Telomeric epigenetic response mediated by Gadd45a regulates stem cell aging and lifespan. (20th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diao, Daojun; Wang, Hu; Li, Tangliang; Shi, Zhencan; Jin, Xiaoqing; Sperka, Tobias; Zhu, Xudong; Zhang, Meimei; Yang, Fan; Cong, Yusheng; Shen, Li; Zhan, Qimin; Yan, Jing; Song, Zhangfa; Ju, Zhenyu
• Is Part Of: EMBO reports. Volume 19:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-08-20
• Subjects: epigenetics -- Gadd45a -- stem cell aging -- telomere; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.15252/embr.201745494
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1469-221X

Abstract

Abstract: Progressive attrition of telomeres triggers DNA damage response (DDR) and limits the regenerative capacity of adult stem cells during mammalian aging. Intriguingly, telomere integrity is not only determined by telomere length but also by the epigenetic status of telomeric/sub‐telomeric regions. However, the functional interplay between DDR induced by telomere shortening and epigenetic modifications in aging remains unclear. Here, we show that deletion of Gadd45a improves the maintenance and function of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and prolongs lifespan of telomerase‐deficient mice (G3 Terc −/− ). Mechanistically, Gadd45a facilitates the generation of a permissive chromatin state for DDR signaling by inducing base excision repair‐dependent demethylation of CpG islands specifically at sub‐telomeric regions of short telomeres. Deletion of Gadd45a promotes chromatin compaction in sub‐telomeric regions and attenuates DDR initiation at short telomeres of G3 Terc −/− ISCs. Treatment with a small molecule inhibitor of base excision repair reduces DDR and improves the maintenance and function of G3 Terc −/− ISCs. Taken together, our study proposes a therapeutic approach to enhance stem cell function and prolong lifespan by targeting epigenetic modifiers. Synopsis: Progressive shortening of telomeres triggers DDR and limits the regenerative capacity of adult stem cells. Ablation of Gadd45a restores heterochromatic structures at telomeres, rescues stem cell maintenance, and extends the lifespan of telomerase‐deficient mice. Gadd45a promotes DNA demethylation in telomerase deficient mice, inducing decondensed telomeric chromatin. Restoring telomeric heterochromatin attenuates DDR and improves the maintenance and function of intestinal stem cells. Interfering with Gadd45a or APE1 delays the replicative senescence of human primary fibroblasts. Abstract : Progressive shortening of telomeres triggers DDR and limits the regenerative capacity of adult stem cells. Ablation of Gadd45a restores heterochromatic structures at telomeres, rescues stem cell maintenance, and extends the lifespan of telomerase‐deficient mice.