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Barbonari S, D'Amore A, Hanbashi AA, Palombi F, Riccioli A, Parrington J, Filippini A. Endolysosomal two-pore channel 2 plays opposing roles in primary and metastatic malignant melanoma cells. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:521-540. [PMID: 38263578 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12129] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The ion channel two-pore channel 2 (TPC2), localised on the membranes of acidic organelles such as endo-lysosomes and melanosomes, has been shown to play a role in pathologies including cancer, and it is differently expressed in primary versus metastatic melanoma cells. Whether TPC2 plays a pro- or anti-oncogenic role in different tumour conditions is a relevant open question which we have explored in melanoma at different stages of tumour progression. The behaviour of primary melanoma cell line B16F0 and its metastatic subline B16F10 were compared in response to TPC2 modulation by silencing (by small interfering RNA), knock-out (by CRISPR/Cas9) and overexpression (by mCherry-TPC2 transfected plasmid). TPC2 silencing increased cell migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and autophagy in the metastatic samples, but abated them in the silenced primary ones. Interestingly, while TPC2 inactivation failed to affect markers of proliferation in both samples, it strongly enhanced the migratory behaviour of the metastatic cells, again suggesting that in the more aggressive phenotype TPC2 plays a specific antimetastatic role. In line with this, overexpression of TPC2 in B16F10 cells resulted in phenotype rescue, that is, a decrease in migratory ability, thus collectively resuming traits of the B16F0 primary cell line. Our research shows a novel role of TPC2 in melanoma cells that is intriguingly different in initial versus late stages of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Barbonari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ali A Hanbashi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fioretta Palombi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - John Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Gesualdi L, Berardini M, Scicchitano BM, Castaldo C, Bizzarri M, Filippini A, Riccioli A, Schiraldi C, Ferranti F, Liguoro D, Mancini R, Ricci G, Catizone A. ERK Signaling Pathway Is Constitutively Active in NT2D1 Non-Seminoma Cells and Its Inhibition Impairs Basal and HGF-Activated Cell Proliferation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1894. [PMID: 37509533 PMCID: PMC10377482 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071894] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
c-MET/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system deregulation is a well-known feature of malignancy in several solid tumors, and for this reason this system and its pathway have been considered as potential targets for therapeutic purposes. In previous manuscripts we reported c-MET/HGF expression and the role in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) derived cell lines. We demonstrated the key role of c-Src and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT adaptors in the HGF-dependent malignant behavior of the embryonal carcinoma cell line NT2D1, finding that the inhibition of these onco-adaptor proteins abrogates HGF triggered responses such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. Expanding on these previous studies, herein we investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathways in the HGF-dependent and HGF-independent NT2D1 cells biological responses. To inhibit MAPK/ERK pathways we chose a pharmacological approach, by using U0126 inhibitor, and we analyzed cell proliferation, collective migration, and chemotaxis. The administration of U0126 together with HGF reverts the HGF-dependent activation of cell proliferation but, surprisingly, does not exert the same effect on NT2D1 cell migration. In addition, we found that the use of U0126 alone significantly promotes the acquisition of NT2D1 «migrating phenotype», while collective migration of NT2D1 cells was stimulated. Notably, the inhibition of ERK activation in the absence of HGF stimulation resulted in the activation of the AKT-mediated pathway, and this let us speculate that the paradoxical effects obtained by using U0126, which are the increase of collective migration and the acquisition of partial epithelium-mesenchyme transition (pEMT), are the result of compensatory pathways activation. These data highlight how the specific response to pathway inhibitors, should be investigated in depth before setting up therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gesualdi
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Berardini
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Section of Histology, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Clotilde Castaldo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Liguoro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Barbonari S, D'Amore A, Palombi F, De Cesaris P, Parrington J, Riccioli A, Filippini A. RELEVANCE OF LYSOSOMAL Ca2+ SIGNALLING MACHINERY IN CANCER. Cell Calcium 2022; 102:102539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Fontanella RA, Sideri S, Di Stefano C, Catizone A, Di Agostino S, Angelini DF, Guerrera G, Battistini L, Battafarano G, Del Fattore A, Campese AF, Padula F, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Riccioli A. CD44v8-10 is a marker for malignant traits and a potential driver of bone metastasis in a subpopulation of prostate cancer cells. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 18:j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0495. [PMID: 34018387 PMCID: PMC8330537 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0495] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone metastasis is a clinically important outcome of prostate carcinoma (PC). We focused on the phenotypic and functional characterization of a particularly aggressive phenotype within the androgen-independent bone metastasis-derived PC3 cell line. These cells, originated from the spontaneous conversion of a CD44-negative subpopulation, stably express the CD44v8-10 isoform (CD44v8-10pos) and display stem cell-like features and a marked invasive phenotype in vitro that is lost upon CD44v8-10 silencing. METHODS Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunoassay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used for phenotypic and immunologic characterization. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and functional assays were used to assess osteomimicry. RESULTS Analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers showed that CD44v8-10pos PC3 cells surprisingly display epithelial phenotype and can undergo osteomimicry, acquiring bone cell phenotypic and behavioral traits. Use of specific siRNA evidenced the ability of CD44v8-10 variant to confer osteomimetic features, hence the potential to form bone-specific metastasis. Moreover, the ability of tumors to activate immunosuppressive mechanisms which counteract effective immune responses is a sign of the aggressiveness of a tumor. Here we report that CD44v8-10pos cells express programmed death ligand 1, a negative regulator of anticancer immunity, and secrete exceptionally high amounts of interleukin-6, favoring osteoclastogenesis and immunosuppression in bone microenvironment. Notably, we identified a novel pathway activated by CD44v8-10, involving tafazzin (TAZ) and likely the Wnt/TAZ axis, known to play a role in upregulating osteomimetic genes. CONCLUSIONS CD44v8-10 could represent a marker of a more aggressive bone metastatic PC population exerting a driver role in osteomimicry in bone. A novel link between TAZ and CD44v8-10 is also shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria A. Fontanella
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Silvia Sideri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Stefano
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angiolina Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences School of Medicine – “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giulia Battafarano
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Andrea Del Fattore
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00146, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Padula
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paola De Cesaris
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
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Scatozza F, D'Amore A, Fontanella RA, DE Cesaris P, Marampon F, Padula F, Ziparo E, Riccioli A, Filippini A. Toll-Iike Receptor-3 Activation Enhances Malignant Traits in Human Breast Cancer Cells Through Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α. Anticancer Res 2020; 40:5379-5391. [PMID: 32988857 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.14546] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) inhibitors have been proposed as therapeutic agents for several tumor types. HIF1α is induced by hypoxia and by pathogens in normoxia through toll-like receptors (TLRs). The TLR3 activator polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] induces apoptosis in various types of cancer but not in the most aggressive breast cancer cell lines. We hypothesized that the failure of TLR3 stimulation to induce apoptosis in these cells might be due to an elevated HIF1α level and this link might be exploited. MATERIALS AND METHODS Poly(I:C)-induced signaling pathway and expression of HIF1α and HIF1α targets were studied in MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by western blot. Flow cytometry was used for apoptotic responses and vasculogenic mimicry as bioassay. RESULTS Poly(I:C) increased expression of HIF1α and its targets BCL2 apoptosis regulator and c-MYC. Moreover, using pharmacological or genetic HIF1 inhibition, reduction of poly(I:C)-induced expression of HIF1α was paralleled by lowering of c-MYC and increased sensitivity to poly(I:C)-induced apoptosis, demonstrating the crucial role of this factor. We provide the first evidence in breast cancer cells that TLR3 stimulation induces HIF1α-dependent vasculogenic mimicry. By using specific inhibitors, we identified a signaling cascade upstream of HIF1α induction. CONCLUSION Combined treatment with poly(I:C) and HIF1 inhibitors deserves consideration as an effective strategy in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scatozza
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Amore
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Anna Fontanella
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola DE Cesaris
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Padula
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elio Ziparo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Montaseri A, Giampietri C, Rossi M, Riccioli A, Fattore AD, Filippini A. The Role of Autophagy in Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption Function. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1398. [PMID: 33008140 PMCID: PMC7601508 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved and highly regulated recycling process of cellular wastes. Having a housekeeping role, autophagy through the digestion of domestic cytosolic organelles, proteins, macromolecules, and pathogens, eliminates unnecessary materials and provides nutrients and energy for cell survival and maintenance. The critical role of autophagy and autophagy-related proteins in osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and maintenance of bone homeostasis has previously been reported. Increasing evidence reveals that autophagy dysregulation leads to alteration of osteoclast function and enhanced bone loss, which is associated with the onset and progression of osteoporosis. In this review, we briefly consolidate the current state-of-the-art technology regarding the role of autophagy in osteoclast function in both physiologic and pathologic conditions to have a more general view on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Montaseri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (A.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Claudia Giampietri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela Rossi
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (A.R.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea Del Fattore
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (A.R.); (A.F.)
