1
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Grifagni D, Lenci E, De Santis A, Orsetti A, Barracchia CG, Tedesco F, Bellini Puglielli R, Lucarelli F, Lauriola A, Assfalg M, Cantini F, Calderone V, Guardavaccaro D, Trabocchi A, D’Onofrio M, Ciofi-Baffoni S. Development of a GC-376 Based Peptidomimetic PROTAC as a Degrader of 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease of SARS-CoV-2. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:250-257. [PMID: 38352832 PMCID: PMC10860180 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00498] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We have applied a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to obtain a peptidomimetic molecule able to trigger the degradation of SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLPro). The PROTAC molecule was designed by conjugating a GC-376 based dipeptidyl 3CLPro ligand to a pomalidomide moiety through a piperazine-piperidine linker. NMR and crystallographic data complemented with enzymatic and cellular studies showed that (i) the dipeptidyl moiety of PROTAC binds to the active site of the dimeric state of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro forming a reversible covalent bond with the sulfur atom of catalytic Cys145, (ii) the linker and the pomalidomide cereblon-ligand of PROTAC protrude from the protein, displaying a high degree of flexibility and no interactions with other regions of the protein, and (iii) PROTAC reduces the protein levels of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro in cultured cells. This study paves the way for the future applicability of peptidomimetic PROTACs to tackle 3CLPro-dependent viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Grifagni
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lenci
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia De Santis
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Orsetti
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Filomena Tedesco
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Raffaele Bellini Puglielli
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Lucarelli
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Cantini
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Vito Calderone
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guardavaccaro
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Trabocchi
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Mariapina D’Onofrio
- Department
of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Ciofi-Baffoni
- Magnetic
Resonance Center CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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2
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Enriqué Steinberg JH, Rossi FA, Magliozzi R, Yuniati L, Santucci M, Rossi M, Guardavaccaro D, Lauriola A. SCF βTrCP-mediated degradation of SHARP1 in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:726. [PMID: 37938564 PMCID: PMC10632515 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06253-6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer associated with metastasis, high recurrence rate, and poor survival. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor SHARP1 (Split and Hairy-related Protein 1) has been identified as a suppressor of the metastatic behavior of TNBC. SHARP1 blocks the invasive phenotype of TNBC by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factors and its loss correlates with poor survival of breast cancer patients. Here, we show that SHARP1 is an unstable protein that is targeted for proteasomal degradation by the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex SCFβTrCP. SHARP1 recruits βTrCP via a phosphodegron encompassing Ser240 and Glu245 which are required for SHARP1 ubiquitylation and degradation. Furthermore, mice injected with TNBC cells expressing the non-degradable SHARP1(S240A/E245A) mutant display reduced tumor growth and increased tumor-free survival. Our study suggests that targeting the βTrCP-dependent degradation of SHARP1 represents a therapeutic strategy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiana Alejandra Rossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Av. Juan Domingo Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Av. Juan Domingo Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Roberto Magliozzi
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laurensia Yuniati
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Mario Rossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Av. Juan Domingo Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Av. Juan Domingo Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Daniele Guardavaccaro
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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3
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Lauriola A, Davalli P, Marverti G, Santi S, Caporali A, D'Arca D. Targeting the Interplay of Independent Cellular Pathways and Immunity: A Challenge in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113009. [PMID: 37296972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that exploits the capacity of the body's immune system to prevent, control, and remove cancer. Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and significantly improved patient outcomes for several tumor types. However, most patients have not benefited from such therapies yet. Within the field of cancer immunotherapy, an expansion of the combination strategy that targets independent cellular pathways that can work synergistically is predicted. Here, we review some consequences of tumor cell death and increased immune system engagement in the modulation of oxidative stress and ubiquitin ligase pathways. We also indicate combinations of cancer immunotherapies and immunomodulatory targets. Additionally, we discuss imaging techniques, which are crucial for monitoring tumor responses during treatment and the immunotherapy side effects. Finally, the major outstanding questions are also presented, and directions for future research are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Pierpaola Davalli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Via G. Campi 287, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Via G. Campi 287, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Spartaco Santi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", 40136 Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Caporali
