growing old, resulting in an increase at risk of disease and death. To this end, many efforts have been made to control aging and increase lifespan and healthspan. These efforts have led to the discovery of several anti-aging drugs and compounds such as rapamycin and metformin. Recently, alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) has been introduced as a potential anti-aging metabolite that can control several functions in organisms, thereby increases longevity and improves healthspan. Unlike other synthetic anti-aging drugs, AKG is one of the metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, and synthesized in the body. It plays a crucial role in the cell energy metabolism, amino acid/protein synthesis, epigenetic regulation, stemness and differentiation, fertility and reproductive health, and cancer cell behaviors. AKG exerts its effects through different mechanisms such as inhibiting mTOR and ATP-synthase, modulating DNA and histone demethylation and reducing ROS formation. Herein, we summarize the recent findings of AKG-related lifespan and healthspan studies and discuss AKG associated cell and molecular mechanisms involved in increasing longevity, improving reproduction, and modulating stem cells and cancer cells behavior. We also discuss the promises and limitations of AKG for delaying aging and other potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghi Hakimi Naeini
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laleh Mavaddatiyan
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rashid Kalkhoran
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soroush Taherkhani
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Telomere Length Changes in Cancer: Insights on Carcinogenesis and Potential for Non-Invasive Diagnostic Strategies. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030715. [PMID: 36980987 PMCID: PMC10047978 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere dynamics play a crucial role in the maintenance of chromosome integrity; changes in telomere length may thus contribute to the development of various diseases including cancer. Understanding the role of telomeric DNA in carcinogenesis and detecting the presence of cell-free telomeric DNA (cf-telDNA) in body fluids offer a potential biomarker for novel cancer screening and diagnostic strategies. Liquid biopsy is becoming increasingly popular due to its undeniable benefits over conventional invasive methods. However, the organization and function of cf-telDNA in the extracellular milieu are understudied. This paper provides a review based on 3,398,017 cancer patients, patients with other conditions, and control individuals with the aim to shed more light on the inconsistent nature of telomere lengthening/shortening in oncological contexts. To gain a better understanding of biological factors (e.g., telomerase activation, alternative lengthening of telomeres) affecting telomere homeostasis across different types of cancer, we summarize mechanisms responsible for telomere length maintenance. In conclusion, we compare tissue- and liquid biopsy-based approaches in cancer assessment and provide a brief outlook on the methodology used for telomere length evaluation, highlighting the advances of state-of-the-art approaches in the field.
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22
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Telomerase: A prominent oncological target for development of chemotherapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115121. [PMID: 36669398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) responsible for the maintenance of chromosomal integrity by stabilizing telomere length. Telomerase is a widely expressed hallmark responsible for replicative immortality in 80-90% of malignant tumors. Cancer cells produce telomerase which prevents telomere shortening by adding telomeres sequences beyond Hayflick's limit; which enables them to divide uncontrollably. The activity of telomerase is relatively low in somatic cells and absent in normal cells, but the re-activation of this RNP in normal cells suppresses p53 activity which leads to the avoidance of senescence causing malignancy. Here, we have focused explicitly on various anti-telomerase therapies and telomerase-inhibiting molecules for the treatment of cancer. We have covered molecules that are reported in developmental, preclinical, and clinical trial stages as potent telomerase inhibitors. Apart from chemotherapy, we have also included details of immunotherapy, gene therapy, G-quadruplex stabilizers, and HSP-90 inhibitors. The purpose of this work is to discuss the challenges behind the development of novel telomerase inhibitors and to identify various perspectives for designing anti-telomerase compounds.
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23
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Moses EJ, Azlan A, Khor KZ, Mot YY, Mohamed S, Seeni A, Barneh F, Heidenreich O, Yusoff N. A RUNX1/ETO-SKP2-CDKN1B axis regulates expression of telomerase in t (8;21) acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:70. [PMID: 36820913 PMCID: PMC11071865 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04713-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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The fusion oncoprotein RUNX1/ETO which results from the chromosomal translocation t (8;21) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an essential driver of leukemic maintenance. We have previously shown that RUNX1/ETO knockdown impairs expression of the protein component of telomerase, TERT. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of how RUNX1/ETO controls TERT expression has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that RUNX1/ETO binds to an intergenic region 18 kb upstream of the TERT transcriptional start site and to a site located in intron 6 of TERT. Loss of RUNX1/ETO binding precedes inhibition of TERT expression. Repression of TERT expression is also dependent on the destabilization of the E3 ubiquitin ligase SKP2 and the resultant accumulation of the cell cycle inhibitor CDKN1B, that are both associated with RUNX1/ETO knockdown. Increased CDKN1B protein levels ultimately diminished TERT transcription with E2F1/Rb involvement. Collectively, our results show that RUNX1/ETO controls TERT expression directly by binding to its locus and indirectly via a SKP2-CDKN1B-E2F1/Rb axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel J Moses
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia.
