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Zurlo M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Gamberini MR, Finotti A, Gambari R. Increased Expression of α-Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) mRNA in Erythroid Precursor Cells Isolated from β-Thalassemia Patients Treated with Sirolimus (Rapamycin). J Clin Med 2024; 13:2479. [PMID: 38731008 PMCID: PMC11084795 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: in β-thalassemia, important clinical complications are caused by the presence of free α-globin chains in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. These free α-globin chains are present in excess as a result of the lack of β-globin chains to bind with; they tend to aggregate and precipitate, causing deleterious effects and overall cytotoxicity, maturation arrest of the erythroid cells and, ultimately, ineffective erythropoiesis. The chaperone protein α-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) reversibly binds with free α-globin; the resulting AHSP-αHb complex prevents aggregation and precipitation. Sirolimus (rapamycin) has been previously demonstrated to induce expression of fetal hemoglobin and decrease the excess of free α-globin chain in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. The objective of this study was to verify whether sirolimus is also able to upregulate AHSP expression in erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Methods: the expression of AHSP genes was analyzed by measuring the AHSP mRNA content by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the AHSP protein production by Western blotting. Results: AHSP gene expression was found to be higher in ErPCs of β-thalassemia patients in comparison to ErPCs isolated from healthy subjects. In addition, AHSP expression was further induced by treatment of β-thalassemia ErPCs with sirolimus. Finally, AHSP mRNA was expressed at an increased level in ErPCs of sirolimus-treated β-thalassemia patients participating in the NCT03877809 Sirthalaclin clinical trial. Conclusions: this exploratory study suggests that AHSP expression should be considered as an endpoint in clinical trials based on sirolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Finotti A, Gasparello J, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Fabbri E, Bianchi N, Gambari R. Effects of Mithramycin on BCL11A Gene Expression and on the Interaction of the BCL11A Transcriptional Complex to γ-Globin Gene Promoter Sequences. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1927. [PMID: 37895276 PMCID: PMC10606601 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The anticancer drug mithramycin (MTH), has been proposed for drug repurposing after the finding that it is a potent inducer of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production in erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) from β-thalassemia patients. In this respect, previously published studies indicate that MTH is very active in inducing increased expression of γ-globin genes in erythroid cells. This is clinically relevant, as it is firmly established that HbF induction is a valuable approach for the therapy of β-thalassemia and for ameliorating the clinical parameters of sickle-cell disease (SCD). Therefore, the identification of MTH biochemical/molecular targets is of great interest. This study is inspired by recent robust evidence indicating that the expression of γ-globin genes is controlled in adult erythroid cells by different transcriptional repressors, including Oct4, MYB, BCL11A, Sp1, KLF3 and others. Among these, BCL11A is very important. In the present paper we report evidence indicating that alterations of BCL11A gene expression and biological functions occur during MTH-mediated erythroid differentiation. Our study demonstrates that one of the mechanisms of action of MTH is a down-regulation of the transcription of the BCL11A gene, while a second mechanism of action is the inhibition of the molecular interactions between the BCL11A complex and specific sequences of the γ-globin gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Gambari R, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gamberini MR, Prosdocimi M. The Long Scientific Journey of Sirolimus (Rapamycin): From the Soil of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) to Applied Research and Clinical Trials on β-Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1202. [PMID: 37759601 PMCID: PMC10525103 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In this review article, we present the fascinating story of rapamycin (sirolimus), a drug able to induce γ-globin gene expression and increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in erythroid cells, including primary erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. For this reason, rapamycin is considered of great interest for the treatment of β-thalassemia. In fact, high levels of HbF are known to be highly beneficial for β-thalassemia patients. The story of rapamycin discovery began in 1964, with METEI, the Medical Expedition to Easter Island (Rapa Nui). During this expedition, samples of the soil from different parts of the island were collected and, from this material, an antibiotic-producing microorganism (Streptomyces hygroscopicus) was identified. Rapamycin was extracted from the mycelium with organic solvents, isolated, and demonstrated to be very active as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Later, rapamycin was demonstrated to inhibit the in vitro cell growth of tumor cell lines. More importantly, rapamycin was found to be an immunosuppressive agent applicable to prevent kidney rejection after transplantation. More recently, rapamycin was found to be a potent inducer of HbF both in vitro using ErPCs isolated from β-thalassemia patients, in vivo using experimental mice, and in patients treated with this compound. These studies were the basis for proposing clinical trials on β-thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
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Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Lampronti I, Borgatti M, Scapoli C, Gambari R, Finotti A. Treatment of Erythroid Precursor Cells from β-Thalassemia Patients with Cinchona Alkaloids: Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13433. [PMID: 34948226 PMCID: PMC8706579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemias are among the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide and are the result of autosomal mutations in the gene encoding β-globin, causing an absence or low-level production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is considered to be of key importance for the development of therapeutic protocols for β-thalassemia and novel HbF inducers need to be proposed for pre-clinical development. The main purpose on this study was to analyze Cinchona alkaloids (cinchonidine, quinidine and cinchonine) as natural HbF-inducing agents in human erythroid cells. The analytical methods employed were Reverse Transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) (for quantification of γ-globin mRNA) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (for analysis of the hemoglobin pattern). After an initial analysis using the K562 cell line as an experimental model system, showing induction of hemoglobin and γ-globin mRNA, we verified whether the two more active compounds, cinchonidine and quinidine, were able to induce HbF in erythroid progenitor cells isolated from β-thalassemia patients. The data obtained demonstrate that cinchonidine and quinidine are potent inducers of γ-globin mRNA and HbF in erythroid progenitor cells isolated from nine β-thalassemia patients. In addition, both compounds were found to synergize with the HbF inducer sirolimus for maximal production of HbF. The data obtained strongly indicate that these compounds deserve consideration in the development of pre-clinical approaches for therapeutic protocols of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zuccato
