1
|
Kantaputra P, Daroontum T, Chuamanochan M, Chaowattanapanit S, Kiratikanon S, Choonhakarn C, Intachai W, Olsen B, Tongsima S, Ngamphiw C, Pontisso P, Cox TC, Ounjai P. SERPINB3, Adult-Onset Immunodeficiency, and Generalized Pustular Psoriasis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020266. [PMID: 36833193 PMCID: PMC9957076 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP; MIM 614204) is a rare and severe pustular autoinflammatory skin disease in which acute generalized erythema and scaling develop with numerous sterile pustules. GPP shares skin manifestations, especially pustular skin reaction, with adult-onset immunodeficiency (AOID) with anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies, an autoimmune disease. METHODS Clinical examinations and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed on 32 patients with pustular psoriasis phenotypes and 21 patients with AOID with pustular skin reaction. Immunohistochemical and histopathological studies were performed. RESULTS WES identified three Thai patients presenting with similar pustular phenotypes-two with a diagnosis of AOID and the other with GPP. A heterozygous missense variant chr18:g.61325778C>A NM_006919.2: c.438G>T; NP_008850.1: p.Lys146Asn; rs193238900 in SERPINB3 was identified in two patients: one with GPP and the other with AOID. The other patient who had AOID carried a heterozygous missense variant chr18:g.61323147T>C NM_006919.2: c.917A>G; NP_008850.1: p.Asp306Gly in SERPINB3. Immunohistochemical studies showed overexpression of SERPINA1 and SERPINB3, a hallmark of psoriatic skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS Genetic variants in SERPINB3 are associated with GPP and AOID with pustular skin reaction. The skin of patients with GPP and AOID carrying SERPINB3 mutations showed overexpression of SERPINB3 and SERPINA1. Clinically and genetically, GPP and AOID appear to share pathogenetic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piranit Kantaputra
- Center of Excellence in Medical Genetics Research, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Correspondence:
| | - Teerada Daroontum
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Mati Chuamanochan
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Suteeraporn Chaowattanapanit
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Salin Kiratikanon
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Charoen Choonhakarn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Worrachet Intachai
- Center of Excellence in Medical Genetics Research, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Bjorn Olsen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sissades Tongsima
- National Biobank of Thailand, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Chumpol Ngamphiw
- National Biobank of Thailand, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
- European Reference Network—ERN RARE-LIVER, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Timothy C. Cox
- Departments of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Puey Ounjai
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kryvalap Y, Czyzyk J. The Role of Proteases and Serpin Protease Inhibitors in β-Cell Biology and Diabetes. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010067. [PMID: 35053215 PMCID: PMC8774208 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of the equilibrium between proteases and their inhibitors is fundamental to health maintenance. Consequently, developing a means of targeting protease activity to promote tissue regeneration and inhibit inflammation may offer a new strategy in therapy development for diabetes and other diseases. Specifically, recent efforts have focused on serine protease inhibitors, known as serpins, as potential therapeutic targets. The serpin protein family comprises a broad range of protease inhibitors, which are categorized into 16 clades that are all extracellular, with the exception of Clade B, which controls mostly intracellular proteases, including both serine- and papain-like cysteine proteases. This review discusses the most salient, and sometimes opposing, views that either inhibition or augmentation of protease activity can bring about positive outcomes in pancreatic islet biology and inflammation. These potential discrepancies can be reconciled at the molecular level as specific proteases and serpins regulate distinct signaling pathways, thereby playing equally distinct roles in health and disease development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Czyzyk
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(612)-273-3495; Fax: +1-(612)-273-1142
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kryvalap Y, Jiang ML, Kryvalap N, Hendrickson C, Czyzyk J. SerpinB13 antibodies promote β cell development and resistance to type 1 diabetes. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/588/eabf1587. [PMID: 33827974 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf1587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic endocrine cell development is dependent on the rescue of the neurogenin3 (Ngn3) transcription factor from repression by Notch. The signals that prevent Notch signaling, thereby allowing the formation of pancreatic endocrine cells, remain unclear. We show that inhibiting serpinB13, a cathepsin L (CatL) protease inhibitor expressed in the pancreatic epithelium, caused in vitro and in vivo cleavage of the extracellular domain of Notch1. This was followed by a twofold increase in the Ngn3+ progenitor cell population and enhanced conversion of these cells to express insulin. Conversely, both recombinant serpinB13 protein and CatL deficiency down-regulated pancreatic Ngn3+ cell output. Mouse embryonic exposure to inhibitory anti-serpinB13 antibody resulted in increased islet cell mass and improved outcomes in streptozotocin-induced diabetes at 8 weeks of age. Moreover, anti-serpinB13 autoantibodies stimulated Ngn3+ endocrine progenitor formation in the pancreas and were associated with delayed progression to type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. These data demonstrate long-term impact of serpinB13 activity on islet biology and suggest that promoting protease activity by blocking this serpin may have prophylactic potential in T1D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yury Kryvalap
