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Sonaglia E, Schifano E, Sharbaf M, Uccelletti D, Felici AC, Santarelli ML. Bacterial Nanocellulose Hydrogel for the Green Cleaning of Copper Stains from Marble. Gels 2024; 10:150. [PMID: 38391480 PMCID: PMC10887925 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cultural heritage stone materials frequently experience significant discoloration induced by copper corrosion products, especially calcareous stones associated with bronze or copper statues and architectural elements. This alteration originates from the corrosion of unprotected copper, resulting in the formation of various Cu minerals and the migration of soluble ions to adjacent stone materials. Traditional cleaning methods involve mechanical, chemical, and laser techniques, which are generally time-consuming, costly, not ecological, or can possibly damage original materials. The loading of highly effective chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), into hydrogels has recently been exploited. However, the preference for synthetic hydrogels has been prominent until now, although they lack renewability and biodegradability and require high costs. This study explores for the first time the potential to clean copper corrosion with bacterial nanocellulose (BC) loaded with EDTA as a biologically based, sustainable, and biodegradable hydrogel. The BC hydrogel was characterised by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), simultaneous thermal analysis (TG-DSC), and tensile testing. It revealed a nano-fibrous structure with high crystallinity and purity and mechanical properties suitable for cultural heritage applications. The EDTA-loaded hydrogel effectively removed copper stains from marble after 120 min of application. Micro-Raman and colorimetric analyses assessed the cleaning efficacy. The study introduces bacterial nanocellulose as a green and effective alternative for heritage conservation, aligning with sustainable methodologies in stone conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sonaglia
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials and Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Mohammad Sharbaf
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials and Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Candida Felici
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Santarelli
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials and Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
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Pompa L, Montanari A, Tomassini A, Bianchi MM, Aureli W, Miccheli A, Uccelletti D, Schifano E. In Vitro Probiotic Properties and In Vivo Anti-Ageing Effects of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum PFA2018AU Strain Isolated from Carrots on Caenorhabditis elegans. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041087. [PMID: 37110510 PMCID: PMC10144472 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share and provide several beneficial effects on human health, such as the release of bioactive metabolites, pathogen competition, and immune stimulation. The two major reservoirs of probiotic microorganisms are the human gastro-intestinal tract and fermented dairy products. However, other sources, such as plant-based foods, represent important alternatives thanks to their large distribution and nutritive value. Here, the probiotic potential of autochthonous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PFA2018AU, isolated from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy), was investigated through in vitro and in vivo approaches. The strain was sent to the biobank of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna in Italy for the purpose of patent procedures under the Budapest Treaty. The isolate showed high survival capability under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibility, hydrophobicity, aggregation, and the ability to inhibit the in vitro growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. Caenorhabditis elegans was used as the in vivo model in order to analyse prolongevity and anti-ageing effects. L. plantarum PFA2018AU significantly colonised the gut of the worms, extended their lifespan, and stimulated their innate immunity. Overall, these results showed that autochthonous LAB from vegetables, such as carrots, have functional features that can be considered novel probiotic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pompa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Montanari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberta Tomassini
- R&D, Aureli Mario S.S. Agricola, Via Mario Aureli 7, 67050 Ortucchio, Italy
| | - Michele Maria Bianchi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Aureli
- R&D, Aureli Mario S.S. Agricola, Via Mario Aureli 7, 67050 Ortucchio, Italy
| | - Alfredo Miccheli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- NMR-Based Metabolomics Laboratory (NMLab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- NMR-Based Metabolomics Laboratory (NMLab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Aventaggiato M, Preziosi A, Cheraghi Bidsorkhi H, Schifano E, Vespa S, Mardente S, Zicari A, Uccelletti D, Mancini P, Lotti LV, Sarto MS, Tafani M. ZnO Nanorods Create a Hypoxic State with Induction of HIF-1 and EPAS1, Autophagy, and Mitophagy in Cancer and Non-Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086971. [PMID: 37108134 PMCID: PMC10138614 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials are gaining increasing attention as innovative materials in medicine. Among nanomaterials, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are particularly appealing because of their opto-electrical, antimicrobial, and photochemical properties. Although ZnO is recognized as a safe material and the Zn ion (Zn2+) concentration is strictly regulated at a cellular and systemic level, different studies have demonstrated cellular toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs). Recently, ZnO-NP toxicity has been