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Section of Biology and Evolution, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
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Horvath S, Zoller JA, Haghani A, Lu AT, Raj K, Jasinska AJ, Mattison JA, Salmon AB. DNA methylation age analysis of rapamycin in common marmosets. GeroScience 2021; 43:2413-2425. [PMID: 34482522 PMCID: PMC8599537 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human DNA methylation data have previously been used to develop highly accurate biomarkers of aging ("epigenetic clocks"). Subsequent studies demonstrate that similar epigenetic clocks can also be developed for mice and many other mammals. Here, we describe epigenetic clocks for common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) based on novel DNA methylation data generated from highly conserved mammalian CpGs that were profiled using a custom Infinium array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). From these, we developed and present here two epigenetic clocks for marmosets that are applicable to whole blood samples. We find that the human-marmoset clock for relative age exhibits moderately high age correlations in two other non-human primate species: vervet monkeys and rhesus macaques. In a separate cohort of marmosets, we tested whether intervention with rapamycin, a drug shown to extend lifespan in mice, would alter the epigenetic age of marmosets, as measured by the marmoset epigenetic clocks. These clocks did not detect significant effects of rapamycin on the epigenetic age of marmoset blood. The common marmoset stands out from other mammals in that it is not possible to build accurate estimators of sex based on DNA methylation data: the accuracy of a random forest predictor of sex (66%) was substantially lower than that observed for other mammals (which is close to 100%). Overall, the epigenetic clocks developed here for the common marmoset are expected to be useful for age estimation of wild-born animals and for anti-aging studies in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, UK
| | - Anna J. Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Julie A. Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Dickerson, MD USA
| | - Adam B. Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, and Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX USA
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Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in vervet monkeys. GeroScience 2021; 44:699-717. [PMID: 34591235 PMCID: PMC9135907 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging have been developed for many mammals but not yet for the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), which is a valuable non-human primate model for biomedical studies. We generated novel DNA methylation data from vervet cerebral cortex, blood, and liver using highly conserved mammalian CpGs represented on a custom array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). We present six DNA methylation-based estimators of age: vervet multi-tissue epigenetic clock and tissue-specific clocks for brain cortex, blood, and liver. In addition, we developed two dual species clocks (human-vervet clocks) for measuring chronological age and relative age, respectively. Relative age was defined as ratio of chronological age to maximum lifespan to address the species differences in maximum lifespan. The high accuracy of the human-vervet clocks demonstrates that epigenetic aging processes are evolutionary conserved in primates. When applying these vervet clocks to tissue samples from another primate species, rhesus macaque, we observed high age correlations but strong offsets. We characterized CpGs that correlate significantly with age in the vervet. CpG probes that gain methylation with age across tissues were located near the targets of Polycomb proteins SUZ12 and EED and genes possessing the trimethylated H3K27 mark in their promoters. The epigenetic clocks are expected to be useful for anti-aging studies in vervets.
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Tamanini A, Fabbri E, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. A Peptide-Nucleic Acid Targeting miR-335-5p Enhances Expression of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ( CFTR) Gene with the Possible Involvement of the CFTR Scaffolding Protein NHERF1. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020117. [PMID: 33530577 PMCID: PMC7911309 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Up-regulation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene (CFTR) might be of great relevance for the development of therapeutic protocols for cystic fibrosis (CF). MicroRNAs are deeply involved in the regulation of CFTR and scaffolding proteins (such as NHERF1, NHERF2 and Ezrin). (2) Methods: Content of miRNAs and mRNAs was analyzed by RT-qPCR, while the CFTR and NHERF1 production was analyzed by Western blotting. (3) Results: The results here described show that the CFTR scaffolding protein NHERF1 can be up-regulated in bronchial epithelial Calu-3 cells by a peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) targeting miR-335-5p, predicted to bind to the 3′-UTR sequence of the NHERF1 mRNA. Treatment of Calu-3 cells with this PNA (R8-PNA-a335) causes also up-regulation of CFTR. (4) Conclusions: We propose miR-335-5p targeting as a strategy to increase CFTR. While the efficiency of PNA-based targeting of miR-335-5p should be verified as a therapeutic strategy in CF caused by stop-codon mutation of the CFTR gene, this approach might give appreciable results in CF cells carrying other mutations impairing the processing or stability of CFTR protein, supporting its application in personalized therapy for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tamanini
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University-Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (A.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (T.J.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (T.J.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (T.J.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Silvia Munari
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University-Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (A.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Cristina Dechecchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Giulio Cabrini
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.F.); (J.G.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (I.L.)