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Via G. Campi 287, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Dalle Carbonare L, Gomez Lira M, Minoia A, Bertacco J, Orsi S, Lauriola A, Li Vigni V, Gandini A, Antoniazzi F, Zipeto D, Mottes M, Bhandary L, Guardavaccaro D, Valenti MT. Expression of FBXW11 in normal and disease-associated osteogenic cells. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37199076 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17767] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by degrading a multitude of key regulatory proteins. FBXW11, also known as b-TrCP2, belongs to the F-box family, which targets the proteins to be degraded by UPS. Transcription factors or proteins associated with cell cycle can be modulated by FBXW11, which may stimulate or inhibit cellular proliferation. Although FBXW11 has been investigated in embryogenesis and cancer, its expression has not been evaluated in osteogenic cells. With the aim to explore FBXW11gene expression modulation in the osteogenic lineage we performed molecular investigations in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteogenic cells in normal and pathological conditions. In vitro experiments as well as ex vivo investigations have been performed. In particular, we explored the FBXW11 expression in normal osteogenic cells as well as in cells of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) patients or osteosarcoma cells. Our data showed that FBXW11 expression is modulated during osteogenesis and overexpressed in circulating MSCs and in osteogenically stimulated cells of CCD patients. In addition, FBXW11 is post-transcriptionally regulated in osteosarcoma cells leading to increased levels of beta-catenin. In conclusion, our findings show the modulation of FBXW11 in osteogenic lineage and its dysregulation in impaired osteogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Macarena Gomez Lira
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Arianna Minoia
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Jessica Bertacco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Orsi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Gandini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Franco Antoniazzi
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Donato Zipeto
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Mottes
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Teresa Valenti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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5
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Liang D, Jiang L, Bhat SA, Missiroli S, Perrone M, Lauriola A, Adhikari R, Gudur A, Vasi Z, Ahearn I, Guardavaccaro D, Giorgi C, Philips M, Kuchay S. Palmitoylation and PDE6δ regulate membrane-compartment-specific substrate ubiquitylation and degradation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111999. [PMID: 36662618 PMCID: PMC9988375 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.111999] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Substrate degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in specific membrane compartments remains elusive. Here, we show that the interplay of two lipid modifications and PDE6δ regulates compartmental substrate targeting via the SCFFBXL2. FBXL2 is palmitoylated in a prenylation-dependent manner on cysteines 417 and 419 juxtaposed to the CaaX motif. Palmitoylation/depalmitoylation regulates its subcellular trafficking for substrate engagement and degradation. To control its subcellular distribution, lipid-modified FBXL2 interacts with PDE6δ. Perturbing the equilibrium between FBXL2 and PDE6δ disrupts the delivery of FBXL2 to all membrane compartments, whereas depalmitoylated FBXL2 is enriched on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Depalmitoylated FBXL2(C417S/C419S) promotes the degradation of IP3R3 at the ER, inhibits IP3R3-dependent mitochondrial calcium overload, and counteracts calcium-dependent cell death upon oxidative stress. In contrast, disrupting the PDE6δ-FBXL2 equilibrium has the opposite effect. These findings describe a mechanism underlying spatially-restricted substrate degradation and suggest that inhibition of FBXL2 palmitoylation and/or binding to PDE6δ may offer therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sameer Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sonia Missiroli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariasole Perrone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Ritika Adhikari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Anish Gudur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Zahra Vasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Ian Ahearn
- Department of Dermatology and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mark Philips
- Department of Medicine and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shafi Kuchay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MBRB #1157, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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6
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Lauriola A, Davalli P, Marverti G, Caporali A, Mai S, D’Arca D. Telomere Dysfunction Is Associated with Altered DNA Organization in Trichoplein/Tchp/Mitostatin (TpMs) Depleted Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071602. [PMID: 35884905 PMCID: PMC9312488 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071602] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we highlighted a novel role for the protein Trichoplein/TCHP/Mitostatin (TpMs), both as mitotic checkpoint regulator and guardian of chromosomal stability. TpMs-depleted cells show numerical and structural chromosome alterations that lead to genomic instability. This condition is a major driving force in malignant transformation as it allows for the cells acquiring new functional capabilities to proliferate and disseminate. Here, the effect of TpMs depletion was investigated in different TpMs-depleted cell lines by means of 3D imaging and 3D Structured illumination Microscopy. We show that TpMs depletion causes alterations in the 3D architecture of telomeres in colon cancer HCT116 cells. These findings are consistent with chromosome alterations that lead to genomic instability. Furthermore, TpMs depletion changes the spatial arrangement of chromosomes and other nuclear components. Modified nuclear architecture and organization potentially induce variations that precede the onset of genomic instability and are considered as markers of malignant transformation. Our present observations connect the tumor suppression ability of TpMs with its novel functions in maintaining the proper chromosomal segregation as well as the proper telomere and nuclear architecture. Further investigations will investigate the connection between alterations in telomeres and nuclear architecture with the progression of human tumors with the aim of developing personalized therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Pierpaola Davalli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.D.); (G.M.)
| | - Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.D.); (G.M.)
| | - Andrea Caporali
- The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 4AH, UK;
| | - Sabine Mai
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (D.D.); Tel.: +1-204-272-3174 (S.M.); +39-059-205-5610 (D.D.)
| | - Domenico D’Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.D.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (D.D.); Tel.: +1-204-272-3174 (S.M.); +39-059-205-5610 (D.D.)
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7
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Costantino L, Ferrari S, Santucci M, Salo-Ahen OMH, Carosati E, Franchini S, Lauriola A, Pozzi C, Trande M, Gozzi G, Saxena P, Cannazza G, Losi L, Cardinale D, Venturelli A, Quotadamo A, Linciano P, Tagliazucchi L, Moschella MG, Guerrini R, Pacifico S, Luciani R, Genovese F, Henrich S, Alboni S, Santarem N, da Silva Cordeiro A, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ, Pinton P, Rimessi A, Cruciani G, Stroud RM, Wade RC, Mangani S, Marverti G, D'Arca D, Ponterini G, Costi MP. Destabilizers of the thymidylate synthase homodimer accelerate its proteasomal degradation and inhibit cancer growth. eLife 2022; 11:73862. [PMID: 36475542 PMCID: PMC9831607 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73862] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs that target human thymidylate synthase (hTS), a dimeric enzyme, are widely used in anticancer therapy. However, treatment with classical substrate-site-directed TS inhibitors induces over-expression of this protein and development of drug resistance. We thus pursued an alternative strategy that led us to the discovery of TS-dimer destabilizers. These compounds bind at the monomer-monomer interface and shift the dimerization equilibrium of both the recombinant and the intracellular protein toward the inactive monomers. A structural, spectroscopic, and kinetic investigation has provided evidence and quantitative information on the effects of the interaction of these small molecules with hTS. Focusing on the best among them, E7, we have shown that it inhibits hTS in cancer cells and accelerates its proteasomal degradation, thus causing a decrease in the enzyme intracellular level. E7 also showed a superior anticancer profile to fluorouracil in a mouse model of human pancreatic and ovarian cancer. Thus, over sixty years after the discovery of the first TS prodrug inhibitor, fluorouracil, E7 breaks the link between TS inhibition and enhanced expression in response, providing a strategy to fight drug-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Costantino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Outi MH Salo-Ahen
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical StudiesHeidelbergGermany
| | - Emanuele Carosati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Silvia Franchini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Matteo Trande
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Gaia Gozzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Puneet Saxena
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Lorena Losi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Daniela Cardinale
- Respiratory, Critical Care & Anesthesia UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alberto Venturelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Antonio Quotadamo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | | | - Maria Gaetana Moschella
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, ItalyModenaItaly
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, University of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, University of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Filippo Genovese
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Stefan Henrich
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical StudiesHeidelbergGermany
| | - Silvia Alboni
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | | | - Anabela da Silva Cordeiro
- IBMC I3SPortoPortugal,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands,CancerPharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la ScienzaPisaItaly
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Dept. of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Dept. of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Robert M Stroud
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Department, University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Rebecca C Wade
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical StudiesHeidelbergGermany,Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany,Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Glauco Ponterini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
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8
