Human dyskerin: beyond telomeres

2014 ◽  
Vol 395 (6) ◽  
pp. 593-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Angrisani ◽  
Rosario Vicidomini ◽  
Mimmo Turano ◽  
Maria Furia
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Marker ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Biological Importance ◽  
Flexible Mechanism

Abstract Human dyskerin is an evolutively conserved protein that participates in diverse nuclear complexes: the H/ACA snoRNPs, that control ribosome biogenesis, RNA pseudouridylation, and stability of H/ACA snoRNAs; the scaRNPs, that control pseudouridylation of snRNAs; and the telomerase active holoenzyme, which safeguards telomere integrity. The biological importance of dyskerin is further outlined by the fact that its deficiency causes the X-linked dyskeratosis congenita disease, while its over-expression characterizes several types of cancers and has been proposed as prognostic marker. The role of dyskerin in telomere maintenance has widely been discussed, while its functions as H/ACA sno/scaRNP component has been so far mostly overlooked and represent the main goal of this review. Here we summarize how increasing evidence indicates that the snoRNA/microRNA pathways can be interlaced, and that dyskerin-dependent RNA pseudouridylation represents a flexible mechanism able to modulate RNA function in different ways, including modulation of splicing, change of mRNA coding properties, and selective regulation of IRES-dependent translation. We also propose a speculative model that suggests that the dynamics of pre-assembly and nuclear import of H/ACA RNPs are crucial regulatory steps that can be finely controlled in the cytoplasm in response to developmental, differentiative and stress stimuli.

scholarly journals The Over-Expression of E2F3 Might Serve as Prognostic Marker for Neuroblastoma Patients with Stage 4S Disease

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
Stefano Parodi ◽  
Marzia Ognibene ◽  
Riccardo Haupt ◽  
Annalisa Pezzolo
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Prognostic Marker ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Excellent Outcome ◽  
Retinoblastoma Tumor Suppressor ◽  
E2f Transcription Factor ◽  
E2f Transcription Factors ◽  
Retinoblastoma Tumor

Stage 4S neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer occurring in infants (<12 months at diagnosis) with metastases limited to liver, skin, and bone marrow (<10%). It is associated with an excellent outcome, due to its notable ability to undergo spontaneous regression without any therapeutic intervention. However, a subgroup of patients is doomed to relapse and eventually to die in spite of aggressive therapies. Stage 4S neuroblastoma shows characteristic hypermethylation of genes involved in the telomere maintenance, indicating that the dysregulation of these genes might serve as prognostic marker. The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB)-E2F transcription factors pathway is one of the critical tumor-suppressor/oncogene pathways involved in regulating telomerase expression. We have interrogated in silicopublic neuroblastoma databases for regulators involved in the RB-E2F pathway especially for E2F factors themselves, and we identified the E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) expression as a potential prognostic marker in stage 4S neuroblastoma. In order to confirm this finding, we screened 38 paraffin-embedded tissue samples stage 4S neuroblastoma for E2F3 protein expression using immunofluorescence, and we observed that augmented expression was strongly associated with impaired event-free survival. These results indicate that E2F3 expression might serve as prognostic marker in patients with stage 4S disease.

scholarly journals Essential roles for Pot1b in HSC self-renewal and survival

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (23) ◽  
pp. 6068-6077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Wang ◽  
Mei-Feng Shen ◽  
Sandy Chang
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cell ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Telomere Shortening ◽  
Damage Response ◽  
First Time