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Di Agostino S, Riccioli A, De Cesaris P, Fontemaggi G, Blandino G, Filippini A, Fazi F. Circular RNAs in Embryogenesis and Cell Differentiation With a Focus on Cancer Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:389. [PMID: 32528957 PMCID: PMC7266935 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years thousands of non-coding RNAs have been identified, also thanks to highthroughput sequencing technologies. Among them, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a well-represented class characterized by the high sequence conservation and cell type specific expression in eukaryotes. They are covalently closed loops formed through back-splicing. Recently, circRNAs were shown to regulate a variety of cellular processes functioning as miRNA sponges, RBP binding molecules, transcriptional regulators, scaffold for protein translation, as well as immune regulators. A growing number of studies are showing that deregulated expression of circRNAs plays important and decisive actions during the development of several human diseases, including cancer. The research on their biogenesis and on the various molecular mechanisms in which they are involved is going very fast, however, there are still few studies that address their involvement in embryogenesis and eukaryotic development. This review has the intent to describe the most recent progress in the study of the biogenesis and molecular activities of circRNAs providing insightful information in the field of embryogenesis and cell differentiation. In addition, we describe the latest research on circRNAs as novel promising biomarkers in diverse types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Agostino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Cesaris
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Petragnano F, Pietrantoni I, Di Nisio V, Fasciani I, Del Fattore A, Capalbo C, Cheleschi S, Tini P, Orelli S, Codenotti S, Mazzei MA, D'Ermo G, Pannitteri G, Tombolini M, De Cesaris P, Riccioli A, Filippini A, Milazzo L, Vulcano F, Fanzani A, Maggio R, Marampon F, Tombolini V. Modulating the dose-rate differently affects the responsiveness of human epithelial prostate- and mesenchymal rhabdomyosarcoma-cancer cell line to radiation. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 96:823-835. [PMID: 32149569 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1739774] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Radiation therapy (RT), by using ionizing radiation (IR), destroys cancer cells inducing DNA damage. Despite several studies are continuously performed to identify the best curative dose of IR, the role of dose-rate, IR delivered per unit of time, on tumor control is still largely unknown.Materials and methods: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines were irradiated with 2 or 10 Gy delivered at dose-rates of 1.5, 2.5, 5.5 and 10.1 Gy/min. Cell-survival rate and cell cycle distribution were evaluated by clonogenic assays and flow cytometry, respectively. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by cytometry. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assessed the expression of anti-oxidant-related factors including NRF2, SODs, CAT and GPx4 and miRNAs (miR-22, -126, -210, -375, -146a, -34a). Annexin V and caspase-8, -9 and -3 activity were assessed to characterize cell death. Senescence was determined by assessing β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity. Immunoblotting was performed to assess the expression/activation of: i) phosphorylated H2AX (γ-H2AX), markers of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs); ii) p19Kip1/Cip1, p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Kip1/Cip1, senescence-related-markers; iii) p62, LC3-I and LC3-II, regulators of autophagy; iv) ATM, RAD51, DNA-PKcs, Ku70 and Ku80, mediators of DSBs repair.Results: Low dose-rate (LDR) more efficiently induced apoptosis and senescence in RMS while high dose-rate (HDR) necrosis in PCa. This paralleled with a lower ability of LDR-RMS and HDR-PCa irradiated cells to activate DSBs repair. Modulating the dose rate did not differently affect the anti-oxidant ability of cancer cells.Conclusion: The present results indicate that a stronger cytotoxic effect was induced by modulating the dose-rate in a cancer cell-dependent manner, this suggesting that choose the dose-rate based on the individual patient's tumor characteristics could be strategic for effective RT exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petragnano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pietrantoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Irene Fasciani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Del Fattore
- Bone Physiopathology Unit Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cheleschi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Tini
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Unit of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Orelli
- Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy, Oncology, Anatomopathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Codenotti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe D'Ermo
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pannitteri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrologic, Anaesthesiologic and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Tombolini
- Department of Sense Organs, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Cesaris
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Milazzo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Vulcano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fanzani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy, Oncology, Anatomopathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy, Oncology, Anatomopathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Giannattasio S, Megiorni F, Di Nisio V, Del Fattore A, Fontanella R, Camero S, Antinozzi C, Festuccia C, Gravina GL, Cecconi S, Dominici C, Di Luigi L, Ciccarelli C, De Cesaris P, Riccioli A, Zani BM, Lenzi A, Pestell RG, Filippini A, Crescioli C, Tombolini V, Marampon F. Testosterone-mediated activation of androgenic signalling sustains in vitro the transformed and radioresistant phenotype of rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:183-197. [PMID: 29790086 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in childhood, rarely affects adults, preferring male. RMS expresses the receptor for androgen (AR) and responds to androgen; however, the molecular action of androgens on RMS is unknown. METHODS Herein, testosterone (T) effects were tested in embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) RMS cell lines, by performing luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR, and western blotting experiments. RNA interference experiments or bicalutamide treatment was performed to assess the specific role of AR. Radiation treatment was delivered to characterise the effects of T treatment on RMS intrinsic radioresistance. RESULTS Our study showed that RMS cells respond to sub-physiological levels of T stimulation, finally promoting AR-dependent genomic and non-genomic effects, such as the transcriptional regulation of several oncogenes, the phosphorylation-mediated post-transductional modifications of AR and the activation of ERK, p38 and AKT signal transduction pathway mediators that, by physically complexing or not with AR, participate in regulating its transcriptional activity and the expression of T-targeted genes. T chronic daily treatment, performed as for the hormone circadian rhythm, did not significantly affect RMS cell growth, but improved RMS clonogenic and radioresistant potential and increased AR mRNA both in ERMS and ARMS. AR protein accumulation was evident in ERMS, this further developing an intrinsic T-independent AR activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that androgens sustain and improve RMS transformed and radioresistant phenotype, and therefore, their therapeutic application should be avoided in RMS post puberal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giannattasio
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - F Megiorni
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Di Nisio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Del Fattore
- Multi-Factorial Disease and Complex Phenotype Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - R Fontanella
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Camero
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - G L Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - S Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Dominici
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Ciccarelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - P De Cesaris
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - A Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - B M Zani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R G Pestell
- Pennsylvania Center for Cancer and Regenerative Medicine, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA
| | - A Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Crescioli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - V Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Marampon
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy.
