DsDNA breaks inflicted by cell-free chromatin particles selectively target telomeres.

Sanjal Birwatkar, Tanisha Ghosh, Rutuja Selukar, Relestina Lopes, Naveen Kumar Khare, Gorantla V Raghuram, Snehal Shabrish, Indraneel Mittra

Translational Research Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India.Translational Research Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Telomere damage can lead to senescence, aging and aging-related disorders, and cancer. Previously, we reported that cell-free chromatin particles (cfChPs) that circulate in human blood can readily enter healthy cells and damage their DNA. Herein, we show that dsDNA breaks inflicted by cfChPs selectively target telomeres, with the resulting DNA damage remaining unrepaired over time, whereas dsDNA breaks inflicted by γ-rays are not specific to telomeres and have a faster repair kinetics. We propose that cfChPs that are released from the billions of dying cells to enter the blood circulation are natural DNA damaging agents with a unique mechanism of action.

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Research summary

The paper claims that cell-free chromatin particles selectively inflict DNA breaks at telomeres, leading to unrepaired damage over time. This research is relevant as it addresses a mechanism of DNA damage that could contribute to aging and age-related diseases, specifically through its focus on telomere integrity.

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