Amount Of Telomeric DNA Research Articles

토종실용닭의 암수 간 산육 능력 및 스트레스 반응 정도 비교

This study compared the production and physiological characteristics of male and female Korean native commercial chickens. We investigated the growth performance, vitality, and stress response of 479 male and 608 female chickens from 1 d to 12 weeks of age. The body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were measured as growth performance. The survival rate, amount of telomeric DNA, DNA damage rate, heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), and heat shock protein (<i>HSP</i>)-70, <i>HSP-90α</i>, and <i>HSP-90β</i> gene expression levels were analyzed as indicators of vitality and stress response. Body weight was significantly higher in male chickens than in female chickens after 2 weeks of age (<i>P</i>&lt;0.01). Feed intake was higher in male chickens than in female chickens, whereas the feed conversion ratio showed the opposite trend. The survival rate was significantly higher in female chickens than in male chickens (82.8% vs. 73.8%, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05). Stress response analysis revealed no differences between male and female chickens in terms of telomeric DNA content, DNA damage rate, H/L ratio, and <i>HSP</i> gene expression levels. Taken together, it was concluded that there was a significant difference in the growth performance and survival rate between male and female Korean native commercial chickens, whereas there was no difference in the degree of stress response between them. Therefore, in terms of the productivity of Korean native commercial chickens, it is judged that separate-sex rearing is much more advantageous than mixed rearing, regardless of the physiological characteristics of males and females.

한국토종닭 5품종의 생산능력 및 스트레스 반응 정도

This study presents the production characteristics and physiological characteristics of five Korean native chicken (KNC) breeds consisting of Hwanggalsaek Jaeraejong (HJ), Korean Rhode Island Red (KR), Korean White Leghorn (KL), Korean Brown Cornish (KC), and Korean Ogye (KO). We investigated their production performances, vitalities, and stress responses. We measured the survival rate, body weight, age at first egg-laying, hen-day egg production, egg weight, amount of telomeric DNA, heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), and heat shock protein (<i>HSP</i>)<i>-70, HSP-90α </i>and<i> HSP-90β</i> gene expression levels for 493 KNCs. The survival rate was highest in KR, and lowest in KO. Body weights were steadily high in the order of KC, KR, HJ, KO and KL. Average hen-day egg production was highest in KL, and lowest in KC. While the amount of telomeric DNA was highest in KR, and lowest in KC. Furthermore, both the H/L ratio and the <i>HSP-90β</i> gene expression level were highest in KC, and lowest in KR. These results indicated that the KR breed was highly resistant to stress, whereas KC was more susceptible to stress. Taken together, it is considered that with improvements the KC breed would be more suited to be used as a Korean broiler breed while KL would be more appropriately used as a Korean layer breed. In addition, it is considered that the KR breed is appropriate to be used as a maternal chicken breeder based on good production capacity and excellent robustness, while the HJ breed is desirable to be improved as a high-quality Korean meat breed based on its excellent meat quality.

병아리의 발생시기 및 육성계절이 열 스트레스 반응과 생산능력에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to compare the heat stress response and production performance of chicks hatched in winter and summer. Among the 2,090 Korean native chickens examined, 1,156 hatched in winter and 934 hatched in summer. The amount of telomeric DNA, the expression of heat shock protein (HSP) genes, survival rate, egg production, and body weight were analyzed to evaluate the stress response and production performance of chickens. The results showed that the expression of HSP-70, HSP-90α, and HSP-90β genes in the winter-hatched chickens were significantly higher than those in the summer-hatched chickens during the growing and laying period (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of telomeric DNA between summer- and winter-hatched chickens. The survival rate was significantly higher in the summer-hatched chickens than in the winter-hatched chickens at the laying period (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.01). The hen-day egg production and egg weight in the summer-hatched chickens were also significantly higher than those in the winter-hatched chickens (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). In contrast, age of sexual maturity of winter-hatched chickens was significantly earlier than that of summer-hatched chickens (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.01). The body weights from birth to 24 weeks were significantly lighter in the summer-hatched chickens than in the winter-hatched chickens, however, it was reversed after 28 weeks (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the chicks hatched in the summer are more resistant to heat stress, with better productivity than the chicks hatched in the winter. These results suggest that the chicks grown at high temperatures have greater adaptability to the thermal environment.