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Longhi C, Comanducci A, Riccioli A, Ziparo E, Marazzato M, Aleandri M, Conte AL, Lepanto MS, Goldoni P, Conte MP. Features of uropathogenic Escherichia coli able to invade a prostate cell line. New Microbiol 2016; 39:146-149. [PMID: 27196555] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RWPE-1 normal prostate cells were tested as an experimental model for adhesion/invasion assays by genotypically and phenotypically characterized community uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (UPEC), a frequent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and significant etiologic agent also in bacterial prostatitis. Adhesive ability and strong biofilm production was significantly associated with the bacterial invasive phenotype. Invasive strains derived mainly from male and pediatric patients. This study suggests that such a cell model could usefully integrate other available methods of urovirulence analysis, to deepen knowledge on the bacterial interaction with host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Comanducci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Elio Ziparo
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Orthopedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Marazzato
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Aleandri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Lucia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Goldoni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
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11
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Palchetti S, Starace D, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. Transfected poly(I:C) activates different dsRNA receptors, leading to apoptosis or immunoadjuvant response in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:5470-83. [PMID: 25568326 PMCID: PMC4342463 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.601625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the effectiveness of surgery or radiation therapy for the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer (PCa), there is currently no effective strategy for late-stage disease. New therapeutic targets are emerging; in particular, dsRNA receptors Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and cytosolic helicases expressed by cancer cells, once activated, exert a pro-apoptotic effect in different tumors. We previously demonstrated that the synthetic analog of dsRNA poly(I:C) induces apoptosis in the androgen-dependent PCa cell line LNCaP in a TLR3-dependent fashion, whereas only a weak apoptotic effect is observed in the more aggressive and androgen-independent PCa cells PC3 and DU145. In this paper, we characterize the receptors and the signaling pathways involved in the remarkable apoptosis induced by poly(I:C) transfected by Lipofectamine (in-poly(I:C)) compared with the 12-fold higher free poly(I:C) concentration in PC3 and DU145 cells. By using genetic inhibition of different poly(I:C) receptors, we demonstrate the crucial role of TLR3 and Src in in-poly(I:C)-induced apoptosis. Therefore, we show that the increased in-poly(I:C) apoptotic efficacy is due to a higher binding of endosomal TLR3. On the other hand, we show that in-poly(I:C) binding to cytosolic receptors MDA5 and RIG-I triggers IRF3-mediated signaling, leading uniquely to the up-regulation of IFN-β, which likely in turn induces increased TLR3, MDA5, and RIG-I proteins. In summary, in-poly(I:C) activates two distinct antitumor pathways in PC3 and DU145 cells: one mediated by the TLR3/Src/STAT1 axis, leading to apoptosis, and the other one mediated by MDA5/RIG-I/IRF3, leading to immunoadjuvant IFN-β expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palchetti
- From the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy and
| | - Donatella Starace
- From the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy and
| | - Paola De Cesaris
- the Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- From the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy and
| | - Elio Ziparo
- From the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy and
| | - Anna Riccioli
- From the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy and
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12
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Colapicchioni V, Palchetti S, Pozzi D, Marini ES, Riccioli A, Ziparo E, Papi M, Amenitsch H, Caracciolo G. Killing cancer cells using nanotechnology: novel poly(I:C) loaded liposome–silica hybrid nanoparticles. J Mater Chem B 2015; 3:7408-7416. [DOI: 10.1039/c5tb01383f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Synthesized core–shell liposome–silica hybrid nanoparticles (LSH NPs), when loaded with the anti-cancer polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), exhibit high anti-tumoral activity in prostate and breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Palchetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - Elettra Sara Marini
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti
- Department of Anatomy
- Histology
- Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti
- Department of Anatomy
- Histology
- Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology
| | - Elio Ziparo
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti
- Department of Anatomy
- Histology
- Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Istituto di Fisica
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- 00168 Rome
- Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- Graz University of Technology
- 8010 Graz
- Austria
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
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13
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Gambara G, Desideri M, Stoppacciaro A, Padula F, De Cesaris P, Starace D, Tubaro A, Del Bufalo D, Filippini A, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. TLR3 engagement induces IRF-3-dependent apoptosis in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells and inhibits tumour growth in vivo. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 19:327-39. [PMID: 25444175 PMCID: PMC4407608 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of highly conserved transmembrane proteins expressed in epithelial and immune cells that recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns. Besides their role in immune response against infections, numerous studies have shown an important role of different TLRs in cancer, indicating these receptors as potential targets for cancer therapy. We previously demonstrated that the activation of TLR3 by the synthetic double-stranded RNA analogue poly I:C induces apoptosis of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer (PCa) LNCaP cells and, much less efficiently, of the more aggressive PC3 cell line. Therefore, in this study we selected LNCaP cells to investigate the mechanism of TLR3-mediated apoptosis and the in vivo efficacy of poly I:C-based therapy. We show that interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) signalling plays an essential role in TLR3-mediated apoptosis in LNCaP cells through the activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Interestingly, hardly any apoptosis was induced by poly I:C in normal prostate epithelial cells RWPE-1. We also demonstrate for the first time the direct anticancer effect of poly I:C as a single therapeutic agent in a well-established human androgen-sensitive PCa xenograft model, by showing that tumour growth is highly impaired in poly I:C-treated immunodeficient mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of PCa xenografts highlights the antitumour role of poly I:C in vivo both on cancer cells and, indirectly, on endothelial cells. Notably, we show the presence of TLR3 and IRF-3 in both human normal and PCa clinical samples, potentially envisaging poly I:C-based therapy for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Gambara
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Palchetti S, Starace D, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. 498: Two distinct antitumor pathways activated by transfected poly(I:C) in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Eur J Cancer 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(14)50443-1] [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: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Campese AF, Grazioli P, de Cesaris P, Riccioli A, Bellavia D, Pelullo M, Padula F, Noce C, Verkhovskaia S, Filippini A, Latella G, Screpanti I, Ziparo E, Starace D. Mouse Sertoli cells sustain de novo generation of regulatory T cells by triggering the notch pathway through soluble JAGGED1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:53. [PMID: 24478388 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.113803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central to the maintenance of immunological homeostasis and tolerance. It has long been known that Sertoli cells are endowed with immune suppressive properties; however, the underlying mechanisms as well as the effective nature and role of soluble factors secreted by Sertoli cells have not been fully elucidated as yet. We hypothesized that conditioned medium from primary mouse Sertoli cells (SCCM) may be able and sufficient to induce Tregs. By culturing CD4(+)CD25(-)EGFP(-) T splenocytes purified from FOXP3-EGFP knock-in mice in SCCM, here we show, by flow cytometry and suppression assay, the conversion of peripheral CD4(+)FOXP3(-) T cells into functional CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Tregs. We also demonstrate that the Notch/Jagged1 axis is involved in regulating the de novo generation of Tregs although this process is transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-B) dependent. In particular, we identified by Western blot analysis a soluble form of JAGGED1 (JAG1) in SCCM that significantly influences the induction of Tregs, as demonstrated by performing the conversion assay in presence of a JAG1-specific neutralizing antibody. In addition, we show that SCCM modulates the Notch pathway in converted Tregs by triggering the recruitment of the Notch-specific transcription factor CSL/RBP-Jk to the Foxp3 promoter and by inducing the Notch target gene Hey1, as shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and by real time-RT-PCR experiments, respectively. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in Sertoli cell-mediated immune tolerance and provide a novel approach to generate ex vivo functional Tregs for therapeutic purpose.
