1
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Sciurti E, Blasi L, Prontera CT, Barca A, Giampetruzzi L, Verri T, Siciliano PA, Francioso L. TEER and Ion Selective Transwell-Integrated Sensors System for Caco-2 Cell Model. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:496. [PMID: 36984903 PMCID: PMC10054836 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of ions in real-time directly in cell culture systems and in organ-on-a-chip platforms represents a significant investigation tool to understand ion regulation and distribution in the body and ions' involvement in biological mechanisms and specific pathologies. Innovative flexible sensors coupling electrochemical stripping analysis (square wave anodic stripping voltammetry, SWASV) with an ion selective membrane (ISM) were developed and integrated in Transwell™ cell culture systems to investigate the transport of zinc and copper ions across a human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer. The fabricated ion-selective sensors demonstrated good sensitivity (1 × 10-11 M ion concentration) and low detection limits, consistent with pathophysiological cellular concentration ranges. A non-invasive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis, in situ, across a selected spectrum of frequencies (10-105 Hz), and an equivalent circuit fitting were employed to obtain useful electrical parameters for cellular barrier integrity monitoring. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) data and immunofluorescent images were used to validate the intestinal epithelial integrity and the permeability enhancer effect of ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) treatment. The proposed devices represent a real prospective tool for monitoring cellular and molecular events and for studies on gut metabolism/permeability. They will enable a rapid integration of these sensors into gut-on-chip systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Sciurti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Laura Blasi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Carmela Tania Prontera
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lucia Giampetruzzi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Pietro Aleardo Siciliano
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Luca Francioso
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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2
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Mazzei A, Pagliara P, Del Vecchio G, Giampetruzzi L, Croce F, Schiavone R, Verri T, Barca A. Cytoskeletal Responses and Aif-1 Expression in Caco-2 Monolayers Exposed to Phorbol-12-Myristate-13-Acetate and Carnosine. Biology (Basel) 2022; 12:biology12010036. [PMID: 36671729 PMCID: PMC9855102 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The dis(re)organization of the cytoskeletal actin in enterocytes mediates epithelial barrier dys(re)function, playing a key role in modulating epithelial monolayer's integrity and remodeling under transition from physiological to pathological states. Here, by fluorescence-based morphological and morphometric analyses, we detected differential responses of cytoskeletal actin in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers at two different stages of their spontaneous differentiation, i.e., undifferentiated cells at 7 days post-seeding (dps) and differentiated enterocyte-like cells at 21 dps, upon challenge in vitro with the inflammation-mimicking stimulus of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). In addition, specific responses were found in the presence of the natural dipeptide carnosine detecting its potential counteraction against PMA-induced cytoskeletal alterations and remodeling in differentiated Caco-2 monolayers. In such an experimental context, by both immunocytochemistry and Western blot assays in Caco-2 monolayers, we identified the expression of the allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) as protein functionally related to both inflammatory and cytoskeletal pathways. In 21 dps monolayers, particularly, we detected variations of its intracellular localization associated with the inflammatory stimulus and its mRNA/protein increase associated with the differentiated 21 dps enterocyte-like monolayer compared to the undifferentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Mazzei
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pagliara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-0832-298662 (A.B.)
| | - Gianmarco Del Vecchio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lucia Giampetruzzi
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems IMM-CNR, Via per Monteroni “Campus Ecotekne”, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesca Croce
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Roberta Schiavone
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-0832-298662 (A.B.)
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3
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Mazzei A, Serino G, Romano A, Piccinno E, Scalavino V, Valentini AM, Armentano R, Schiavone R, Giannelli G, Verri T, Barca A. Identification of SLC15A4/PHT1 Gene Products Upregulation Marking the Intestinal Epithelial Monolayer of Ulcerative Colitis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13170. [PMID: 36361959 PMCID: PMC9658943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SLC15A4/PHT1 is an endolysosome-resident carrier of oligopeptides and histidine recently come into view as a key path marker of immune/autoimmune/inflammatory pathways in immune cells. Yet, its emerging role in inflammatory processes directly targeting the gastrointestinal epithelial layer, as in the multifactorial pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is poorly investigated. Here, the first identification of SLC15A4/PHT1 gene products in human colonic epithelium of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is reported, showing protein primarily localized in intracellular vesicle-like compartments. Qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical analyses of colon biopsies revealed overexpression of SLC15A4/PHT1 protein product in the epithelial layer of UC patients. Results were successfully mirrored in vitro, in spontaneously differentiated enterocyte-like monolayers of Caco-2 cells specifically exposed to DSS (dextran sodium sulphate) to mimic IBD inflammatory onsets. SLC15A4/PHT1 expression and cellular localization were characterized confirming its (dys)regulation traits in inflamed vs. healthy epithelia, strongly hinting the hypothesis of SLC15A4/PHT1 increased function associated with epithelial inflammation in IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Mazzei
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.); (R.S.); (T.V.)
| | - Grazia Serino
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. de Bellis”, IRCCS Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (E.P.); (V.S.); (A.M.V.); (R.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Alessandro Romano
- Division of Neuroscience, Experimental Neurology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Piccinno
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. de Bellis”, IRCCS Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (E.P.); (V.S.); (A.M.V.); (R.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Viviana Scalavino
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. de Bellis”, IRCCS Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (E.P.); (V.S.); (A.M.V.); (R.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Anna Maria Valentini
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. de Bellis”, IRCCS Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (E.P.); (V.S.); (A.M.V.); (R.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Raffaele Armentano
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. de Bellis”, IRCCS Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (E.P.); (V.S.); (A.M.V.); (R.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Roberta Schiavone
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.); (R.S.); (T.V.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. de Bellis”, IRCCS Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (E.P.); (V.S.); (A.M.V.); (R.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.); (R.S.); (T.V.)
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.M.); (R.S.); (T.V.)
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Giampetruzzi L, Blasi L, Barca A, Sciurti E, Verri T, Casino F, Siciliano P, Francioso L. Advances in Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) monitoring integration in an Intestinal Barrier-on-Chip (IBoC) platform with microbubbles-tolerant analytical method. Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2022.100512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Vacca F, Gomes AS, Murashita K, Cinquetti R, Roseti C, Barca A, Rønnestad I, Verri T, Bossi E. Functional characterization of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) PepT2 transporters. J Physiol 2022; 600:2377-2400. [PMID: 35413133 PMCID: PMC9321897 DOI: 10.1113/jp282781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The high‐affinity/low‐capacity system Slc15a2 (PepT2) is responsible for the reuptake of di/tripeptides from the renal proximal tubule, but it also operates in many other tissues and organs. Information regarding PepT2 in teleost fish is limited and, to date, functional data are available from the zebrafish (Danio rerio) only. Here, we report the identification of two slc15a2 genes in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) genome, namely slc15a2a and slc15a2b. The two encoded PepT2 proteins share 87% identity and resemble both structurally and functionally the canonical vertebrate PepT2 system. The mRNA tissue distribution analyses reveal a widespread distribution of slc15a2a transcripts, being more abundant in the brain and gills, while slc15a2b transcripts are mainly expressed in the kidney and the distal part of the gastrointestinal tract. The function of the two transporters was investigated by heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two‐electrode voltage‐clamp recordings of transport and presteady‐state currents. Both PepT2a and PepT2b in the presence of Gly‐Gln elicit pH‐dependent and Na+ independent inward currents. The biophysical and kinetic analysis of the recorded currents defined the transport properties, confirming that the two Atlantic salmon PepT2 proteins behave as high‐affinity/low‐capacity transporters. The recent structures and the previous kinetic schemes of rat and human PepT2 qualitatively account for the characteristics of the two Atlantic salmon proteins. This study is the first to report on the functional expression of two PepT2‐type transporters that operate in the same vertebrate organism as a result of (a) gene duplication process(es). Key points Two slc15a2‐type genes, slc15a2a and slc15a2b coding for PepT2‐type peptide transporters were found in the Atlantic salmon. slc15a2a
transcripts, widely distributed in the fish tissues, are abundant in the brain and gills, while slc15a2b transcripts are mainly expressed in the kidney and distal gastrointestinal tract. Amino acids involved in vertebrate Slc15 transport function are conserved in PepT2a and PepT2b proteins. Detailed kinetic analysis indicates that both PepT2a and PepT2b operate as high‐affinity transporters. The kinetic schemes and structures proposed for the mammalian models of PepT2 are suitable to explain the function of the two Atlantic salmon transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vacca
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, Varese, I-21100, Italy
| | - Ana S Gomes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Po. Box 7803, Bergen, NO-5020, Norway
| | - Koji Murashita
- Research Center for Aquaculture Systems, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Minami-ise, Mie, 516-0193, Japan
| | - Raffella Cinquetti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, Varese, I-21100, Italy
| | - Cristina Roseti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, Varese, I-21100, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce, I-73100, Italy
| | - Ivar Rønnestad
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Po. Box 7803, Bergen, NO-5020, Norway
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce, I-73100, Italy
| | - Elena Bossi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, Varese, I-21100, Italy
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Sandra I, Verri T, Filice M, Barca A, Schiavone R, Gattuso A, Cerra MC. Shaping the cardiac response to hypoxia: NO and its partners in teleost fish. Curr Res Physiol 2022; 5:193-202. [PMID: 35434651 PMCID: PMC9010694 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduced availability of dissolved oxygen is a common stressor in aquatic habitats that affects the ability of the heart to ensure tissue oxygen supply. Among key signalling molecules activated during cardiac hypoxic stress, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a central player involved in the related adaptive responses. Here, we outline the role of the nitrergic control in modulating tolerance and adaptation of teleost heart to hypoxia, as well as major molecular players that participate in the complex NO network. The purpose is to provide a framework in which to depict how the heart deals with limitations in oxygen supply. In this perspective, defining the relational interplay between the multiple (sets of) proteins that, due to the gene duplication events that occurred during the teleost fish evolutive radiation, do operate in parallel with similar functions in the (different) heart (districts) and other body districts under low levels of oxygen supply, represents a next goal of the comparative research in teleost fish cardiac physiology. The flexibility of the teleost heart to O2 limitations is illustrated by using cyprinids as hypoxia tolerance models. Major molecular mediators of the teleost cardiac response are discussed with a focus on the nitrergic system. A comparative analysis of gene duplication highlights conserved targets which may orchestrate the cardiac response to hypoxia.