닭의 산란연령에 따른 자궁내막조직의 변화 및 난각 관련 유전자의 발현양상

계란의 난각은 닭의 자궁에서 형성되는 복잡하고 고도화된 다층 석회화 구조이다. 본 연구는 닭의 산란연령에 따른 자궁내막조직의 변화 양상과 난각 형성에 관여하는 주요 유전자들의 발현 양상을 고찰하였다. 난각 형성과 관련하여 난각 단백질과 관련한 OCX-32, OCX-36, OC-17, OC-116 유전자와 난각 이온과 관련한 CALB1, SPP1, SCNN1G, ATP2A2, CA2, CALM1 유전자를 분석대상으로 하였다. 자궁내막조직의 현미경적 관찰 결과, 연령이 증가함에 따라, 자궁 섬모상피세포의 탈락 및 세포의 위축과 섬유화 진행양상이 심화되었다. 그러나 연령 증가에 따른 혈중 이온성분의 농도차이는 없었다. 자궁내막 상피세포의 텔로미어 함량 분석 결과, 산란연령이 증가함에 따라 텔로미어 함유율이 감소됨을 확인하였다. 대부분의 난각 형성 관련 유전자의 발현량은 산란연령에 따라 유의한 변화를 나타내었다. 일부 난각 단백질 관련 유전자의 발현량은 산란연령이 증가함에 따라 증가양상을 보였으나, 이들 유전자들 간의 상호 관련성은 유의한 관계를 보이지 않았다. 난각 형성 이온 관련 유전자인 ATP2A2, SCNN1G, CA2, CALM1 유전자 간에는 상호 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 난각 단백질 관련 OCX-32 및 OCX-36 유전자는 대부분의 이온 관련 유전자들과 높은 정의 상관을 보였다. 따라서 OCX-32, OCX-36, CALB-1, ATP2A2, SCNN1G, CA2 및 CALM1유전자들이 난각 형성에 상호 협력하거나 또는 독립적으로 작용한다. 결론적으로 산란연령이 증가함에 따라 자궁내막세포의 손상이 일어나지만, 그럼에도 불구하고 정상적인 난각을 형성할 수 있는 이유는 난각 단백질 및 난각 형성 이온 관련 일부 유전자들이 발현을 조절하여 난각 형성의 항상성 유지하기 때문인 것으로 사료된다. The eggshell is an intricate and highly ordered structure composed of multiple layers and a calcified matrix. The eggshell is formed at the uterine segment of the chicken oviduct. In this study, histological changes in the uterine endometrium and the expression of the eggshell-related genes were investigated according to hen age. We analyzed the expression of eggshell protein-related genes, such as OCX-32, OCX-36, OC-17, OC-116, and eggshell-ion-related genes, such as CABL-1, SPP1, SCNN1G, ATP2A2, CA2, and CALM1. In chicken uterine endometrium, histological deformation, fibrosis, atrophy and elimination of micro-villi were found with increasing hen age. The concentration of blood-ion components did not significantly change with age. The amount of telomeric DNA in uterine endometrial cells decreased with increasing hen age. The expression of most of the eggshell-related genes changed significantly with increasing hen age. The expression of some ovo-proteins, which play a role in eggshell formation, increased with increasing hen age; however, there were no significant correlations among eggshell protein genes. Eggshell ion-related genes, such as ATP2A2, SCNN1G, CA2, and CALM1, were closely related to each other. The OCX-32 and OCX-36 genes were closely related to some of the eggshell ion genes. Eggshell protein-related genes, such as the OCX-32, OCX-36 genes and ion-related genes such as CALB-1, ATP2A2, SCNN1G, CA2, CALM1, affected eggshell formation, mutually or independently. This study shows that, uterine although endometrial cell damage occurs with increasing hen age, normal eggshells can be formed in old hens. This suggests that eggshell protein-and eggshell ion-related genes also control the homeostasis of eggshell formation.

Abstract P080: Self-reported Experiences of Everyday Discrimination are Associated With Shorter Leukocyte Telomeres in African-American Women With Coronary Heart Disease

Rationale: Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an indicator of biological aging. Telomere shortening may be sensitive to social stressors such as discrimination, but this has not been previously examined in a biracial cohort of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Objective: To explore differences in LTL by race and gender and examine whether discrimination was associated with accelerated cellular aging (shorter telomere length). Methods: Data were from 367 White and African American patients in the Mental Stress Ischemia Mechanisms and Prognosis Study (MIPS) which enrolled patients with a diagnosis of stable CHD from Emory University-affiliated hospitals and clinics. LTL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and expressed as a ratio of the amount of telomeric DNA to the amount of single-copy control gene (T/S). The T/S ratios were then converted to kilobase pairs. Discrimination was measured using the 10-item Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS), where participants reported their experiences of everyday mistreatment during the previous 12 months. Responses were rated using 4-point Likert scales ranging from never = 1 to often = 4 which were summed. Due to the potential batch effect in telomere length, we modeled telomere plate as a random effect. Multiple linear regression models were stratified by race/ethnicity and gender to estimate differences in mean LTL and associations with discrimination, adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: African American women had longer mean LTL (5.58; SD: 0.05) compared to African American men (5.28; SD: 0.04), White women (5.22; SD: 0.05) and White men (5.24; SD: 0.03). Reports of discrimination were higher among African American men (16.1; SD: 6.5) compared to African American women (15.4; SD: 4.9), White women (14.9; SD: 4.4), and White men (13.5; SD: 3.8). The association between discrimination and accelerated cellular aging was statistically significant among African American women [β = -0.02; 95% CI: (-0.04, -0.001); p=0.0377] after models were adjusted for demographics, smoking history, BMI, and disease history. Discrimination was not significantly associated with accelerated cellular aging among African American men [β = -0.01; 95% CI: (-0.02, 0.01)], White men β = [-0.003; 95% CI: (-0.02, 0.01)], or White women [β = -0.01; 95% CI: (-0.03, 0.01)]. The association between discrimination and accelerated cellular aging remained statistically significant for African American women after further adjusting for depression and perceived stress. Conclusions: Although African American women with CHD have longer telomere length, they may experience greater telomere shortening in relation to discrimination. Accelerated telomere shortening secondary to discrimination stress may be a potential mechanism of health related disparities among African American women with CHD.

