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Ascenzi F, Esposito A, Bruschini S, Salvati V, De Vitis C, De Arcangelis V, Ricci G, Catizione A, di Martino S, Buglioni S, Bassi M, Venuta F, De Nicola F, Massacci A, Grassucci I, Pallocca M, Ricci A, Fanciulli M, Ciliberto G, Mancini R. Identification of a set of genes potentially responsible for resistance to ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cancer stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:303. [PMID: 38684666 PMCID: PMC11059184 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06667-w] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Scientific literature supports the evidence that cancer stem cells (CSCs) retain inside low reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and are, therefore, less susceptible to cell death, including ferroptosis, a type of cell death dependent on iron-driven lipid peroxidation. A collection of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) primary cell lines derived from malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) of patients was used to obtain 3D spheroids enriched for stem-like properties. We observed that the ferroptosis inducer RSL3 triggered lipid peroxidation and cell death in LUAD cells when grown in 2D conditions; however, when grown in 3D conditions, all cell lines underwent a phenotypic switch, exhibiting substantial resistance to RSL3 and, therefore, protection against ferroptotic cell death. Interestingly, this phenomenon was reversed by disrupting 3D cells and growing them back in adherence, supporting the idea of CSCs plasticity, which holds that cancer cells have the dynamic ability to transition between a CSC state and a non-CSC state. Molecular analyses showed that ferroptosis resistance in 3D spheroids correlated with an increased expression of antioxidant genes and high levels of proteins involved in iron storage and export, indicating protection against oxidative stress and low availability of iron for the initiation of ferroptosis. Moreover, transcriptomic analyses highlighted a novel subset of genes commonly modulated in 3D spheroids and potentially capable of driving ferroptosis protection in LUAD-CSCs, thus allowing to better understand the mechanisms of CSC-mediated drug resistance in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ascenzi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Esposito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Bruschini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria De Arcangelis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Angiolina Catizione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona di Martino
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Buglioni
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federico Venuta
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alice Massacci
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Grassucci
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Respiratory Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Drzewicka K, Zasłona Z. Metabolism-driven glycosylation represents therapeutic opportunities in interstitial lung diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1328781. [PMID: 38550597 PMCID: PMC10973144 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1328781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic changes are coupled with alteration in protein glycosylation. In this review, we will focus on macrophages that are pivotal in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis and thanks to their adaptable metabolism are an attractive therapeutic target. Examples presented in this review demonstrate that protein glycosylation regulates metabolism-driven immune responses in macrophages, with implications for fibrotic processes and granuloma formation. Targeting proteins that regulate glycosylation, such as fucosyltransferases, neuraminidase 1 and chitinase 1 could effectively block immunometabolic changes driving inflammation and fibrosis, providing novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Perez-Favila A, Garza-Veloz I, Hernandez-Marquez LDS, Gutierrez-Vela EF, Flores-Morales V, Martinez-Fierro ML. Antifibrotic Drugs against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by COVID-19: Therapeutic Approaches and Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1562. [PMID: 38338840 PMCID: PMC10855955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the health and economy of the global population. Even after recovery from the disease, post-COVID-19 symptoms, such as pulmonary fibrosis, continue to be a concern. This narrative review aims to address pulmonary fibrosis (PF) from various perspectives, including the fibrotic mechanisms involved in idiopathic and COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. On the other hand, we also discuss the current therapeutic drugs in use, as well as those undergoing clinical or preclinical evaluation. Additionally, this article will address various biomarkers with usefulness for PF prediction, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and severity assessment in order to provide better treatment strategies for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro
- Doctorado en Ciencias con Orientación en Medicina Molecular, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y CS, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico; (A.P.-F.); (I.G.-V.); (L.d.S.H.-M.); (E.F.G.-V.); (V.F.-M.)
