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Brankiewicz-Kopcinska W, Kallingal A, Krzemieniecki R, Baginski M. Targeting shelterin proteins for cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104056. [PMID: 38844065 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104056] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
As a global health challenge, cancer prompts continuous exploration for innovative therapies that are also based on new targets. One promising avenue is targeting the shelterin protein complex, a safeguard for telomeres crucial in preventing DNA damage. The role of shelterin in modulating ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases, key players in the DNA damage response (DDR), establishes its significance in cancer cells. Disrupting these defence mechanisms of shelterins, especially in cancer cells, renders telomeres vulnerable, potentially leading to genomic instability and hindering cancer cell survival. In this review, we outline recent approaches exploring shelterins as potential anticancer targets, highlighting the prospect of developing selective molecules to exploit telomere vulnerabilities toward new innovative cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Brankiewicz-Kopcinska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland; Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anoop Kallingal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Krzemieniecki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Baginski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland.
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Kallingal A, Krzemieniecki R, Maciejewska N, Brankiewicz-Kopcińska W, Baginski M. TRF1 and TRF2: pioneering targets in telomere-based cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:353. [PMID: 39012375 PMCID: PMC11252209 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05867-3] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
This article presents an in-depth exploration of the roles of Telomere Repeat-binding Factors 1 and 2 (TRF1 and TRF2), and the shelterin complex, in the context of cancer biology. It emphasizes their emerging significance as potential biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Central to the shelterin complex, TRF1 and TRF2 are crucial in maintaining telomere integrity and genomic stability, their dysregulation often being a hallmark of cancerous cells. The article delves into the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of TRF1 and TRF2 across various cancer types, highlighting their sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, it reviews current strides in drug discovery targeting the shelterin complex, detailing specific compounds and their modes of action. The review candidly addresses the challenges in developing therapies aimed at the shelterin complex, including drug resistance, off-target effects, and issues in drug delivery. By synthesizing recent research findings, the article sheds light on the intricate relationship between telomere biology and cancer development. It underscores the urgency for continued research to navigate the existing challenges and fully leverage the therapeutic potential of TRF1, TRF2, and the shelterin complex in the realm of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Kallingal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland.
| | - Radosław Krzemieniecki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland
| | - Natalia Maciejewska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Baginski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland
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Oliveira LOD, Costa IB, Quaresma JAS. Association between Epstein-Barr virus LMP-1 and Hodgkin lymphoma LMP-1 mechanisms in Hodgkin lymphoma development. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2561. [PMID: 38877989 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2561] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
Hodgkin lymphoma is histologically characterised by the presence of Hodgkin (H) and Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells originating from germinal centre B-cells rearranged in the IgV gene. The formation of multinucleated RS cells is a product of telomere organisation in a process initiated by telomere aggregate accumulation in mononuclear H cells and may be mediated by latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) expression. LMP-1 is the main oncoprotein of EBV and supports several tumourigenic processes. LMP-1 may rescue proapoptotic B-cells through downregulation of B-cell receptor (BCR) components, mimicking and inducing multiple distinct B-cell signalling pathways to promote proliferation and survival, such as Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-кB), and cellular MYC (c-MYC), and inducing telomere instability mainly through Telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) downregulation to promote the formation of multinucleated RS cells. This review presents recent discoveries regarding the influence of LMP-1 on the surviving cellular signalling, genomic instability and mecanical formation of HRS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Igor Brasil Costa
- Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
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Qiu YD, Yan Q, Wang Y, Ye YF, Wang Y, Wang MY, Wang PP, Zhang SY, Wang DL, Yan H, Ruan J, Zhao YJ, Huang LH, Cho N, Wang K, Zheng XH, Liu ZG. Discovery of a selective TRF2 inhibitor FKB04 induced telomere shortening and senescence in liver cancer cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1276-1286. [PMID: 38438580 PMCID: PMC11130216 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01243-6] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2), a critical element of the shelterin complex, plays a vital role in the maintenance of genome integrity. TRF2 overexpression is found in a wide range of malignant cancers, whereas its down-regulation could cause cell death. Despite its potential role, the selectively small-molecule inhibitors of TRF2 and its therapeutic effects on liver cancer remain largely unknown. Our clinical data combined with bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that TRF2 is overexpressed in liver cancer and that high expression is associated with poor prognosis. Flavokavain B derivative FKB04 potently inhibited TRF2 expression in liver cancer cells while having limited effects on the other five shelterin subunits. Moreover, FKB04 treatment induced telomere shortening and increased the amounts of telomere-free ends, leading to the destruction of T-loop structure. Consequently, FKB04 promoted liver cancer cell senescence without modulating apoptosis levels. In corroboration with these findings, FKB04 inhibited tumor cell growth by promoting telomeric TRF2 deficiency-induced telomere shortening in a mouse xenograft tumor model, with no obvious side effects. These results demonstrate that TRF2 is