- Research Center on Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-974443
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Liu Q, Luo L, Ren C, Zou M, Yang S, Cai B, Wu L, Wang Y, Fu S, Hua X, Tang N, Huang S, Huang X, Xin W, Chen F, Zhang X. The opposing roles of the mTOR signaling pathway in different phases of human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34 + cell erythropoiesis. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1492-1505. [PMID: 32871057 PMCID: PMC7693065 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As an indispensable, even lifesaving practice, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is challenging due to several issues, including supply shortage, immune incompatibility, and blood-borne infections since donated blood is the only source of RBCs. Although large-scale in vitro production of functional RBCs from human stem cells is a promising alternative, so far, no such system has been reported to produce clinically transfusable RBCs due to the poor understanding of mechanisms of human erythropoiesis, which is essential for the optimization of in vitro erythrocyte generation system. We previously reported that inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling significantly decreased the percentage of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow of wild-type mice. In contrast, rapamycin treatment remarkably improved terminal maturation of erythroblasts and anemia in a mouse model of β-thalassemia. In the present study, we investigated the effect of mTOR inhibition with rapamycin from different time points on human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cell erythropoiesis in vitro and the underlying mechanisms. Our data showed that rapamycin treatment significantly suppressed erythroid colony formation in the commitment/proliferation phase of erythropoiesis through inhibition of cell-cycle progression and proliferation. In contrast, during the maturation phase of erythropoiesis, mTOR inhibition dramatically promoted enucleation and mitochondrial clearance by enhancing autophagy. Collectively, our results suggest contrasting roles for mTOR in regulating different phases of human erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Linhong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Chunhong Ren
- Department of International Medical ServiceThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Muping Zou
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Siqin Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bozhi Cai
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Libiao Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yunsheng Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shan Fu
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xu Hua
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Nianping Tang
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shiping Huang
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xianxi Huang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Wen Xin
- Beijing TransGen Biotech Co., Ltd.BeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Feiheng Chen
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouPeople's Republic of China
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9
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Fabbri E, Tamanini A, Jakova T, Gasparello J, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Munari S, Dechecchi MC, Cabrini G, Gambari R. Treatment of human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells with a peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) targeting the microRNA miR-101-3p is associated with increased expression of the cystic fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator () gene. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112876. [PMID: 33127171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene, miRNAs known to down-regulate the expression of the CFTR and associated proteins have been investigated as potential therapeutic targets. Here we show that miR-101-3p, targeting the 3'-UTR sequence of the CFTR mRNA, can be selectively inhibited by a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) carrying a full complementary sequence. With respect to clinical relevance of microRNA targeting, it is expected that reduction in concentration of miRNAs (the anti-miRNA approach) could be associated with increasing amounts of target mRNAs. Consistently to this hypothesis, we report that PNA-mediated inhibition of miR-101-3p was accompanied by CFTR up-regulation. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed in order to verify the effects of the anti-miR-101-3p PNA on the Calu-3 miRNome. Upon inhibition of miR-101-3p we observed a fold change (FC) expression <2 of the majority of miRNAs (403/479, 84.13%), whereas we identified a list of dysregulated miRNAs, suggesting that specific miRNA inhibition (in our case miR-101-3p) might be accompanied by alteration of expression of other miRNAs, some of them known to be involved in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), such as miR-155-5p and miR-125b-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Tamanini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Jakova
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy; Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Munari
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University Hospital of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cabrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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10
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Lampronti I, Simoni D, Rondanin R, Baruchello R, Scapoli C, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Tupini C, Gambari R. Pro-apoptotic activity of novel synthetic isoxazole derivatives exhibiting inhibitory activity against tumor cell growth in vitro. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:151. [PMID: 32934719 PMCID: PMC7471682 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to develop potential anticancer agents stimulating apoptosis, novel 3,4-isoxazolediamide and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-isoxazolo-[4,5-c]-pyridine derivatives have been synthetized. The original structures of geldanamycin and radicicol, which are known natural heat shock protein (HSP) inhibitors, were deeply modified because both of them exhibit several drawbacks, such as poor solubility, hepatotoxicity, intrinsic chemical instability or deprivation of the in vivo activity. This novel class of synthetic compounds containing the isoxazole nucleus exhibited potent and selective inhibition of HSP90 in previous studies. Biological assays (focusing on in vitro antiproliferative effects and pro-apoptotic activity) in human erythroleukemic K562 cells (as a model system referring to tumor cells grown in suspension), glioblastoma U251-MG and glioblastoma temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant T98G cell lines (two model systems referring to tumor cells grown attached to the flask), were performed. Almost all isoxazole derivatives demonstrated significant antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities, showing induction of both early and late apoptosis of K562 cells. Different effects were observed on the glioma U251-MG and T98G cells, depending on the structure of the analogues. Antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in K562 cells were associated with the activation of the erythroid differentiation program. The present study demonstrated that 3,4-isoxazolediamide and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-isoxazolo-[4,5-c]-pyridine derivatives should be considered for in vivo studies focusing on the development of anticancer drugs acting, at least partially, via activation of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniele Simoni