| | - Adam Azlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Kang Zi Khor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Yee Yik Mot
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Saleem Mohamed
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Azman Seeni
- Department of Toxicology, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Farnaz Barneh
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Narazah Yusoff
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
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24
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Regulation of pleiotropic physiological roles of nitric oxide signaling. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110496. [PMID: 36252791 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a highly diffusible, ubiquitous signaling molecule and a free radical that is naturally synthesized by our body. The pleiotropic effects of NO in biological systems are due to its reactivity with different molecules, such as molecular oxygen (O2), superoxide anion, DNA, lipids, and proteins. There are several contradictory findings in the literature pertaining to its role in oncology. NO is a Janus-faced molecule shown to have both tumor promoting and tumoricidal effects, which depend on its concentration, duration of exposure, and location. A high concentration is shown to have cytotoxic effects by triggering apoptosis, and at a low concentration, NO promotes angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor progression. Upregulated NO synthesis has been implicated as a causal factor in several pathophysiological conditions including cancer. This dichotomous effect makes it highly challenging to discover its true potential in cancer biology. Understanding the mechanisms by which NO acts in different cancers helps to develop NO based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. This review addresses the physiological role of this molecule, with a focus on its bimodal action in various types of cancers.
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25
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Raza S, Rajak S, Srivastava J, Tewari A, Gupta P, Chakravarti B, Ghosh S, Chaturvedi CP, Sinha RA. ULK1 inhibition attenuates telomerase activity in hepatic cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119355. [PMID: 36113664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy and telomere maintenance are two cellular survival processes that show a strong correlation during human ageing and cancer growth, however, their causal relationship remains unclear. In this study, using an unbiased transcriptomics approach, we uncover a novel role of autophagy genes in regulating telomere extension and maintenance pathways. Concomitantly, the pharmacological inhibition of ULK1 (Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1) attenuated human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression and telomerase activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the suppression of telomerase activity upon ULK1 inhibition was associated with telomere shortening and onset of cellular senescence in HepG2 cells. These results, thus, demonstrate a direct role of autophagy in maintaining cellular longevity via regulation of telomerase activity, which may have implications in the pathophysiology of ageing and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Raza
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Sangam Rajak
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Jyotika Srivastava
- Stem Cell Research Facility, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Archana Tewari
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Bandana Chakravarti
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Centre for Computational Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Chandra P Chaturvedi
- Stem Cell Research Facility, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
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Biomarkers of Bladder Cancer: Cell-Free DNA, Epigenetic Modifications and Non-Coding RNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113206. [PMID: 36361996 PMCID: PMC9653602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most frequent cancer in the world. The initial diagnosis and surveillance of BC require a combination of invasive and non-invasive methods, which are costly and suffer from several limitations. Cystoscopy with urine cytology and histological examination presents the standard diagnostic approach. Various biomarkers (e.g., proteins, genes, and RNAs) have been extensively studied in relation to BC. However, the new trend of liquid biopsy slowly proves to be almost equally effective. Cell-free DNA, non-coding RNA, and other subcellular structures are now being tested for the best predictive and diagnostic value. In this review, we focused on published gene mutations, especially in DNA fragments, but also epigenetic modifications, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules acquired by liquid biopsy. We performed an online search in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the terms “bladder cancer”, in combination with “markers” or “biomarkers” published until August 2022. If applicable, we set the sensitivity and specificity threshold to 80%. In the era of precision medicine, the development of complex laboratory techniques fuels the search and development of more sensitive and specific biomarkers for diagnosis, follow-up, and screening of BC. Future efforts will be focused on the validation of their sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and their utility in everyday clinical practice.