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Zhang X, Cui S, Ding Y, Li Y, Wu B, Gao J, Li M, Xu L, Xia H. Downregulation of B4GALT5 attenuates cardiac fibrosis through Lumican and Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176263. [PMID: 38081351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Virtually all forms of cardiac disease exhibit cardiac fibrosis as a common trait, which ultimately leads to adverse ventricular remodeling and heart failure. To improve the prognosis of heart disease, it is crucial to halt the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Protein function is intricately linked with protein glycosylation, a vital post-translational modification. As a fundamental member of the β1,4-galactosyltransferase gene family (B4GALT), β1,4-galactosyltransferase V (B4GALT5) is associated with various disorders. In this study, significant levels of B4GALT5 expression were observed in cardiac fibrosis induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or TGFβ1 and the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Subsequently, by administering AAV9-shB4GALT5 injections to TAC animals, we were able to demonstrate that in vivo B4GALT5 knockdown decreased the transformation of CFs into myofibroblasts (myoFBs) and reduced the deposition of cardiac collagen fibers. In vitro tests revealed the same results. Conversely, both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that overexpression of B4GALT5 stimulates CFs activation and exacerbates cardiac fibrosis. Initially, we elucidated the primary mechanism by which B4GALT5 regulates the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway and directly interacts with laminin, thereby affecting cardiac fibrosis. Our findings demonstrate that B4GALT5 promotes cardiac fibrosis through the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway and reveal laminin as the target protein of B4GALT5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Shengyu Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yuewen Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of Anesthesiology and Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jixian Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| | - Hao Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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Mancini M, Bargiacchi L, De Vitis C, D'Ascanio M, De Dominicis C, Ibrahim M, Rendina EA, Ricci A, Di Napoli A, Mancini R, Vecchione A. Histologic Analysis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Morphometric and Fractal Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051483. [PMID: 37239155 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051483] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrotic lung disorder, ultimately leading to respiratory failure and death. Despite great research advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying the disease, its diagnosis, and its treatment, IPF still remains idiopathic without known biological or histological markers able to predict disease progression or response to treatment. The histologic hallmark of IPF is usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), with its intricate architectural distortion and temporal inhomogeneity. We hypothesize that normal lung alveolar architecture can be compared to fractals, such as the Pythagoras tree with its fractal dimension (Df), and every pathological insult, distorting the normal lung structure, could result in Df variations. In this study, we aimed to assess the UIP histologic fractal dimension in relationship to other morphometric parameters in newly diagnosed IPF patients and its possible role in the prognostic stratification of the disease. Clinical data and lung tissue specimens were obtained from twelve patients with IPF, twelve patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), and age-matched "healthy" control lung tissue from patients undergoing lung surgery for other causes. Histology and histomorphometry were performed to evaluate Df and lacunarity measures, using the box counting method on the FracLac ImageJ plugin. The results showed that Df was significantly higher in IPF patients compared to controls and fibrotic NSIP patients, indicating greater architectural distortion in IPF. Additionally, high Df values were associated with higher fibroblastic foci density and worse prognostic outcomes in IPF, suggesting that Df may serve as a potential novel prognostic marker for IPF. The scalability of Df measurements was demonstrated through repeated measurements on smaller portions from the same surgical biopsies, which were selected to mimic a cryobiopsy. Our study provides further evidence to support the use of fractal morphometry as a tool for quantifying and determining lung tissue remodeling in IPF, and we demonstrated a significant correlation between histological and radiological Df in UIP pattern, as well as a significant association between Df and FF density. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the scalability and self-similarity of Df measurements across different biopsy types, including surgical and smaller specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Mancini
- Morphologic and Molecular Pathology Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Bargiacchi
- Morphologic and Molecular Pathology Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome", 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela D'Ascanio
- UOC Respiratory Disease, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mohsen Ibrahim
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Erino Angelo Rendina
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome", 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Napoli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome", 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome", 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sant'Andrea University Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome", 00189 Rome, Italy
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