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rondanin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Baruchello
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Center of Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Tupini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Al-Attar T, Madihally SV. Recent advances in the combination delivery of drug for leukemia and other cancers. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:213-223. [PMID: 31937127 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1715938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Combination therapy has been explored for its potential to reduce or eliminate multidrug resistance in treating different types of cancer including leukemia. Nutraceutical, small molecular drugs, and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) are some of the effective drugs. In order to avoid off-site targeting, reduce the dosage required, and increase the half-life of the drug in the circulation system, drug delivery vehicles, such as nanoparticles and microfibers have been explored.Areas covered: This review summarizes various therapies utilized in treating leukemia based on their effectiveness in inducing protein inhibition and/or apoptosis. In particular, treatment effectiveness using combination therapy using various devices is addressed. Recently explored drug delivery methods are reviewed, providing examples and their applications in cancer treatment. The drug listing, delivery systems classifications, along with the general modeling approach in this review, provide, to a full extent, a basis for cancer drug delivery future studies.Expert opinion: The reviewer's opinion tackles the potential of using a multi-delivery system to deliver multiple drugs, providing better control upon drug release and targeting. Both local and systemic delivery are considered and explored for their potential targets. Researchers are advised to pre-consider all aspects associated with their desired delivery method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thikrayat Al-Attar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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12
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Efficient Delivery of MicroRNA and AntimiRNA Molecules Using an Argininocalix[4]arene Macrocycle. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:748-763. [PMID: 31733592 PMCID: PMC6859282 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules acting as gene regulators by repressing translation or by inducing degradation of the target RNA transcripts. Altered expression of miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of many severe human diseases, opening new avenues in the field of therapeutic strategies, i.e., miRNA targeting or miRNA mimicking. In this context, the efficient and non-toxic delivery of premiRNA and antimiRNA molecules might be of great interest. The aim of the present paper is to determine whether an argininocalix[4]arene is able to efficiently deliver miRNA, premiRNA, and antimiRNA molecules to target cells, preserving their biological activity. This study points out that (1) the toxicity of argininocalix[4]arene 1 is low, and it can be proposed for long-term treatment of target cells, being that this feature is a pre-requisite for the development of therapeutic protocols; (2) the delivery of premiRNA and antimiRNA molecules is efficient, being higher when compared with reference gold standards available; and (3) the biological activity of the premiRNAs and antimiRNAs is maintained. This was demonstrated using the argininocalix[4]arene 1 in miRNA therapeutic approaches performed on three well-described experimental model systems: (1) the induction of apoptosis by antimiR-221 in glioma U251 cells; (2) the induction of apoptosis by premiR-124 in U251 cells; and (3) the inhibition of pro-inflammatory IL-8 and IL-6 genes in cystic fibrosis IB3-1 cells. Our results demonstrate that the argininocalix[4]arene 1 should be considered a very useful delivery system for efficient transfer to target cells of both premiRNA and antimiRNA molecules, preserving their biological activity.
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13
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Surface plasmon resonance based analysis of the binding of LYAR protein to the rs368698783 (G>A) polymorphic Aγ-globin gene sequences mutated in β-thalassemia. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:7699-7707. [PMID: 31300855 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified and characterized a novel putative transcriptional repressor site in a 5' untranslated region of the Aγ-globin gene that interacts with the Ly-1 antibody reactive clone (LYAR) protein. LYAR binds the 5'-GGTTAT-3' site of the Aγ-globin gene, and this molecular interaction causes repression of gene transcription. In β-thalassemia patients, a polymorphism has been demonstrated (the rs368698783 G>A polymorphism) within the 5'-GGTTAT-3' LYAR-binding site of the Aγ-globin gene. The major results gathered from surface plasmon resonance based biospecific interaction analysis (SPR-BIA) studies (using crude nuclear extracts, LYAR-enriched lysates, and recombinant LYAR) support the concept that the rs368698783 G>A polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene attenuates the efficiency of LYAR binding to the LYAR-binding site. This conclusion was fully confirmed by a molecular docking analysis. This might lead to a very important difference in erythroid cells from β-thalassemia patients in respect to basal and induced levels of production of fetal hemoglobin. The novelty of the reported SPR-BIA method is that it allows the characterization and validation of the altered binding of a key nuclear factor (LYAR) to mutated LYAR-binding sites. These results, in addition to theoretical implications, should be considered of interest in applied pharmacology studies as a basis for the screening of drugs able to inhibit LYAR-DNA interactions. This might lead to the identification of molecules facilitating induced increase of γ-globin gene expression and fetal hemoglobin production in erythroid cells, which is associated with possible reduction of the clinical severity of the β-thalassemia phenotype. Graphical abstract.