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16
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Pozzi D, Colapicchioni V, Caracciolo G, Piovesana S, Capriotti AL, Palchetti S, De Grossi S, Riccioli A, Amenitsch H, Laganà A. Effect of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) chain length on the bio-nano-interactions between PEGylated lipid nanoparticles and biological fluids: from nanostructure to uptake in cancer cells. Nanoscale 2014; 6:2782-92. [PMID: 24463404 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05559k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
When nanoparticles (NPs) enter a physiological environment, medium components compete for binding to the NP surface leading to formation of a rich protein shell known as the "protein corona". Unfortunately, opsonins are also adsorbed. These proteins are immediately recognized by the phagocyte system with rapid clearance of the NPs from the bloodstream. Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) coating of NPs (PEGylation) is the most efficient anti-opsonization strategy. Linear chains of PEG, grafted onto the NP surface, are able to create steric hindrance, resulting in a significant inhibition of protein adsorption and less recognition by macrophages. However, excessive PEGylation can lead to a strong inhibition of cellular uptake and less efficient binding with protein targets, reducing the potential of the delivery system. To reach a compromise in this regard we employed a multi-component (MC) lipid system with uncommon properties of cell uptake and endosomal escape and increasing length of PEG chains. Nano liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) analysis allowed us to accurately determine the corona composition showing that apolipoproteins are the most abundant class in the corona and that increasing the PEG length reduced the protein adsorption and the liposomal surface affinity for apolipoproteins. Due to the abundance of apolipoproteins, we exploited the "protein corona effect" to deliver cationic liposome-human plasma complexes to human prostate cancer PC3 cells that express a high level of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in order to evaluate the cellular uptake efficiency of the systems used. Combining laser scanning confocal microscopy with flow cytometry analysis in PC3 cells we demonstrated that MC-PEG2k is the best compromise between an anti-opsonization strategy and active targeting and could be a promising candidate to treat prostate cancer in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Pozzi D, Caracciolo G, Capriotti AL, Cavaliere C, Piovesana S, Colapicchioni V, Palchetti S, Riccioli A, Laganà A. A proteomics-based methodology to investigate the protein corona effect for targeted drug delivery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 10:2815-9. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00292j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we introduce a proteomics methodology based on nanoliquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MS-MS) to investigate the “protein corona effect for targeted drug delivery”.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
- 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - G. Caracciolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
- 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A. L. Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - C. Cavaliere
- Department of Chemistry
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - S. Piovesana
- Department of Chemistry
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - V. Colapicchioni
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza
- Rome, Italy
| | - S. Palchetti
- Department of Anatomy
- Histology
- Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
| | - A. Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy
- Histology
- Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
| | - A. Laganà
- Department of Chemistry
- “Sapienza” University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
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Barrán-Berdón AL, Pozzi D, Caracciolo G, Capriotti AL, Caruso G, Cavaliere C, Riccioli A, Palchetti S, Laganà A. Time evolution of nanoparticle-protein corona in human plasma: relevance for targeted drug delivery. Langmuir 2013; 29:6485-94. [PMID: 23631648 DOI: 10.1021/la401192x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
When nanoparticles (NPs) enter a biological fluid (e.g., human plasma (HP)), proteins and other biomolecules adsorb on the surface leading to formation of a rich protein shell, referred to as "protein corona". This corona is dynamic in nature and its composition varies over time due to continuous protein association and dissociation events. Understanding the time evolution of the protein corona on the time-scales of a particle's lifetime in blood is fundamental to predict its fate in vivo. In this study, we used lipid NPs, the cationic lipid 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl] (DC-Chol) and the zwitterionic lipid dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), that are among the most promising nanocarriers both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the time evolution of DC-Chol-DOPE NPs upon exposure to HP. On time scales between 1 and 60 minutes, nanoliquid tandem mass spectrometry revealed that the protein corona of DC-Chol-DOPE NPs is mainly constituted of apolipoproteins (Apo A-I, Apo C-II, Apo D, and Apo E are the most enriched). Since the total apolipoprotein content is relevant, we exploited the protein corona to target PC3 prostate carcinoma cell line that expresses high levels of scavenger receptor class B type 1 receptor, which mediates the bidirectional lipid transfer between low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, and cells. Combining laser scanning confocal microscopy experiments with flow cytometry we demonstrated that DC-Chol-DOPE/HP complexes enter PC3 cells by a receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lilia Barrán-Berdón
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Gambara G, De Cesaris P, De Nunzio C, Ziparo E, Tubaro A, Filippini A, Riccioli A. Toll-like receptors in prostate infection and cancer between bench and bedside. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:713-22. [PMID: 23551576 PMCID: PMC3823175 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-Like receptors (TLRs) are a family of evolutionary conserved transmembrane proteins that recognize highly conserved molecules in pathogens. TLR-expressing cells represent the first line of defence sensing pathogen invasion, triggering innate immune responses and subsequently priming antigen-specific adaptive immunity. In vitro and in vivo studies on experimental cancer models have shown both anti- and pro-tumoural activity of different TLRs in prostate cancer, indicating these receptors as potential targets for cancer therapy. In this review, we highlight the intriguing duplicity of TLR stimulation by pathogens: their protective role in cases of acute infections, and conversely their negative role in favouring hyperplasia and/or cancer onset, in cases of chronic infections. This review focuses on the role of TLRs in the pathophysiology of prostate infection and cancer by exploring the biological bases of the strict relation between TLRs and prostate cancer. In particular, we highlight the debated question of how reliable mutations or deregulated expression of TLRs are as novel diagnostic or prognostic tools for prostate cancer. So far, the anticancer activity of numerous TLR ligands has been evaluated in clinical trials only in organs other than the prostate. Here we review recent clinical trials based on the most promising TLR agonists in oncology, envisaging a potential application also in prostate cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Gambara
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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20
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Palchetti S, Pozzi D, Riccioli A, Ziparo E, Colapicchioni V, Amenitsch H, Caracciolo G. Structural characterization of cationic liposome/poly(I:C) complexes showing high ability in eliminating prostate cancer cells. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra44093a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Galli R, Starace D, Busà R, Angelini DF, Paone A, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Sette C, Battistini L, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. TLR stimulation of prostate tumor cells induces chemokine-mediated recruitment of specific immune cell types. J Immunol 2010; 184:6658-69. [PMID: 20483744 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