a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer and suggest that FKB04 may be a selective small-molecule inhibitor of TRF2, showing promise in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-da Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Qi Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yan-Fei Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Meng-Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Pei-Pei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Shu-Yuan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Da-Long Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Hao Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Yun-Jie Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Le-Hao Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Namki Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Zhi-Guo Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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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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Peng Y, Wu X, Zhang Y, Yin Y, Chen X, Zheng D, Wang J. An Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment After Radical Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2305-2321. [PMID: 38143910 PMCID: PMC10743783 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s413996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system, radical resection of early stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mainly includes liver transplantation, surgical resection, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which yield 5-year survival rates of about 70-79%, 41.3-69.5%, and 40-70%, respectively. The tumor-free 5-year rate for HCC patients undergoing radical resection only reach up to 13.7 months, so the prevention of recurrence after radical resection of HCC is very important for the prognosis of patients. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) takes the approach of multitarget and overall-regulation to treat tumors, it can also independently present the "component-target-pathway" related to a particular disease, and its systematic and holistic characteristics can provide a personalized therapy based on symptoms of the patient by treating the patient as a whole. TCM as postoperative adjuvant therapy after radical resection of HCC in Barcelona Clinic liver cancer A or B stages, and the numerous clinical trials confirmed that the efficacy of TCM in the field of HCC has a significant effect, not only improving the prognosis and quality of life but also enhancing patient survival rate. However, with the characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway, the specific mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diseases is still unclear. Because of the positive pharmacological activities of TCM in combating anti-tumors, the mechanism studies of TCM have demonstrated beneficial effects on the regulation of immune function, chronic inflammation, the proliferation and metastasis of liver cancer cells, autophagy, and cell signaling pathways related to liver cancer. Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in reducing the recurrence rate of HCC after radical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Peng
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Hepatobiliary Department, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Wu
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Hepatobiliary Department, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yurong Zhang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Hepatobiliary Department, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Yin
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Hepatobiliary Department, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianglin Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Zheng
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Hepatobiliary Department, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Hepatobiliary Department, Luzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Hassanpour H, Mirshokraei P, Salehpour M, Amiri K, Ghareghani P, Nasiri L. Canine sperm motility is associated with telomere shortening and changes in expression of shelterin genes. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:236. [PMID: 37950187 PMCID: PMC10637008 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motion quality is a critical property for essential functions. Several endogenous and exogenous factors are involved in sperm motility. Here, we measured the relative telomere length and evaluated the gene expression of its binding-proteins, shelterin complex (TRF1, TRF2, RAP1, POT1, TIN2, and TPP1) in sperm of dogs using relative quantitative real-time PCR. We compared them between two sperm subpopulations with poor and good motion qualities (separated by swim-up method). Telomere shortening and alterations of shelterin gene expression result from ROS, genotoxic insults, and genetic predisposition. RESULTS Sperm kinematic parameters were measured in two subpopulations and then telomeric index of each parameter was calculated. Telomeric index for linearity, VSL, VCL, STR, BCF, and ALH were significantly higher in sperms with good motion quality than in sperms with poor quality. We demonstrated that poor motion quality is associated with shorter telomere, higher expression of TRF2, POT1, and TIN2 genes, and lower expression of the RAP1 gene in dog sperm. The levels of TRF1 and TPP1 gene expression remained consistent despite variations in sperm quality and telomere length. CONCLUSION Data provided evidence that there are considerable changes in gene expression of many shelterin components (TRF2, TIN2, POT1and RAP1) associated with shortening telomere in the spermatozoa with poor motion quality. Possibly, the poor motion quality is the result of defects in the shelterin complex and telomere length. Our data suggests a new approach in the semen assessment and etiologic investigations of subfertility or infertility in male animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hassanpour
- Department of Gametes and Cloning, Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Pezhman Mirshokraei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Marzieh Salehpour
- Department of Gametes and Cloning, Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Khadije Amiri
- Department of Gametes and Cloning, Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Parvin Ghareghani