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14
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Gasparello J, Lamberti N, Papi C, Lampronti I, Cosenza LC, Fabbri E, Bianchi N, Zambon C, Dalla Corte F, Govoni M, Reverberi R, Manfredini F, Gambari R, Finotti A. Altered erythroid-related miRNA levels as a possible novel biomarker for detection of autologous blood transfusion misuse in sport. Transfusion 2019; 59:2709-2721. [PMID: 31148196 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) is a performance-enhancing method prohibited in sport; its detection is a key issue in the field of anti-doping. Among novel markers enabling ABT detection, microRNAs (miRNAs) might be considered a promising analytical tool. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We studied the changes of erythroid-related microRNAs following ABT, to identify novel biomarkers. Fifteen healthy trained males were studied from a population of 24 subjects, enrolled and randomized into a Transfusion (T) and a Control (C) group. Seriated blood samples were obtained in the T group before and after the two ABT procedures (withdrawal, with blood refrigerated or cryopreserved, and reinfusion), and in the C group at the same time points. Traditional hematological parameters were assessed. Samples were tested by microarray analysis of a pre-identified set of erythroid-related miRNAs. RESULTS Hematological parameters showed moderate changes only in the T group, particularly following blood withdrawal. Among erythroid-related miRNAs tested, following ABT a pool of 7 miRNAs associated with fetal hemoglobin and regulating transcriptional repressors of gamma-globin gene was found stable in C and differently expressed in three out of six T subjects in the completed phase of ABT, independently from blood conservation. Particularly, two or more erythropoiesis-related miRNAs within the shortlist constituted of miR-126-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-191-3p, miR-197-3p, miR-486-3p, miR-486-5p, and miR-92a-3p were significantly upregulated in T subjects after reinfusion, with a person-to-person variability but with congruent changes. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a signature of potential interest for ABT detection in sports, based on the analysis of miRNAs associated with erythroid features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicola Lamberti
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, Section of Sport Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Christel Zambon
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, Section of Sport Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Dalla Corte
- Immunohematological and Transfusional Service, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Govoni
- Immunohematological and Transfusional Service, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Reverberi
- Immunohematological and Transfusional Service, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Manfredini
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Specialties Sciences, Section of Sport Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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15
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Lewis CS, Thomas HE, Orr-Asman M, Green LC, Boody RE, Matiash K, Karve A, Hisada YM, Davis HW, Qi X, Mercer C, Lucas FV, Aronow BJ, Mackman N, Versteeg HH, Bogdanov VY. mTOR kinase inhibition reduces tissue factor expression and growth of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. J Thromb Haemost 2019; 17:169-182. [PMID: 30472780 PMCID: PMC6345540 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Tissue factor (TF) isoforms are expressed in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). TF knockdown inhibits proliferation of human pNET cells in vitro. mTOR kinase inhibitor sapanisertib/MLN0128 suppresses TF expression in human pNET cells. Sapanisertib suppresses TF expression and activity and reduces the growth of pNET tumors in vivo. SUMMARY: Background Full-length tissue factor (flTF) and alternatively spliced TF (asTF) contribute to growth and spread of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It is unknown, however, if flTF and/or asTF contribute to the pathobiology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Objective To assess TF expression in pNETs and the effects of mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) inhibition on pNET growth. Methods Human pNET specimens were immunostained for TF. Human pNET cell lines QGP1 and BON were evaluated for TF expression and responsiveness to mTOR inhibition. shRNA were used to knock down TF in BON. TF cofactor activity was assessed using a two-step FXa generation assay. TF promoter activity was assessed using transient transfection of human TF promoter-driven reporter constructs into cells. Mice bearing orthotopic BON tumors were treated with the mTORC1/2 ATP site competitive inhibitor sapanisertib/MLN0128 (3 mg kg-1 , oral gavage) for 34 days. Results Immunostaining of pNET tissue revealed flTF and asTF expression. BON and QGP1 expressed both TF isoforms, with BON exhibiting higher levels. shRNA directed against TF suppressed BON proliferation in vitro. Treatment of BON with sapanisertib inhibited mTOR signaling and suppressed TF levels. BON tumors grown in mice treated with sapanisertib had significantly less TF protein and cofactor activity, and were smaller compared with tumors grown in control mice. Conclusions TF isoforms are expressed in pNETs. Sapanisertib suppresses TF mRNA and protein expression as well as TF cofactor activity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical utility of TF-suppressing mTORC1/2 inhibitor sapanisertib in pNET management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton S Lewis
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Hala Elnakat Thomas
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Melissa Orr-Asman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Lisa C Green
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Rachel E Boody
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Kateryna Matiash
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Aniruddha Karve
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Yohei M. Hisada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Harold W Davis
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Carol Mercer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Fred V Lucas
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Bruce J. Aronow
- Computational Medicine and Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
| | - Nigel Mackman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Henri H Versteeg
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center
| | - Vladimir Y Bogdanov
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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16