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Toumi ME, Perduca M, Necib Y, Kebaili FF, Toumi M, Torche I, Gaglio SC, Rebai R, Lauriola A, Ayadi M, Smaali ME. Characterization of Cytotoxic Lactose Binding Lectin from Sulphur Polypore, Laetiporus sulphureus (Agaricomycetes), from Algeria. Int J Med Mushrooms 2021; 23:45-57. [PMID: 34936308 DOI: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.2021040303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Mushroom lectins have important biological and biomedical applications. Most lectins purified from these organisms exhibit high toxicity in animal cells and toward microbial agents. They are able to induce cell growth inhibition and metabolism by their ability to interact with glyconjugate components (glycoproteins receptors, glycolipids) present in their membrane. After lectins bind to these membrane receptors, they induce cellular signalization chains in which gene expression is regulated and cell death programming (apoptosis) is activated. In this work, a new multimeric lectin was characterized from the rare saprobic edible mushroom, Laetiporus sulphureus strain TMES43, grown in the Algerian forest. Lectin was isolated with ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by affinity chromatography on a Sepharose 4B column, with specific activity of 1204.7 units of hemagglutination activity/mg and 35.55% yield. The protein has a tetrameric structure with a molecular weight of 36 kDa for each subunit, with a total molecular weight of approximately 140 kDa. In addition, a Mascot peptide fingerprint study on a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight tandem fragment showed identity with autophagy-related protein 16 from Meyerozyma guilliermondii (strain ATCC 6260/CBS 566/DSM 6381/JCM 1539/NBRC 10279/NRRL Y-324; Expasy ID: ATG16_PICGU) and no sequence similarity to known mushroom lectins. L. sulphureus hemagglutination activity was reduced by 5 mM of lactose and 10 mM of EDTA incubation and was recovered by metallic cations such as CaCl2, MgCl2, and ZnCl2. L. sulphureus purified lectin had no human ABO group specificity and showed low temperature and alkaline pH stabilities. The MTT preliminary assay showed that L. sulphureus purified lectin induced high cytotoxicity for tumor cells and normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Esseddik Toumi
- Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering and Application, Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mentouri Brothers Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria
| | - Massimiliano Perduca
- Biocrystallography and Nanostructures Laboratory Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Cà Vignal 1, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Youcef Necib
- Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering and Application, Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mentouri Brothers Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria
| | - Fethi Farouk Kebaili
- Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering and Application, Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mentouri Brothers Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria
| | - Mouad Toumi
- Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering and Application, Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mentouri Brothers Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria
| | - Imene Torche
- Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering and Application, Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mentouri Brothers Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria
| | - Salvatore Calogero Gaglio
- Biocrystallography and Nanostructures Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Redouane Rebai
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, National Higher School of Biotechnology, Toufik Khaznadar, Universitary Town, Ali Mendjeli, BP E66 25100, Constantine, Algeria; University of Mohamed Kheider, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Biocrystallography and Nanostructures Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Malik Ayadi
- University of Mostefa Ben Boulaïd Batna 2 Fesdis, Wilaya of Batna, Algeria
| | - Mohammed Elamine Smaali
- Laboratory of Electrophoresis, National Center for Research in Biotechnology, Constantine, Algeria
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9
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Marverti G, Marraccini C, Martello A, D'Arca D, Pacifico S, Guerrini R, Spyrakis F, Gozzi G, Lauriola A, Santucci M, Cannazza G, Tagliazucchi L, Cazzato AS, Losi L, Ferrari S, Ponterini G, Costi MP. Folic Acid-Peptide Conjugates Combine Selective Cancer Cell Internalization with Thymidylate Synthase Dimer Interface Targeting. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3204-3221. [PMID: 33710891 PMCID: PMC8041318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02107] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Drug-target interaction, cellular internalization, and target engagement should be addressed to design a lead with high chances of success in further optimization stages. Accordingly, we have designed conjugates of folic acid with anticancer peptides able to bind human thymidylate synthase (hTS) and enter cancer cells through folate receptor α (FRα) highly expressed by several cancer cells. Mechanistic analyses and molecular modeling simulations have shown that these conjugates bind the hTS monomer-monomer interface with affinities over 20 times larger than the enzyme active site. When tested on several cancer cell models, these conjugates exhibited FRα selectivity at nanomolar concentrations. A similar selectivity was observed when the conjugates were delivered in synergistic or additive combinations with anticancer agents. At variance with 5-fluorouracil and other anticancer drugs that target the hTS catalytic pocket, these conjugates do not induce overexpression of this protein and can thus help combating drug resistance associated with high hTS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Marverti
- Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Marraccini
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Martello
- Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Gaia Gozzi
- Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Lorena Losi
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Glauco Ponterini
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria P Costi
- Department Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
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10
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Martello A, Lauriola A, Mellis D, Parish E, Dawson JC, Imrie L, Vidmar M, Gammoh N, Mitić T, Brittan M, Mills NL, Carragher NO, D'Arca D, Caporali A. Trichoplein binds PCM1 and controls endothelial cell function by regulating autophagy. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e48192. [PMID: 32337819 PMCID: PMC7332983 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an essential cellular quality control process that has emerged as a critical one for vascular homeostasis. Here, we show that trichoplein (TCHP) links autophagy with endothelial cell (EC) function. TCHP localizes to centriolar satellites, where it binds and stabilizes PCM1. Loss of TCHP leads to delocalization and proteasome-dependent degradation of PCM1, further resulting in degradation of PCM1's binding partner GABARAP. Autophagic flux under basal conditions is impaired in THCP-depleted ECs, and SQSTM1/p62 (p62) accumulates. We further show that TCHP promotes autophagosome maturation and efficient clearance of p62 within lysosomes, without affecting their degradative capacity. Reduced TCHP and high p62 levels are detected in primary ECs from patients with coronary artery disease. This phenotype correlates with impaired EC function and can be ameliorated by NF-κB inhibition. Moreover, Tchp knock-out mice accumulate of p62 in the heart and cardiac vessels correlating with reduced cardiac vascularization. Taken together, our data reveal that TCHP regulates endothelial cell function via an autophagy-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martello
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesUniversity of Modena & Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - David Mellis
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Elisa Parish
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Lisa Imrie
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys)University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Martina Vidmar
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Noor Gammoh
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tijana Mitić
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Mairi Brittan
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Nicholas L Mills
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesUniversity of Modena & Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Andrea Caporali
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular ScienceQMRIUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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11
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Marverti G, Gozzi G, Lauriola A, Ponterini G, Belluti S, Imbriano C, Costi MP, D’Arca D. The 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligand Enhances the Antiproliferative Activity of DNA-Intercalating Thiourea-Pd(II) and -Pt(II) Complexes Against Cisplatin-Sensitive and -Resistant Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6122. [PMID: 31817267 PMCID: PMC6969938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, often because of the frequent insurgence of chemoresistance to the drugs currently used. Thus, new therapeutical agents are needed. We tested the toxicity of 16 new DNA-intercalating agents to cisplatin (cDDP)-sensitive human ovarian carcinoma cell lines and their resistant counterparts. The compounds were the complexes of Pt(II) or Pd(II) with bipyridyl (bipy) and phenanthrolyl (phen) and with four different thiourea ancillary ligands. Within each of the four series of complexes characterized by the same thiourea ligand, the Pd(phen) drugs invariably showed the highest anti-proliferative efficacy. This paralleled both a higher intracellular drug accumulation and a more efficient DNA intercalation than all the other metal-bidentate ligand combinations. The consequent inhibition of topoisomerase II activity led to the greatest inhibition of DNA metabolism, evidenced by the inhibition of the expression of the folate cycle enzymes and a marked perturbation of cell-cycle distribution in both cell lines. These findings indicate that the particular interaction of Pd(II) with phenanthroline confers the best pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that make this class of DNA intercalators remarkable inhibitors, even of the resistant cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Gaia Gozzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Glauco Ponterini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.); (C.I.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Silvia Belluti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.); (C.I.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.); (C.I.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/d, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.); (C.I.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Domenico D’Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.)