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, 420 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Matthew L Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Nadzeya Kryvalap
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Cole Hendrickson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, 420 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jan Czyzyk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, 420 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guo R, Yang Y, Zhang D, Du J, Zhu X, Liu Y, Yang F, Lin J. A bispecific immunotoxin (IHPP) with a long half-life targeting HER2 and PDGFRβ exhibited improved efficacy against HER2-positive tumors in a mouse xenograft model. Int J Pharm 2021; 592:120037. [PMID: 33161038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiple signaling pathways are usually involved in the development of tumors. Compared with monospecific antibodies, bispecific antibodies can recognize two different antigens at the same time, so they are more suitable for treating tumor diseases with complex etiology. Immunotoxins have good antitumor activity, however, single targeting limits their effectiveness. Herein, we designed a Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE)-based bispecific immunotoxin IgBD-HER2-PDGFRβ-PE38 which could distinguish HER2 and PDGFRβ target in tumor. Meanwhile, IgG-affinity could extend the serum retention of immunotoxins after in vivo injection. In this work, we first detected the selective binding of the immunotoxins and antitumor effect in vitro. Compared with control group, IgBD-HER2-PDGFRβ-PE38 exhibited improved efficacy against HER2-positive tumors in an NCI-N87 subcutaneous xenograft model. Then, transcriptome sequencing was performed on tumor tissue originating from different treatment groups of mice bearing NCI-N87 tumors. Seven significantly differentially expressed genes were screened based on human genes, and the differential mouse genes were enriched based on the Reactome Pathway Database. At last, the RNA sequencing results were verified by real-time PCR and ELISA. Therefore, the new construct bispecific immunotoxin represents a potentially attractive therapeutic modality, and the proposed strategy make them promising for use in the development of anti-HER2 cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Yun Yang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiang Du
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Xinxing Zhu
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Fen Yang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Juntang Lin
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China; Stem Cell and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Autophagy Is Deficient and May be Negatively Regulated by SERPINB3 in Middle Ear Cholesteatoma. Otol Neurotol 2020; 41:e881-e888. [PMID: 32569142 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000002690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Whereas autophagy has been linked to various human diseases, whether it also plays a role in cholesteatoma is virtually unknown. This study aimed to investigate the activity and regulation of autophagy in cholesteatoma. BACKGROUND The treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma has been challenging due to an insufficient understanding of the underlying disease mechanism. METHODS Expression of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), the autophagy protein marker, and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), the known autophagy regulators, in fresh retroauricular skin and cholesteatoma tissue samples was analyzed by immunoblotting. The results were further confirmed by immunohistochemistry and statistical analyses. Cell proliferation of primary retroauricular skin- and cholesteatoma-derived fibroblasts was evaluated by methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Ectopic expression of serine proteinase inhibitor, clade B, member 3 (SERPINB3) in the fibroblasts was achieved by electroporation and the expression was detected by immunoblotting. RESULTS LC3 expression was significantly decreased in cholesteatoma in most of the 15 paired retroauricular skin/cholesteatoma tissue samples. However, p-Akt and p-mTOR expression in the cholesteatoma samples was not significantly different from that in the control subjects. Immunohistochemical studies further demonstrated an inverse correlation between LC3 expression and cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma fibroblasts proliferated faster than the retroauricular skin fibroblasts, and had higher SERPINB3 but lower LC3 expression. Furthermore, overexpression of SERPINB3 in the retroauricular skin fibroblasts enhanced cell proliferation and downregulated LC3 expression. CONCLUSION Autophagy is significantly suppressed in cholesteatoma tissues, which may not involve the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. More importantly, SERPINB3 may promote cell proliferation and negatively regulate autophagy in cholesteatoma fibroblasts. Together, these findings warrant further investigation into the pathogenic mechanism of cholesteatoma.