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Gasparello J, Fabbri E, Bianchi N, Breveglieri G, Zuccato C, Borgatti M, Gambari R, Finotti A. BCL11A mRNA Targeting by miR-210: A Possible Network Regulating γ-Globin Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122530. [PMID: 29186860 PMCID: PMC5751133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of microRNAs in the control of repressors of human γ-globin gene transcription has been firmly demonstrated, as described for the miR-486-3p mediated down-regulation of BCL11A. On the other hand, we have reported that miR-210 is involved in erythroid differentiation and, possibly, in γ-globin gene up-regulation. In the present study, we have identified the coding sequence of BCL11A as a possible target of miR-210. The following results sustain this hypothesis: (a) interactions between miR-210 and the miR-210 BCL11A site were demonstrated by SPR-based biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA); (b) the miR-210 site of BCL11A is conserved through molecular evolution; (c) forced expression of miR-210 leads to decrease of BCL11A-XL and increase of γ-globin mRNA content in erythroid cells, including erythroid precursors isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Our study suggests that the coding mRNA sequence of BCL11A can be targeted by miR-210. In addition to the theoretical point of view, these data are of interest from the applied point of view, supporting a novel strategy to inhibit BCL11A by mimicking miR-210 functions, accordingly with the concept supported by several papers and patent applications that inhibition of BCL11A is an efficient strategy for fetal hemoglobin induction in the treatment of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
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17
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An Aγ-globin G->A gene polymorphism associated with β 039 thalassemia globin gene and high fetal hemoglobin production. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 18:93. [PMID: 28851297 PMCID: PMC5575872 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-017-0450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increase of the expression of γ-globin gene and high production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in β-thalassemia patients is widely accepted as associated with a milder or even asymptomatic disease. The search for HbF-associated polymorphisms (such as the XmnI, BCL11A and MYB polymorphisms) has recently gained great attention, in order to stratify β-thalassemia patients with respect to expectancy of the first transfusion, need for annual intake of blood, response to HbF inducers (the most studied of which is hydroxyurea). METHODS Aγ-globin gene sequencing was performed on genomic DNA isolated from a total of 75 β-thalassemia patients, including 31 β039/β039, 33 β039/β+IVSI-110, 9 β+IVSI-110/β+IVSI-110, one β0IVSI-1/β+IVSI-6 and one β039/β+IVSI-6. RESULTS The results show that the rs368698783 polymorphism is present in β-thalassemia patients in the 5'UTR sequence (+25) of the Aγ-globin gene, known to affect the LYAR (human homologue of mouse Ly-1 antibody reactive clone) binding site 5'-GGTTAT-3'. This Aγ(+25 G->A) polymorphism is associated with the Gγ-globin-XmnI polymorphism and both are linked with the β039-globin gene, but not with the β+IVSI-110-globin gene. In agreement with the expectation that this mutation alters the LYAR binding activity, we found that the Aγ(+25 G->A) and Gγ-globin-XmnI polymorphisms are associated with high HbF in erythroid precursor cells isolated from β039/β039 thalassemia patients. CONCLUSIONS As a potential explanation of our findings, we hypothesize that in β-thalassemia the Gγ-globin-XmnI/Aγ-globin-(G->A) genotype is frequently under genetic linkage with β0-thalassemia mutations, but not with the β+-thalassemia mutation here studied (i.e. β+IVSI-110) and that this genetic combination has been selected within the population of β0-thalassemia patients, due to functional association with high HbF. Here we describe the characterization of the rs368698783 (+25 G->A) polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene associated in β039 thalassemia patients with high HbF in erythroid precursor cells.
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Saab AM, Gambari R, Sacchetti G, Guerrini A, Lampronti I, Tacchini M, El Samrani A, Medawar S, Makhlouf H, Tannoury M, Abboud J, Diab-Assaf M, Kijjoa A, Tundis R, Aoun J, Efferth T. Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of essential oils from Cedrus species. Nat Prod Res 2017; 32:1415-1427. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1346648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine M. Saab
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianni Sacchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guerrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Tacchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine El Samrani
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samir Medawar
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassane Makhlouf
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Tannoury
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jihad Abboud
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Diab-Assaf
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Anake Kijjoa
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosa Tundis
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Jawad Aoun
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Kaneko K, Ohba K, Hirose T, Totsune K, Furuyama K, Takahashi K. Expression of (Pro)renin Receptor During Rapamycin-Induced Erythropoiesis in K562 Erythroleukemia Cells and Its Possible Dual Actions on Erythropoiesis. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2017; 241:35-43. [PMID: 28090037 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.241.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
(Pro)renin receptor ((P)RR), a specific receptor for renin and prorenin, is expressed in erythroblastic cells. (P)RR has multiple biological actions: prorenin activation, stimulation of the intracellular signaling including extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and functional complex formation with vacuolar H+-ATPase (v-ATPase). However, the functional implication of (P)RR in erythroblast cells has not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to clarify changes of (P)RR expression during erythropoiesis and a role of (P)RR in the heme synthesis. (P)RR expression was studied during rapamycin-induced erythropoiesis in a human erythroleukemia cell line, K562. Treatment with rapamycin (100 nM) for 48 hours significantly increased %number of hemoglobin-producing cells, γ-globin mRNA levels, erythroid specific 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS2) mRNA levels, and heme content in K562 cells. Both (P)RR protein and mRNA levels increased about 1.4-fold during rapamycin-induced erythropoiesis. Suppression of (P)RR expression by (P)RR-specific small interference RNA increased ALAS2 mRNA levels about 1.6-fold in K562 cells, compared to control using scramble RNA, suggesting that (P)RR may down-regulate ALAS2 expression. By contrast, treatment with bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of v-ATPase, decreased greatly % number of hemoglobin-producing cells and heme content in K562 cells, indicating that the v-ATPase function is essential for hemoglobinization and erythropoiesis. Treatment with bafilomycin A1 increased (P)RR protein and mRNA levels. In conclusion, we propose that (P)RR has dual actions on erythropoiesis: the promotion of erythropoiesis via v-ATPase function and the down-regulation of ALAS2 mRNA expression. Thus, (P)RR may contribute to the homeostatic control of erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiriko Kaneko