shown to depend on the intracellular accumulation of ROS, activation of autophagy and mitophagy, as well as stabilization and accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein. However, if the same pathway is also activated by ZnO-NRs and how non-cancer cells respond to ZnO-NR treatment, are still unknown. To answer to these questions, we treated epithelial HaCaT and breast cancer MCF-7 cells with different ZnO-NR concentrations. Our results showed that ZnO-NR treatments increased cell death through ROS accumulation, HIF-1α and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) activation, and induction of autophagy and mitophagy in both cell lines. These results, while on one side, confirmed that ZnO-NRs can be used to reduce cancer growth, on the other side, raised some concerns on the activation of a hypoxic response in normal cells that, in the long run, could induce cellular transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Aventaggiato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Preziosi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro,5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Hossein Cheraghi Bidsorkhi
- Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro,5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Vespa
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via Luigi Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Mardente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zicari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro,5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Vittoria Lotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Schifano E, Cavoto G, Pandolfi F, Pettinari G, Apponi A, Ruocco A, Uccelletti D, Rago I. Plasma-Etched Vertically Aligned CNTs with Enhanced Antibacterial Power. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:1081. [PMID: 36985974 PMCID: PMC10054568 DOI: 10.3390/nano13061081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria represents a growing threat to public health, and it calls for the development of alternative antibacterial approaches not based on antibiotics. Here, we propose vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs), with a properly designed nanomorphology, as effective platforms to kill bacteria. We show, via a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, the ability to tailor the topography of VA-CNTs, in a controlled and time-efficient manner, by means of plasma etching processes. Three different varieties of VA-CNTs were investigated, in terms of antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus: one as-grown variety and two varieties receiving different etching treatments. The highest reduction in cell viability (100% and 97% for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively) was observed for the VA-CNTs modified using Ar and O2 as an etching gas, thus identifying the best configuration for a VA-CNT-based surface to inactivate both planktonic and biofilm infections. Additionally, we demonstrate that the powerful antibacterial activity of VA-CNTs is determined by a synergistic effect of both mechanical injuries and ROS production. The possibility of achieving a bacterial inactivation close to 100%, by modulating the physico-chemical features of VA-CNTs, opens up new opportunities for the design of self-cleaning surfaces, preventing the formation of microbial colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Schifano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologia “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cavoto
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
- INFN Sezione di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Pettinari
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, CNR-IFN, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Apponi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Degli Studi Roma Tre and INFN Sezione di Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 84, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Degli Studi Roma Tre and INFN Sezione di Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 84, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologia “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rago
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
- INFN Sezione di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Zonfrilli A, Truglio F, Simeone A, Pelullo M, De Turris V, Benelli D, Checquolo S, Bellavia D, Palermo R, Uccelletti D, Screpanti I, Cialfi S, Talora C. Loss of ATP2C1 function promotes trafficking and degradation of NOTCH1: Implications for Hailey-Hailey disease. Exp Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 36789506 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder caused by mutations in the ATP2C1 gene that encodes an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-powered calcium channel pump. HHD is characterized by impaired epidermal cell-to-cell adhesion and defective keratinocyte growth/differentiation. The mechanism by which mutant ATP2C1 causes HHD is unknown and current treatments for affected individuals do not address the underlying defects and are ineffective. Notch signalling is a direct determinant of keratinocyte growth and differentiation. We found that loss of ATP2C1 leads to impaired Notch1 signalling, thus deregulation of the Notch signalling response is therefore likely to contribute to HHD manifestation. NOTCH1 is a transmembrane receptor and upon ligand binding, the intracellular domain (NICD) translocates to the nucleus activating its target genes. In the context of HHD, we found that loss of ATP2C1 function promotes upregulation of the active NOTCH1 protein (NICD-Val1744). Here, deeply exploring this aspect, we observed that NOTCH1 activation is not associated with the transcriptional enhancement of its targets. Moreover, in agreement with these results, we found a cytoplasmic localization of NICD-Val1744. We have also observed that ATP2C1-loss is associated with the degradation of NICD-Val1744 through the lysosomal/proteasome pathway. These results show that ATP2C1-loss could promote a mechanism by which NOTCH1 is endocytosed and degraded by the cell membrane. The deregulation of this phenomenon, finely regulated in physiological conditions, could in HHD lead to the deregulation of NOTCH1 with alteration of skin homeostasis and disease manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Zonfrilli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Truglio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Simeone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pelullo