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27
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Judasz E, Lisiak N, Kopczyński P, Taube M, Rubiś B. The Role of Telomerase in Breast Cancer's Response to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12844. [PMID: 36361634 PMCID: PMC9654063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast cancer appears to be the most widespread cancer in the world and the most common cause of cancer deaths. This specific type of cancer affects women in both developed and developing countries. Prevention and early diagnosis are very important factors for good prognosis. A characteristic feature of cancer cells is the ability of unlimited cell division, which makes them immortal. Telomeres, which are shortened with each cell division in normal cells, are rebuilt in cancer cells by the enzyme telomerase, which is expressed in more than 85% of cancers (up to 100% of adenocarcinomas, including breast cancer). Telomerase may have different functions that are related to telomeres or unrelated. It has been shown that high activity of the enzyme in cancer cells is associated with poor cell sensitivity to therapies. Therefore, telomerase has become a potential target for cancer therapies. The low efficacy of therapies has resulted in the search for new combined and more effective therapeutic methods, including the involvement of telomerase inhibitors and telomerase-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Judasz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Lisiak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kopczyński
- Centre for Orthodontic Mini-Implants at the Department and Clinic of Maxillofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Taube
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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28
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Hassani MA, Murid J, Yan J. Regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1 gene and its association with malignancy. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 6:e1735. [PMID: 36253342 PMCID: PMC9875622 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the progression of next-generation sequencing technologies, researchers have identified numerous variants of the regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1 (RTEL1) gene that are associated with a broad spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, including malignancies. At the molecular level, RTEL1 is involved in the regulation of the repair, replication, and transcription of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the maintenance of telomere length. RTEL1 can act both as a promotor and inhibitor of tumorigenesis. Here, we review the potential mechanisms implicated in the malignant transformation of tissues under conditions of RTEL1 deficiency or its aberrant overexpression. RECENT FINDINGS A major hemostatic challenge during RTEL1 dysfunction could arise from its unbalanced activity for unwinding guanine-rich quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) structures. In contrast, RTEL1 deficiency leads to alterations in telomeric and genome-wide DNA maintenance mechanisms, ribonucleoprotein metabolism, and the creation of an inflammatory and immune-deficient microenvironment, all promoting malignancy. Additionally, we hypothesize that functionally similar molecules could act to compensate for the deteriorated functions of RTEL1, thereby facilitating the survival of malignant cells. On the contrary, RTEL1 over-expression was directed toward G4-unwinding, by promoting replication fork progression and maintaining intact telomeres, may facilitate malignant transformation and proliferation of various pre-malignant cellular compartments. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, restoring the equilibrium of RTEL1 functions could serve as a therapeutic approach for preventing and treating malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arian Hassani
- Department of Hematology, Liaoning Medical Center for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Translational Medicine, Dalian Key Laboratory of HematologySecond Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina,Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Ali Abad Teaching HospitalKabul University of Medical SciencesJamal menaKabulAfghanistan
| | - Jamshid Murid
- Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Ali Abad Teaching HospitalKabul University of Medical SciencesJamal menaKabulAfghanistan
| | - Jinsong Yan
- Department of Hematology, Liaoning Medical Center for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Translational Medicine, Dalian Key Laboratory of HematologySecond Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina,Diamond Bay Institute of HematologySecond Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
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29
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Zia S, Khan N, Tehreem K, Rehman N, Sami R, Baty RS, Tayeb FJ, Almashjary MN, Alsubhi NH, Alrefaei GI, Shahid R. Transcriptomic Analysis of Conserved Telomere Maintenance Component 1 (CTC1) and Its Association with Leukemia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195780. [PMID: 36233645 PMCID: PMC9571731 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TEL) regulation is important for genome stability and is governed by the coordinated role of shelterin proteins, telomerase (TERT), and CST (CTC1/OBFC1/TEN1) complex. Previous studies have shown the association of telomerase expression with the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, no data are available for CST association with the ALL. The current pilot study was designed to evaluate the CST expression levels in ALL. In total, 350 subjects were recruited, including 250 ALL cases and 100 controls. The subjects were stratified by age and categorized into pediatrics (1–18 years) and adults (19–54 years). TEL and expression patterns of CTC1, OBFC1, and TERT genes were determined by qPCR. The univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of gene expression with ALL, and the results were adjusted for age and sex in multivariable analyses. Pediatric and adult cases did not reflect any change in telomere lengths relative to controls. However, expression of CTC1, OBFC1, and TERT genes were induced among ALL cases. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed association of CTC1 with ALL in pediatric [β estimate (standard error (SE)= −0.013 (0.007), p = 0.049, and adults [0.053 (0.023), p = 0.025]. The association of CTC1 remained significant when taken together with OBFC1 and TERT in a multivariable model. Furthermore, CTC1 showed significant association with B-cell ALL [−0.057(0.017), p = 0.002) and T-cell ALL [−0.050 (0.018), p = 0.008] in pediatric group while no such association was noted in adults. Together, our findings demonstrated that telomere modulating genes, particularly CTC1, are strongly associated with ALL. Therefore, CTC1 can potentially be used as a risk biomarker for the identification of ALL in both pediatrics and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadiya Zia
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Netasha Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Komal Tehreem
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Nazia Rehman