닭의 스트레스 연관 표지인자들의 발현도와 생산능력 간의 상관 분석

본 연구는 닭의 개체 별 스트레스 연관 표지의 발현도와 이들의 생산능력 간의 연관성을 살펴보기 위한 것으로 토종종계 25계통을 대상으로 텔로미어 함량, 열 스트레스 단백질(HSPs) 유전자 발현율 및 DNA 손상율을 분석하고, 동일 개체들의 생존율, 성장능력 및 산란능력을 조사하여 이들 간의 상관관계를 분석 고찰하였다. 분석 결과, 생산능력 및 스트레스 표지 값들 간에 계통별로 유의한 차이가 나타났는데, 대체적으로 고체중 순계들의 스트레스 지표가 상대적으로 높았으며, 저체중 교잡계들의 스트레스 지표가 낮게 나타났다. 텔로미어 함량과 생산능력 간의 상관성은 20주령 이후부터 유의한 상관관계를 보였는데, 성장능력과는 약한 부(-)의 상관 양상을, 산란능력 및 생존율과는 약한 정(+)의 상관관계를 나타내었다. HSPs 유전자 발현율과 생산능력과의 상관에서 생존율 및 산란지수와는 저도 및 중도의 부의 상관을 보였고, 체중과는 약한 정의 상관관계를 나타내었다. DNA 손상율 분석 또한 체중과는 약한 정의 상관을, 산란지수 및 생존율과는 중도 및 저도의 부의 상관관계를 나타내었다. 이는 체중이 증가할수록 HSPs 유전자 발현율, DNA 손상율 및 텔로미어 감축량이 증가함을 의미하고, 반면 산란능력 및 생존율이 높을수록 HSPs 유전자 발현율과 DNA 손상율은 낮아지고, 텔로미어 함량은 상대적으로 높다는 것을 시사한다. 스트레스 표지 인자들 간의 상호 관계에서 모든 표지 값 간에 유의한 상관관계가 나타났는데, HSPs 발현값과 텔로미어 함량과는 부의 상관을, DNA 손상율과는 정의 상관을 보이고, 텔로미어 함량과 DNA 손상율과는 높은 부의 상관을 나타내었다. 이상의 스트레스 표지 값과 생산능력 간의 상관분석 결과에 따라 닭에 있어 HSPs 및 DNA 손상율의 증가는 텔로미어 감축을 촉진하고, 이에 따라 개체의 항병성 및 강건성을 저하시켜 산란능력과 생존율에 나쁜 영향을 미치는 것으로 판단된다. This study was conducted to verify the relationships between the expression values of stress-related markers and their production performances in 25 strains of Korean domestic chicken breeds. For stress response markers, the amount of telomeric DNA; expression levels of heat shock protein (HSP)-70, <TEX>$HSP-90{\alpha}$</TEX>, and <TEX>$HSP-90{\beta}$</TEX>; and comet scores were analyzed. Production performances were measured by the survival rate, body weights, days at first egg laying, egg weight and hen housed egg production. The results showed that the production traits and values of stress-related markers showed significant differences between strains. In general, the stress response of pure bred chickens with heavy weights was relatively high, while that of hybrid chickens with light weights was relatively low. The correlation coefficients between telomere contents and body weights showed that there were weak negative relationships. However, the correlations of telomere content with the survival rate and egg production were weakly positive after 20 weeks old. The expression levels of HSP genes and DNA damage rate (comet scores) were positively correlated to body weight, but were negatively correlated to the survival rate and egg production. The results implied that increasing body weight was associated with increasing HSPs expression and the DNA damage rate was associated with decreasing telomere content. In addition, increasing HSPs expression and the DNA damage rate decreased the survival rate and egg production, but the relationships with the telomere content was the reverse. Correlations among the stress-related markers showed that there were significant correlation coefficients between all of the marker values. HSPs expression was negatively correlated to the telomere content, while it was positively correlated to the DNA damage rate. There was a highly negative correlation between the telomere content and DNA damage rate. In conclusion, increasing the HSP values and DNA damage rate can promote telomere reduction, which led to a decrease in disease resistance and robustness of the chicken. Thus, increasing the stress response was verified to adversely affect the laying performance and viability of chickens.