Collapse
|
6
|
Thermozier S, Zhang X, Hou W, Fisher R, Epperly MW, Liu B, Bahar I, Wang H, Greenberger JS. Radioresistance of Serpinb3a-/- Mice and Derived Hematopoietic and Marrow Stromal Cell Lines. Radiat Res 2019; 192:267-281. [PMID: 31295086 DOI: 10.1667/rr15379.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Serpins are a group of serine-proteases involved in multiple signal transduction pathways in mammalian cells. In particular, Serpinb3a is involved in the lysosomal necrosis cell death pathway with components that overlap with radiation-induced apoptosis. We investigated the radiation response of Serpinb3a-/- mice compared to Serpinb3a+/+ mice on the Balb/c background. Serpinb3a-/- mice showed significant radioresistance to a dose of 8.0 Gy total-body irradiation, compared to Serpinb3a+/+ Balb/c mice. Long-term bone marrow cultures from Serpinb3a-/- mice showed increased longevity. In clonogenic survival assays, fresh bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors, as well as clonal interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent hematopoietic progenitor and bone marrow stromal cell lines from Serpinb3a-/- mice were radioresistant. Serpinb3a-/- mouse bone marrow-derived stromal cell lines had increased baseline and postirradiation antioxidant capacity. Serpinb3a-/- bone marrow stromal cells showed increased radiation-induced RNA transcripts for MnSOD and p21, and decreased levels of p53 and TGF-b. Both irradiated Serpinb3a-/- mouse bone marrow stromal cell lines and plasma removed from total-body irradiated mice had decreased levels of expression of stress response and inflammation-associated proteins. Abrogation of Serpinb3a may be a potential new target for mitigation of radiation effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Thermozier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Wen Hou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Renee Fisher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Michael W Epperly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Joel S Greenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gatto M, Luisetto R, Ghirardello A, Cavicchioli L, Codolo G, Biasiolo A, Maggioni G, Saccon F, Beggio M, Cappon A, Venturini R, Pontisso P, Doria A. SERPINB3 Delays Glomerulonephritis and Attenuates the Lupus-Like Disease in Lupus Murine Models by Inducing a More Tolerogenic Immune Phenotype. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2081. [PMID: 30254646 PMCID: PMC6141748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of SERPINB3 administration in murine lupus models with a focus on lupus-like nephritis. Methods: 40 NZB/W F1 mice were subdivided into 4 groups and intraperitoneally injected with recombinant SERPINB3 (7.5 μg/0.1 mL or 15 μg/0.1 mL) or PBS (0.1 mL) before (group 1 and 2) or after (group 3 and 4) the development of proteinuria (≥100 mg/dl). Two additional mice groups were provided by including 20 MRL/lpr mice which were prophylactically injected with SERPINB3 (10 mice, group 5) or PBS (10 mice, group 6). Time of occurrence and levels of anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies, proteinuria and serum creatinine, overall- and proteinuria-free survival were assessed in mice followed up to natural death. Histological analysis was performed in kidneys of both lupus models. The Th17:Treg cell ratio was assessed by flow-cytometry in splenocytes of treated and untreated MRL/lpr mice. Statistical analysis was performed using non parametric tests and Kaplan-Meier curves, when indicated. Results: Autoantibody levels and proteinuria were significantly decreased and time of occurrence significantly delayed in SERPINB3-treated mice vs. controls. In agreement with these findings, proteinuria-free and overall survival were significantly improved in SERPINB3-treated groups vs. controls. Histological analysis demonstrated a lower prevalence of severe tubular lesions in kidneys of group 5 vs. group 6. SERPINB3-treated mice showed an overall trend toward a reduced prevalence of severe lesions in both strains. Th17:Treg ratio was significantly decreased in splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice treated with SERPINB3, compared to untreated control mice. Conclusions: SERPINB3 significantly improves disease course and delays the onset of severe glomerulonephritis in lupus-prone mice, possibly inducing a more tolerogenic immune phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Luisetto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Ghirardello
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Cavicchioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaia Codolo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biasiolo
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maggioni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Saccon
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marianna Beggio
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappon
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturini
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Turato C, Balasso A, Carloni V, Tiribelli C, Mastrotto F, Mazzocca A, Pontisso P. New molecular targets for functionalized nanosized drug delivery systems in personalized therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2017; 268:184-197. [PMID: 29051062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent solid tumor of the liver, has a very poor prognosis, being the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. The incidence and mortality of this liver tumor are increasing in most areas of the world as a consequence of aging and the emerging of new risk factors such as the metabolic syndrome, beside the recognized role of hepatitis B and C viral infections and alcohol abuse. Despite the increasing knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic carcinogenesis, effective therapeutic strategies are still an unmet clinical need. Efforts have been made to develop selective drugs as well as effective targeted drug delivery systems. The development of novel drug carriers for therapeutic molecules can indeed offer a valuable strategy to ameliorate the efficacy of HCC treatment. In this review, we discuss recent drug delivery strategies for HCC treatment based on the exploitation of targeted nanoparticles (NPs). Indeed, a few of these platforms have achieved an advanced stage of preclinical development. Here, we review the most promising drug nanovehicles based on both synthetic and natural polymers, including polysaccharides that have emerged for their biocompatibility and biodegradability. To maximize site-selectivity and therapeutic efficacy, drug delivery systems should be functionalized with ligands which can specifically recognize and bind targets expressed by HCC, namely cell membrane associated antigens, receptors or biotransporters. Cell surface and intracellular molecular targets are exploited either to selectively deliver drug-loaded nanovehicles or to design novel selective therapeutics. In conclusion, the combination of novel and safe drug delivery strategies based on site-specific targeted drug nanovehicles with therapeutic molecular targets may significantly improve the pharmacological efficacy for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Balasso
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vinicio Carloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzocca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dzinic SH, Bernardo MM, Oliveira DSM, Wahba M, Sakr W, Sheng S. Tumor suppressor maspin as a modulator of host immune response to cancer. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2015; 15:1-6. [PMID: 26614844 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2015.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising clinical outcome, the primary challenge of the curative cancer immunotherapy is to overcome the dichotomy of the immune response: tumor-evoked immunostimulatory versus tumor-induced immunosuppressive. The goal needs to be two-fold, to re-establish sustainable antitumor-cancer immunity and to eliminate immunosuppression. The successful elimination of cancer cells by immunosurveillance requires the antigenic presentation of the tumor cells or tumor-associated antigens and the expression of immunostimulatory cytokines and chemokines by cancer and immune cells. Tumors are heterogeneous and as such, some of the tumor cells are thought to have stem cell characteristics that enable them to suppress or desensitize the host immunity due to acquired epigenetic changes. A central mechanism underlying tumor epigenetic instability is the increased histone deacetylase (HDAC)-mediated repression of HDAC-target genes regulating homeostasis and differentiation. It was noted that pharmacological HDAC inhibitors are not effective in eliminating tumor cells partly because they may induce immunosuppression. We have shown that epithelial-specific tumor suppressor maspin, an ovalbumin-like non-inhibitory serine protease inhibitor, reprograms tumor cells toward better differentiated phenotypes by inhibiting HDAC1. Recently, we uncovered a novel function of maspin in directing host immunity towards tumor elimination. In this review, we discuss the maspin and maspin/HDAC1 interplay in tumor biology and immunology. We propose that maspin based therapies may eradicate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijana H Dzinic
- 1Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martini A, Fattovich G, Guido M, Bugianesi E, Biasiolo A, Ieluzzi D, Gallotta A, Fassina G, Merkel C, Gatta A, Negro F, Pontisso P. HCV genotype 3 and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA)-IgM are independently associated with histological features of NASH in HCV-infected patients. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:800-8. [PMID: 25611978 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) enhances the risk of progressive liver disease. In chronic hepatitis C (CHC), liver steatosis is frequent, especially in genotype 3, but its clinical significance is debated. As squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA)-IgM has been associated with advanced liver disease and risk of tumour development, we evaluated its occurrence in CHC and the possible relation with NASH at liver biopsy. Using a validated ELISA, serum SCCA-IgM was measured in 91 patients with CHC at the time of liver biopsy performed before antiviral treatment, at the end of treatment and 6 months thereafter, and in 93 HCV-negative patients with histological diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as controls. SCCA-IgM was detected in 33% of CHC patients and in 4% of controls. This biomarker was found more elevated in CHC patients with histological NASH, and at multivariate analysis, SCCA-IgM and HCV genotype 3 were independently associated with NASH [OR (95% CI): 6.94 (1.21-40) and 27.02 (4.44-166.6)]. As predictors of NASH, HCV genotype 3 and SCCA-IgM had a specificity and a sensitivity of 97% and 44%, and of 95% and 27%, respectively. PPV and NPV were 80% and 86% for HCV genotype 3 vs 73% and 72% for SCCA-IgM. In patients with sustained virologic response to therapy, SCCA-IgM levels decreased significantly, while these remained unchanged in nonresponders. In conclusion, SCCA-IgM is detectable in one-third of patients with CHC and significantly correlates with histological NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Martini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - G Fattovich
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M Guido
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - E Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - A Biasiolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - D Ieluzzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - C Merkel
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - A Gatta
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - F Negro
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - P Pontisso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Turato C, Pontisso P. SERPINB3 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade B (ovalbumin), member 3). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 19:202-209. [PMID: 25984243 DOI: 10.4267/2042/56413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Review on SERPINB3, with data on DNA/RNA, on the protein encoded and where the gene is implicated.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ciscato F, Sciacovelli M, Villano G, Turato C, Bernardi P, Rasola A, Pontisso P. SERPINB3 protects from oxidative damage by chemotherapeutics through inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory complex I. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2418-27. [PMID: 24810714 PMCID: PMC4058015 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SERPINB3 (SB3) is a serine protease inhibitor overexpressed in several malignancies of epithelial origin, including primary liver cancer, where it inhibits apoptosis through poorly defined mechanisms. In the present study we analyze the effect of SB3 on hepatoma cell death elicited by a panel of chemotherapeutic agents. We report that SB3 shields cells from the toxicity of drugs with a pro-oxidant action such as doxorubicin, cisplatin and EM20-25. The rapid rise in ROS levels prompted by these compounds causes opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), irreversibly committing cells to death. We find that a fraction of SB3 locates in mitochondrial inner compartments, and that this mitochondrial fraction increases under conditions of oxidative stress. Mitochondrial SB3 inhibits ROS generation and the ensuing PTP induction and cell death through an inhibitory interaction with respiratory Complex I. These findings identify a novel mechanism of action of SB3 that contributes to tumor cell resistance to anti-neoplastic drugs
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciscato
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gomes S, Marques PI, Matthiesen R, Seixas S. Adaptive evolution and divergence of SERPINB3: a young duplicate in great Apes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104935. [PMID: 25133778 PMCID: PMC4136820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of duplication events led to an expansion of clade B Serine Protease Inhibitors (SERPIN), currently displaying a large repertoire of functions in vertebrates. Accordingly, the recent duplicates SERPINB3 and B4 located in human 18q21.3 SERPIN cluster control the activity of different cysteine and serine proteases, respectively. Here, we aim to assess SERPINB3 and B4 coevolution with their target proteases in order to understand the evolutionary forces shaping the accelerated divergence of these duplicates. Phylogenetic analysis of primate sequences placed the duplication event in a Hominoidae ancestor (∼30 Mya) and the emergence of SERPINB3 in Homininae (∼9 Mya). We detected evidence of strong positive selection throughout SERPINB4/B3 primate tree and target proteases, cathepsin L2 (CTSL2) and G (CTSG) and chymase (CMA1). Specifically, in the Homininae clade a perfect match was observed between the adaptive evolution of SERPINB3 and cathepsin S (CTSS) and most of sites under positive selection were located at the inhibitor/protease interface. Altogether our results seem to favour a coevolution hypothesis for SERPINB3, CTSS and CTSL2 and for SERPINB4 and CTSG and CMA1. A scenario of an accelerated evolution driven by host-pathogen interactions is also possible since SERPINB3/B4 are potent inhibitors of exogenous proteases, released by infectious agents. Finally, similar patterns of expression and the sharing of many regulatory motifs suggest neofunctionalization as the best fitted model of the functional divergence of SERPINB3 and B4 duplicates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Gomes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (SG); (SS)