TLRs boost antimicrobial response mechanisms by epithelial cells and represent the first line of defense at mucosal sites. In view of these immunomodulatory properties, TLR stimulation may represent a novel means to activate anticancer immune responses. In the present study, the ability of TLR ligands to affect the recruitment of different immune cell populations by human prostate cancer cell lines and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. We showed that LNCaP and DU-145 cells express functionally active TLR3 and TLR5. Treatment with their respective agonists, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid and flagellin, rapidly triggered NF-kappaB-dependent upregulation of different inflammatory molecules, as assayed by microarray and ELISA. Furthermore, we demonstrated that conditioned media from polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid- and flagellin-treated LNCaP and DU-145 cells induced the recruitment of different leukocyte subpopulations, suggesting that TLR stimulation is able to activate the earliest step of immune response mediated by soluble factors. Interestingly, the more aggressive cancer cell line PC3 expressed TLR3 and TLR5 but failed to respond to TLR agonists in terms of NF-kappaB activation and the ability to attract immune effectors. Overall, these data show for the first time that TLR3 and TLR5 stimulation of human prostate cancer cells triggers the production of chemokines, which, in turn, favor the attraction of immune effectors, thereby representing a tool to enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies by stimulating anticancer immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Galli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Institute Pasteur-Foundation Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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22
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Starace D, Muciaccia B, Morgante E, Russo MA, Pensini S, D'agostino A, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. Peculiar subcellular localization of Fas antigen in human and mouse spermatozoa. Microsc Res Tech 2009; 72:573-9. [PMID: 19263494 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20700] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The highly polarized structure and function of mammalian spermatozoa dictate that these cells compartmentalize specific metabolic and signaling pathways to regions where they are needed. Fas was initially identified as membrane receptor for pro-apoptotic signals, has been recently recognized as a molecule with pleiotropic functions. In this article, we provide evidence of a peculiar Fas localization: it is closely associated to the perinucleus, mainly at the level of the inner acrosomal membrane, as well as in the inner compartment of mitochondria. Immunoelectron microscopy and Western blot analysis indicated that intracellular Fas was associated with mitochondria in mouse epididymal spermatozoa. Accordingly, also in human ejaculated sperm, immunofluorescence analysis showed Fas localized in the middle piece of sperm flagellum where mitochondria are grouped. The potential functional implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Starace
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Starace D, Galli R, Paone A, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. Toll-like receptor 3 activation induces antiviral immune responses in mouse sertoli cells. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:766-75. [PMID: 18596219 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.068619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and elicit antimicrobial immune responses. In the testis, viruses can induce pathological conditions, such as orchitis, and may participate in the etiology of testicular cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms involved remain under investigation. It has been suggested that because they constitutively express interferon (IFN)-inducible antiviral proteins, Sertoli cells participate in the testicular antiviral defense system. Previously, we demonstrated a key function of mouse Sertoli cells in the bactericidal testicular defense mechanism mediated by a panel of TLRs. To better characterize the potential role of Sertoli cells in the response against testicular viral infections, we investigated the TLR3 expression and function in these cells. Sertoli cells express TLR3, and under stimulation with the synthetic double-stranded RNA analogue poly (I:C), they produce the proinflammatory molecule ICAM1 and secrete functionally active CCL2 chemokine. Using both pharmacological and genetic approaches, we found that these effects are TLR3-dependent. Moreover, using ELISA, we found that IFNA is constitutively produced and not further inducible, whereas IFNB1 is absent and dramatically induced only by transfected poly (I:C), indicating different control mechanisms underlying IFNA and IFNB1 production. To conclude, poly (I:C) elicits both inflammatory and antiviral responses in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Starace
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Paone A, Starace D, Galli R, Padula F, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E, Riccioli A. Toll-like receptor 3 triggers apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells through a PKC-alpha-dependent mechanism. Carcinogenesis 2008; 29:1334-42. [PMID: 18566014 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgn149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are known to play a key role in the innate immune system particularly in inflammatory response against invading pathogens. Recent reports strongly indicate that they play important roles in cancer cells. Prostate cancer represents one of the most common cancer for which no cure is available once metastatic and androgen refractory. Since TLR3 has been recently suggested as a possible therapeutic target in some cancer cell lines, we studied TLR3 expression and functionality in two human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and PC3. We report that both cell lines express TLR3 and that the TLR3 agonist poly (I:C) activates mitogen-activated protein kinases and induces inhibition of proliferation as well as caspase-dependent apoptosis. By using pharmacological and genetic approaches, we demonstrate the involvement of TLR3 in poly (I:C)-induced effects. We also show that a novel interferon-independent pathway involving protein kinase C (PKC)-alpha activation, upstream of p38 and c-jun N-terminal kinase, is responsible for poly (I:C) pro-apoptotic effects on LNCaP cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a role of PKC-alpha in poly (I:C)-mediated apoptosis. The comprehension of the mechanisms underlying TLR3-mediated apoptosis can contribute tools to develop new agonists useful for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Paone
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Dal Secco V, Riccioli A, Padula F, Ziparo E, Filippini A. Mouse Sertoli Cells Display Phenotypical and Functional Traits of Antigen-Presenting Cells in Response to Interferon Gamma. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:234-42. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.063578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Riccioli A, Starace D, Galli R, Fuso A, Scarpa S, Palombi F, De Cesaris P, Ziparo E, Filippini A. Sertoli cells initiate testicular innate immune responses through TLR activation. J Immunol 2007; 177:7122-30. [PMID: 17082629 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.10.7122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
TLRs play a crucial role in early host defense against invading pathogens. In the seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli cells are the somatic nurse cells that mechanically segregate germ cell autoantigens by means of the blood-tubular barrier and create a microenvironment that protects germ cells from both interstitial and ascending invading pathogens. The objective of this study was to examine TLR expression and their functional responses to specific agonists in mouse Sertoli cells. We measured the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR6 mRNAs and confirmed by FACS analysis the presence of proteins TLR2 and TLR5 on which we focused our study. Stimulation of Sertoli cells with macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2, agonist of TLR2/TLR6, and with flagellin, agonist of TLR5, induces augmented secretion of the chemokine MCP-1. To assess the functional significance of MCP-1 production following TLR stimulation, conditioned medium from either macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 or flagellin-treated Sertoli cells was tested for in vitro chemotaxis assay, and a significant increase of macrophage migration was observed in comparison with unstimulated conditioned medium. Moreover, we studied the role of NF-kappaB and of MAPKs in regulating TLR-mediated MCP-1 secretion by using inhibitors specific for each transduction pathway and we demonstrated a pivotal role of the IkappaB/NF-kappaB and JNK systems. In addition, TLR2/TLR6 and TLR5 stimulation induces increased ICAM-1 expression in Sertoli cells. Collectively, this study demonstrates the novel ability of Sertoli cells to potentially respond to a wide variety of bacteria through TLR stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Riccioli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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27