Abstract Maintenance of mammalian telomeres requires both the enzyme telomerase and shelterin, which protect telomeres from inappropriately activating DNA damage response checkpoints. Dyskeratosis congenita is an inherited BM failure syndrome disorder because of defects in telomere maintenance. We have previously shown that deletion of the shelterin component Pot1b in the setting of telomerase haploinsufficiency results in rapid telomere shortening and fatal BM failure in mice, eliciting phenotypes that strongly resemble human syskeratosis congenita. However, it was unclear why BM failure occurred in the setting of Pot1b deletion. In this study, we show that Pot1b plays an essential role in HSC survival. Deletion of Pot1b results in increased apoptosis, leading to severe depletion of the HSC reserve. BM from Pot1bΔ/Δ mice cannot compete with BM from wild-type mice to provide multilineage reconstitution, indicating that there is an intrinsic requirement for Pot1b the maintenance of HSC function in vivo. Elimination of the p53-dependent apoptotic function increased HSC survival and significantly extended the lifespan of Pot1b-null mice deficient in telomerase function. Our results document for the first time the essential role of a component of the shelterin complex in the maintenance of HSC and progenitor cell survival.

scholarly journals Stepwise RNP assembly at the site of H/ACA RNA transcription in human cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 173 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Darzacq ◽  
Nupur Kittur ◽  
Sujayita Roy ◽  
Yaron Shav-Tal ◽  
Robert H. Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Rna Transcription ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Proteins ◽  
Rna Accumulation

Mammalian H/ACA RNPs are essential for ribosome biogenesis, premessenger RNA splicing, and telomere maintenance. These RNPs consist of four core proteins and one RNA, but it is not known how they assemble. By interrogating the site of H/ACA RNA transcription, we dissected their biogenesis in single cells and delineated the role of the non-core protein NAF1 in the process. NAF1 and all of the core proteins except GAR1 are recruited to the site of transcription. NAF1 binds one of the core proteins, NAP57, and shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. Both proteins are essential for stable H/ACA RNA accumulation. NAF1 and GAR1 bind NAP57 competitively, suggesting a sequential interaction. Our analyses indicate that NAF1 binds NAP57 and escorts it to the nascent H/ACA RNA and that GAR1 then replaces NAF1 to yield mature H/ACA RNPs in Cajal bodies and nucleoli.

scholarly journals DYSKERIN, AN ESSENTIAL PSEUDOURIDINE SYNTHASE WITH MULTIFACETED ROLES IN RIBOSOME BIOGENESIS, SPLICING AND TELOMERE MAINTENANCE

RNA ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. rna.078953.121
Author(s):  
Alexandre Garus ◽  
Chantal Autexier
Keyword(s):  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Premature Aging ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Cajal Body ◽  
Translation Efficiency ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Pseudouridine Synthase

Dyskerin and its homologues are ancient and conserved enzymes that catalyse the most common posttranscriptional modification found in cells, pseudouridylation. The resulting pseudouridines provide stability to RNA molecules and regulate ribosome biogenesis and splicing events. Dyskerin does not act independently – it is the core component of a protein heterotetramer, which associates with RNAs that contain the H/ACA motif. The variety of H/ACA RNAs that guide the function of this ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex highlight the diversity of cellular processes in which dyskerin participates. When associated with small nucleolar (sno) RNAs, it regulates ribosomal (r) RNAs and ribosome biogenesis. By interacting with small Cajal Body (sca) RNAs, it targets small nuclear (sn) RNAs to regulate pre-mRNA splicing. As a component of the telomerase holoenzyme, dyskerin binds to the telomerase RNA to modulate telomere maintenance. In a disease context, dyskerin malfunction can result in multiple detrimental phenotypes. Mutations in DKC1, the gene that encodes dyskerin, cause the premature aging syndrome X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC), a still incurable disorder that typically leads to bone marrow failure. In this review, we present the classical and most recent findings on this essential protein, discussing the evolutionary, structural and functional aspects of dyskerin and the H/ACA RNP. The latest research underscores the role that dyskerin plays in the regulation of gene expression, translation efficiency and telomere maintenance, along with the impacts that defective dyskerin has on aging, cell proliferation, haematopoietic potential and cancer.