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De Castro F, De Luca E, Girelli CR, Barca A, Romano A, Migoni D, Verri T, Benedetti M, Fanizzi FP. First evidence for N7-Platinated Guanosine derivatives cell uptake mediated by plasma membrane transport processes. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 226:111660. [PMID: 34801970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) belong to a family of compounds widely used in anticancer/antiviral treatments. They generally exhibit a cell toxicity limited by cellular uptake levels and the resulting nucleos(t)ides metabolism modifications, interfering with the cell machinery for nucleic acids synthesis. We previously synthesized purine nucleos(t)ide analogues N7-coordinated to a platinum centre with unaltered sugar moieties of the type: [Pt(dien)(N7-dGuo)]2+ (1; dien = diethylenetriamine; dGuo = 2'-deoxy-guanosine), [Pt(dien)(N7-dGMP)] (2; dGMP = 5'-(2'-deoxy)-guanosine monophosphate), and [Pt(dien)(N7-dGTP)]2- (3; dGTP = 5'-(2'-deoxy)-guanosine triphosphate), where the indicated electric charge is calculated at physiological pH (7.4). In this work, we specifically investigated the uptake of these complexes (1-3) at the plasma membrane level. Specific experiments on HeLa cervical cancer cells indicated a relevant cellular uptake of the model platinated deoxynucleos(t)ide 1 and 3 while complex 2 appeared unable to cross the cell plasma membrane. Obtained data buttress an uptake mechanism involving Na+-dependent concentrative transporters localized at the plasma membrane level. Consistently, 1 and 3 showed higher cytotoxicity with respect to complex 2 also suggesting selective possible applications as antiviral/antitumor drugs among the used model compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica De Castro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Erik De Luca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Chiara Roberta Girelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Romano
- Divisione di Neuroscienze, Istituto di Neurologia Sperimentale, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, I-20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Danilo Migoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Michele Benedetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Francesco Paolo Fanizzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
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Pagliara P, De Benedetto GE, Francavilla M, Barca A, Caroppo C. Bioactive Potential of Two Marine Picocyanobacteria Belonging to Cyanobium and Synechococcus Genera. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102048. [PMID: 34683368 PMCID: PMC8537962 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccoid cyanobacteria produce a great variety of secondary metabolites, which may have useful properties, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulant or anticancer activities. These cyanobacterial metabolites have high ecological significance, and they could be considered responsible for the widespread occurrence of these microorganisms. Considering the great benefit derived from the identification of competent cyanobacteria for the extraction of bioactive compounds, two strains of picocyanobacteria (coccoid cyanobacteria < 3 µm) (Cyanobium sp. ITAC108 and Synechococcus sp. ITAC107) isolated from the Mediterranean sponge Petrosia ficiformis were analyzed. The biological effects of organic and aqueous extracts from these picocyanobacteria toward the nauplii of Artemia salina, sea urchin embryos and human cancer lines (HeLa cells) were evaluated. Methanolic and aqueous extracts from the two strains strongly inhibited larval development; on the contrary, in ethyl acetate and hexane extracts, the percentage of anomalous embryos was low. Moreover, all the extracts of the two strains inhibited HeLa cell proliferation, but methanol extracts exerted the highest activity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis evidenced for the first time the presence of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine and microcystin in these picocyanobacteria. The strong cytotoxic activity observed for aqueous and methanolic extracts of these two cyanobacteria laid the foundation for the production of bioactive compounds of pharmacological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Pagliara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provin-Ciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto
- Laboratory of Analytical and Isotopic Mass Spectrometry, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- National Research Council, Institute of Heritage Sciences (CNR-ISPC), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Matteo Francavilla
- STAR*Facility Centre, Department of Agriculture, Foods, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provin-Ciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Carmela Caroppo
- National Research Council, Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), 74123 Taranto, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (C.C.)
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Castagna M, Cinquetti R, Verri T, Vacca F, Giovanola M, Barca A, Romanazzi T, Roseti C, Galli A, Bossi E. The Lepidopteran KAAT1 and CAATCH1: Orthologs to Understand Structure-Function Relationships in Mammalian SLC6 Transporters. Neurochem Res 2021; 47:111-126. [PMID: 34304372 PMCID: PMC8310414 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To the SLC6 family belong 20 human transporters that utilize the sodium electrochemical gradient to move biogenic amines, osmolytes, amino acids and related compounds into cells. They are classified into two functional groups, the Neurotransmitter transporters (NTT) and Nutrient amino acid transporters (NAT). Here we summarize how since their first cloning in 1998, the insect (Lepidopteran) Orthologs of the SLC6 family transporters have represented very important tools for investigating functional–structural relationships, mechanism of transport, ion and pH dependence and substate interaction of the mammalian (and human) counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Castagna
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cinquetti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesca Vacca
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovanola
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134, Milan, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziana Romanazzi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Cristina Roseti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy.,Research Centre for Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandra Galli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Bossi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy. .,Research Centre for Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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Del Vecchio G, Lai F, Gomes AS, Verri T, Kalananthan T, Barca A, Handeland S, Rønnestad I. Effects of Short-Term Fasting on mRNA Expression of Ghrelin and the Peptide Transporters PepT1 and 2 in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar). Front Physiol 2021; 12:666670. [PMID: 34234687 PMCID: PMC8255630 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.666670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Food intake is a vital process that supplies necessary energy and essential nutrients to the body. Information regarding luminal composition in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) collected through mechanical and nutrient sensing mechanisms are generally conveyed, in both mammals and fish, to the hypothalamic neurocircuits. In this context, ghrelin, the only known hormone with an orexigenic action, and the intestinal peptide transporters 1 and 2, involved in absorption of dietary di- and tripeptides, exert important and also integrated roles for the nutrient uptake. Together, both are potentially involved in signaling pathways that control food intake originating from different segments of the GIT. However, little is known about the role of different paralogs and their response to fasting. Therefore, after 3 weeks of acclimatization, 12 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolt were fasted for 4 days to explore the gastrointestinal response in comparison with fed control (n = 12). The analysis covered morphometric (weight, length, condition factor, and wet content/weight fish %), molecular (gene expression variations), and correlation analyses. Such short-term fasting is a common and recommended practice used prior to any handling in commercial culture of the species. There were no statistical differences in length and weight but a significant lower condition factor in the fasted group. Transcriptional analysis along the gastrointestinal segments revealed a tendency of downregulation for both paralogous genes slc15a1a and slc15a1b and with significant lowered levels in the pyloric ceca for slc15a1a and in the pyloric ceca and midgut for slc15a1b. No differences were found for slc15a2a and slc15a2b (except a higher expression of the fasted group in the anterior midgut), supporting different roles for slc15 paralogs. This represents the first report on the effects of fasting on slc15a2 expressed in GIT in teleosts. Transcriptional analysis of ghrelin splicing variants (ghrl-1 and ghrl-2) showed no difference between treatments. However, correlation analysis showed that the mRNA expression for all genes (restricted to segment with the highest levels) were affected by the residual luminal content. Overall, the results show minimal effects of 4 days of induced fasting in Atlantic salmon, suggesting that more time is needed to initiate a large GIT response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Del Vecchio
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Floriana Lai
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ana S Gomes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Sigurd Handeland
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ivar Rønnestad
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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11
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Filice M, Barca A, Amelio D, Leo S, Mazzei A, Del Vecchio G, Verri T, Cerra MC, Imbrogno S. Morpho-functional remodelling of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) heart in response to waterborne angiotensin II exposure. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 301:113663. [PMID: 33220301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AngII), the principal effector of the Renin-Angiotensin System, is a pluripotent humoral agent whose biological actions include short-term modulations and long-term adaptations. In fish, short-term cardio-tropic effects of AngII are documented, but information on the role of AngII in long-term cardiac remodelling is not fully understood. Here, we describe a direct approach to disclose long-term morpho-functional effects of AngII on the zebrafish heart. Adult fish exposed to waterborne teleost analogue AngII for 8 weeks showed enhanced heart weight and cardio-somatic index, coupled to myocardial structural changes (i.e. augmented compacta thickness and fibrosis), and increased heart rate. These findings were paralleled by an up-regulation of type-1 and type-2 AngII receptors expression, and by changes in the expression of GATA binding protein 4, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 1 and superoxide dismutase 1 soluble mRNAs, as well as of cytochrome b-245 beta polypeptide protein, indicative of cardiac remodelling. Our results suggest that waterborne AngII can sustain and robustly affect the cardiac morpho-functional remodelling of adult zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Filice
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniela Amelio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Serena Leo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Aurora Mazzei
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Del Vecchio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Sandra Imbrogno
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy.