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Giampietri C, Petrungaro S, Coluccia P, D'Alessio A, Starace D, Riccioli A, Padula F, Palombi F, Ziparo E, Filippini A, De Cesaris P. Germ cell apoptosis control during spermatogenesis. Contraception 2006; 72:298-302. [PMID: 16181975 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2005] [Revised: 04/08/2005] [Accepted: 04/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and role of c-Flip long isoform (c-FlipL), a known anti-apoptotic protein. No data are currently available on c-FlipL in male gonad before puberty; therefore, this study was carried out in prepuberal mouse testis. We investigated pachytene spermatocytes and spermatogonia by immunostaining of testis sections and found a strong and specific expression of c-FlipL in pachytene spermatocytes, while spermatogonia expressed very low levels of c-FlipL. This finding inversely correlated with the caspases activity, which was higher in spermatogonia as compared to pachytene spermatocytes. Other experiments carried out in an organ-culture model revealed that Fas-induced apoptosis was higher in spermatogonia as compared to pachytene spermatocytes. These data suggest that c-FlipL may play a role as an anti-apoptotic molecule in the prepuberal mouse testis and open new perspectives in the comprehension of the mechanisms controlling germ cells apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giampietri
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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28
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Riccioli A, Dal Secco V, De Cesaris P, Starace D, Gandini L, Lenzi A, Dondero F, Padula F, Filippini A, Ziparo E. Presence of membrane and soluble forms of Fas ligand and of matrilysin (MMP-7) activity in normal and abnormal human semen. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2814-20. [PMID: 15979995 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to shed some light on the role of the Fas system in human semen, by investigating whether there is an association between the expression of the molecules regulating the Fas system [membrane-bound Fas ligand (mFasL), soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) and matrilysin, the metalloprotease cleaving mFasL to sFasL] and sperm parameters. METHODS We investigated, by flow cytometric analysis, the presence of FasL on spermatozoa from normozoospermic and teratozoospermic subjects and, by western blot, the presence of sFasL and matrilysin in the seminal plasma of the same samples as well as on samples from azoospermic subjects. The enzymatic activity of matrilysin was examined by gel zymography. RESULTS We observed that sperm cells expressed mFasL in 22% of normozoospermic men, whereas it was absent from spermatozoa from teratozoospermic patients. Higher levels of sFasL and augmented enzymatic activity of matrilysin were found in azoospermic samples. CONCLUSIONS The presence of mFasL on sperm from normozoospermic men and its absence in pathological samples emphasize the role of the Fas system in human semen. Moreover, the presence of both sFasL and matrilysin in seminal plasma implies a fine regulation of the function of the Fas system and, consequently, of the apoptotic process in the human genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Riccioli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
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29
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Starace D, Riccioli A, D'Alessio A, Giampietri C, Petrungaro S, Galli R, Filippini A, Ziparo E, De Cesaris P. Characterization of signaling pathways leading to Fas expression induced by TNF‐α: pivotal role of NF‐κB. FASEB J 2004; 19:473-5. [PMID: 15601669 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-2726fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
TNF-alpha is known to induce a strong up-regulation of Fas expression in mouse Sertoli cell cultures, leading to their apoptosis triggered by effector FasL-bearing cells. These data suggest that increased Fas expression on the cell surface might be a key event in the pathogenesis of autoimmune orchitis, by inducing a leakage of the blood-tubular barrier as a consequence of Sertoli cell apoptosis. In the present paper, we have investigated the signal transduction mechanisms involved in the regulation of Fas expression induced by TNF-alpha in mouse Sertoli cells. We studied the role of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and of MAPKs in regulating Fas expression. By using Sertoli cells transfected with a NF-kappaB Luc reporter gene, we proved that TNF-alpha activates the IkappaB/NF-kappaB system. Moreover, the use of the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin led us to demonstrate that NF-kappaB is required for TNF-alpha mediated Fas expression. By using specific inhibitors for each MAPK, we confirmed the pivotal role of the IkappaB/NF-kappaB system by demonstrating that ERKs, p38, and JNK are not involved in Fas up-regulation by TNF-alpha. The comprehension of these pathways could be relevant to the knowledge of the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders in immune privileged districts of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Starace
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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30
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Giampietri C, Petrungaro S, Coluccia P, D'Alessio A, Starace D, Riccioli A, Padula F, Srinivasula SM, Alnemri E, Palombi F, Filippini A, Ziparo E, De Cesaris P. FLIP is expressed in mouse testis and protects germ cells from apoptosis. Cell Death Differ 2003; 10:175-84. [PMID: 12700645 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis control in adult testis is crucial to achieve normal spermatogenesis. In this study c-FLIP, an apoptosis-modulating protein, was investigated. In Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses, the 55 KDa c-FLIP long isoform (c-FLIP(L)) was found to be expressed strongly in spermatocytes and spermatids, at low levels in spermatogonia and at almost undetectable levels in Sertoli cells. This expression pattern was confirmed by Northern blot analyses. Further experiments carried out on GC-1spg germ cell line revealed that reducing c-FLIP(L) expression increases Fas-dependent apoptosis. Conversely, restoring c-FLIP(L) expression reduces this response to control levels. Caspase-10 expression was found to match c-FLIP(L) expression pattern; further, caspase-10 activation upon anti-Fas treatment inversely correlated with c-FLIP(L) expression. Finally, TUNEL staining of seminiferous tubules incubated with anti-Fas antibody showed that apoptosis occurs mostly in basally located germ cells, indicating that such cells, expressing low levels of c-FLIP(L), are sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis. These data indicate for the first time that c-FLIP(L) might control germ cell apoptosis and caspase activity in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Giampietri
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
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31
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Riccioli A, Salvati L, D'Alessio A, Starace D, Giampietri C, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E. The Fas system in the seminiferous epithelium and its possible extra-testicular role. Andrologia 2003; 35:64-70. [PMID: 12558530 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2003.00538.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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
The Fas system is involved in the control of immune system homeostasis and nonfunctional Fas system leads to autoimmune disease in mice and humans. The Fas system is a mechanism through which cells expressing Fas ligand (FasL) induce apoptosis of Fas expressing cells. In mouse and rat, the testis represents the main source of constitutive FasL in the body. The roles so far proposed for this molecule in the testis, such as maintenance of immunoprivilege and regulation of physiological germ cell apoptosis, need to be reconsidered as both hypotheses are based on an erroneous cellular location of FasL in the seminiferous epithelium. Recently, we demonstrated that in rodents FasL mRNA is present in germ cells and not in Sertoli cells, and that FasL protein is displayed on the surface of spermatozoa. Here we propose that, for the mouse spermatozoa, the FasL may represent a self-defence mechanism against lymphocytes present in the female genital tract. To verify this hypothesis, we performed crossings between males gld, with nonfunctional FasL, and syngenic or nonsyngenic females. We observed a significant decrease of litter size in outbred crossings with gld males compared with wild-type males, suggesting a possible role of FasL in immunoprotection of the sperm in the female genital tract. The possibility that in humans, by analogy with mouse, FasL plays a self-protective role for the spermatozoon cannot be excluded, and awaits experimental information on the expression of FasL on human sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Riccioli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 'La Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy. anna.riccioli@uniroma 1.it