Age Prediction in the Chickens Using Telomere Quantity by Quantitative Fluorescence In situ Hybridization Technique

Telomeres are special structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Vertebrate telomeres consist of tandem repeats of conserved TTAGGG sequence and associated proteins. Birds are interesting models for molecular studies on aging and cellular senescence because of their slow aging rates and longer life spans for their body size. In this longitudinal study, we explored the possibility of using telomeres as an age-marker to predict age in Single Comb White Leghorn layer chickens. We quantified the relative amount of telomeric DNA in isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes by the Quantitative Fluorescence in situ Hybridization technique on interphase nuclei (IQ FISH) using telomere-specific DNA probes. We found that the amount of telomeric DNA (ATD) reduced significantly with an increase in chronological age of the chicken. Especially, the telomere shortening rates are greatly increased in growing individuals compared to laying and old-aged individuals. Therefore, using the ATD values obtained by IQ FISH we established the possibility of age prediction in chickens based on the telomere theory of aging. By regression analysis of the ATD values at each age interval, we formulated an equation to predict the age of chickens. In conclusion, the telomeric DNA values by IQ FISH analyses can be used as an effective age-marker in predicting the chronological age of chickens. The study has implications in the breeding and population genetics of poultry, especially the reproductive potential.

혈액세포의 텔로미어 함량을 이용한 소의 연령예측

텔로미어란 진핵세포의 염색체 양 말단에 있는 DNA-단백질 복합체로서, 특정단백질과 TTAGGG의 반복염기서열로 구성되어있다. 이들의 기능은 핵 내 염색체의 안정성에 본질적으로 작용함으로 세포의 노화와 직접적 관련이 있다고 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 소의 간기상태의 백혈구 세포를 대상으로 연령별, 품종별, 성별간 telomeric DNA 함량을 분석하여 이러한 요인들이 텔로미어 함량에 미치는 영향을 살펴보고 또한, 텔로미어 함량을 이용한 개체의 연령예측 가능성을 제시하고자 하였다. 소의 텔로미어의 함량 분석은 1개월령에서 166개월령의 한우 및 홀스타인종 460두를 대상으로 telomeric DNA probe를 이용한 Q-FISH 방법으로 분석하였다. 분석 결과 소에 있어서 연령이 증가함에 따라 telomeric DNA 함유율이 일관되게 점진적으로 감소되는 양상을 보였다. 소의 품종간 telomeric DNA 함유율을 비교한 결과 한우의 telomeric DNA 함량이 홀스타인종에 비해 유의적으로 높게 나타났으며, 성별 간에도 수컷이 암컷에 비해 유의적으로 높은 telomeric DNA 함유율을 나타내어 품종별, 성별 모두 텔로미어 함유율의 유의적인 차이가 있음 확인 할 수 있었다(P<0.01). 따라서 요인별 유의적 차이가 있음으로 한우 암컷 및 홀스타인 암컷에 대한 각기 연령예측 회귀함수를 추정하였다. Telomeric DNA 함량을 독립변수(X)로 하고, 연(월)령을 종속변수(Y)로 설정하여 2차회귀식을 도출한 바 한우 암컷의 경우 <TEX>$\hat{Y}$</TEX>=<TEX>$38.102X^2$</TEX>-220.103X+318.309(P<0.0001, <TEX>$R^2$</TEX>=0.8019)이고, 홀스타인 암컷은 <TEX>$\hat{Y}$</TEX>=<TEX>$42.799X^2$</TEX>-199.682X+242.106(P<0.0001, <TEX>$R^2$</TEX>=0.8379)으로 분석되었다. 이상의 두 회귀식 모두 유의한 함수로 결정계수(<TEX>$R^2$</TEX>) 또한 0.8 이상의 높은 상관 값을 보임에 따라 본 회귀식으로 소의 연령 예측이 가능함을 제시하고자 한다. Telomeres at the end of chromosomes consist of tandem repeats of (TTAGGG)n DNA sequence and associated proteins. Telomeres have the essential functions in chromosome stability and genome integrity and are hence related to cell senescence and cancer. This study was carried out to quantify the amount of telomeric DNA and establish age prediction equations by using the quantity of telomeric DNA for cattle. Analysis of the telomere quantity of the lymphocytes was performed at different age, across breeds and between different sexes of cattle. We quantified the amount of telomeric DNA by the Q-FISH technique using the telomeric DNA probe in 460 cattle at age of 1~166 months in Korean Cattle and Holstein breeds. In results, we found that the amount of telomeric DNA decreased gradually with age. The amount of telomeric DNA of Korean Cattle was significantly higher than that of Holstein breed (P<0.01). In addition, the amount of telomeric DNA in male was significantly higher than that in female (P<0.01). Using the relationship between age and the amount of telomeric DNA in cattle, age predicting equations were established as a result of regression analysis. Because sex and breeds influenced telomeric DNA quantity, the age prediction equations were estimated separately in Korean Cattle females and Holstein females. The regression equations were <TEX>$\hat{Y}$</TEX>=<TEX>$38.102X^2$</TEX>-220.103X + 318.309 (P<0.0001, <TEX>$R^2$</TEX>=0.8019) in Korean Cattle females and <TEX>$\hat{Y}$</TEX> = <TEX>$42.799X^2$</TEX> - 199.682X + 242.106 (P<0.0001, <TEX>$R^2$</TEX> = 0.8379) in Holstein females, where the X was quantity of telomeric DNA and Y was predicted age in months. These equations predicted the age of cattle with high significance and accuracy and have high R square values. Thus, it could be possible to scientifically predict the age using the above equations for Korean Cattle and Holstein females.