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12
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D'Alò GL, Barbara A, Cerabona V, Barca A, Spiga G, Meledandri M, Napoli M, Di Rosa E. Nose-pharyngeal swabs as a screening test for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with scheduled elective surgery: the experience of the Hygiene Service of the Local Health Authority Roma 1. Ann Ig 2020; 33:393-398. [PMID: 33300941 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2020.2400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The COVID-19 (COrona Virus Disease 2019), due to the SARS-COV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) has been an unprecedented global challenge for the healthcare systems (1).
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Affiliation(s)
- G L D'Alò
- Hygiene Service, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority 1 of Rome, Piazza di Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Lazio Region, Italy
| | - A Barbara
- Hygiene Service, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority 1 of Rome, Piazza di Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Lazio Region, Italy
| | - V Cerabona
- Hygiene Service, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority 1 of Rome, Piazza di Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Lazio Region, Italy
| | - A Barca
- Directorate for Health and Social and Health Care Integration of Lazio Region, Via Rosa Raimondi Garibaldi 7, 00142 Rome, Lazio Region, Italy
| | - G Spiga
- Directorate for Health and Social and Health Care Integration of Lazio Region, Via Rosa Raimondi Garibaldi 7, 00142 Rome, Lazio Region, Italy
| | - M Meledandri
- U.O.C. of Microbiology and Virology, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Via Giovanni Martinotti 20, 00135 Rome, Lazio Region, Italy
| | - M Napoli
- Hygiene Service, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority 1 of Rome, Piazza di Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Lazio Region, Italy
| | - E Di Rosa
- Hygiene Service, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority 1 of Rome, Piazza di Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Lazio Region, Italy
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Scialla S, Palazzo B, Sannino A, Verri T, Gervaso F, Barca A. Evidence of Modular Responsiveness of Osteoblast-Like Cells Exposed to Hydroxyapatite-Containing Magnetic Nanostructures. Biology (Basel) 2020; 9:biology9110357. [PMID: 33113830 PMCID: PMC7692879 DOI: 10.3390/biology9110357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Current research on nanocomposite materials with tailored physical–chemical properties is increasingly advancing in biomedical applications for bone regeneration. In this study, occurrence of differential responsiveness to dextran-grafted iron oxide (DM) nanoparticles and to their hybrid nano-hydroxyapatite (DM/n-HA) counterpart was investigated in human-derived, osteoblast-like cells. Sensitivity of cells in the presence of DMs or DM/n-HAs was evaluated in terms of cytoskeletal dynamics. Remarkably, it was shown that effects triggered by the DM are no more retained when DM is embedded onto DM/n-HA nanocomposites. In parallel, analyses on the expression of genes involved in (a) intracellular signaling pathways triggered by ligands or cell interactions with elements of the extracellular matrix, (b) modulation of processes such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, DNA repair, metabolism changes, and (c) iron homeostasis and absorption through cell membranes, indicated that the DM/n-HA-treated cells retain tracts of physiological responsiveness unlike DM-treated cells. Overall, a shielding effect by the n-HA was assumed (masking the DM’s cytotoxicity), and a modular biomimicry of the DM/n-HA nanocomposites. On these bases, the biocompatibility of n-HA associated to DM’s magnetic responsiveness offer a combination of structural/functional features of these nano-tools for bone tissue engineering, for finely acting within physiological ranges. Abstract The development of nanocomposites with tailored physical–chemical properties, such as nanoparticles containing magnetic iron oxides for manipulating cellular events at distance, implies exciting prospects in biomedical applications for bone tissue regeneration. In this context, this study aims to emphasize the occurrence of differential responsiveness in osteoblast-like cells to different nanocomposites with diverse features: dextran-grafted iron oxide (DM) nanoparticles and their hybrid nano-hydroxyapatite (DM/n-HA) counterpart. Here, responsiveness of cells in the presence of DMs or DM/n-HAs was evaluated in terms of cytoskeletal features. We observed that effects triggered by the DM are no more retained when DM is embedded onto the DM/n-HA nanocomposites. Also, analysis of mRNA level variations of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), P53 and SLC11A2/DMT1 human genes showed that the DM/n-HA-treated cells retain tracts of physiological responsiveness compared to the DM-treated cells. Overall, a shielding effect by the n-HA component can be assumed, masking the DM’s cytotoxic potential, also hinting a modular biomimicry of the nanocomposites respect to the physiological responses of osteoblast-like cells. In this view, the biocompatibility of n-HA together with the magnetic responsiveness of DMs represent an optimized combination of structural with functional features of the DM/n-HA nano-tools for bone tissue engineering, for finely acting within physiological ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scialla
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (B.P.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials—National Research Council, Viale J. F. Kennedy, 54 (Mostra d’Oltremare Pad.20), 80125 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Barbara Palazzo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (B.P.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
- ENEA, Division for Sustainable Materials—Research Centre of Brindisi, 72100 Brindisi, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (B.P.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Francesca Gervaso
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (B.P.); (A.S.); (F.G.)
- CNR Nanotec—Institute of Nanotechnology, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (A.B.)
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Dimida S, Santin M, Verri T, Barca A, Demitri C. Assessment of Cytocompatibility and Anti-Inflammatory (Inter)Actions of Genipin-Crosslinked Chitosan Powders. Biology (Basel) 2020; 9:biology9070159. [PMID: 32650623 PMCID: PMC7407416 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Chitosan is a polysaccharide commonly used, together with its derivatives, in the preparation of hydrogel formulations, scaffolds and films for tissue engineering applications. Chitosan can be used as such, but it is commonly stabilized by means of chemical crosslinkers. Genipin is one of the crosslinkers that has been considered that is a crystalline powder extracted from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides and processed to obtain an aglycon compound. Genipin is gaining interest in biological applications because of its natural origin and anti-inflammatory actions. In this paper, the ability of chitosan-based materials crosslinked with genipin to exert anti-inflammation properties in applications such as bone regeneration was studied. Powders obtained from chitosan–genipin scaffolds have been tested in order to mimic the natural degradation processes occurring during biomaterials implantation in vivo. The results from osteoblast-like cells showed that specific combinations of chitosan and genipin stimulate high permissiveness towards cells, with higher performance than the pure chitosan. In parallel, evidences from monocyte-like cells showed that the crosslinker, genipin, seems to promote slowing of the monocyte-macrophage transition at morphological level. This suggests a sort of modularity of pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory behavior of our chitosan-based biomaterials. Being both the cell types exposed to microscale powders, as an added value our results bring information on the cell–material interactions in the degradative dynamics of chitosan scaffold structures during the physiological resorption processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dimida
- Biomaterial Laboratory, Department of Innovation for Engineering, University of Salento c/o Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Matteo Santin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN24GJ, UK;
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento c/o Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento c/o Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Christian Demitri
- Biomaterial Laboratory, Department of Innovation for Engineering, University of Salento c/o Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (C.D.)
