Evaluation of TERRA expression levels and its correlation with the telomeric imbalance in patients with hemopathies and telomeropathies.

• Grant number: 13/24199-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2014
• End date: March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo do Tocantins Calado de Saloma Rodrigues
• Grantee: Leonardo Campos Zanelatto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/08135-2 - CTC - Center for Cell-Based Therapy, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Telomeres are important structures that participate in cellular homeostasis, protecting the ends of chromosomes against DNA degradation and maintaining genomic integrity. Constitutive mutations that severely reduce elongation ability of the telomeres by telomerase can make its repair defective and thus cause accelerated telomere attrition. This condition eventually results in telomeres that reach a critically short length, facilitating the emergence of various diseases such as cancer and so-called "telomeropathies".Recently, it was discovered a new component related to the biology of telomeres, called "TERRA" (repeat-containing RNA telomeric). This non-coding RNA transcribed from the subtelomeric region of chromosome appears to be related to the formation of heterochromatin and regulation of telomere length, and its expression is controlled by epigenetic factors.Thus, changed TERRA levels (already described in some solid tumors and ICF syndrome) deserve special attention because its influence in promoting telomere shortening makes us questioning its possible role in telomeropathies and some blood disorders like leukemia and myeloma. However, no studies have found so far its possible relationship with them. Therefore, it is necessary to assess whether TERRA plays a role or is influenced/ influences somehow in certain telomeropathies and blood disorders, This may provide a greater understanding of how these diseases arise and develop, resulting in therapeutic actions in the future .

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ZANELATTO, Leonardo Campos. Expression of non-coding telomeric RNA (TERRA) in acute leukemias and telomeropathies. 2019. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.