- Department of Endocrinology and Applied Medical Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
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20
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Bianchi N, Cosenza LC, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Zuccato C, Fabbri E, Marzaro G, Chilin A, De Angelis G, Borgatti M, Gallucci C, Alfieri C, Ribersani M, Isgrò A, Marziali M, Gaziev J, Morrone A, Sodani P, Lucarelli G, Gambari R, Paciaroni K. Structural and Functional Insights on an Uncharacterized Aγ-Globin-Gene Polymorphism Present in Four β0-Thalassemia Families with High Fetal Hemoglobin Levels. Mol Diagn Ther 2016; 20:161-73. [PMID: 26897028 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-016-0187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several DNA polymorphisms have been associated with high production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), although the molecular basis is not completely understood. In order to identify and characterize novel HbF-associated elements, we focused on five probands and their four families (from Egypt, Iraq and Iran) with thalassemia major (either β(0)-IVSII-1 or β(0)-IVSI-1) and unusual HbF elevation (>98 %), congenital or acquired after rejection of bone marrow transplantation, suggesting an anticipated favorable genetic background to high HbF expression. METHODS Patient recruitment, genomic DNA sequencing, western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biospecific interaction analysis, bioinformatics analyses based on docking experiments. RESULTS A polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene is here studied in four families with β(0)-thalassemia (β(0)-IVSII-1 and β(0)-IVSI-1) and expressing unusual high HbF levels, congenital or acquired after rejection of bone marrow transplantation. This (G→A) polymorphism is present at position +25 of the Aγ-globin genes, corresponding to a 5'-UTR region of the Aγ-globin mRNA and, when present, is physically linked in chromosomes 11 of all the familiar members studied to the XmnI polymorphism and to the β(0)-thalassemia mutations. The region corresponding to the +25(G→A) polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene belongs to a sequence recognized by DNA-binding protein complexes, including LYAR (Ly-1 antibody reactive clone), a zinc-finger transcription factor previously proposed to be involved in down-regulation of the expression of γ-globin genes in erythroid cells. CONCLUSION We found a novel polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene in four families with β(0)-thalassemia and high levels of HbF expression. Additionally, we report evidence suggesting that the Aγ-globin gene +25(G→A) polymorphism decreases the efficiency of the interaction between this sequence and specific DNA binding protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Adriana Chilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Gioia De Angelis
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristiano Gallucci
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Alfieri
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Ribersani
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Isgrò
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marziali
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Javid Gaziev
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Morrone
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Sodani
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Lucarelli
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.
- Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Katia Paciaroni
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
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Pule GD, Mowla S, Novitzky N, Wonkam A. Hydroxyurea down-regulates BCL11A, KLF-1 and MYB through miRNA-mediated actions to induce γ-globin expression: implications for new therapeutic approaches of sickle cell disease. Clin Transl Med 2016; 5:15. [PMID: 27056246 PMCID: PMC4824700 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-016-0092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The major therapeutic benefit of hydroxyurea, the only FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), is directly related to fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production that leads to significant reduction of morbidity and mortality. However, potential adverse effects such as infertility, susceptibility to infections, or teratogenic effect have been subject of concerns. Therefore, understanding HU molecular mechanisms of action, could lead to alternative therapeutic agents to increase HbF with less toxicity. This paper investigated whether HU-induced HbF could operate through post-transcriptional miRNAs regulation of BCL11A, KLF-1 and MYB, potent negative regulators of HbF. Both ex vivo differentiated primary erythroid cells from seven unrelated individuals, and K562 cells were treated with hydroxyurea (100 μM) and changes in BCL11A, KLF-1, GATA-1, MYB, β- and γ-globin gene expression were investigated. To explore potential mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation, changes in expression of seven targeted miRNAs, previously associated with basal γ-globin expression were examined using miScript primer assays. In addition, K562 cells were transfected with miScript miRNA inhibitors/anti-miRNAs followed by Western Blot analysis to assess the effect on HbF protein levels. Direct interaction between miRNAs and the MYB 3′-untranslated region (UTR) was also investigated by a dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results Down-regulation of BCL11A and MYB was associated with a sevenfold increase in γ-globin expression in both primary and K562 cells (p < 0.003). Similarly, KLF-1 was down-regulated in both cell models, corresponding to the repressed expression of BCL11A and β-globin gene (p < 0.04). HU induced differential expression of all miRNAs in both cell models, particularly miR-15a, miR-16, miR-26b and miR-151-3p. An HU-induced miRNAs-mediated mechanism of HbF regulation was illustrated with the inhibition of miR-26b and -151-3p resulting in reduced HbF protein levels. There was direct interaction between miR-26b with the MYB 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Conclusions These experiments have shown the association between critical regulators of γ-globin expression (MYB, BCL11A and KLF-1) and specific miRNAs; in response to HU, and demonstrated a mechanism of HbF production through HU-induced miRNAs inhibition of MYB. The role of miRNAs-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of HbF provides potential targets for new treatments of SCD that may minimize alterations to the cellular transcriptome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40169-016-0092-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gift Dineo Pule
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, Republic of South Africa
| | - Shaheen Mowla
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Nicolas Novitzky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, Republic of South Africa.