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Gallo N, Lunetti P, Bettini S, Barca A, Madaghiele M, Valli L, Capobianco L, Sannino A, Salvatore L. Assessment of physico-chemical and biological properties of sericin-collagen substrates for PNS regeneration. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2020.1725755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Gallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Simona Bettini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marta Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ludovico Valli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Luca Salvatore
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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16
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Vacca F, Barca A, Gomes AS, Mazzei A, Piccinni B, Cinquetti R, Del Vecchio G, Romano A, Rønnestad I, Bossi E, Verri T. Correction to: The peptide transporter 1a of the zebrafish Danio rerio, an emerging model in nutrigenomics and nutrition research: molecular characterization, functional properties, and expression analysis. Genes Nutr 2020; 15:3. [PMID: 32047571 PMCID: PMC7006059 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-020-0661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vacca
- 1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Ana S Gomes
- 3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Aurora Mazzei
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Piccinni
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.,Present address: Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Nardò Hospital, Nardò Health and Social Care District, Lecce Local Health Agency, I-73048 Nardò, Lecce, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cinquetti
- 1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Del Vecchio
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Romano
- 5Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, I-20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ivar Rønnestad
- 3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elena Bossi
- 1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
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Gallo L, Madaghiele M, Salvatore L, Barca A, Scialla S, Bettini S, Valli L, Verri T, Bucalá V, Sannino A. Integration of PLGA Microparticles in Collagen-Based Matrices: Tunable Scaffold Properties and Interaction Between Microparticles and Human Epithelial-Like Cells. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2018.1552857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L.C. Gallo
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Pilot Plant of Chemical Engineering, PLAPIQUI (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - M. Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - L. Salvatore
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - A. Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S. Scialla
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S. Bettini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - L. Valli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - T. Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - V. Bucalá
- Pilot Plant of Chemical Engineering, PLAPIQUI (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - A. Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Gomes AS, Vacca F, Cinquetti R, Murashita K, Barca A, Bossi E, Rønnestad I, Verri T. Identification and characterization of the Atlantic salmon peptide transporter 1a. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C191-C204. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00360.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) mediates the uptake of dietary di-/tripeptides in vertebrates. However, in teleost fish gut, more than one PepT1-type transporter might operate, because of teleost-specific whole gen(om)e duplication event(s) that occurred during evolution. Here, we describe a novel teleost di-/tripeptide transporter, i.e., the Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) peptide transporter 1a [PepT1a; or solute carrier family 15 member 1a (Slc15a1a)], which is a paralog (77% similarity and 64% identity at the amino acid level) of the well-described Atlantic salmon peptide transporter 1b [PepT1b, alias PepT1; or solute carrier family 15 member 1b (Slc15a1b)]. Comparative analysis and evolutionary relationships of gene/protein sequences were conducted after ad hoc database mining. Tissue mRNA expression analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR, whereas transport function analysis was accomplished by heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two-electrode voltage-clamp measurements. Atlantic salmon pept1a is highly expressed in the proximal intestine (pyloric ceca ≈ anterior midgut > midgut >> posterior midgut), in the same gut regions as pept1b but notably ~5-fold less abundant. Like PepT1b, Atlantic salmon PepT1a is a low‐affinity/high‐capacity system. Functional analysis showed electrogenic, Na+-independent/pH-dependent transport and apparent substrate affinity ( K0.5) values for Gly-Gln of 1.593 mmol/L at pH 7.6 and 0.076 mmol/L at pH 6.5. In summary, we show that a piscine PepT1a-type transporter is functional. Defining the role of Atlantic salmon PepT1a in the gut will help to understand the evolutionary and functional relationships among peptide transporters. Its functional characterization will contribute to elucidate the relevance of peptide transporters in Atlantic salmon nutritional physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. Gomes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Francesca Vacca
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cinquetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Koji Murashita
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Research Center for Aquaculture Systems, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Tamaki, Japan
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elena Bossi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Ivar Rønnestad
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Vacca F, Barca A, Gomes AS, Mazzei A, Piccinni B, Cinquetti R, Del Vecchio G, Romano A, Rønnestad I, Bossi E, Verri T. The peptide transporter 1a of the zebrafish Danio rerio, an emerging model in nutrigenomics and nutrition research: molecular characterization, functional properties, and expression analysis. Genes Nutr 2019; 14:33. [PMID: 31890051 PMCID: PMC6923934 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-019-0657-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Peptide transporter 1 (PepT1, alias Slc15a1) mediates the uptake of dietary di/tripeptides in all vertebrates. However, in teleost fish, more than one PepT1-type transporter might function, due to specific whole genome duplication event(s) that occurred during their evolution leading to a more complex paralogue gene repertoire than in higher vertebrates (tetrapods). Results Here, we describe a novel di/tripeptide transporter in the zebrafish (Danio rerio), i.e., the zebrafish peptide transporter 1a (PepT1a; also known as Solute carrier family 15 member a1, Slc15a1a), which is a paralogue (78% similarity, 62% identity at the amino acid level) of the previously described zebrafish peptide transporter 1b (PepT1b, alias PepT1; also known as Solute carrier family 15 member 1b, Slc15a1b). Also, we report a basic analysis of the pept1a (slc15a1a) mRNA expression levels in zebrafish adult tissues/organs and embryonic/early larval developmental stages. As assessed by expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two-electrode voltage clamp measurements, zebrafish PepT1a, as PepT1b, is electrogenic, Na+-independent, and pH-dependent and functions as a low-affinity system, with K0.5 values for Gly-Gln at − 60 mV of 6.92 mmol/L at pH 7.6 and 0.24 mmol/L at pH 6.5 and at − 120 mV of 3.61 mmol/L at pH 7.6 and 0.45 mmol/L at pH 6.5. Zebrafish pept1a mRNA is highly expressed in the intestine and ovary of the adult fish, while its expression in early development undergoes a complex trend over time, with pept1a mRNA being detected 1 and 2 days post-fertilization (dpf), possibly due to its occurrence in the RNA maternal pool, decreasing at 3 dpf (~ 0.5-fold) and increasing above the 1–2 dpf levels at 4 to 7 dpf, with a peak (~ 7-fold) at 6 dpf. Conclusions We show that the zebrafish PepT1a-type transporter is functional and co-expressed with pept1b (slc15a1b) in the adult fish intestine. Its expression is also confirmed during the early phases of development when the yolk syncytial layer is present and yolk protein resorption processes are active. While completing the missing information on PepT1-type transporters function in the zebrafish, these results open to future investigations on the similar/differential role(s) of PepT1a/PepT1b in zebrafish and teleost fish physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vacca
- 1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Ana S Gomes
- 3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Aurora Mazzei
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Piccinni
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.,Present address: Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Nardò Hospital, Nardò Health and Social Care District, Lecce Local Health Agency, I-73048 Nardò, Lecce Italy
| | - Raffaella Cinquetti
- 1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Del Vecchio
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Romano
- 5Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, I-20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ivar Rønnestad
- 3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elena Bossi
- 1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- 2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
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20
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Scalera F, Palazzo B, Barca A, Gervaso F. Sintering of magnesium‐strontium doped hydroxyapatite nanocrystals: Towards the production of 3D biomimetic bone scaffolds. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 108:633-644. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Palazzo
- Ghimas S.p.A. Distretto Tecnologico High Tech Scarl Lecce Italy
- ENEA Photonics Micro and Nano‐Structures Laboratory Frascati Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA) University of Salento Lecce Italy
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21
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Fichi G, Naef V, Barca A, Longo G, Fronte B, Verri T, Santorelli FM, Marchese M, Petruzzella V. Fishing in the Cell Powerhouse: Zebrafish as A Tool for Exploration of Mitochondrial Defects Affecting the Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102409. [PMID: 31096646 PMCID: PMC6567007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a small vertebrate ideally suited to the modeling of human diseases. Large numbers of genetic alterations have now been modeled and could be used to study organ development by means of a genetic approach. To date, limited attention has been paid to the possible use of the zebrafish toolbox in studying human mitochondrial disorders affecting the nervous system. Here, we review the pertinent scientific literature discussing the use of zebrafish in modeling gene mutations involved in mitochondria-related neurological human diseases. A critical analysis of the literature suggests that the zebrafish not only lends itself to exploration of the pathological consequences of mitochondrial energy output on the nervous system but could also serve as an attractive platform for future drugs in an as yet untreatable category of human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Fichi
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56028 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Valentina Naef
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56028 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | | | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56028 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Vittoria Petruzzella
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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22
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Gomes AS, Rønnestad I, Murashita K, Vacca F, Cinquetti R, Barca A, Aksnes A, Bossi E, Verri T. Comparative Characterization of the Atlantic salmon,
Salmo salar
L., Di/Tripeptide Transporters PepT1a and PepT1b. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.729.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Koji Murashita
- Biological SciencesUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Research Center for Aquaculture Systems, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Japan Fisheries Research and Education AgencyMieJapan
| | - Francesca Vacca
- Biotechnology and Life SciencesUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
| | | | - Amilcare Barca