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12
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Pacifico S, Santucci M, Luciani R, Saxena P, Linciano P, Ponterini G, Lauriola A, D'Arca D, Marverti G, Guerrini R, Costi MP. Cyclic Peptides Acting as Allosteric Inhibitors of Human Thymidylate Synthase and Cancer Cell Growth. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24193493. [PMID: 31561530 PMCID: PMC6804113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a prominent drug target for different cancer types. However, the prolonged use of its classical inhibitors, substrate analogs that bind at the active site, leads to TS overexpression and drug resistance in the clinic. In the effort to identify anti-TS drugs with new modes of action and able to overcome platinum drug resistance in ovarian cancer, octapeptides with a new allosteric inhibition mechanism were identified as cancer cell growth inhibitors that do not cause TS overexpression. To improve the biological properties, 10 cyclic peptides (cPs) were designed from the lead peptides and synthesized. The cPs were screened for the ability to inhibit recombinant human thymidylate synthase (hTS), and peptide 7 was found to act as an allosteric inhibitor more potent than its parent open-chain peptide [Pro3]LR. In cytotoxicity studies on three human ovarian cancer cell lines, IGROV-1, A2780, and A2780/CP, peptide 5 and two other cPs, including 7, showed IC50 values comparable with those of the reference drug 5-fluorouracil, of the open-chain peptide [d-Gln4]LR, and of another seven prolyl derivatives of the lead peptide LR. These promising results indicate cP 7 as a possible lead compound to be chemically modified with the aim of improving both allosteric TS inhibitory activity and anticancer effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Puneet Saxena
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Glauco Ponterini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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13
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Losi L, Lauriola A, Tazzioli E, Gozzi G, Scurani L, D'Arca D, Benhattar J. Involvement of epigenetic modification of TERT promoter in response to all-trans retinoic acid in ovarian cancer cell lines. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:62. [PMID: 31291979 PMCID: PMC6617683 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is currently being used to treat hematological malignancies, given the ability to inhibit cell proliferation. This effect seems to be related to epigenetic changes of the TERT (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase) promoter. When hypomethylated, ATRA-inducible TERT repressors can bind the promoter, repressing transcription of TERT, the rate-limiting component of telomerase. Ovarian carcinomas are heterogeneous tumors characterized by several aberrantly methylated genes among which is TERT. We recently found a hypomethylation of TERT promoter in about one third of serous carcinoma, the most lethal histotype. Our aim was to investigate the potential role of ATRA as an anticancer drug in a sub-group of ovarian carcinoma where the TERT promoter was hypomethylated. METHODS The potential antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect of ATRA was investigated in seven serous ovarian carcinoma and one teratocarcinoma cell lines and the results were compared to the methylation status of their TERT promoter. RESULTS The serous ovarian carcinoma cell line OVCAR3, harboring a hypomethylated TERT promoter, was the best and fastest responder. PA1 and SKOV3, two cell lines with an intermediate methylated promoter, revealed a weaker and delayed response. On the contrary, the other 5 cell lines with a highly methylated promoter did not respond to ATRA, indicative of ATRA-resistant cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate an inverse correlation between the methylation level of TERT promoter and ATRA efficacy in ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Although these results are preliminary, ATRA treatment could become a new powerful, personalized therapy in serous ovarian carcinoma patients, but only in those with tumors harboring a hypomethylated TERT promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Losi
- Department of Life Sciences, Unit of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Life Sciences, Unit of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Tazzioli
- Department of Life Sciences, Unit of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.,Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Gozzi
- Department of Life Sciences, Unit of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Letizia Scurani
- Department of Life Sciences, Unit of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jean Benhattar
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Aurigen, Centre de Génétique et Pathologie, Avenue de Sévelin 18, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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14