- CLN2S-Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Sciences, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria De Turris
- CLN2S-Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Sciences, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Benelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Rinaldi F, Hanieh PN, Maurizi L, Longhi C, Uccelletti D, Schifano E, Del Favero E, Cantù L, Ricci C, Ammendolia MG, Paolino D, Froiio F, Marianecci C, Carafa M. Neem Oil or Almond Oil Nanoemulsions for Vitamin E Delivery: From Structural Evaluation to in vivo Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:6447-6465. [PMID: 36573206 PMCID: PMC9789705 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s376750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vitamin E (VitE) may be classified in "the first line of defense" against the formation of reactive oxygen species. Its inclusion in nanoemulsions (NEs) is a promising alternative to increase its bioavailability. The aim of this study was to compare O/W NEs including VitE based on Almond or Neem oil, showing themselves antioxidant properties. The potential synergy of the antioxidant activities of oils and vitamin E, co-formulated in NEs, was explored. Patients and Methods NEs have been prepared by sonication and deeply characterized evaluating size, ζ-potential, morphology (TEM and SAXS analyses), oil nanodroplet feature, and stability. Antioxidant activity has been evaluated in vitro, in non-tumorigenic HaCaT keratinocytes, and in vivo through fluorescence analysis of C. elegans transgenic strain. Moreover, on healthy human volunteers, skin tolerability and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated by measuring the reduction of the skin erythema induced by the application of a skin chemical irritant (methyl-nicotinate). Results Results confirm that Vitamin E can be formulated in highly stable NEs showing good antioxidant activity on keratinocyte and on C. elegans. Interestingly, only Neem oil NEs showed some anti-inflammatory activity on healthy volunteers. Conclusion From the obtained results, Neem over Almond oil is a more appropriate candidate for further studies on this application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nadia Hanieh
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Maurizi
- Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Longhi
- Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie Charles Darwin, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Emily Schifano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie Charles Darwin, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Del Favero
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Cantù
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Ricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- Centro Nazionale Tecnologie Innovative in Sanità Pubblica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paolino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Campus Universitario “S. Venuta”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Froiio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Campus Universitario “S. Venuta”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlotta Marianecci
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Carafa
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy,Correspondence: Maria Carafa; Carlotta Marianecci, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma, 00185, Italy, Tel +390649913603; +390649913970, Fax +39064913133, Email ;
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Schifano E, Conta G, Preziosi A, Ferrante C, Batignani G, Mancini P, Tomassini A, Sciubba F, Scopigno T, Uccelletti D, Miccheli A. 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA) modulates ageing and fat deposition in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:986022. [DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.986022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA) were found in urines of patients with obesity and hepatic steatosis, suggesting a potential involvement of this metabolite in clinical conditions. The gut microbial origin of 2-HIBA was hypothesized, however its actual origin and role in biological processes are still not clear. We investigated how treatment with 2-HIBA affected the physiology of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, in both standard and high-glucose diet (HGD) growth conditions, by targeted transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) and two-photon fluorescence microscopy. In standard conditions, 2-HIBA resulted particularly effective to extend the lifespan, delay ageing processes and stimulate the oxidative stress resistance in wild type nematodes through the activation of insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) and p38 MAPK pathways and, consequently, through a reduction of ROS levels. Moreover, variations of lipid accumulation observed in treated worms correlated with transcriptional levels of fatty acid synthesis genes and with the involvement of peptide transporter PEP-2. In HGD conditions, the effect of 2-HIBA on C. elegans resulted in a reduction of the lipid droplets deposition, accordingly with an increase of acs-2 gene transcription, involved in β-oxidation processes. In addition, the pro-longevity effect appeared to be correlated to higher levels of tryptophan, which may play a role in restoring the decreased viability observed in the HGD untreated nematodes.