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of SalentoLecceItaly
| | | | - Elena Bossi
- Biotechnology and Life SciencesUniversity of InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of SalentoLecceItaly
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23
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Scialla S, Barca A, Palazzo B, D'Amora U, Russo T, Gloria A, De Santis R, Verri T, Sannino A, Ambrosio L, Gervaso F. Bioactive chitosan‐based scaffolds with improved properties induced by dextran‐grafted nano‐maghemite and
l
‐arginine amino acid. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 107:1244-1252. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scialla
- Department of Engineering for InnovationUniversity of Salento Lecce Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- General Physiology Laboratories, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of Salento Lecce Italy
| | - Barbara Palazzo
- Department of Engineering for InnovationUniversity of Salento Lecce Italy
- Ghimas S.p.A., c/o Dhitech Scarl, Campus Ecotekne Lecce Italy
| | - Ugo D'Amora
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and BiomaterialsNational Research Council Naples Italy
| | - Teresa Russo
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and BiomaterialsNational Research Council Naples Italy
| | - Antonio Gloria
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and BiomaterialsNational Research Council Naples Italy
| | - Roberto De Santis
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and BiomaterialsNational Research Council Naples Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- General Physiology Laboratories, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of Salento Lecce Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for InnovationUniversity of Salento Lecce Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and BiomaterialsNational Research Council Naples Italy
| | - Francesca Gervaso
- Department of Engineering for InnovationUniversity of Salento Lecce Italy
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24
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Barca A, Ippati S, Urso E, Vetrugno C, Storelli C, Maffia M, Romano A, Verri T. Carnosine modulates the Sp1-Slc31a1/Ctr1 copper-sensing system and influences copper homeostasis in murine CNS-derived cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 316:C235-C245. [PMID: 30485136 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00106.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (CAR) is an endogenous dipeptide physiologically present in excitable tissues, such as central nervous system (CNS) and muscle. CAR is acknowledged as a substrate involved in many homeostatic pathways and mechanisms and, due to its biochemical properties, as a molecule intertwined with the homeostasis of heavy metals such as copper (Cu). In CNS, Cu excess and dysregulation imply oxidative stress, free-radical production, and functional impairment leading to neurodegeneration. Here, we report that CAR intercepts the regulatory routes of Cu homeostasis in nervous cells and tissues. Specifically, in a murine neuron-derived cell model, i.e., the B104 neuroblastoma cells, extracellular CAR exposure up to 24 h influenced intracellular Cu entry and affected (downregulated) the key Cu-sensing system, consisting of the gene coding for the Slc31a1 transmembrane Cu importer (alias Ctr1), and the gene coding for the Cu-responsive transcription factor Sp1 ( Sp1). Also, CAR exposure upregulated CAR biosynthesis ( Carns1), extracellular degradation ( Cndp1), and transport ( Slc15a4, alias Pht1) genes and elicited CAR intracellular accumulation, contributing to the outline of functional association between CAR and Cu within the cell. Interestingly, the same gene modulation scheme acting in vitro operates in vivo in brains of mice undergoing dietary administration of CAR in drinking water for 2 wk. Overall, our findings describe for the first time a regulatory interaction between CAR and Cu pathways in CNS and indicate CAR as a novel active molecule within the network of ligands and chaperones that physiologically regulate Cu homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcare Barca
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
| | - Stefania Ippati
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
| | - Emanuela Urso
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
| | - Carla Vetrugno
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
| | - Carlo Storelli
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
| | - Michele Maffia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
| | - Alessandro Romano
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology and Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan , Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento , Lecce , Italy
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25
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Barca A, Gatti F, Spagnolo D, Ippati S, Vetrugno C, Verri T. Responsiveness of Carnosine Homeostasis Genes in the Pancreas and Brain of Streptozotocin-Treated Mice Exposed to Dietary Carnosine. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061713. [PMID: 29890740 PMCID: PMC6032234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In excitable tissues, the endogenous dipeptide carnosine (CAR, β-Ala-l-His) sustains homeostatic responses to various challenges. By eliciting hypoglycemic effects via actions on the autonomic nervous system and protection of pancreatic beta-cells, CAR is also relevant in diabetes. We investigated the expression of genes involved in CAR biosynthesis, degradation, and membrane transport pathways, in the pancreas and brains of mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and then exposed to dietary CAR. We induced hyperglycemia by STZ intraperitoneal injections; then, STZ-treated mice received drinking water with or without CAR for two weeks. We report that CAR administration elicits beneficial effects on blood glucose levels and weight loss in STZ-treated mice and, remarkably, on the insulin gene products in the pancreas, preserving gene expression from STZ challenge. Also, we describe mRNA downregulation of the Slc15a2/Pept2 (dipeptide transporter) and Cndp2 (intracellular dipeptidase) genes in the pancreas of hyperglycemic mice, and dysregulation of Carns1 (CAR synthase), Pept2 and Cndp2 in brains; interestingly, dietary CAR elicits counteracting effects. These expression patterns associate with variations of CAR content in tissues of mice. Overall, our report suggests a direct role of CAR in the diabetes-affected pancreas and in the diabetes-targeted CNS, proposing (dys)regulation of CAR’s homeostasis as a marker condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcare Barca
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Francesca Gatti
- K.G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Daniela Spagnolo
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Stefania Ippati
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Department of Neuroscience, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Carla Vetrugno
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Verri
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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26
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Muscella A, Vetrugno C, Cossa LG, Antonaci G, Barca A, De Pascali SA, Fanizzi FP, Marsigliante S. Correction: Apoptosis by [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] requires PKC-δ mediated p53 activation in malignant pleural mesothelioma. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193030. [PMID: 29432478 PMCID: PMC5809079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181114.].
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27
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Barca A, Vacca F, Vizioli J, Drago F, Vetrugno C, Verri T, Pagliara P. Molecular and expression analysis of the Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) in the coelomocytes of the common sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2017; 71:136-143. [PMID: 28986218 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.09.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) is a highly conserved gene involved in inflammation, cloned and characterized in several evolutionary distant animal species. Here, we report the molecular identification, characterization and expression of AIF-1 from the common sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. In this species, AIF-1 encodes a predicted 151 amino acid protein with high similarity to vertebrate AIF-1 proteins. Immunocytochemical analyses on coelomocytes reveal localization of the AIF-1 protein in amoebocytes (perinuclear cytoplasmic zone) and red sphaerulocytes (inside granules), but not in vibratile cells and colorless sphaerula cells. The significant increase of AIF-1 expression (mRNA and protein) found in the coelomocytes of the sea urchin after Gram + bacterial challenge suggests the involvement of AIF-1 in the inflammatory response. Our analysis on P. lividus AIF-1 contributes to elucidate AIF-1 function along the evolutionary scale and consolidate the key evolutionary position of echinoderms throughout metazoans with respect to the common immune paths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcare Barca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università Del Salento, Complesso Ecotekne Pal. A, Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Francesca Vacca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università Del Salento, Complesso Ecotekne Pal. A, Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Vizioli
- Laboratoire PRISM (Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire, Spectrométrie de Masse), INSERM U1192 Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Bât. SN3, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve D'Ascq, France.
| | - Francesco Drago
- Laboratoire PRISM (Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire, Spectrométrie de Masse), INSERM U1192 Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Bât. SN3, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve D'Ascq, France.
| | - Carla Vetrugno
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università Del Salento, Complesso Ecotekne Pal. A, Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università Del Salento, Complesso Ecotekne Pal. A, Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Pagliara
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università Del Salento, Complesso Ecotekne Pal. A, Via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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28
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Scialla S, Palazzo B, Barca A, Carbone L, Fiore A, Monteduro AG, Maruccio G, Sannino A, Gervaso F. Simplified preparation and characterization of magnetic hydroxyapatite-based nanocomposites. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2017; 76:1166-1174. [PMID: 28482482 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Authors aimed to provide a magnetic responsiveness to bone-mimicking nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA). For this purpose, dextran-grafted iron oxide nanoarchitectures (DM) were synthesized by a green-friendly and scalable alkaline co-precipitation method at room temperature and used to functionalize n-HA crystals. Different amounts of DM hybrid structures were added into the nanocomposites (DM/n-HA 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1weight ratio) which were investigated through extensive physicochemical (XRD, ICP, TGA and Zeta-potential), microstructural (TEM and DLS), magnetic (VSM) and biological analyses (MTT proliferation assay). X-ray diffraction patterns have confirmed the n-HA formation in the presence of DM as a co-reagent. Furthermore, the addition of DM during the synthesis does not affect the primary crystallite domains of DM/n-HA nanocomposites. DM/n-HAs have shown a rising of the magnetic moment values by increasing DM content up to 2:1 ratio. However, the magnetic moment value recorded in the DM/n-HA 3:1 do not further increase showing a saturation behaviour. The cytocompatibility of the DM/n-HA was evaluated with respect to the MG63 osteoblast-like cell line. Proliferation assays revealed that viability, carried out in the absence of external magnetic field, was not affected by the amount of DM employed. Interestingly, assays also suggested that the DM/n-HA nanocomposites exhibit a possible shielding effect with respect to the anti-proliferative activity induced by the DM particles alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scialla
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Barbara Palazzo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Ghimas S.p.A., c/o Dhitech S.c.a.r.l., Campus Ecotekne, Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- General Physiology Laboratory, DiSTeBA Department, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Angela Fiore