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Rokayya Sami
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roua S. Baty
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris J. Tayeb
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed N. Almashjary
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf H. Alsubhi
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh 21911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer I. Alrefaei
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, P.O. Box 80327, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramla Shahid
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
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30
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Mushtaq I, Bhat GR, Rah B, Besina S, Zahoor S, Wani MA, Shah MA, Bashir S, Farooq M, Rather RA, Afroze D. Telomere Attrition With Concomitant hTERT Overexpression Involved in the Progression of Gastric Cancer May Have Prognostic and Clinical Implications in High-Risk Population Group From North India. Front Oncol 2022; 12:919351. [PMID: 35912187 PMCID: PMC9326504 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.919351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic instabilities exacerbated by the dysfunction of telomeres can lead to the development of cancer. Nearly 90% of all human malignancies are linked with telomere dysregulation and overexpression of telomerase, an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of telomeric DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes. The burden of gastric cancer continues to inflict a deterring impact on the global health scenario, accounting for over one million new cases in 2020. The disease is asymptomatic in its early stages of progression, which is attributed to the poor prognosis and overall surge in mortality rate worldwide. Exploiting telomere physiology can provide extensive mechanistic insight into telomere-associated gastric cancer progression and its use as a target in a variety of therapeutic interventions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical implications of c-Myc, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, and telomere length in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 57 gastric cancer cases and adjacent controls were included in the study. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression levels of c-Myc and hTERT. The relative telomere length was measured by MMQPCR using the Cawthon method. Our results indicated that the shorter telomere and increased hTERT expression were associated with gastric cancer progression. The study also highlighted the role of short telomeres and increased expression of hTERT in gastric cancer progression and its association with various etiological risk factors, transcriptional activators, and overall survival among the ethnic Kashmiri population of North India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifra Mushtaq
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Bilal Rah
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Syed Besina
- Department of Pathology, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Sheikh Zahoor
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Muneer A. Wani
- Department of General Surgery, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Mubashir A. Shah
- Department of General Surgery, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Sadaf Bashir
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Muzamil Farooq
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Rafiq A. Rather
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
- *Correspondence: Dil Afroze,
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31
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Yalınbaş Kaya B, Ülger Y. Evaluation of possible role of the h TERT gene rs2853669 polymorphism in the development of colorectal cancer as a genetic risk factor. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 41:961-971. [PMID: 35704667 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2086694] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest malignancy. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene has been identified as one of the potential cancer susceptibility genes. We evaluated the relationship between the risk of CRC and CRC's clinicopathological features of the hTERT rs2853669 (A > G/T > C, by the chain direction) polymorphism in Turkish population. The rs2853669 polymorphism was investigated with the LightCycler 96 device in 100 CRC patients and 327 controls. We found that the rs2853669 polymorphism AG/GG genotypes in genetic models reduced the risk of CRC. However, there was no significant relationship between rs2853669 polymorphism and clinicopathological features of CRC in studied population. The results of this study showed that the risk of colorectal cancer is significantly reduced in the individuals having the G (C) allele. Our recommendation is to analyze the hTERT gene expression by studying the hTERT promoter mutations with this polymorphism in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yakup Ülger
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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32
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Pathak MP, Pathak K, Saikia R, Gogoi U, Ahmad MZ, Patowary P, Das A. Immunomodulatory effect of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds in cancer: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112901. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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33
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Aliouat H, Peng Y, Waseem Z, Wang S, Zhou W. Pure DNA scaffolded drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2022; 285:121532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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34
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Liu B, He Y, Wang Y, Song H, Zhou ZH, Feigon J. Structure of active human telomerase with telomere shelterin protein TPP1. Nature 2022; 604:578-583. [PMID: 35418675 PMCID: PMC9912816 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04582-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human telomerase is a RNA-protein complex that extends the 3' end of linear chromosomes by synthesizing multiple copies of the telomeric repeat TTAGGG1. Its activity is a determinant of cancer progression, stem cell renewal and cellular aging2-5. Telomerase is recruited to telomeres and activated for telomere repeat synthesis by the telomere shelterin protein TPP16,7. Human telomerase has a bilobal structure with a catalytic core ribonuclear protein and a H and ACA box ribonuclear protein8,9. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of human telomerase catalytic core of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TER (also known as hTR)), and of telomerase with the shelterin protein TPP1. TPP1 forms a structured interface with the TERT-unique telomerase essential N-terminal domain (TEN) and the telomerase RAP motif (TRAP) that are unique to TERT, and conformational dynamics of TEN-TRAP are damped upon TPP1 binding, defining the requirements for recruitment and activation. The structures further reveal that the elements of TERT and TER that are involved in template and telomeric DNA handling-including the TEN domain and the TRAP-thumb helix channel-are largely structurally homologous to those in Tetrahymena telomerase10, and provide unique insights into the mechanism of telomerase activity. The binding site of the telomerase inhibitor BIBR153211,12 overlaps a critical interaction between the TER pseudoknot and the TERT thumb domain. Numerous mutations leading to telomeropathies13,14 are located at the TERT-TER and TEN-TRAP-TPP1 interfaces, highlighting the importance of TER-TERT and TPP1 interactions for telomerase activity, recruitment and as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yao He