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Ceccarelli F, Saccucci M, Natalucci F, Olivieri G, Bruni E, Iacono R, Colasanti T, Di Carlo G, Alessandri C, Uccelletti D, Russo P, Pilloni A, Conti F, Polimeni A. AB0118 PORPHYROMONAS GINGIVALIS AMOUNT IN THE TONGUE BIOFILM IS ASSOCIATED WITH EROSIVE ARTHRITIS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.3791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundSeveral data have demonstrated the occurrence of erosive arthritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, few studies have focused on the pathogenic mechanisms involved in this feature. The implication of oral pathogens has been proved in Rheumatoid Arthritis: in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), by inducing citrullination, could trigger autoimmune response.ObjectivesWe evaluated amount of Pg of the tongue in a cohort of SLE patients with arthritis, focusing on the association with the erosive phenotype.MethodsSLE patients with arthritis were enrolled. We evaluated the presence of ACPA and RF by using commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. SLEDAI-2k was applied to assess disease activity and DAS28 to assess joint inflammatory status. Erosive damage was evaluated by ultrasound at level of metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeals joints. All subjects underwent a tongue cytologic swab in order to quantify the amount of Pg (real-time PCR). The bacterium expression was obtained from the ratio between the patient’s DNA amount and that obtained from healthy subjects.ResultsThe present analysis included 33 SLE patients (M/F 3/30; median age 47 years, IQR 17; median disease duration 216 months, IQR 180). Concerning activity at the time of the enrollment, we found a median DAS28 value of 3.8 (IQR 2.8) and a median SLEDAI-2k of 4 (IQR 5). Twelve patients (36.4%) showed US-detected erosive damage in at least one joint, significantly associated with ACPA positivity (p<0.0001). Furthermore, patients with erosive damage showed significantly higher median DAS28 values in comparison with those without [4 (IQR 3.1) versus 3.2 (IQR 2.1), p=0.03]. Moving on the oral pathogen analysis, we found a mean Pg ratio of 19.7±31.1 (median 6.6, IQR 22.3). When dividing patients according to the presence of erosive damage, we found higher Pg amount in SLE patients with this phenotype in comparison with those without (31.4±44.3 versus 12.9±19.2, p=ns; Figure 1A). Thus, we used Pg mean values as threshold, identifying two groups of patients, namely highPg and lowPg. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC), this threshold resulted in the most sensitive and specific one (sensitivity of 85%; specificity of 50%). As reported in Figure 1B, erosive damage was significantly more frequent in highPg patients in comparison with lowPg (60.0% versus 26.0%, p=0.001). Furthermore, highPg patients showed higher prevalence of skin manifestations, serositis and neurological involvement compared to lowPg patients (p=0.005, p=0.03, p=0.0001, respectively).ConclusionThe possible contribution of oral microbiota in SLE erosive arthritis was here evaluated for the first time, finding a significant association between erosive damage and higher expression of Pg at tongue level.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Ceccarelli F, Saccucci M, Natalucci F, Olivieri G, Bruni E, Iacono R, Colasanti T, Di Carlo G, Alessandri C, Uccelletti D, Russo P, Pilloni A, Conti F, Polimeni A. Porphyromonas gingivalis amount in the tongue biofilm is associated with erosive arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2022; 31:921-926. [PMID: 35477339 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221098528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several data have demonstrated the occurrence of erosive arthritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, a few studies have focused on the pathogenic mechanisms involved in this feature. The implication of oral pathogens has been proved in Rheumatoid Arthritis: in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), by inducing citrullination, could trigger autoimmune response. Here, we evaluated amount of Pg on the tongue in a cohort of SLE patients with arthritis, focusing on the association with the erosive phenotype. METHODS SLE patients with arthritis were enrolled. DAS28 was applied to assess activity. Erosive damage was evaluated by ultrasound at level of MCP (metacarpophalangeal) and PIP (proximal interphalangeals) joints. All subjects underwent a tongue cytologic swab in order to quantify the amount of Pg (real-time PCR). The bacterium expression was obtained from the ratio between the patient's DNA amount and that obtained from healthy subjects. RESULTS 33 patients were enrolled (M/F 3/30; median age 47 years, IQR 17; median disease duration 216 months, IQR 