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Anna Grazia Monteduro
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maruccio
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesca Gervaso
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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29
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Sisto M, Barca A, Lofrumento DD, Lisi S. Downstream activation of NF-κB in the EDA-A1/EDAR signalling in Sjögren's syndrome and its regulation by the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20. Clin Exp Immunol 2016; 184:183-96. [PMID: 26724675 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease and the second most common chronic systemic rheumatic disorder. Prevalence of primary SS in the general population has been estimated to be approximately 1-3%, whereas secondary SS has been observed in 10-20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma. Despite this, its exact aetiology and pathogenesis are largely unexplored. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling mechanisms provide central controls in SS, but how these pathways intersect the pathological features of this disease is unclear. The ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 (tumour necrosis factor-α-induced protein 3, TNFAIP3) serves as a critical inhibitor on NF-κB signalling. In humans, polymorphisms in the A20 gene or a deregulated expression of A20 are often associated with several inflammatory disorders, including SS. Because A20 controls the ectodysplasin-A1 (EDA-A1)/ectodysplasin receptor (EDAR) signalling negatively, and the deletion of A20 results in excessive EDA1-induced NF-κB signalling, this work investigates the expression levels of EDA-A1 and EDAR in SS human salivary glands epithelial cells (SGEC) and evaluates the hypothesis that SS SGEC-specific deregulation of A20 results in excessive EDA1-induced NF-κB signalling in SS. Our approach, which combines the use of siRNA-mediated gene silencing and quantitative pathway analysis, was used to elucidate the role of the A20 target gene in intracellular EDA-A1/EDAR/NF-κB pathway in SS SGEC, holding significant promise for compound selection in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sisto
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - A Barca
- Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Section of Lecce), Milan, Italy
| | - D D Lofrumento
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S Lisi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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30
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Bozzini B, Barca A, Bogani F, Boniardi M, Carlino P, Mele C, Verri T, Romano A. Electrodeposition of nanostructured bioactive hydroxyapatite-heparin composite coatings on titanium for dental implant applications. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2014; 25:1425-1434. [PMID: 24619574 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-014-5186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we describe the one-pot fabrication of hydroxyapatite (HA)-heparin composites by electrodeposition onto Ti substrates and their characterisation in terms of structure, morphology, heparin content and bioactivity. HA coatings are well known and widely applied osteointegration enhancers, but post-implant healing rate in dental applications is still suboptimal: e.g. coagulation control plays a key role and the incorporation of an anticoagulant is considered a highly desirable option. In this study, we have developed an improved, simple and robust growth procedure for single-phase, pure HA-heparin films of thickness 1/3 μm. HA-heparin, forming nanowires, has the ideal morphology for bone mineralisation. Staining assays revealed homogeneous incorporation of sizable amounts of heparin in the composite films. The bioactivities of the HA and HA-heparin coatings on Ti were compared by HeLa cell proliferation/viability tests and found to be enhanced by the presence of the anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Bozzini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Università del Salento, via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy,
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31
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Romano A, Barca A, Storelli C, Verri T. Teleost fish models in membrane transport research: the PEPT1(SLC15A1) H+-oligopeptide transporter as a case study. J Physiol 2013; 592:881-97. [PMID: 23981715 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.259622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genes for passive, ion-coupled transporters and exchangers are included in the so-called solute carrier (SLC) gene series, to date consisting of 52 families and 398 genes. Teleost fish genes for SLC proteins have also been described in the last two decades, and catalogued in preliminary SLC-like form in 50 families and at least 338 genes after systematic GenBank database mining (December 2010-March 2011). When the kinetic properties of the expressed proteins are studied in detail, teleost fish SLC transporters always reveal extraordinary 'molecular diversity' with respect to the mammalian counterparts, which reflects peculiar adaptation of the protein to the physiology of the species and/or to the environment where the species lives. In the case of the H+ -oligopeptide transporter PEPT1(SLC15A1), comparative analysis of diverse teleost fish orthologs has shown that the protein may exhibit very eccentric properties in terms of pH dependence (e.g., the adaptation of zebrafish PEPT1 to alkaline pH), temperature dependence (e.g., the adaptation of icefish PEPT1 to sub-zero temperatures) and/or substrate specificity (e.g., the species-specificity of PEPT1 for the uptake of l-lysine-containing peptides). The revelation of such peculiarities is providing new contributions to the discussion on PEPT1 in both basic (e.g., molecular structure-function analyses) and applied research (e.g., optimizing diets to enhance growth of commercially valuable fish).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Romano
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
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Romano A, Tessa A, Barca A, Fattori F, de Leva MF, Terracciano A, Storelli C, Santorelli FM, Verri T. Comparative analysis and functional mapping of SACS mutations reveal novel insights into sacsin repeated architecture. Hum Mutat 2013; 34:525-37. [PMID: 23280630 PMCID: PMC3629688 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neurological disease with mutations in SACS, encoding sacsin, a multidomain protein of 4,579 amino acids. The large size of SACS and its translated protein has hindered biochemical analysis of ARSACS, and how mutant sacsins lead to disease remains largely unknown. Three repeated sequences, called sacsin repeating region (SRR) supradomains, have been recognized, which contribute to sacsin chaperone-like activity. We found that the three SRRs are much larger (≥1,100 residues) than previously described, and organized in discrete subrepeats. We named the large repeated regions Sacsin Internal RePeaTs (SIRPT1, SIRPT2, and SIRPT3) and the subrepeats sr1, sr2, sr3, and srX. Comparative analysis of vertebrate sacsins in combination with fine positional mapping of a set of human mutations revealed that sr1, sr2, sr3, and srX are functional. Notably, the position of the pathogenic mutations in sr1, sr2, sr3, and srX appeared to be related to the severity of the clinical phenotype, as assessed by defining a severity scoring system. Our results suggest that the relative position of mutations in subrepeats will variably influence sacsin dysfunction. The characterization of the specific role of each repeated region will help in developing a comprehensive and integrated pathophysiological model of function for sacsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Romano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Aloisi A, Barca A, Romano A, Guerrieri S, Storelli C, Rinaldi R, Verri T. Anti-aggregating effect of the naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine on aβ1-42 fibril formation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68159. [PMID: 23844165 PMCID: PMC3700870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide abundant in the central nervous system, where by acting as intracellular pH buffering molecule, Zn/Cu ion chelator, antioxidant and anti-crosslinking agent, it exerts a well-recognized multi-protective homeostatic function for neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Carnosine seems to counteract proteotoxicity and protein accumulation in neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, its direct impact on the dynamics of AD-related fibril formation remains uninvestigated. We considered the effects of carnosine on the formation of fibrils/aggregates of the amyloidogenic peptide fragment Aβ1-42, a major hallmark of AD injury. Atomic force microscopy and thioflavin T assays showed inhibition of Aβ1-42 fibrillogenesis in vitro and differences in the aggregation state of Aβ1-42 small pre-fibrillar structures (monomers and small oligomers) in the presence of carnosine. in silico molecular docking supported the experimental data, calculating possible conformational carnosine/Aβ1-42 interactions. Overall, our results suggest an effective role of carnosine against Aβ1-42 aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Aloisi
- National Nanotechnology Laboratory (NNL) of Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto Nanoscienze Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Romano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Sara Guerrieri
- National Nanotechnology Laboratory (NNL) of Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto Nanoscienze Lecce, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Carlo Storelli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Rosaria Rinaldi
- National Nanotechnology Laboratory (NNL) of Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – Istituto Nanoscienze Lecce, Lecce, Italy
- Mathematics and Physics “E. De Giorgi” Department, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Romano A, Barca A, Kottra G, Daniel H, Storelli C, Verri T. Functional expression of SLC15 peptide transporters in rat thyroid follicular cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 315:174-81. [PMID: 19913073 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptide transport and expression of SoLute Carrier 15 (SLC15) peptide transporters was assessed in rat thyroid tissue and a rat thyroid cell line (PC Cl3 cells). Peptide transport was studied by monitoring the uptake of the fluorophore-conjugated dipeptide beta-Ala-Lys-N(epsilon)-7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin-3-acetic acid (Ala-Lys-AMCA). Expression of SLC15-specific mRNA transcripts was analyzed by RT-PCR. Of the two SLC15 transporters expressed in thyroid follicular cells, namely PEPT2 (SLC15A2) and PHT1 (SLC15A4), only PEPT2 was involved in peptide transport at the plasma membrane, with PHT1 most likely being intracellular. Interestingly, at the mRNA level PEPT2 was up-regulated under TSH stimulation. These findings represent the first evidence that peptide transport occurs in thyroid follicular cells. SLC15 transporters could participate to recycling of peptides derived from extracellular and lysosomal thyroglobulin proteolysis, both essential steps for thyroid hormone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Romano
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
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Federici A, Consolante CA, Barca A, Baiocchi D, Borgia P, Marzolini L, Guasticchi G. [Risk management in a regional screening program for breast cancer in the region of Lazio, Italy]. Ann Ig 2006; 18:467-79. [PMID: 17228605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In the Lazio Region, it has been put into effect a plan of clinical Risk Management for the Breast Cancer Screening Regional Program (BCSP), involving all of the 12 Local Health Units and the Public Health Agency of Lazio (ASP). Being the BCSP a health care service, it consists of a perfect integration of health care structures, professionals and skills working for the citizens. This program originates from an unexpressed health need and leads to a evidence-based health benefit. The BCSP provides free breast screening for 700,000 women aged between 50 and 69 in the Lazio region; the Public Health Agency carries out the clinical governance of the BCSP The prevention of errors and incidents represents a fundamental basis of governance: it is a contribution to the achievement of efficacy in breast cancer screening. The BCSP deals with screening incidents from a systemic point of view and actively involves several Local Health Units staff going through each step of the whole patient's clinical path, from the identification of the target population, to the oncological treatment of positive cases. The programme is an integration of different tools: literature research, process analysis using the HFMEA methodology and reporting system. The results reached so far are the following: the regional severity rating scale, the regional Master-List of possible adverse events, occurrence and detection rating scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Federici