| | - Patrícia I. Marques
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rune Matthiesen
- National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Seixas
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (SG); (SS)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gatto M, Iaccarino L, Ghirardello A, Bassi N, Pontisso P, Punzi L, Shoenfeld Y, Doria A. Serpins, immunity and autoimmunity: old molecules, new functions. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2014; 45:267-80. [PMID: 23325331 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-013-8353-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are evolutionary old, structurally conserved molecules which encompass nearly all branches of life. More than 1,000 serpins were characterized to date which are subdivided into 16 subgroups (A-P) according to their common ancestry; among them, 37 are found in humans. Serpins were termed after their capability to inhibit serine proteases, but mounting evidence suggests that they may achieve a greater deal of functions, ranging from embryological growth to synaptic plasticity, development of both myeloid and lymphoid immune cells, and modulation of apoptosis. Serpins are mainly extracellular molecules, although some of them (namely, ov-serpins or clade B serpins) mostly act inside the cells, being either ubiquitously or tissue-specifically expressed. Among newly characterized serpin functions, regulation of cellular proliferation through apoptosis modulation and proteasome disturbance seems to play a major role. Accordingly, several serpins were found to be hyperexpressed in tumor cells. Indeed, apoptosis dysregulation is likely to be a cornerstone in both tumorigenesis and autoimmunity, since uncontrolled cellular viability results in tumor proliferation, while inefficient disposal of apoptotic debris may favor the rescue of autoreactive immune cells. Such a process was widely documented in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Interestingly, alterations in the expression of some serpins, e.g., the ov-serpin SERPINB3, are being unraveled in patients affected with SLE and other autoimmune disorders, suggesting that a failure in serpin function might affect immune homeostasis and self-tolerance, thereby contributing to autoimmunity. Here, we provide an overview of serpin origin, function, and dysfunction, focusing on human serpins and ov-serpins, with a hub on SERPINB3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Villano G, Turato C, Quarta S, Ruvoletto M, Ciscato F, Terrin L, Semeraro R, Paternostro C, Parola M, Alvaro D, Bernardi P, Gatta A, Pontisso P. Hepatic progenitor cells express SerpinB3. BMC Cell Biol 2014; 15:5. [PMID: 24517394 PMCID: PMC3927218 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-15-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the setting of liver injury hepatic progenitor cells are activated, counterbalancing the inhibited regenerative capacity of mature hepatocytes. Chronic activation of this compartment may give rise to a subset of liver tumours with poor prognosis. SerpinB3, a serpin over-expressed in injured liver and in primary liver cancer, has been shown to induce apoptosis resistance, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and to increase TGF-beta and Myc expression. Aim of the present study was to explore the presence of SerpinB3 in hepatic progenitor cells in human livers and in a mouse model of liver stem/progenitor cell activation. Hepatic progenitor cells were analysed in foetal and adult livers at protein and transcriptional levels. To induce experimental activation of the liver stem/progenitor compartment, C57BL/6J mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide plus D-galactosamine and were sacrificed at different time points. Liver cDNA was amplified using specific primers for mouse-homologous SerpinB3 isoforms and automatically sequenced. Results The presence of SerpinB3 in the progenitor cell compartment was detected in sorted human foetal and adult epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) positive liver cells. By immunohistochemistry SerpinB3 was found in human cirrhotic livers in portal areas with progenitor cell activation showing ductular proliferation. CK-7, CK-19, EpCAM and CD-90 positive cell were also positive for SerpinB3. In the animal model, time course analysis in liver specimens revealed a progressive increase of SerpinB3 and a parallel decrease of activated caspase 3, which was barely detectable at 20 hours. Transcription analysis confirmed the presence of SerpinB3-homologous only in the liver of injured mice and sequence analysis proved its belonging to mouse Serpinb3b. Conclusion SerpinB3 is highly expressed in hepatic stem/progenitor cell compartment of both foetal and adult livers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|