180): 12 of them (36.4%) showed erosive damage, significantly associated with ACPA positivity (p = 0.03) and higher values of DAS28 (p = 0.01). A mean ratio of 19.7 ± 31.1 was found for Pg amount. Therefore, we used Pg mean values as threshold, identifying two groups of patients, namely, highPg and lowPg. Erosive damage was significantly more frequent in highPg patients in comparison with lowPg (60.0% vs 26.0%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, highPg patients showed higher prevalence of skin manifestations, serositis, and neurological involvement (p = 0.005, p = 0.03, p = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION The possible contribution of oral microbiota in SLE erosive arthritis was here evaluated for the first time, finding a significant association between erosive damage and higher expression of Pg at tongue level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Lupus Clinic, Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Saccucci
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Natalucci
- Lupus Clinic, Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Olivieri
- Lupus Clinic, Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotecnology Charles Darwin, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Iacono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Tania Colasanti
- Lupus Clinic, Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Carlo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Alessandri
- Lupus Clinic, Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotecnology Charles Darwin, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Russo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pilloni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Lupus Clinic, Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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10
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Fanizza C, Stefanelli M, Risuglia A, Bruni E, Ietto F, Incoronato F, Marra F, Preziosi A, Mancini P, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D. In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Studies on Engineered Fabric with Graphene Nanoplatelets. Nanomaterials 2022; 12:nano12091405. [PMID: 35564114 PMCID: PMC9100993 DOI: 10.3390/nano12091405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
To produce clothes made with engineered fabrics to monitor the physiological parameters of workers, strain sensors were produced by depositing two different types of water-based inks (P1 and P2) suitably mixed with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on a fabric. We evaluated the biocompatibility of fabrics with GNPs (GNP fabric) through in vitro and in vivo assays. We investigated the effects induced on human keratinocytes by the eluates extracted from GNP fabrics by the contact of GNP fabrics with cells and by seeding keratinocytes directly onto the GNP fabrics using a cell viability test and morphological analysis. Moreover, we evaluated in vivo possible adverse effects of the GNPs using the model system Caenorhabditis elegans. Cell viability assay, morphological analysis and Caenorhabditis elegans tests performed on smart fabric treated with P2 (P2GNP fabric) did not show significant differences when compared with their respective control samples. Instead, a reduction in cell viability and changes in the membrane microvilli structure were found in cells incubated with smart fabric treated with P1. The results were helpful in determining the non-toxic properties of the P2GNP fabric. In the future, therefore, graphene-based ink integrated into elastic fabric will be developed for piezoresistive sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fanizza
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DITSIPIA), National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.R.); (F.I.); (F.I.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mara Stefanelli
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DITSIPIA), National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.R.); (F.I.); (F.I.)
| | - Anna Risuglia
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DITSIPIA), National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.R.); (F.I.); (F.I.)
| | - Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.P.); (D.U.)
| | - Federica Ietto
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DITSIPIA), National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.R.); (F.I.); (F.I.)
| | - Federica Incoronato
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DITSIPIA), National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.R.); (F.I.); (F.I.)
| | - Fabrizio Marra
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.S.S.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Preziosi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.P.); (D.U.)