- Agenzia di Sanità Pubblica della Regione Lazio, Roma
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Romano A, Kottra G, Barca A, Tiso N, Maffia M, Argenton F, Daniel H, Storelli C, Verri T. High-affinity peptide transporter PEPT2 (SLC15A2) of the zebrafish Danio rerio: functional properties, genomic organization, and expression analysis. Physiol Genomics 2005; 24:207-17. [PMID: 16317081 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00227.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier 15 (SLC15) membrane proteins PEPT1 (SLC15A1) and PEPT2 (SLC15A2) have been described in great detail in mammals. In contrast, information in lower vertebrates is limited. We characterized the functional properties of a novel zebrafish peptide transporter orthologous to mammalian and avian PEPT2, described its gene (pept2) structure, and determined mRNA tissue distribution. An expressed sequence tag (EST) cDNA (Integrated Molecular Analysis of Gene Expression; IMAGE) corresponding to zebrafish pept2 was completed by inserting a stretch of 75 missing nucleotides in the coding sequence to obtain a 3,238-bp functional clone. The complete open reading frame (ORF) was 2,160 bp and encoded a 719-amino acid protein. Electrophysiological analysis after cRNA injection in Xenopus laevis oocytes suggested that zebrafish PEPT2 is a high-affinity/low-capacity transporter (K(0.5) for glycyl-L-glutamine approximately 18 microM at -120 mV and pH 7.5). Zebrafish pept2 gene was 19,435 kb, thus being the shortest vertebrate pept2 fully characterized so far. Also, zebrafish pept2 exhibited 23 exons and 22 introns, whereas human and rodent pept2 genes contain 22 exons and 21 introns only. Zebrafish pept2 mRNA was mainly detected in brain, kidney, gut, and, interestingly, otic vesicle, the embryonic structure that develops into the auditory/vestibular organ, homolog to the higher vertebrate inner ear, of the adult fish. Characterization of zebrafish pept2 will contribute to the investigation of peptide transporters using a well-established genetic model and will allow the elucidation of the evolutionary and functional relationships among vertebrate peptide transporters. Moreover, it can represent a useful marker to screen mutations that affect choroid plexus and inner ear development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Romano
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
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Michelozzi P, Kirchmayer U, Capon A, Forastiere F, Biggeri A, Barca A, Ancona C, Fusco D, Sperati A, Papini P, Pierangelini A, Rondelli R, Perucci CA. [Leukemia mortality and incidence of infantile leukemia near the Vatican Radio Station of Rome]. Epidemiol Prev 2001; 25:249-55. [PMID: 11878150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Some recent epidemiological studies suggest an association between lymphatic and haematopoietic cancers and residential exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz-300 GHz) generated by radio and television transmitters. Vatican Radio, a very powerful radio station transmitting all over the world (up to 600 kW) is located in Santa Maria di Galeria, in the northern suburbs of the city of Rome. Electric field measurements in the proximity of the radio station ranged between 1.5 and 25 V/m. In the 10 km area around the station, with 60.182 residents (1999), leukaemia mortality among adults (> 14 years, 40 cases) in the period 1987-98 and childhood leukaemia incidence in the period 1987-99 (8 cases) were evaluated. The analysis (Stone's conditional test) was performed computing observed and expected cases (reference: population of Rome) in 5 bands of increasing radius (2 km width). The risk of childhood leukaemia was higher than expected within 6 km from the station (Standardized Incidence Ratio = 217; 95% Confidence Interval 99-405). Stone's test showed a significant decrease in risk with increasing distance both for male adult mortality (p-value = 0.03) and for childhood incidence (p-value = 0.04). A Score test, showed a significant decrease in risk of childhood incidence as function of the distance. The main limitations of this study are the small number of observed cases and the use of distance as a proxy for RF exposure. Further research will require a systematic campaign of electromagnetic field measurements to allow better assessment of the population exposure.
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Michelozzi P, Forastiere F, Perucci CA, Fusco D, Barca A, Spadea T. [Acute effects of air pollution in Rome]. Ann Ist Super Sanita 2001; 36:297-304. [PMID: 11293299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Two time-series studies, aimed at evaluating the acute health effect of air pollution among Rome inhabitants, were carried out. In the first study the correlation between daily mortality (1992 to 1995) and daily concentrations of five air pollutants (particles, SO2, NO2, CO, O3) was analyzed. In the second study the association between daily levels of the same pollutants and hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular disease (1995-97) was evaluated. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between pollutant levels and health effect variables; the models included smooth functions of day of study, mean temperature, mean humidity and indicator variables for day of the week and holidays. Daily total mortality was associated with particle average concentration on that day and with NO2 levels of one or two days before. Hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease were positively correlated to particles, SO2, NO2, e CO. Hospital admissions for respiratory disease were associated with NO2 and CO levels of the same day and of two days before among children (0-14 years) and among adults (15-64 years). Increments of ozone were associated with increments of total respiratory and of acute respiratory diseases in children (0-14 years).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Michelozzi
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico della Regione Lazio, Roma
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Gomez MJ, Maras B, Barca A, La Valle R, Barra D, Cassone A. Biochemical and immunological characterization of MP65, a major mannoprotein antigen of the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Infect Immun 2000; 68:694-701. [PMID: 10639435 PMCID: PMC97194 DOI: 10.1128/iai.68.2.694-701.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search of the antigenic determinants of a 65-kDa mannoprotein (MP65) of Candida albicans, tryptic fragments of immunoaffinity-purified MP65 preparations were tested for their ability to induce lymphoproliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Five major peptides (T1 to T5) were shown to induce a vigorous proliferation of PBMC from the majority of the eight healthy human subjects tested. With the use of synthetic peptides, critical amino acid sequences of the two most immunoactive (T1 and T2) peptides were determined. Similar to what was found for the MP65 molecule, no PBMC multiplication was induced by the antigenic peptides in cultures of naive cord blood cells. The amino acid sequence analysis of tryptic and chymotryptic peptides of MP65 demonstrated a substantial homology with the deduced sequences of two cell wall proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encoded by the genes YRM305C and YGR279C. However, the antigenic peptides were those showing the least similarity with the corresponding regions of the above proteins. In particular, the lymphoproliferation-inducing sequence of the T1 peptide scored only 20% identity with the homologous regions of S. cerevisiae proteins. Besides disclosing the amino acid sequence of MP65, this study provides an initial characterization of some of its antigenic determinants, as well as of synthetic peptides of potential use to detect specific immune responses against MP65, a major target of anticandidal cell-mediated immunity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gomez
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Medical Mycology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
In this paper, the molecular interactions in isolated mammalian nuclei of three ruthenium complexes, which are putative antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents effective in reducing metastatic tumours in vivo, have been investigated and compared with the well-known antitumour drug CDDP (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum). The compounds studied are: Natrans-RuCl4(DMSO)Imidazole (NAMI), Natrans-RuCl4(DMSO)Oxazole (NAOX) and Natrans-RuCl4(TMSO)- Isoquinoline (TEQU). This study shows that the drugs bind to DNA but induce few, if any, DNA interstrand crosslinks, which are considered as the main biological lesions involved in the cytotoxic activity of several already known antitumour drugs, whilst in the same experimental conditions, CDDP is confirmed to induce them. On the other hand, proteins appear to be an important target in the cell for these drugs, since proteins-DNA crosslinks are shown to be induced by the complexes. Moreover, we investigated Ru complexes for their direct cytotoxicity on V79 cells in culture, showing that two of them (NAMI and NAOX) do not significantly reduce the cloning efficiency of the cells even at concentrations as high as 2-3 mg/ml: only TEQU both reduces cloning efficiency and induces a significant number of mutants in V79 cells in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Barca
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Chimica delle Macromolecole, Università di Trieste, Via L. Giogieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
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Vaccaro AM, Tatti M, Ciaffoni F, Salvioli R, Barca A, Scerch C. Effect of saposins A and C on the enzymatic hydrolysis of liposomal glucosylceramide. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:16862-7. [PMID: 9201993 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.27.16862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The degradation of glucosylceramide in lysosomes is accomplished by glucosylceramidase with the assistance of, at least, another protein, saposin C (Sap C), which is generated from a large precursor together with three other similar proteins, saposins A, B, and D. In the present study, we have examined the effects of saposins on the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosylceramide inserted in large and small phospholipid liposomes. The glucosylceramide contained in large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) was degraded by glucosylceramidase at a rate 7-8-fold lower than glucosylceramide inserted in small unilamellar vesicles (SUV). The separate addition of either Sap A or Sap C to the LUV system partially stimulated the sphingolipid degradation while saposins B and D had no effect. In the presence of both Sap A and Sap C, the rate of sphingolipid degradation was higher than the sum of the rates with the two saposins individually, indicating synergism in their actions. The stimulatory effect of the two saposins depended on the incorporation of an acidic phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine (PS) into LUV. The characteristics of glucosylceramidase activation by Sap C were different from those of Sap A. Sap C increased the rate of hydrolysis of both the artificial water soluble substrate, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and the lipid substrate, glucosylceramide, while Sap A only stimulated degradation of the sphingolipid. Also the binding properties of Saps A and C were markedly different. At acidic pH values, Sap C bound to PS-containing LUV and promoted the association of glucosylceramidase with the membrane. In contrast, Sap A had poor affinity for the membrane even in the presence of glucosylceramide; moreover, Sap A did not potentiate the capacity of Sap C to mediate glucosylceramidase binding. In conclusion, our results show that both Sap A and Sap C are required for maximal hydrolysis of glucosylceramide inserted in PS-containing LUV, that their effects are synergistic, and that their mode of action is different. Sap C is responsible for the membrane binding of glucosylceramidase, while Sap A stimulation is possibly related to its effect on the conformation of the enzyme. It can be envisaged that Sap A in conjunction with Sap C might have a physiological role in glucosylceramide degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Vaccaro
- Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy.