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yaqiang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - He Song
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Fragkiadaki P, Renieri E, Kalliantasi K, Kouvidi E, Apalaki E, Vakonaki E, Mamoulakis C, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A. Τelomerase inhibitors and activators in aging and cancer: A systematic review. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:158. [PMID: 35266017 PMCID: PMC8941523 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the present systematic review was to summarize the most frequently used telomerase regulators with an impact on aging and cancer that are referred to in in vitro and in vivo studies. For this purpose, a systematic review of the available literature on telomerase regulators referred to in articles from PubMed and Scopus libraries published from 2002 to 2021 and in accordance with PRISMA 2020 criteria, was conducted. Articles were included if they met the following criteria: They referred to telomerase modulators in aging and in cancer and were in vitro and/or in vivo studies, while studies that did not provide sufficient data or studies not written in English were excluded. In the present systematic review, 54 publications were included, of which 29 were full-text published studies, 11 were full-text reviews, 10 structure-based design studies and 4 abstracts are reported in this review. Telomerase regulators were then categorized as synthetic direct telomerase inhibitors, synthetic indirect telomerase inhibitors, synthetic telomerase activators, natural direct telomerase activators, natural telomerase inhibitors and natural indirect telomerase activators, according to their origin and their activity. On the whole, as demonstrated herein, telomerase regulators appear to be promising treatment agents in various age-related diseases. However, further in vivo and in vitro studies need to be performed in order to clarify the potentiality of telomerase as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Spin‑Off Toxplus S.A., Heraklion 71601, Greece
| | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Katerina Kalliantasi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Kouvidi
- Genesis Genoma Lab, Genetic Diagnosis, Clinical Genetics and Research, Athens 15232, Greece
| | - Evita Apalaki
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, 75105 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Spin‑Off Toxplus S.A., Heraklion 71601, Greece
| | - Charalampos Mamoulakis
- Department of Urology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Spin‑Off Toxplus S.A., Heraklion 71601, Greece
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36
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Klein CB. Signal-Induced Inhibition of Telomerase Activity in HL60 Cancer Cells by Signal Transduction Using the Biophysically Activated Regulative Molecule 31 (RM31): A Pilot Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e22962. [PMID: 35281585 PMCID: PMC8906504 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this pilot study, we report the use of a novel, patented biophysical technology, which enables intranuclear access and cell nucleus stimulation, via the signal of the biophysically activated regulative molecule 31 (RM31). RM31 is the name of an isolated natural molecule found in the human body and is involved in many cellular mechanisms. We used a specific low electromagnetic field frequency to activate the RM31 molecule, which leads to specific signal transduction, to investigate the effect of telomerase activity in HL60 cancer cells. Our results revealed a dramatic inhibition in telomerase activity, a 99.5% decrease within 72 hours, with avoidance of subsequent reactivation, due to the simultaneous inhibition of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT).
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37
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Muresanu C, Khalchitsky S. Updated Understanding of the Causes of Cancer, and a New Theoretical Perspective of Combinational Cancer Therapies, a Hypothesis. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:342-355. [PMID: 35262416 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an integrative understanding of cancer as a metabolic multifactorial, multistage disease. We focus on underlying genetics-environmental interactions, evidenced by telomere changes. A range of genetic and epigenetic factors, including physical agents and predisposing factors such as diet and lifestyle are included. We present a structured model of the causes of cancer, methods of investigations, approaches to cancer prevention, and polypharmaceutical multidisciplinary complex treatment within a framework of personalized medicine. We searched PubMed, National Cancer Institute online, and other databases for publications regarding causes of cancer, reports of novel mitochondrial reprogramming, epigenetic, and telomerase therapies and state-of-the-art investigations. We focused on multistep treatment protocols to enhance early detection of cancer, and elimination or neutralization of the causes and factors associated with cancer formation and progression.Our aim is to suggest a model therapeutic protocol that incorporates the patient's genome, metabolism, and immune system status; stage of tumor development; and comorbidity(ies), if any. Investigation and treatment of cancer is a challenge that requires further holistic studies that improve the quality of life and survival rates, but are most likely to aid prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Muresanu
- Research Center for Applied Biotechnology in Diagnosis and Molecular Therapies, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Ecology, Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sergei Khalchitsky
- H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Children's Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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38