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Elisi GM, Santucci M, D'Arca D, Lauriola A, Marverti G, Losi L, Scalvini L, Bolognesi ML, Mor M, Costi MP. Repurposing of Drugs Targeting YAP-TEAD Functions. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10090329. [PMID: 30223434 PMCID: PMC6162436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing is a fast and consolidated approach for the research of new active compounds bypassing the long streamline of the drug discovery process. Several drugs in clinical practice have been reported for modulating the major Hippo pathway's terminal effectors, namely YAP (Yes1-associated protein), TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) and TEAD (transcriptional enhanced associate domains), which are directly involved in the regulation of cell growth and tissue homeostasis. Since this pathway is known to have many cross-talking phenomena with cell signaling pathways, many efforts have been made to understand its importance in oncology. Moreover, this could be relevant to obtain new molecular tools and potential therapeutic assets. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms of action of the best-known compounds, clinically approved or investigational drugs, able to cross-talk and modulate the Hippo pathway, as an attractive strategy for the discovery of new potential lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Elisi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Lorena Losi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Unit of Pathology, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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15
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Severi L, Losi L, Fonda S, Taddia L, Gozzi G, Marverti G, Magni F, Chinello C, Stella M, Sheouli J, Braicu EI, Genovese F, Lauriola A, Marraccini C, Gualandi A, D'Arca D, Ferrari S, Costi MP. Proteomic and Bioinformatic Studies for the Characterization of Response to Pemetrexed in Platinum Drug Resistant Ovarian Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:454. [PMID: 29867465 PMCID: PMC5952181 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomics and bioinformatics are a useful combined technology for the characterization of protein expression level and modulation associated with the response to a drug and with its mechanism of action. The folate pathway represents an important target in the anticancer drugs therapy. In the present study, a discovery proteomics approach was applied to tissue samples collected from ovarian cancer patients who relapsed after the first-line carboplatin-based chemotherapy and were treated with pemetrexed (PMX), a known folate pathway targeting drug. The aim of the work is to identify the proteomic profile that can be associated to the response to the PMX treatment in pre-treatement tissue. Statistical metrics of the experimental Mass Spectrometry (MS) data were combined with a knowledge-based approach that included bioinformatics and a literature review through ProteinQuest™ tool, to design a protein set of reference (PSR). The PSR provides feedback for the consistency of MS proteomic data because it includes known validated proteins. A panel of 24 proteins with levels that were significantly different in pre-treatment samples of patients who responded to the therapy vs. the non-responder ones, was identified. The differences of the identified proteins were explained for the patients with different outcomes and the known PMX targets were further validated. The protein panel herein identified is ready for further validation in retrospective clinical trials using a targeted proteomic approach. This study may have a general relevant impact on biomarker application for cancer patients therapy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Severi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lorena Losi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Fonda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Taddia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gaia Gozzi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Metabolic Science and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gaetano Marverti
- Department of Biomedical Science, Metabolic Science and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fulvio Magni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Clizia Chinello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Martina Stella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Jalid Sheouli
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena I Braicu
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Filippo Genovese
- Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Marraccini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gualandi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Domenico D'Arca