닭의 모체 연령에 따른 생산 배아의 염색체 이상 빈도 및 텔로미어 함량 분석

모체 출산 연령이 늦어짐에 따라 태아의 염색체 이상 빈도는 증가하는 것으로 알려져 있는데, 이는 난자의 노화에 따른 염색체의 비분리 현상의 증가 등이 주된 원인이다. 염색체 양 말단에 존재하는 텔로미어는 염색체의 안정성에 관여하고 세포분열이 진행됨으로써 이의 길이가 짧아져 노화의 지표로 활용되고 있다. 따라서 본 연구는 모체의 노화가 생산 배아에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 닭의 산란 연령별 배아의 염색체 이상 빈도와 이들의 텔로미어 함량을 분석하였다. 시험 분석은 20주령에서부터 70주령까지의 화이트 레그혼 종을 공시하고 10주 간격으로 생산된 수정란의 초기 배아에 대한 핵형 분석과 양적형광보인법(Q-FISH)을 이용한 모계 및 생산 배아의 텔로미어 함량을 분석하였다. 분석 결과, 초기 배아의 염색체 이상 빈도는 산란 연령에 따른 유의적인 차이가 있었는데, 산란 초기에 상대적으로 높은 염색체 이상 빈도를 보이다가 산란 중기에서 안정된 빈도를 유지하고, 후기부터 다시 이상 빈도가 증가하는 양상을 보여 모체의 노화가 태아의 염색체 이상 빈도에 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 개체의 텔로미어 함량은 연령이 증가함에 따라 점진적 감소 양상을 나타내는 반면, 모계 연령에 따른 생산 배아들의 텔로미어 함량은 연령 간에 차이가 없는 것으로 나타나 모체의 노화가 수정 배아의 텔로미어 함량에는 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 보여진다. 이는 배란 후 수정이 된 배아는 초기 발생 과정 중 세포들의 reprograming이 일어나 텔로미어가 복구됨을 의미한다. The rate of fetus with abnormal chromosomes increase with maternal age. Nondisjunction of aging oocyte chromosome is a major reason for the increased rate of abnormalities. Telomeres are the ends of eukaryotic chromosome, which are essential for chromosome stability and are related in cell senescence. This study was carried out to analyze the chromosome aberration rate and amount of telomeric DNA in chick embryo along with maternal age. Fertilized eggs and blood were sampled from White Leghorn layers starting at 20 weeks through to 70 weeks age at 10 weeks interval. Chromosome aberration rate was analyzed by karyotyping. The amounts of telomeric DNA in embryonic cells and lymphocytes were quantified by Quantitative Fluorescence in situ Hybridization method. The chromosome aberration rate in chick embryos significantly differed with maternal age. The chromosome aberration rate increased at early laying period and beyond 70 weeks of maternal age. Therefore, chromosome aberration rate was affected by maternal age due to ovulated oocytes state. However, the amount of telomeric DNA on embryonic cells did not differ significantly with maternal age. Thus, maternal age does not affects telomere quantity in their embryos due to cellular reprograming at early embryonic stage after fertilization.

Dietary patterns, food groups, and telomere length in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background:Telomere length reflects biological aging and may be influenced by environmental factors, including those that affect inflammatory processes. Objective:With data from 840 white, black, and Hispanic adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we studied cross-sectional associations between telomere length and dietary patterns and foods and beverages that were associated with markers of inflammation. Design:Leukocyte telomere length was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Length was calculated as the amount of telomeric DNA (T) divided by the amount of a single-copy control DNA (S) (T/S ratio). Intake of whole grains, fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, nuts or seeds, nonfried fish, coffee, refined grains, fried foods, red meat, processed meat, and sugar-sweetened soda were computed with responses to a 120-item food-frequency questionnaire completed at baseline. Scores on 2 previously defined empirical dietary patterns were also computed for each participant. Results:After adjustment for age, other demographics, lifestyle factors, and intakes of other foods or beverages, only processed meat intake was associated with telomere length. For every 1 serving/d greater intake of processed meat, the T/S ratio was 0.07 smaller (β ± SE: −0.07 ± 0.03, P = 0.006). Categorical analysis showed that participants consuming ≥1 serving of processed meat each week had 0.017 smaller T/S ratios than did nonconsumers. Other foods or beverages and the 2 dietary patterns were not associated with telomere length. Conclusions:Processed meat intake showed an expected inverse association with telomere length, but other diet features did not show their expected associations.