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Debbarma S, Acharya PC. Targeting G-Quadruplex Dna For Cancer Chemotherapy. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2022; 19:e140222201110. [PMID: 35156574 DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220214115408] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The self-association of DNA formed by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding comprises several layers of four guanine or G-tetrads or G4s. The distinct feature of G4s, such as the G-tetrads and loops, qualify structure-selective recognition by small molecules and various ligands and can act as potential anticancer therapeutic molecules. The G4 selective-ligands, can influence gene expression by targeting a nucleic acid structure rather than sequence. Telomere G4 can be targeted for cancer treatment by small molecules inhibiting the telomerase activity whereas c-MYC is capable of controlling transcription, can be targeted to influence transcription. The k-RAS is one of the most frequently encountered oncogenic driver mutations in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. The k-RAS oncogene plays important role in acquiring and increasing the drug resistance and can also be directly targeted by small molecules to combat k-RAS mutant tumors. Modular G4 ligands with different functional groups, side chains and rotatable bonds as well as conformation affect the binding affinity/selectivity in cancer chemotherapeutic interventions. These modular G4 ligands act by targeting the diversity of G4 loops and groves and assists to develop more drug-like compounds with selectivity. In this review, we present the recent research on synthetic G4 DNA-interacting ligands as an approach toward the discovery of target specific anticancer chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta Debbarma
- Department of Pharmacy, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799022, India
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Kaneyoshi S, Eguchi N, Fujimoto K, Fujii S, Sato S, Takenaka S. Cyclic ferrocenylnaphthalene diimides as a probe for electrochemical telomerase assay. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 230:111746. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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40
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Bhatia R, Holtan S, Jurdi NE, Prizment A, Blaes A. Do Cancer and Cancer Treatments Accelerate Aging? Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:1401-1412. [PMID: 35796942 PMCID: PMC9606015 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review focuses on describing the mechanisms and clinical manifestations that underlie accelerated aging associated with cancer and its treatment. RECENT FINDINGS The direct and indirect effects of cancer and its treatment are associated with late occurrence of comorbidities that happen earlier or more frequently in cancer survivors compared to cancer-free individuals, otherwise known as accelerated aging. Use of senolytics and dietary and exercise interventions including prehabilitation, caloric restriction, and rehabilitation are currently under investigation to reverse or decelerate the aging process and will be covered in this review. Further research on how to decelerate or reverse aging changes associated with cancer and its treatment will be of paramount importance as the number of cancer survivors continues to grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma Bhatia
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Shernan Holtan
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 425 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Najla El Jurdi
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 425 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Anna Prizment
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 425 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Anne Blaes
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 425 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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41
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Telomeres and Cancer. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121405. [PMID: 34947936 PMCID: PMC8704776 DOI: 10.3390/life11121405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and are indispensable chromatin structures for genome protection and replication. Telomere length maintenance has been attributed to several functional modulators, including telomerase, the shelterin complex, and the CST complex, synergizing with DNA replication, repair, and the RNA metabolism pathway components. As dysfunctional telomere maintenance and telomerase activation are associated with several human diseases, including cancer, the molecular mechanisms behind telomere length regulation and protection need particular emphasis. Cancer cells exhibit telomerase activation, enabling replicative immortality. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation is involved in cancer development through diverse activities other than mediating telomere elongation. This review describes the telomere functions, the role of functional modulators, the implications in cancer development, and the future therapeutic opportunities.
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42
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Lee KH, Kim DY, Kim W. Regulation of Gene Expression by Telomere Position Effect. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312807. [PMID: 34884608 PMCID: PMC8657463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many diseases that involve malignant tumors in the elderly affect the quality of human life; therefore, the relationship between aging and pathogenesis in geriatric diseases must be under-stood to develop appropriate treatments for these diseases. Recent reports have shown that epigenetic regulation caused by changes in the local chromatin structure plays an essential role in aging. This review provides an overview of the roles of telomere shortening on genomic structural changes during an age-dependent shift in gene expression. Telomere shortening is one of the most prominent events that is involved in cellular aging and it affects global gene expression through genome rearrangement. This review provides novel insights into the roles of telomere shortening in disease-affected cells during pathogenesis and suggests novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ha Lee
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Korea;
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.-Y.K.); (W.K.)
| | - Wanil Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.-Y.K.); (W.K.)
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43
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Snezhkina A, Pavlov V, Dmitriev A, Melnikova N, Kudryavtseva A. Potential Biomarkers of Metastasizing Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytomas. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1179. [PMID: 34833055 PMCID: PMC8619623 DOI: 10.3390/life11111179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from paraganglionic tissue in many sites of the body. Most PPGLs are characterized by nonaggressive behavior but all of them have the potential to metastasize. PPGLs represent a great diagnostic dilemma as it is difficult to recognize tumors that are likely to be metastasizing; criteria of malignancy can be found both in benign and metastatic forms. This review aims to analyze the current knowledge of the nature of metastasizing PPGLs paying particular attention to head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs). Potential predictors of the malignancy risk for PPGLs were summarized and discussed. These data may also help in the development of diagnostic and prognostic strategies, as well as in the identification of novel potential therapeutic targets for patients with PPGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Snezhkina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.P.); (A.D.); (N.M.)
| | | | | | | | - Anna Kudryavtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.P.); (A.D.); (N.M.)