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Filippini A, Riccioli A, Padula F, Lauretti P, D'Alessio A, De Cesaris P, Gandini L, Lenzi A, Ziparo E. Control and impairment of immune privilege in the testis and in semen. Hum Reprod Update 2001; 7:444-9. [PMID: 11556490 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/7.5.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has long been known that the testis is an immunologically privileged site in the body, and that human seminal plasma possesses a generalized immunosuppressive activity. Multiple factors participate in the establishment of immunotolerance in the testis: the blood-tubular barrier; the local production of immunosuppressive molecules by Sertoli cells; and the Fas system as regulator of immunological homeostasis in both physiological and pathological conditions. Cytokine-induced up-regulation of Fas as well as of integrin ligands, which are known to be specific binding molecules for lymphocytes on the Sertoli cell surface, indicates that the 'nursing' cells of seminiferous epithelium might be important in the impairment of immune privilege, causing autoimmune orchitis. In addition, the soluble form of Fas-ligand protein present in the seminal plasma of infertile patients might suggest a role for this immunomodulatory protein in male infertility. Finally, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying immune privilege in the testis and in semen might help to clarify how cells expressing 'non-self' antigens (such as male gametes) can escape the immune system in both the male and female genital tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Filippini
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
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Ziparo E, Riccioli A, Filippini A, De Cesaris P, Barbacci E. TNF-alpha induces surface modifications in mouse Sertoli cells: physiopathological implications. Ital J Anat Embryol 2001; 100 Suppl 1:553-62. [PMID: 11322336] [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
The expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 has been measured in mouse Sertoli cells cultured in vitro. Cytometric analysis revealed that, in basal conditions, low levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were present on the surface of the cells, whereas treatment with TNF-alpha induced an increase in their expression. Binding experiments using both 51Cr-labelled lymphocytes, for quantitative analysis, and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that increased expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the surface of Sertoli cells, induced by TNF-alpha, determines an augmented adhesion between the two cell types. These results suggest the presence of a specific mechanism of interaction between Sertoli and immune-competent cells, possibly involved in the control of the immune response in the testis following an inflammatory reaction in situ. Such mechanism is of interest for the understanding of auto-immune pathologies of the testis and, if confirmed in humans, it could be involved in the sexual transmission of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ziparo
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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D'Alessio A, Riccioli A, Lauretti P, Padula F, Muciaccia B, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Nagata S, Ziparo E. Testicular FasL is expressed by sperm cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:3316-21. [PMID: 11248076 PMCID: PMC30651 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.051566098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis is the main source of Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA in rodents; it is generally believed that this molecule, expressed on bordering somatic Sertoli cells, bestows an immune-privileged status in the testis by eliminating infiltrating inflammatory Fas-bearing leukocytes. Our results demonstrate that the attribution of testicular expression of FasL to Sertoli cells is erroneous and that FasL transcription instead occurs in meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells, whereas the protein is only displayed on mature spermatozoa. These findings point to a significant role of the Fas system in the biology of mammalian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Alessio
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome "La Sapienza," 00161 Rome, Italy
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35
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Riccioli A, Starace D, D'Alessio A, Starace G, Padula F, De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Ziparo E. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma regulate expression and function of the Fas system in the seminiferous epithelium. J Immunol 2000; 165:743-9. [PMID: 10878347 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.165.2.743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells have long been considered to be involved in the regulation of the immune response in the testis. More recently, the Fas system has been implicated in the maintenance of the immune privilege in the testis as well as in the regulation of germ cell apoptosis. However, the control of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) expression in the testis remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that cultured mouse Sertoli cells constitutively express a low level of membrane-bound Fas protein, but not a soluble form of Fas. Sertoli cells stimulated with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma markedly increase the expression of both soluble and membrane-bound Fas in a dose-dependent manner. The up-regulated membrane-bound Fas protein is functionally active because it induces a significant level of Sertoli cell death in the presence of Neuro-2a FasL+ effector cells. Interestingly, the soluble form of Fas, which is induced by the same cytokines but has an antiapoptotic effect, is also functional. In fact, conditioned media from TNF-alpha-stimulated Sertoli cell cultures inhibit Neuro-2a FasL+-induced cell death. Taken together, our data suggest a possible regulatory role of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma on Fas-mediated apoptosis in the testis through disruption of the balance between different forms of Fas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Riccioli
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome "La Sapienza, " Rome, Italy
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36
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De Cesaris P, Starace D, Riccioli A, Padula F, Filippini A, Ziparo E. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces interleukin-6 production and integrin ligand expression by distinct transduction pathways. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:7566-71. [PMID: 9516459 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.13.7566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine that elicits a large number of biological effects. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms that are responsible for the TNF-alpha effects remain largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated that cultured mouse Sertoli cells, after TNF-alpha treatment, increase the surface expression of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production (Riccioli, A., Filippini, A., De Cesaris, P., Barbacci, E., Stefanini, M., Starace, G., and Ziparo, E. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 5808-5812). Here, we show that, in cultured Sertoli cells, TNF-alpha activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (p38, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase/stress-activated protein kinase, and the p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinases) as revealed by an increased phosphorylation of p38, activating transcription factor-2, c-Jun, and Elk-1. Furthermore, our data indicate that the biological effects induced by TNF-alpha in Sertoli cells (enhancement of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-6 expression) depend on the activation of different signaling pathways. SB203580, a highly specific p38 inhibitor, does not affect ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, but strongly inhibits IL-6 production. Moreover, interferon-gamma, which up-regulates adhesion molecule expression and reduces IL-6 production, does not induce phosphorylation of p38. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that, in response to TNF-alpha, activation of p38 leads to IL-6 production, whereas ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression could be induced by activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase/stress-activated protein kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- P De Cesaris