양적형광접합보인법(Q-FISH)에 의한 돼지 백혈구 세포의 텔로미어 함량 분석

The amount of telomeric DNA was quantified across different breeds(Landrace, Duroc, Yorkshire and Berksire), at different ages(90 days old and 180 days old) and among sexes(male and female) in pigs raised at the Performance Testing Station of Korea Swine Association, Jinkyo, Korea. The telomeric DNA amount was quantified by Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization(Q-FISH) using a porcine telomeric DNA probe on interphase nuclei of lymphocytes. Analysis revealed that the amount of telomeric DNA on the pig lymphocytes was found to decrease with age. The quantity of telomeres significantly differed among breeds at 90 days of age. The colored breeds such as Berkshire and Duroc had higher amount of telomeric DNA than the Yorkshire and Landrace breed. In addition, the amount of telomeric DNA in male lymphocytes was significantly higher than that of females. In the correlation coefficients between the telomere quantity and their productive traits; average daily gain, loin percent and index value were positively correlated, whereas body length, feed efficiency and back fat thickness correlated negatively. However, the correlation coefficients were very low and not significant. Therefore, this study suggests that the amount of telomeres on lymphocytes can be considered as a physiological marker but not as a productive marker in pig.

소의 생리적 특성에따름 세포내 텔로미어 함량과 텔로머레이스 활성도 분석

Telomeres consist of TTAGGG tandem repeated DNA sequences with specific proteins and locate at chromosome ends. Telomeres are essential for chromosome stability and are related with cell senescence, apoptosis and cancer. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein which has a template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA. This study was carried out to analyze the amount of telomeric DNA and telomerase activity in cattle cells. Analysis of the quantity of telomere in lymphocytes was done at different ages, sex and among Korean cattle and Holstein breeds. The telomerase activity was also analyzed in liver, brain, heart, kidney, and testis tissues of fetal calf and of 18 month old cattle. The amount of telomeres in lymphocytes and other tissue cells was analyzed by Quantitative-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (Q-FISH) technique using a telomeric DNA probe. Telomerase activity was analyzed by Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol assay (TRAP). The amount of telomeric DNA on the lymphocytes during the whole life span was decreased along with age. Quantity of telomeres in Korean cattle was significantly higher than that in Holstein breed. The amount of telomeric DNA in males was significantly higher than that in females. Telomerase activity was up-regulated in most bovine tissues during fetal stage, but was down-regulated in most tissues at mature 18 month age except the testis cells. This study indicates that the amount of telomeres and telomerase activity of cells can be used as an age marker or/and a physiological marker of cattle.

Cloning endangered gray wolves (Canis lupus) from somatic cells collected postmortem

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether nuclear transfer of postmortem wolf somatic cells into enucleated dog oocytes, is a feasible method to produce a cloned wolf. In vivo-matured oocytes (from domestic dogs) were enucleated and fused with somatic cells derived from culture of tissue obtained from a male gray wolf 6h after death. The reconstructed embryos were activated and transferred into the oviducts of naturally synchronous domestic bitches. Overall, 372 reconstructed embryos were transferred to 17 recipient dogs; four recipients (23.5%) were confirmed pregnant (ultrasonographically) 23-25 d after embryo transfer. One recipient spontaneously delivered two dead pups and three recipients delivered, by cesarean section, four cloned wolf pups, weighing 450, 190, 300, and 490g, respectively. The pup that weighed 190g died within 12h after birth. The six cloned wolf pups were genetically identical to the donor wolf, and their mitochondrial DNA originated from the oocyte donors. The three live wolf pups had a normal wolf karyotype (78, XY), and the amount of telomeric DNA, assessed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization, was similar to, or lower than, that of the nuclear donor. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the successful cloning of an endangered male gray wolf via interspecies transfer of somatic cells, isolated postmortem from a wolf, and transferred into enucleated dog oocytes. Therefore, somatic cell nuclear transfer has potential for preservation of canine species in extreme situations, including sudden death.