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44
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Teixeira MZ. Telomere and Telomerase: Biological Markers of Organic Vital Force State and Homeopathic Treatment Effectiveness. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 110:283-291. [PMID: 34000743 PMCID: PMC8575553 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Philosophical-scientific correlations described in previous studies suggest that the genome can be the biological representation of the vital force, whilst the disease-promoting epigenetic alterations would be the biological representation of the chronic miasmas. In this study, we expand the functional correlation between vital force and chromosomes, describing the mechanism of action of the telomere-telomerase complex in the context of physiological balance. AIMS The aim of the work is to study the role of the telomere-telomerase complex in cell vitality, biological aging, and the health-disease process, with the goal of proposing the use of telomere length as a biomarker of the vital force state and the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment. RESULTS Similar to the vital force, telomere length and telomerase enzyme activity play an important role in maintaining cellular vitality, biological longevity, and physiological homeostasis. Telomere shortening functions as a biomarker of vital imbalance and is associated with numerous diseases and health disorders. On the other hand, health-promotion practices neutralize the pathological shortening of the telomeres, acting therapeutically in diseases or age-dependent health disorders. CONCLUSIONS As a hypothetical biomarker of the vital force state, an intra-individual analysis of the mean leukocyte telomere length before, during, and after homeopathic treatment can be used as a biomarker of therapeutic effectiveness.
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Roque CR, Sampaio LR, Ito MN, Pinto DV, Caminha JSR, Nunes PIG, Raposo RS, Santos FA, Windmöller CC, Crespo-Lopez ME, Alvarez-Leite JI, Oriá RB, Pinheiro RF. Methylmercury chronic exposure affects the expression of DNA single-strand break repair genes, induces oxidative stress, and chromosomal abnormalities in young dyslipidemic APOE knockout mice. Toxicology 2021; 464:152992. [PMID: 34670124 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, especially when methylated, forming methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg affects DNA repair, increases oxidative stress, and predisposes to cancer. MeHg neurotoxicity is well-known, but recently MeHg-associated cardiovascular effects were recognized. This study evaluated circulating lipids, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity after MeHg-chronic exposure (20 mg/L in drinking water) in C57BL/6J wild-type and APOE knockout (ko) mice, the latter, being spontaneously dyslipidemic. Experimental mice were assigned to four groups: non-intoxicated and MeHg-intoxicated wild-type mice and non-intoxicated and MeHg-intoxicated APOE ko mice. Plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, and LDL were analyzed. Liver lipid peroxidation and splenic gene expression of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation groups A, C, D, and G (XPA, XPC, XPD, and XPG), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were measured. Fur Hg levels confirmed chronic MeHg intoxication. MeHg exposure raises TC levels both in wild-type and APOE ko mice. HDL and LDL-cholesterol levels were increased only in the MeHg-challenged APOE ko mice. MeHg increased liver lipid peroxidation, regardless of the genetic background. Unintoxicated APOE ko mice showed higher expression of TERT than all other groups. APOE deficiency increases XPA expression, regardless of MeHg intoxication. Furthermore, MeHg-intoxicated mice had more cytogenetic abnormalities, effect which was independent of APOE deficiency. More studies are needed to dissect the interactions between circulating lipids, MeHg intoxication, and DNA-repair pathways even at young age, interactions that likely play critical roles in cell senescence and the risk for chronic disorders later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássia R Roque
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Letícia R Sampaio
- Cancer Cytogenomics Laboratory, Drug Research, and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Mayumi N Ito
- Cancer Cytogenomics Laboratory, Drug Research, and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Daniel V Pinto
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Juan S R Caminha
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Paulo I G Nunes
- Natural Products Laboratory, Biomedicine Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ramon S Raposo
- Experimental Biology core, Health Sciences, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Flávia A Santos
- Natural Products Laboratory, Biomedicine Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cláudia C Windmöller
- Laboratory of Atherosclerosis and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, ICB, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline I Alvarez-Leite
- Laboratory of Atherosclerosis and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, ICB, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo B Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Ronald F Pinheiro
- Cancer Cytogenomics Laboratory, Drug Research, and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Chatterjee D, Chakrabarti O. Role of stress granules in modulating senescence and promoting cancer progression: Special emphasis on glioma. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:551-561. [PMID: 34460104 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) contain mRNAs and proteins stalled in translation during stress; these are increasingly being implicated in diseases, including neurological disorders and cancer. The dysregulated assembly, persistence, disassembly and clearance of SGs contribute to the process of senescence. Senescence has long been a mysterious player in cellular physiology and associated diseases. The systemic process of aging has been pivotal in the development of various neurological disorders like age-related neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Glioma is a cancer of neurological origin with a very poor prognosis and high rate of recurrence, SGs have only recently been implicated in its pathogenesis. Senescence has long been established to play an antitumorigenic role, however, relatively less studied is its protumorigenic importance. Here, we have evaluated the existing literature to assess the crosstalk of the two biological phenomena of senescence and SG formation in the context of tumorigenesis. In this review, we have attempted to analyze the contribution of senescence in regulating diverse cellular processes, like, senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), microtubular reorganization, telomeric alteration, autophagic clearance and how intricately these phenomena are tied with the formation of SGs. Finally, we propose that interplay between senescence, its contributing factors and the genesis of SGs can drive tumorigenicity of gliomas, which can potentially be utilized for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debmita Chatterjee