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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Saraf VK, O'Neill M, Riccioli A, Penha PD, Obasaju MF, Josimovich JB. Correlations between periovulatory serum and follicular fluid CA-125 and granulosa cell hormones after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1995; 62:95-9. [PMID: 7493717 DOI: 10.1016/0301-2115(95)02168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the presence and concentration of CA-125 in periovulatory follicular fluid (FF) and serum after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and to determine if the CA-125 in these two compartments could be related to granulosa cell markers such as inhibin or estradiol. STUDY DESIGN Fifteen women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer were studied. A transvaginal, ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration was performed. CA-125, inhibin, estradiol and FSH were measured in FF and serum. Pearson and Spearman's Rank Correlation tests were performed. RESULTS CA-125 was measurable in 59% of follicles. Values ranged from undetectable to 3630 U/ml. Serum CA-125 ranged from undetectable to 126 U/ml. CA-125 and inhibin correlated negatively in FF and positively in serum. CONCLUSION CA-125 was present in significant but variable concentrations in 59% of periovulatory follicles. A negative correlation was noted between CA-125 and inhibin or estradiol in the FF and a positive correlation with serum inhibin. No correlations were noted to oocyte retrieval or fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Saraf
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pathology, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn 11215, USA
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Riccioli A, Filippini A, De Cesaris P, Barbacci E, Stefanini M, Starace G, Ziparo E. Inflammatory mediators increase surface expression of integrin ligands, adhesion to lymphocytes, and secretion of interleukin 6 in mouse Sertoli cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1995; 92:5808-12. [PMID: 7541137 PMCID: PMC41590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.13.5808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and VCAM-1 and the secretion of the cytokine interleukin 6 have been measured in mouse Sertoli cells cultured in vitro. Cytometric analysis revealed that, in basal conditions, low levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were present on the surface of the cells, whereas treatment with interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, lipopolysaccharide, or interferon gamma induced, with different kinetics, increases in their expression. ICAM-2 was not detectable in basal conditions, nor was it inducible. Electron microscopic analysis and binding experiments using 51Cr-labeled lymphocytes demonstrated that increased expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the surface of Sertoli cells, induced by inflammatory mediators, determines an augmented adhesion between the two cell types. The same stimuli, with the exception of interferon gamma, produced a rapid and remarkable increment of interleukin 6 production by Sertoli cells. These results suggest the presence of both direct and paracrine mechanisms of interaction between Sertoli and immune-competent cells, possibly involved in the control of immune reactions in the testis. Such mechanisms are of interest for the understanding of autoimmune pathologies of the testis and, if confirmed in humans, they could be involved in the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Riccioli
- Institute of Histology and General Embryology, School of Medicine La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Filippini A, Riccioli A, De Cesaris P, Paniccia R, Teti A, Stefanini M, Conti M, Ziparo E. Activation of inositol phospholipid turnover and calcium signaling in rat Sertoli cells by P2-purinergic receptors: modulation of follicle-stimulating hormone responses. Endocrinology 1994; 134:1537-45. [PMID: 8119196 DOI: 10.1210/endo.134.3.8119196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To study the role of extracellular nucleotides in the regulation of Sertoli cells, the effects of ATP and its analogs on the Ca(2+)-phospholipid- and cAMP-dependent pathways were tested. Cultured Sertoli cells from immature animals were incubated with ATP or structurally related compounds, and phosphoinositide (PI) turnover or cAMP accumulation was measured. Among the several nucleotide phosphate analogs tested, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) was the agonist most potent in stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation. The effects of purine nucleotides on PI turnover were time and concentration dependent. Because nonhydrolizable ATP analogs also stimulated PI turnover, ATP metabolites or metabolic products are not responsible for the observed stimulation. The order of potency of the different ATP analogs [adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) > ATP approximately equal to UTP > beta, gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate, 2-methylthio-ATP > adenosine] was consistent with the presence of P2U receptors (nucleotide receptors) on the surface of the Sertoli cell. Augmented PI turnover was accompanied by a transient increase in Ca2+ concentration, measured in single Sertoli cells loaded with the intracellular Ca2+ indicator fura-2. When used alone, ATP and its analogs did not have a direct effect on cAMP levels in the Sertoli cell. However, ATP or its analogs inhibited FSH-dependent cAMP accumulation by more than 70%. Purine nucleotides also efficiently blocked the effects of FSH distal to cAMP accumulation, because extracellular ATP completely reversed the changes in Sertoli cell shape induced by FSH. The nucleotide-dependent inhibition of cAMP accumulation was blocked by pertussis toxin to a different degree depending on the purine or pirimidine nucleotide used. This indicated that more than one mechanism contributes to the purine nucleotide-dependent inhibition of cAMP accumulation. These data provide evidence that purine nucleotide receptors coupled to multiple pathways are present on the Sertoli cell in culture, and that extracellular ATP has profound biological effects on the FSH responsiveness of the Sertoli cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Filippini
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza School of Medicine, Italy
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De Cesaris P, Filippini A, Cervelli C, Riccioli A, Muci S, Starace G, Stefanini M, Ziparo E. Immunosuppressive molecules produced by Sertoli cells cultured in vitro: biological effects on lymphocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1992; 186:1639-46. [PMID: 1510687 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(05)81596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study we have analyzed the proteins secreted in vitro by murine Sertoli cells to identify immunosuppressive factors. Our data show that Sertoli cells secrete molecules capable to inhibit proliferation of lymphocytes activated in vitro. Cytophluorimetric analysis indicates that treated cells are arrested in the G1 phase of cell cycle. The inhibitory activity is specific for both B or T lymphocytes but not for other non-lymphoid cells and is associated to proteins, heat and freeze stable, with Mr of more than 30 kDa. Lymphocytes treated with Sertoli immunosuppressive proteins drastically reduce the secretion of interleukin-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- P De Cesaris
- Institute of Histology & General Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
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Abstract
The importance of electrostatic interactions in the early phases of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection has been investigated in susceptible cells of different origin, human (HeLa) and avian (CER), by using some polyanions (heparin, polygalacturonic acid and mucin) and polycations (polymyxin B sulphate, poly-L-lysine, protamine, histone and polybrene). In HeLa cells, the attachment of VSV was enhanced by polymers having a positive charge and inhibited by those having a negative charge. In CER cells, all the polyanions tested reduced virus infection. Among the polycations, histone, polymyxin B sulphate and poly-L-lysine enhanced virus plaque formation while protamine and polybrene reduced virus attachment. The effect of polyions on VSV particles and on cell membrane receptors has also been investigated. The analysis of the results obtained suggest that, although electrostatic interactions play an essential role in the binding of VSV to the cell membrane, more specific structural features appear to be required for viral attachment to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Conti
- Institute of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Rome, La Sapienza
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