48 THE AMOUNT OF TELOMERIC DNA IN LYMPHOCYTES OF DOG CLONES

Controversy regarding the restoration of eroded telomere length of donor cells after the nuclear transfer process has arisen from previous studies of cloned cattle, mice, and pigs. Little is known about telomere lengths in dogs from either natural breeding or somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this study, we investigated the amount of telomeric DNA (ATD) in the lymphocytes of growing dog clones and their somatic cell donors. One cloned male Afghan hound dog [Snuppy (Lee et al. 2005 Nature 436, 641)] and 3 cloned female Afghan hound dogs (Jang et al. 2006 Theriogenology; doi:10.1016J.THERIOGENOLOGY.2006.11.006) were obtained from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of ear skin fibroblasts. The lymphocytes were recovered from all dog clones: their nuclear donor dogs (male donor dog, female donor dog), and six normal Afghan hound dogs (control, and 10-, 20-, 26-, 49-, 55-, and 58-month-old, respectively). The ATD was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) with a telomeric DNA probe. A telomeric probe containing the TTAGGG repeated DNA sequence was simultaneously amplified and labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using dog genomic DNA as template, a (GGGTAA)7 primer, and a DIG-labeling kit (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). To analyze the amount of telomeric DNA on the lymphocytes, at least 100 interphase nuclei were examined in each specimen. The image was captured by a digital camera (DP-70, Olympus) and analyzed using MetaMorph (Universal Imaging Co., Downingtown, PA, USA), an image analysis program. Our results indicated that the ATD in normal Afghan hounds gradually decreased with age. Although no difference in ATD was observed between 10- and 26-month-old dogs, the ATD in the 26-month-old dog was significantly higher than that in 49-, 55-, and 58-month-olds (P &lt; 0.05). The mean percentage of telomeric DNA in Snuppy (18-month-old; 2.38%) was significantly higher than that in the nuclear donor dog (49-month-old; 2.12%) but less than that in the age-matched control (20-month-old; 2.72%; P &lt; 0.05). The ATD in 3 female clone dogs (3-, 2-, and 2-month-olds; 3.47, 3.28, and 3.07%) were significantly higher than that in the nuclear donor (26-month-old; 2.65%). In conclusion, the mean percentages of telomeric DNA in dog clones were higher than in nuclear donor dogs, and the ATD of the cloned male dog was different from that in age-matched controls from natural reproduction. The results suggest that the amount of telomeric DNA in dog clones can be restored with the nuclear transfer of cultured donor fibroblasts, but further studies are required as to how telomere reprogramming occurs during the nuclear transfer process.

99 AMOUNT OF TELOMERIC DNA IN GROWING CLONED CATTLE, THEIR PROGENY, AND THEIR ORGANS

Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein complexes at the termini of linear chromosomes that are composed of TTAGGG sequences in vertebrates. Telomere lengths in animals vary with species, age, tissue types, environment, and cloning. The experiment conducted emphasized the amount of telomeric DNA in the lymphocytes and organs of growing cloned cattle and their second and third generations. Using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), 16 cloned (Generation, clone G1) Korean Native cows were obtained from ear skin fibroblasts and 2 cloned bulls from fetal fibroblasts. In addition, 3 females and 2 males (clone G2) were produced from each cloned cow by artificial insemination (AI). A third generation calf (clone G3) was derived from clone G2 by AI. The lymphocytes of all cloned cattle (G1), their offspring (G2), and age-matched controls were examined 3 times at 6-month intervals whereas G3 was examined only once. The amount of telomeric DNA was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) with a human telomeric DNA repeat probe. A minimum of 100 interphase nuclei from each set of harvests was studied to determine the mean and medium percentages of telomeric DNA using MetaMorph Imaging System (Universal Imaging Co, West Chester, PA, USA). The amounts of telomeric DNA in cloned cattle from both ear skin fibroblasts (female, n = 16) and fetal fibroblasts (male, n = 2) were less than those of age-matched controls (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Additionally, irrespective of gender, the telomeres in the clone G2 and G3 calves were lower than in controls (n = 6; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Furthermore, in the cloned cattle, the amount of telomeric DNA was drastically less than that of control animals during growth. Moreover, we examined the internal organs and tissues of a cloned cow at 30 months. The telomeres of leukocytes, cerebrum, spleen, cerebellum, hindbrain, and lung were a little smaller, whereas those of the liver, pituitary, kidney, and heart were slightly larger, than those of an age-matched cow. The results showed a remarkable difference in the amount of telomeric DNA between SCNT cloned cattle and normal cattle. Although the organs and tissues were not correlated, the amount of telomeres rapidly decreased with growth in cloned cattle. Conclusively, the telomeres of a cloned animal and its calves were significantly shorter than those of control cattle, and the short telomeres in calves could be inherited by progeny from their cloned mother.