- Department of Gametes and Cloning, Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Leila Nasiri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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Ibrahim KG, Chivandi E, Erlwanger KH, Brooksbank RL. Neonatal administration of fenofibrate had no developmental programming effect on the lipid profile and relative leucocyte telomere lengths of adolescent rats fed a high-fructose diet postnatally. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:565-573. [PMID: 37433224 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2022-0528] [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: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length, a marker of ageing, is susceptible to developmental programming that may cause its accelerated attrition. Metabolic syndrome triggers telomere attrition. Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha agonist, is protective against telomere attrition. We investigated the impact of fenofibrate administered during suckling on the lipid profile and leucocyte telomere lengths of rats fed a high-fructose diet post-weaning. Suckling Sprague-Dawley pups (n = 119) were allocated to four groups and gavaged with either 10 mL·kg-1 body mass 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 100 mg·kg-1 body mass fenofibrate, fructose (20%, w / v), or a combination of fenofibrate and fructose for 15 days. Upon weaning, each of the initial groups was split into two subgroups: one had plain water while the other had fructose solution (20%, w / v) to drink for 6 weeks. Blood was collected for DNA extraction and relative leucocyte telomere length determination by real-time PCR. Plasma triglycerides and cholesterol were also quantified. The treatments had no effect (p > 0.05) on body mass, cholesterol concentration, and relative leucocyte telomere lengths in both sexes. Post-weaning fructose increased triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.05) in female rats. Fenofibrate administered during suckling did not affect ageing nor did it prevent high fructose-induced hypertriglyceridaemia in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2254, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Eliton Chivandi
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Honey Erlwanger
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard Leslie Brooksbank
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bensam M, Rechreche H, Abdelwahab AE, Abu-Serie MM, Ali SM. The role of Algerian Ephedra alata ethanolic extract in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis in a p53- dependent pathway. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103650. [PMID: 37152301 PMCID: PMC10160583 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ephedra alata, a member of the Ephedraceae family, was used to treat different diseases and it might be shown a strong efficacy to inhibit cancer cell lines. Methods Due to the limited research available about this plant, the objective of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Ephedra alata ethanolic extract (EAEE), against different human cancer cell lines. Results EAEE inhibited the growth of the liver (HepG2), breast (MCF-7), and colon cancer cells (Caco-2). MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of 153 µg/ml, were the most sensitive to the extract. Furthermore, exploration using flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay demonstrated that EAEE caused death for all human cancer cells mainly through apoptosis. Very interestingly, qRT-PCR analysis using the ΔΔCt method revealed that four genes, Bax, p21, RB1, and TP53 were up-regulated in MCF-7 cells treated either with EAEE or S-FU drug. These findings let us believe that the mechanism by which EAEE kills breast cancer cells seems to be apoptosis via a P53-dependent manner, which involved intrinsic pathways through the induction of Bax, p21, and RB1. Conclusions EAEE exhibits good biological properties in contradiction of HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cell lines. This study appoints for the first time that EAEE increases the expression in MCF-7 cells of p53 and three more genetic traits that control cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, this plant could serve as a potential source to find new pro-apoptotic drugs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moufida Bensam
- Laboratory of molecular and cellular biology, Faculty of Nature and life science, University of Jijel, Algeria
| | - Hocine Rechreche
- Laboratory of molecular and cellular biology, Faculty of Nature and life science, University of Jijel, Algeria
| | - Abeer E. Abdelwahab
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Application, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. Abu-Serie
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Application, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safaa M. Ali
- Nucleic acid department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Application, Alexandria, Egypt
- Corresponding author at.
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Pereira QC, dos Santos TW, Fortunato IM, Ribeiro ML. The Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenols in the Regulation of Ageing Hallmarks. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065508. [PMID: 36982583 PMCID: PMC10049696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a complex process characterized mainly by a decline in the function of cells, tissues, and organs, resulting in an increased risk of mortality. This process involves several changes, described as hallmarks of ageing, which include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic changes, loss of proteostasis, dysregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell depletion, and altered intracellular communication. The determining role that environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle play on health, life expectancy, and susceptibility to diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is wellestablished. In view of the growing interest in the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in the prevention of chronic diseases, several studies have been conducted, and they strongly suggest that the intake of dietary polyphenols may bring numerous benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their intake has been associated with impaired ageing in humans. Polyphenol intake has been shown to be effective in ameliorating several age-related phenotypes, including oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence, among other features, which contribute to an increased risk of ageing-associated diseases. This review aims to address, in a general way, the main findings described in the literature about the benefits of polyphenols in each of the hallmarks of ageing, as well as the main regulatory mechanisms responsible for the observed antiageing effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quélita Cristina Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Tanila Wood dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Monique Fortunato