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Vaccaro AM, Ciaffoni F, Tatti M, Salvioli R, Barca A, Tognozzi D, Scerch C. pH-dependent conformational properties of saposins and their interactions with phospholipid membranes. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:30576-80. [PMID: 8530492 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.51.30576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Saposins A, B, C, and D are small lysosomal glycoproteins released by proteolysis from a single precursor polypeptide, prosaposin. We have presently investigated the conformational states of saposins and their interaction with membranes at acidic pH values similar to those present in lysosomes. With the use of phase partitioning in Triton X-114, experimental evidence was provided that, upon acidification, saposins (Sap) A, C, and D acquire hydrophobic properties, while the hydrophilicity of Sap B is apparently unchanged. The pH-dependent exposure of hydrophobic domains of Sap C and D paralleled their pH-dependent binding to large unilamellar vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and cholesterol. In contrast, the binding of Sap A to the vesicles was very restricted, in spite of its increased hydrophobicity at low pH. A low affinity for the vesicles was also shown by Sap B, a finding consistent with its apparent hydrophilicity both at neutral and acidic pH. At the acidic pH values needed for binding, Sap C and D powerfully destabilized the phospholipid membranes, while Sap A and B minimally affected the bilayer integrity. In the absence of the acidic phospholipid phosphatidylserine, the induced destabilization markedly decreased. Of the four saposins, only Sap C was able to promote the binding of glucosylceramidase to phosphatidylserine-containing membranes. This result is consistent with the notion that Sap C is specifically required by glucosylceramidase to exert its activity. Our finding that an acidic environment induces an increased hydrophobicity in Sap A, C, and D, making the last two saposins able to interact and perturb phospholipid membranes, suggests that this mechanism might be relevant to the mode of action of saposins in lysosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Vaccaro
- Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore Sanitá, Rome, Italy
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Vaccaro AM, Salvioli R, Barca A, Tatti M, Ciaffoni F, Maras B, Siciliano R, Zappacosta F, Amoresano A, Pucci P. Structural analysis of saposin C and B. Complete localization of disulfide bridges. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:9953-60. [PMID: 7730378 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.17.9953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Saposins A, B, C, and D are a group of homologous glycoproteins derived from a single precursor, prosaposin, and apparently involved in the stimulation of the enzymatic degradation of sphingolipids in lysosomes. All saposins have six cysteine residues at similar positions. In the present study we have investigated the disulfide structure of saposins B and C using advanced mass spectrometric procedures. Electrospray analysis showed that deglycosylated saposins B and C are mainly present as 79- and 80-residue monomeric polypeptides, respectively. Fast atom bombardment mass analysis of peptide mixtures obtained by a combination of chemical and enzymatic cleavages demonstrated that the pairings of the three disulfide bridges present in each saposin are Cys4-Cys77, Cys7-Cys71, Cys36-Cys47 for saposin B and Cys5-Cys78, Cys8-Cys72, Cys36-Cys47 for saposin C. We have recently shown that saposin C interacts with phosphatidylserine-containing vesicles inducing destabilization of the lipid surface (Vaccaro, A. M., Tatti, M., Ciaffoni, F., Salvioli, R., Serafino, A., and Barca, A. (1994) FEBS Lett. 349, 181-186); this perturbation promotes the binding of the lysosomal enzyme glucosylceramidase to the vesicles and the reconstitution of its activity. It was presently found that the effects of saposin C on phosphatidylserine liposomes and on glucosylceramidase activity are markedly reduced when the three disulfide bonds are irreversibly disrupted. These results stress the importance of the disulfide structure for the functional properties of the saposin.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Vaccaro
- Laboratorio Metabolismo e Biochimica Patologica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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Vaccaro AM, Tatti M, Ciaffoni F, Salvioli R, Serafino A, Barca A. Saposin C induces pH-dependent destabilization and fusion of phosphatidylserine-containing vesicles. FEBS Lett 1994; 349:181-6. [PMID: 8050562 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(94)00659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that saposin C (Sap C), a glucosylceramidase activator protein, interacts with phosphatidylserine (PS) large unilamellar vesicles (LUV), promoting the glucosylceramidase binding to the bilayer [(1993) FEBS Lett. 336, 159-162]. In the present paper the consequences of the Sap C interaction on the lipid organization of the vesicles are reported. It was found that Sap C perturbs the PS bilayer as shown by the release of an encapsulated fluorescent dye. Three different procedures, resonance energy transfer, gel filtration and electron microscopy, indicated that the activator protein is also able to make PS liposomes fuse. The effects of Sap C on PS vesicles were observed at low but not at neutral pH. The lipid composition of the bilayer also affected the Sap C-induced destabilization; in fact, the presence of PS in mixed LUV was essential for significant leakage to occur. These results demonstrate for the first time that Sap C is a protein capable of destabilizing and fusing acidic phospholipid-containing membranes in a pH-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Vaccaro
- Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Roma, Italy
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Grgurina I, Barca A, Cervigni S, Gallo M, Scaloni A, Pucci P. Relevance of chlorine-substituent for the antifungal activity of syringomycin and syringotoxin, metabolites of the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. Experientia 1994; 50:130-3. [PMID: 8125171 DOI: 10.1007/bf01984950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Structural analogues of syringomycin and syringotoxin were produced by fermentation, characterized by FAB-MS and amino acid analysis and compared to the parent compounds in the antibiosis test against Rhodotorula pilimanae. The C-terminal residue was shown to be important for the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Grgurina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi-Fanelli, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Italy
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Vaccaro AM, Tatti M, Ciaffoni F, Salvioli R, Maras B, Barca A. Function of saposin C in the reconstitution of glucosylceramidase by phosphatidylserine liposomes. FEBS Lett 1993; 336:159-62. [PMID: 8262201 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(93)81631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The function of saposin C (Sap C), a glucosylceramidase activator protein, in the enzyme stimulation by phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes has been investigated. Using gel filtration experiments evidence was obtained for Sap C binding to PS large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) but not to glucosylceramidase. PS LUV, which by themselves are unable to tightly bind and stimulate the enzyme, acquire the capacity to also bind the enzyme after interaction with Sap C, making it express its full activity. Our results indicate that the primary step in the Sap C mode of action resides in its association with PS membranes; in turn, this association promotes the interaction between the membranes and glucosylceramidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Vaccaro
- Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore Sanita, Roma, Italy
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Vaccaro AM, Tatti M, Ciaffoni F, Salvioli R, Barca A, Roncaioli P. Studies on glucosylceramidase binding to phosphatidylserine liposomes: the role of bilayer curvature. Biochim Biophys Acta 1993; 1149:55-62. [PMID: 8318531 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(93)90024-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The influence of phosphatidylserine (PS) liposome size on their capacity to activate and bind purified glucosylceramidase was investigated. Gel filtration and flotation experiments showed that large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) of either pure PS or PS in admixture with phosphatidylcholine (PC) are unable to tightly bind purified glucosylceramidase, and thus, to fully stimulate its activity. By contrast, small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) of PS adsorb glucosylceramidase can either be favoured or inhibited by factors affecting the bilayer curvature of PS liposomes. An increase of PS vesicle size induced by a fusogenic agent such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), decreased enzyme binding and activity. On the contrary, the reduction of PS LUV size by sonication increased their stimulating ability. Enzyme association with PS SUV is reversible. In fact, glucosylceramidase bound to PS SUV was released from the lipid surface when the SUV were transformed into larger vesicles by PEG; dissociation from the vesicles resulted in a dramatic decrease of enzyme activity. Although PS LUV are unable to reconstitute glucosylceramidase, their association with oleic acid (OA) promotes the interaction with glucosylceramidase. This phenomenon is best explained in terms of OA-induced surface defects of PS LUV, with consequent exposure of the more hydrophobic part of the membrane and hence the improved binding of hydrophobic region/s of glucosylceramidase. Our data indicate that the physical organization of the PS-containing liposomes is of critical importance of glucosylceramidase reconstitution. The observation that physical changes of the lipid surface can markedly affect the enzyme activity offers a new approach to the study of glucosylceramidase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Vaccaro
- Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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