- Department of Biomedical Science, Metabolic Science and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria P Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Lauriola A, Caporali A, Mai S, D'Arca D. Abstract 289: The key role of Mitostatin in the maintenance of genome stability. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2017-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Genomic instability is a characteristic of most cancers and it refers to an increased tendency of alterations in the genome during the life cycle of cells. The fidelity of DNA replication is highly ensured by different checkpoints; the activation of spindle checkpoints prevents cells from premature entry into mitosis, avoiding incorrect chromosome segregation and aneuploidy, a typical feature of many cancers. Mitostatin, a novel protein, endowed with tumor suppressor activity, has been reported to bind centrosomal proteins Odf2 and ninein, and its depletion causes an alteration of the anchorage of microtubules to the centrosome. Since functional defects of centrosomes are associated to mitotic failure, Mitostatin may have a key role in guarding the fidelity of mitosis in cells.Here we show that the depletion of Mitostatin in cancer cells, synchronized by aphidicolin (G1/S) block and released into nocodazole-containing medium, leads to mitotic slippage and adaptation to the spindle checkpoint in the presence of a spindle inhibitor. Concomitantly, Mitostatin depletion promotes the early degradation of Mad2 and cyclin B1. Since the activated spindle checkpoint delays cell exit from mitosis by preventing cyclin B1 proteolysis, the cyclin B1 early degradation leads to mitotic checkpoint escape and resulting chromosome instability. In particular, we observed a premature sister-chromatid separation, chromosome bridges and mis-segregation in anaphase that are consistent with defective activation of the spindle checkpoint.In this study, we report for the first time that the depletion of Mitostatin induces an increase of numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations compared to control cells. These aberrations include aneuploidy (P=.0005), the formation of triradials (P=.0061) and broken chromosomes (P=.0066). Moreover, 3D nuclear telomere analysis using TeloView shows decreases in telomeric signals (P=.0061), in the total number of aggregates (P=.0027), and in total intensity (P=.018) and single intensity (P=.019) in cells depleted of Mitostatin. These findings suggest that telomere dysfunction is increased in the absence of Mitostatin; the decrease in telomere intensity is associated with ongoing proliferation (mitotic slippage), and the maintenance of telomeric aggregates is indicative of ongoing genomic instability. Taken together, these observations suggest that Mitostatin plays a critical role in guarding the fidelity of mitosis, enabling the optimal activation of the spindle checkpoint. Thus, low levels of Mitostatin found in certain human tumors may contribute to cellular transformation by promoting genomic instability.
Citation Format: Angela Lauriola, Andrea Caporali, Sabine Mai, Domenico D'Arca. The key role of Mitostatin in the maintenance of genome stability [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 289. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-289
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Caporali
- 2University/BHF Centre For Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Mai
- 3Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Guidi E, Lauriola A, Piumi M, Bartczak ML, Serena F, Barontini F, Albonetti S, Rosmini R, Baranzoni G. PREREQUISITE PROGRAMMES IN OWN CHECKS IN STATUTORY AND VOLUNTARY LEGISLATION. Ital J Food Saf 2012. [DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2012.4.67] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Caruso-Nicoletti M, De Sanctis V, Capra M, Cardinale G, Cuccia L, Di Gregorio F, Filosa A, Galati MC, Lauriola A, Malizia R, Mangiagli A, Massolo F, Mastrangelo C, Meo A, Messina MF, Ponzi G, Raiola G, Ruggiero L, Tamborino G, Saviano A. Short stature and body proportion in thalassaemia. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1998; 11 Suppl 3:811-6. [PMID: 10091151] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Short stature and short trunk have been reported in thalassaemic patients. We report a study on stature and body proportions in 476 patients (2-36 years old) with beta-thalassaemia major, followed in 12 Italian centres. Auxological data (standing height, sitting height, subischial leg length, target height), haematological data (age at first transfusion, age at start of desferrioxamine [DFX] chelation, mean dose of DFX, ferritin values) and information regarding the presence of endocrine disorders and of bone lesions, were collected and analysed according to the age of the patients, in order to investigate the natural history of the disproportion and the role of siderosis, DFX toxicity and endocrine disorders. Our data indicate that about 18% of thalassaemic patients exhibit short stature; disproportion between the upper and lower body segments is present in 14%; however, a short trunk despite normal stature is present in another 40% of patients. This is due to a spinal growth impairment which starts in infancy and progressively aggravates. We think that a short trunk is peculiar to the disease itself; however, other factors such as hypogonadism, siderosis, or DFX-induced bone dysplasia are probably involved in aggravating the body disproportion in these patients.
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