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Lima Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Chen ES. Application of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe in human nutrition. FEMS Yeast Res 2023; 23:6961766. [PMID: 36574952 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foac064] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) is renowned as a powerful genetic model for deciphering cellular and molecular biological phenomena, including cell division, chromosomal events, stress responses, and human carcinogenesis. Traditionally, Africans use S. pombe to ferment the beer called 'Pombe', which continues to be consumed in many parts of Africa. Although not as widely utilized as the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. pombe has secured several niches in the food industry for human nutrition because of its unique metabolism. This review will explore three specific facets of human nutrition where S. pombe has made a significant impact: namely, in wine fermentation, animal husbandry and neutraceutical supplementation coenzyme Q10 production. Discussions focus on the current gaps in these areas, and the potential research advances useful for addressing future challenges. Overall, gaining a better understanding of S. pombe metabolism will strengthen production in these areas and potentially spearhead novel future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore.,National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore 119228, Singapore.,NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
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Konstantinidou F, Budani MC, Marconi GD, Gonnella F, Sarra A, Trubiani O, Stuppia L, Tiboni GM, Gatta V. The Aftermath of Long-Term Cigarette Smoking on Telomere Length and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Human Cumulus Cells Prior to In Vitro Fertilization-A Pilot Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091841. [PMID: 36139914 PMCID: PMC9495883 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091841] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking among women of reproductive age is known to take a toll on systemic health and fertility potential by severely impacting ovarian tissues and cells, such as granulosa and cumulus cells (CCs). The purpose of this study was to determine the potential damage caused by tobacco smoke at a molecular level in the CCs of females who had undergone in vitro fertilization. The level of intracellular damage was determined by estimating the average telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), as well as the expression profile of telomere maintenance genes TERF1, TERF2, POT1 and microRNAs miR-155, miR-23a and miR-185. Western blotting analysis was performed to detect consequent protein levels of TERF1, TERF2 and POT1. Our results evidenced significantly lower relative TL and mtDNA-CN and a down-regulation pattern for all three described genes and corresponding proteins in the CCs of smokers compared with controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the miRNAs’ modulation. Combined, our data add another piece to the puzzle of the complex regulatory molecular networks controlling the general effects of tobacco smoke in CCs. This pilot study extends the until now modest number of studies simultaneously investigating the mtDNA-CN and TL pathways in the human CCs of smoking women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Konstantinidou
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Faculty of Bioscience, Agri-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Budani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Guya Diletta Marconi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Gonnella
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Faculty of Bioscience, Agri-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annalina Sarra
- Department of Philosophical, Pedagogical and Quantitative Economic Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Oriana Trubiani
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gian Mario Tiboni
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Telomere and Telomerase-Associated Proteins in Endometrial Carcinogenesis and Cancer-Associated Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020626. [PMID: 35054812 PMCID: PMC8775816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk of relapse of endometrial cancer (EC) after surgical treatment is 13% and recurrent disease carries a poor prognosis. Research into prognostic indicators is essential to improve EC management and outcome. "Immortality" of most cancer cells is dependent on telomerase, but the role of associated proteins in the endometrium is poorly understood. The Cancer Genome Atlas data highlighted telomere/telomerase associated genes (TTAGs) with prognostic relevance in the endometrium, and a recent in silico study identified a group of TTAGs and proteins as key regulators within a network of dysregulated genes in EC. We characterise relevant telomere/telomerase associated proteins (TTAPs) NOP10, NHP2, NOP56, TERF1, TERF2 and TERF2IP in the endometrium using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). qPCR data demonstrated altered expression of multiple TTAPs; specifically, increased NOP10 (p = 0.03) and reduced NHP2 (p = 0.01), TERF2 (p = 0.01) and TERF2IP (p < 0.003) in EC relative to post-menopausal endometrium. Notably, we report reduced NHP2 in EC compared to post-menopausal endometrium in qPCR and IHC (p = 0.0001) data; with survival analysis indicating high immunoscore is favourable in EC (p = 0.0006). Our findings indicate a potential prognostic role for TTAPs in EC, particularly NHP2. Further evaluation of the prognostic and functional role of the examined TTAPs is warranted to develop novel treatment strategies.
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Imran SAM, Yazid MD, Cui W, Lokanathan Y. The Intra- and Extra-Telomeric Role of TRF2 in the DNA Damage Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189900. [PMID: 34576063 PMCID: PMC8470803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) has a well-known function at the telomeres, which acts to protect the telomere end from being recognized as a DNA break or from unwanted recombination. This protection mechanism prevents DNA instability from mutation and subsequent severe diseases caused by the changes in DNA, such as cancer. Since TRF2 actively inhibits the DNA damage response factors from recognizing the telomere end as a DNA break, many more studies have also shown its interactions outside of the telomeres. However, very little has been discovered on the mechanisms involved in these interactions. This review aims to discuss the known function of TRF2 and its interaction with the DNA damage response (DDR) factors at both telomeric and non-telomeric regions. In this review, we will summarize recent progress and findings on the interactions between TRF2 and DDR factors at telomeres and outside of telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti A. M. Imran
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.)
| | - Muhammad Dain Yazid
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.)
| | - Wei Cui
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.A.M.I.); (M.D.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-9145-7704
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