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Weidenbach S, Hou C, Chen JM, Tsodikov OV, Rohr J. Dimerization and DNA recognition rules of mithramycin and its analogues. J Inorg Biochem 2015; 156:40-7. [PMID: 26760230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The antineoplastic and antibiotic natural product mithramycin (MTM) is used against cancer-related hypercalcemia and, experimentally, against Ewing sarcoma and lung cancers. MTM exerts its cytotoxic effect by binding DNA as a divalent metal ion (Me(2+))-coordinated dimer and disrupting the function of transcription factors. A precise molecular mechanism of action of MTM, needed to develop MTM analogues selective against desired transcription factors, is lacking. Although it is known that MTM binds G/C-rich DNA, the exact DNA recognition rules that would allow one to map MTM binding sites remain incompletely understood. Towards this goal, we quantitatively investigated dimerization of MTM and several of its analogues, MTM SDK (for Short side chain, DiKeto), MTM SA-Trp (for Short side chain and Acid), MTM SA-Ala, and a biosynthetic precursor premithramycin B (PreMTM B), and measured the binding affinities of these molecules to DNA oligomers of different sequences and structural forms at physiological salt concentrations. We show that MTM and its analogues form stable dimers even in the absence of DNA. All molecules, except for PreMTM B, can bind DNA with the following rank order of affinities (strong to weak): MTM=MTM SDK>MTM SA-Trp>MTM SA-Ala. An X(G/C)(G/C)X motif, where X is any base, is necessary and sufficient for MTM binding to DNA, without a strong dependence on DNA conformation. These recognition rules will aid in mapping MTM sites across different promoters towards development of MTM analogues as useful anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevi Weidenbach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Caixia Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jhong-Min Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Oleg V Tsodikov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Jürgen Rohr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Finotti A, Gasparello J, Breveglieri G, Cosenza LC, Montagner G, Bresciani A, Altamura S, Bianchi N, Martini E, Gallerani E, Borgatti M, Gambari R. Development and characterization of K562 cell clones expressing BCL11A-XL: Decreased hemoglobin production with fetal hemoglobin inducers and its rescue with mithramycin. Exp Hematol 2015; 43:1062-1071.e3. [PMID: 26342260 PMCID: PMC4670904 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is considered a promising strategy in the treatment of β-thalassemia, in which production of adult hemoglobin (HbA) is impaired by mutations affecting the β-globin gene. Recent results indicate that B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) is a major repressor of γ-globin gene expression. Therefore, disrupting the binding of the BCL11A transcriptional repressor complex to the γ-globin gene promoter provides a novel approach for inducing expression of the γ-globin genes. To develop a cellular screening system for the identification of BCL11A inhibitors, we produced K562 cell clones with integrated copies of a BCL11A-XL expressing vector. We characterized 12 K562 clones expressing different levels of BCL11A-XL and found that a clear inverse relationship does exist between the levels of BCL11A-XL and the extent of hemoglobinization induced by a panel of HbF inducers. Using mithramycin as an inducer, we found that this molecule was the only HbF inducer efficient in rescuing the ability to differentiate along the erythroid program, even in K562 cell clones expressing high levels of BCL11A-XL, suggesting that BCL11A-XL activity is counteracted by mithramycin. K562 clones were described with integrated copies of a BCL11A-XL expressing vector. B-Cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A-XL (BCL11A-XL) levels inversely correlate with the extent of hemoglobin induction. Mithramycin induces γ-globin genes even in K562 clones expressing high levels of BCL11A-XL. K562(BCL11A-XL) clones might be useful in identifying fetal hemoglobin inducers acting on BCL11A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Montagner
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gallerani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.
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Thalassemia Modular Stratification System for Personalized Therapy of Beta-Thalassemia (THALAMOSS). HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:100-2. [PMID: 26086762 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2015.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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