79 THE AMOUNT OF TELOMERIC DNA IN CLONED CATTLE AND THEIR CALVES IS LESS THAN THAT OF AGE MATCHED CATTLE

A telomere is a structure consisting of tandem repeats sequences of (TTAGGG)n at the end of the eukaryotic chromosome. Telomere lengths in animals vary by species, age, and tissues, as well as environment. This experiment concentrated on the amount of telomeric DNA in cloned cattle, their calves, and age-matched normal cattle. Using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), we had obtained 16 cloned Korean Native cows derived from ear skin fibroblasts and two cloned bulls from fetal fibroblasts. In addition, four female calves were produced from each cloned cow by artificial insemination. Control cattle selected to have matched age and the same raising place served as counter-parts of cloned the cattle in this study. The lymphocytes of all cloned cattle, their calves, and the age-matched controls were examined for telomere quantity. The amount of telomeric DNA was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence after in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) with a human telomeric DNA repeat probe. A minimum of 100 interphase nuclei from each set of harvests was studied to determine the mean and medium percentages of telomeric DNA using the MetaMorph Imaging System (Universal Imaging Co., West Chester, PA, USA). The amount of telomeric DNA obtained was found to decrease in cloned and control animals during growth. The amounts of telomeric DNA in cloned cattle from both ear skin fibroblasts (n = 16) and fetal fibroblasts (n = 2) was less than that of age-matched controls (P &lt; 0.01). Surprisingly, the amount of telomeric DNA of calves from cloned cattle was also lower than that of age matched controls (n = 4, P &lt; 0.01). The results showed a remarkable difference in the amount of telomeric DNA between SCNT cloned cattle and normal cattle. In conclusion, the telomeres of cloned animal and their calves are significantly shorter than those of normal cattle. Moreover, the short telomeres in calves could be inherited from their cloned mothers.

Telomere dynamics, aneuploidy, stem cells, and cancer (Review)

The real cause of genetic instability, which is the hall-mark of most cancers, is poorly understood. Specific gene mutations and acquired aneuploidy have been implicated as the root causes of genetic instability. Here we propose and cite evidence for the hypothesis that genetic instability of cancer cells is caused by telomere dynamics, erosion and/or amplification of the TTAGGG repeat sequences present at chromosomal termini. Since telomeres determine the domain of individual chromosomes within a nucleus and protect them from internal and external challenges, their erosion will destabilize the cell karyotype. Our hypothesis predicts that telomere dynamics provides the single unifying mechanism playing a major role in speciation, aging and cancer development. It was found that metastatic cancers of different histologic phenotypes, as well as mammalian taxa with active speciation and larger numbers of species exhibit amplification of their telomeric DNA as compared to non-metastatic counterpart cancers and taxa with only a limited number of species. The dynamic nature of this DNA can be found not only in the cancer cells but also in the peripheral lymphocytes of cancer patients. Human syndromes such as Down, Turner, Bloom, Werner, Fanconi, ataxia and many others, show aneuploidy and also are prone to develop various malignancies and premature aging. We have found that <normal cells> of all these syndromes have a reduced amount of telomeric DNA associated with specific mitotic catastrophes as compared to cells of age- and sex-matched normal individuals. From these and additional data generated by our group concerning speciation, aging and cancer karyotypes, we conclude that aneuploidy, which is responsible for birth defects, cancer initiation and is a major player in natural speciation, is a consequence of telomere dynamics. Because telomere reduction is linked to the aging process, which is a risk factor for cancer development in the human population, our hypothesis offers a unifying mechanism for the initiation of both hematologic and solid cancers, as well as for the origin of new species.

Alterations in p53 and p16INK4 Expression and Telomere Length during Spontaneous Immortalization of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Fibroblasts

Normal cells have a strictly limited growth potential and senesce after a defined number of population doublings (PDs). In contrast, tumor cells often exhibit an apparently unlimited proliferative potential and are termed immortalized. Although spontaneous immortalization of normal human cells in vitro is an extremely rare event, we observed this in fibroblasts from an affected member of a Li-Fraumeni syndrome kindred. The fibroblasts were heterozygous for a p53 mutation and underwent senescence as expected at PD 40. In four separate senescent cultures (A to D), there were cells that eventually recommenced proliferation. This was associated with aneuploidy in all four cultures and either loss (cultures A, C, and D) or mutation (culture B) of the wild-type (wt) p53 allele. Loss of wt p53 function was insufficient for immortalization, since cultures A, B, and D subsequently entered crisis from which they did not escape. Culture C has continued proliferating beyond 400 PDs and thus appears to be immortalized. In contrast to the other cultures, the immortalized cells have no detectable p16INK4 protein. A culture that had a limited extension of proliferative potential exhibited a progressive decrease in telomere length with increasing PD. In the culture that subsequently became immortalized, the same trend occurred until PD 73, after which there was a significant increase in the amount of telomeric DNA, despite the absence of telomerase activity. Immortalization of these cells thus appears to be associated with loss of wt p53 and p16INK4 expression and a novel mechanism for the elongation of telomeres.