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.S.S.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (A.P.); (D.U.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
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11
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Riccardi C, Di Filippo P, Pomata D, Simonetti G, Castellani F, Uccelletti D, Bruni E, Federici E, Buiarelli F. Comparison of analytical approaches for identifying airborne microorganisms in a livestock facility. Sci Total Environ 2021; 783:147044. [PMID: 34088133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An intensive study, applied to a site characterized by multiple sources of microorganisms, was aimed at understanding the best approach to study bioaerosol. Culture-based, molecular biological, and chemical methods were applied to Particulate Matter (PM) samples collected in a livestock facility, during spring and autumn seasons, in two different outdoor areas. The first one was close to a place where feed was stored and handled and the second next to an open cowshed. Qualitative analysis of bacteria was performed by sequencing techniques applied to DNA extracted from both isolated culturable bacteria and particulate matter samples. Quantification of microorganisms was achieved through three distinct approaches. Microorganism colonies were counted, after incubation at 28 °C, and expressed as colony-forming units (CFU) per m3. Chemical method consisted in the identification of individual biomarkers, and their conversion to number of microorganisms per m3, using proper conversion factors. Finally, qPCR was applied to DNA extracted from PM samples, and the results were expressed as total amount of bacteria present in the bioaerosol (UG/m3). The presence of airborne sterols was also studied to broaden the knowledge of bioaerosol components in atmosphere. Small seasonal differences and major sampling site differences occurred. Obviously, culture-dependent method identified less and different bacteria, than culture-independent approach. The chemical approach and the culture independent metagenomic method were in good agreement. As expected, CFU/m3 accounted for not more than 0.3% of bacteria calculated as the average of chemical and culture independent metagenomic methods. The complexity of the obtained results shows that the different approaches are complementary to obtain an exhaustive description of bioaresol in terms of concentration, speciation, viability, pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giulia Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ermanno Federici
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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12
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Ficociello G, Gerardi V, Uccelletti D, Setini A. Molecular and cellular responses to short exposure to bisphenols A, F, and S and eluates of microplastics in C. elegans. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:805-818. [PMID: 32820443 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10498-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) have been developed as an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known endocrine disruptor, leading to their detection in the aquatic environment. In this work, we used the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans to improve our understanding of their potential effects on the biota and the environment. Our findings demonstrated that, after 24 h exposure, all the bisphenols examined increased the number of apoptotic corpses and the expression of the detoxifying enzymes SOD-3 and GST-4, without affecting the ROS levels, while BPA and BPS significantly enhanced DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, similarly to BPA, BPF and BPS did not alter the lifespan through the activation of SEK-1 and SKN-1 pathways. Thus, this study raises the attention of the risks associated with exposure to BPA alternatives. We also examined the effects of microplastic (MP) eluates on C. elegans. Aqueous extracts of weathered microplastic samples, both at high and low degradation state and pellets, have been evaluated for their effects on lifespan, DNA fragmentation, germline apoptosis, and oxidative stress response. Overall, our findings showed that eluates of low degraded plastics exert a greater toxic effect on the nematode C. elegans compared with the aqueous sample of high degraded plastic fragments and pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Gerardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Setini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
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13
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Ficociello G, Inverni A, Massimi L, Buccini G, Canepari S, Uccelletti D. Assessment of the effects of atmospheric pollutants using the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Environ Res 2020; 191:110209. [PMID: 32937173 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is recognized as the world's largest environmental health risk. In this work we evaluated in vivo the effects of three relevant components of atmospheric dusts (brake dust, wood pellet ash and Saharan dust) employing the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Main endpoints of C. elegans such as life span, brood size and oxidative stress were addressed by exposing the nematodes to different dust concentrations. Brake dust and pellet ash affected the life span and increased significantly the oxidative stress of exposed nematodes, while Saharan dust showed no effects. Water soluble and insoluble fractions of these dusts were used to investigate the impact of the single fraction on C. elegans. The two fractions of brake dust and pellet ash exerted different effects on C. elegans endpoints in terms of life span and oxidative stress response. These fractions acted in different ways on the worm susceptibility to infection of two human pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) affecting the sek-1 gene expression. In conclusion, our study showed that C. elegans is a valuable tool to investigate in vivo possible effects of atmospheric dusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Inverni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy; Chemistry Department, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Buccini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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14