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
| | - Oishee Chakrabarti
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Kotiyal S, Evason KJ. Exploring the Interplay of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164202. [PMID: 34439356 PMCID: PMC8393605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers. Two of the most common molecular aberrations in liver cancer are: (1) activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin (CTNNB1); and (2) promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Here, we review recent findings regarding the interplay between TERT and β-catenin in order to better understand their role in liver cancer. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. This review focuses on exploring the role of TERT and β-catenin in HCC and the current findings regarding their interplay. TERT can have contradictory effects on tumorigenesis via both its canonical and non-canonical functions. As a critical regulator of proliferation and differentiation in progenitor and stem cells, activated β-catenin drives HCC; however, inhibiting endogenous β-catenin can also have pro-tumor effects. Clinical studies revealed a significant concordance between TERTp and CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. In stem cells, TERT acts as a co-factor in β-catenin transcriptional complexes driving the expression of WNT/β-catenin target genes, and β-catenin can bind to the TERTp to drive its transcription. A few studies have examined potential interactions between TERT and β-catenin in HCC in vivo, and their results suggest that the coexpression of these two genes promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are required with vertebrate models to better understand how TERT and β-catenin influence hepatocarcinogenesis.
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48
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Teixeira MZ. Telomere length: biological marker of cellular vitality, aging, and health-disease process. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2021; 67:173-177. [PMID: 34406239 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.67.02.20200655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging process occurs due to the decline of vital physiological functions and adaptability of the body, being influenced by genetics and lifestyle. With advances in genetics, biological aging can be calculated by telomere length. Telomeres are regions at the ends of chromosomes that play a role in the maintenance and integrity of DNA. With biological aging, telomere shortening occurs, causing cellular senescence. Several studies show that shorter telomeres are associated with acute and chronic diseases, stress, addictions, and intoxications. Even in the current COVID-19 pandemic, telomere shortening is proposed as a marker of severity in individuals infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On the other hand, healthy lifestyle habits increase telomere length and balance of various cellular functions, preventing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina - Universidade de São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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49
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Gong C, Yang H, Wang S, Liu J, Li Z, Hu Y, Chen Y, Huang Y, Luo Q, Wu Y, Liu E, Xiao Y. hTERT Promotes CRC Proliferation and Migration by Recruiting YBX1 to Increase NRF2 Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:658101. [PMID: 34079797 PMCID: PMC8165255 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.658101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression is related to severe Colorectal Cancer (CRC) progression and negatively related to CRC patient survival. Previous studies have revealed that hTERT can reduce cancer cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and accelerate cancer progression; however, the mechanism remains poorly understood. NFE2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a molecule that plays a significant role in regulating cellular ROS homeostasis, but whether there is a correlation between hTERT and NRF2 remains unclear. Here, we showed that hTERT increases CRC proliferation and migration by inducing NRF2 upregulation. We further found that hTERT increases NRF2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Our data also revealed that hTERT primarily upregulates NRF2 by increasing NRF2 promoter activity rather than by regulating NRF2 mRNA or protein stability. Using DNA pull-down/MS analysis, we found that hTERT can recruit YBX1 to upregulate NRF2 promoter activity. We also found that hTERT/YBX1 may localize to the P2 region of the NRF2 promoter. Taken together, our results demonstrate that hTERT facilitates CRC proliferation and migration by upregulating NRF2 expression through the recruitment of the transcription factor YBX1 to activate the NRF2 promoter. These results provide a new theoretical basis for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Endoscope, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhibin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuyun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - En Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Plyasova AA, Zhdanov DD. Alternative Splicing of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) and Its Implications in Physiological and Pathological Processes. Biomedicines 2021; 9:526. [PMID: 34065134 PMCID: PMC8150890 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) of human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase) pre-mRNA strongly regulates telomerase activity. Several proteins can regulate AS in a cell type-specific manner and determine the functions of cells. In addition to being involved in telomerase activity regulation, AS provides cells with different splice variants that may have alternative biological activities. The modulation of telomerase activity through the induction of hTERT AS is involved in the development of different cancer types and embryos, and the differentiation of stem cells. Regulatory T cells may suppress the proliferation of target human and murine T and B lymphocytes and NK cells in a contact-independent manner involving activation of TERT AS. This review focuses on the mechanism of regulation of hTERT pre-mRNA AS and the involvement of splice variants in physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya st 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
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