Cited by 70Chromosomal and Genetic VariationsGenetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model OrganismsAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research

Repetitive elements in aging and neurodegeneration

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Copley, Katie E., Shorter, James·2023·Trends in Genetics

Abstract

Repetitive elements (REs), such as transposable elements (TEs) and satellites, comprise much of the genome. Here, we review how TEs and (peri)centromeric satellite DNA may contribute to aging and neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Alterations in RE expression, retrotransposition, and chromatin microenvironment may shorten lifespan, elicit neurodegeneration, and impair memory and movement. REs may cause these phenotypes via DNA damage, protein sequestration, insertional mutagenesis, and inflammation. We discuss several TE families, including gypsy, HERV-K, and HERV-W, and how TEs interact with various factors, including transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) and the siRNA and piwi-interacting (pi)RNA systems. Studies of TEs in neurodegeneration have focused on Drosophila and, thus, further examination in mammals is needed. We suggest that therapeutic silencing of REs could help mitigate neurodegenerative disorders.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.tig.2023.02.008

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  • Among age-related neurodegenerative disorders, those featuring TDP-43 or tau proteinopathy are where the evidence for retrotransposon involvement is strongest.

    “Among these neurodegenerative disorders, those featuring TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) or tau proteinopathy are where the evidence is strongest”

    From The Role of Retrotransposons and Endogenous Retroviruses in Age-Dependent Neurodegenerative Disorders (2024) · cites this paper as Copley & Shorter 2023

    The sections on ALS/FTD and AD/tauopathy (pages not provided) describe substantial evidence linking transposable elements to TDP-43 and tau pathology. The review does not rank those disorders against other neurodegenerative disorders or say that the evidence for retrotransposon involvement is strongest in them. (LLM, conf=0.82)

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [120]Tossberg JT (2020) A-to-I RNA editing of Alu dsRNAs is markedly decreased in MS; unedited Alu dsRNAs but not edited Alu dsRNAs are potent activators of pro-inflammatory transcriptional responses. J. Immunol. Baltim. Md 1950 205, 2606– 2617 PMC7872017 33046502
  2. [138]Jagannathan M (2017) Comparative Analysis of Satellite DNA in the Drosophila melanogaster Species Complex. G3 Bethesda 7, 693– 704 28007840 PMC5295612

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Authors
Copley, K. E., & Shorter, J.
Affiliations
University of Pennsylvania (US)
Corresponding author
Shorter, James
Venue
Trends in Genetics
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2023-05
Volume
39
Issue
5
Pages
381-400
ISSN
0168-9525 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4327718571
Cited by
70
References
207
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 32 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 7
FWCI
1.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Trends in Genetics (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
  • Sanofi
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Target ALS
  • National Institutes of Health (W81XWH)
  • National Institute on Aging (R21AG065854, R21AG061784)
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences (R01GM099836, T32GM132039)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (F31NS129101, R21NS090205)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Aging › Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
Keywords
repetitive elements, transposable elements, satellite DNA, aging, neurodegeneration, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, retrotransposition, centromeric heterochromatin, gypsy transposon, HERV-K, HERV-W, TDP-43, siRNA, piRNA, insertional mutagenesis, DNA damage, inflammation, memory impairment, lifespan, Drosophila
MeSH terms
Aging, Animals, DNA Transposable Elements, Mammals, Mutagenesis, Insertional, Neurodegenerative Diseases, RNA, Small Interfering

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