Dyskeratosis Congenita

Hematology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 (1) ◽  
pp. 480-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inderjeet Dokal
Keyword(s):  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Aplastic Anemia ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Human Biology ◽  
Enzyme Complex ◽  
Classic Form

Abstract Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a multisystem inherited syndrome exhibiting marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In its classic form, it is characterized by mucocutaneous abnormalities, BM failure, and a predisposition to cancer. BM failure is the principal cause of premature mortality. Studies over the last 15 years have led to significant advances, with 8 DC genes (DKC1, TERC, TERT, NOP10, NHP2, TIN2, C16orf57, and TCAB1) having been characterized. Seven of these are important in telomere maintenance either because they encode components of the telomerase enzyme complex (DKC1, TERC, TERT, NOP10, NHP2, and TCAB1) or the shelterin complex (TINF2). DC is therefore principally a disease of defective telomere maintenance and patients usually have very short telomeres. The genetic advances have led to the unification of DC with several other disorders, including the severe multisystem disorders Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson and Revesz syndromes, as well as a subset of patients with aplastic anemia, myelodysplasia, leukemia, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This wide spectrum of diseases ranging from classic DC to aplastic anemia can be regarded as disorders of defective telomere maintenance—“the telomereopathies.” These advances have increased our understanding of normal hematopoiesis and highlighted the important role of telomerase and telomeres in human biology. They are also facilitating the diagnosis (especially when presentation is atypical) and management of DC.

scholarly journals Pol α-primase dependent nuclear localization of the mammalian CST complex

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Kelich ◽  
Harry Papaioannou ◽  
Emmanuel Skordalakes
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Intracellular Localization ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Dna Polymerase Alpha ◽  
Localization Signal ◽  
Initiation Of Dna Replication ◽  
Cycle Dependent ◽  
Lagging Strand

AbstractThe human CST complex composed of CTC1, STN1, and TEN1 is critically involved in telomere maintenance and homeostasis. Specifically, CST terminates telomere extension by inhibiting telomerase access to the telomeric overhang and facilitates lagging strand fill in by recruiting DNA Polymerase alpha primase (Pol α-primase) to the telomeric C-strand. Here we reveal that CST has a dynamic intracellular localization that is cell cycle dependent. We report an increase in nuclear CST several hours after the initiation of DNA replication, followed by exit from the nucleus prior to mitosis. We identify amino acids of CTC1 involved in Pol α-primase binding and nuclear localization. We conclude, the CST complex does not contain a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and suggest that its nuclear localization is reliant on Pol α-primase. Hypomorphic mutations affecting CST nuclear import are associated with telomere syndromes and cancer, emphasizing the important role of this process in health.

scholarly journals TINF2 mutations result in very short telomeres: analysis of a large cohort of patients with dyskeratosis congenita and related bone marrow failure syndromes

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (9) ◽  
pp. 3594-3600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Walne ◽  
Tom Vulliamy ◽  
Richard Beswick ◽  
Michael Kirwan ◽  
Inderjeet Dokal
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Dyskeratosis Congenita ◽  
Telomere Maintenance ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Abstract Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a multisystem bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by a triad of mucocutaneous abnormalities and a predisposition to cancer. The genetic basis of DC remains unknown in more than 60% of patients. Mutations have been identified in components of the telomerase complex (dyskerin, TERC, TERT, NOP10, and NHP2), and recently in one component of the shelterin complex TIN2 (gene TINF2). To establish the role of TINF2 mutations, we screened DNA from 175 uncharacterised patients with DC as well as 244 patients with other bone marrow failure disorders. Heterozygous coding mutations were found in 33 of 175 previously uncharacterized DC index patients and 3 of 244 other patients. A total of 21 of the mutations affected amino acid 282, changing arginine to histidine (n = 14) or cysteine (n = 7). A total of 32 of 33 patients with DC with TINF2 mutations have severe disease, with most developing aplastic anaemia by the age of 10 years. Telomere lengths in patients with TINF2 mutations were the shortest compared with other DC subtypes, but TERC levels were normal. In this large series, TINF2 mutations account for approximately 11% of all DC, but they do not play a significant role in patients with related disorders. This study emphasises the role of defective telomere maintenance on human disease.

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