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Schifano E, Cicalini I, Pieragostino D, Heipieper HJ, Del Boccio P, Uccelletti D. In vitro and in vivo lipidomics as a tool for probiotics evaluation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:8937-8948. [PMID: 32875367 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10864-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The probiotic bacteria are helpful for nutritional and therapeutic purposes, and they are commercially available in various forms, such as capsules or powders. Increasing pieces of evidence indicate that different growth conditions and variability in manufacturing processes can determine the properties of probiotic products. In recent years, the lipidomic approach has become a useful tool to evaluate the impact that probiotics induce in host physiology. In this work, two probiotic formulations with identical species composition, produced in two different sites, the USA and Italy, were utilized to feed Caenorhabditis elegans, strains and alterations in lipid composition in the host and bacteria were investigated. Indeed, the multicellular organism C. elegans is considered a simple model to study the in vivo effects of probiotics. Nematodes fat metabolism was assessed by gene expression analysis and by mass spectrometry-based lipidomics. Lipid droplet analysis revealed a high accumulation of lipid droplets in worms fed US-made products, correlating with an increased expression of genes involved in the fatty acid synthesis. We also evaluated the lifespan of worms defective in genes involved in the insulin/IGF-1-mediated pathway and monitored the nuclear translocation of DAF-16. These data demonstrated the involvement of the signaling in C. elegans responses to the two diets. Lipidomics analysis of the two formulations was also conducted, and the results indicated differences in phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) contents that, in turn, could influence nematode host physiology. Results demonstrated that different manufacturing processes could influence probiotics and host properties in terms of lipid composition. KEY POINTS: • Probiotic formulations impact on Caenorhabditis elegans lipid metabolism; • Lipidomic analysis highlighted phospholipid abundance in the two products; • Phosphocholines and phosphatidylglycerols were analyzed in worms fed the two probiotic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratory, Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratory, Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Hermann J Heipieper
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratory, Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Pranno N, La Monaca G, Polimeni A, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D, Bruni E, Cristalli MP, Cavallini D, Vozza I. Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus Aureus of Titanium Surfaces Coated with Graphene Nanoplatelets to Prevent Peri-Implant Diseases. An In-Vitro Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E1568. [PMID: 32121336 PMCID: PMC7084449 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dental implants are one of the most commonly used ways to replace missing teeth. Nevertheless, the close contact with hard and soft oral tissues expose these devices to infectious peri-implant diseases. To prevent such infection, several surface treatments have been developed in the last few years to improve the antimicrobial properties of titanium dental implants. In this in-vitro pilot study, the antimicrobial activity of titanium surfaces coated with different types of graphene nanoplatelets are investigated. Six different colloidal suspensions of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were produced from graphite intercalated compounds, setting the temperature and duration of the thermal shock and varying the number of the exfoliation cycles. Titanium disks with sand-blasted and acid-etched surfaces were sprayed with 2 mL of colloidal GNPs suspensions. The size of the GNPs and the percentage of titanium disk surfaces coated by GNPs were evaluated through a field emission-scanning electron microscope. The antibacterial activity of the specimens against Staphylococcus aureus was estimated using a crystal violet assay. The dimension of GNPs decreased progressively after each sonication cycle. The two best mean percentages of titanium disk surfaces coated by GNPs were GNPs1050°/2 and GNPs1150°/2. The reduction of biofilm development was 14.4% in GNPs1150°/2, 20.1% in GNPs1150°/3, 30.3% in GNPs1050°/3, and 39.2% in GNPs1050°/2. The results of the study suggested that the surface treatment of titanium disks with GNPs represents a promising solution to improve the antibacterial activity of titanium implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pranno
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Gerardo La Monaca
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (M.S.S.); (D.C.)
- DIAEE, Department of Astronautical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- BBCD, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (D.U.); (E.B.)
| | - Erika Bruni
- BBCD, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (D.U.); (E.B.)
| | - Maria Paola Cristalli
- Department of Biotechnologies and Medico Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Domenico Cavallini
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (M.S.S.); (D.C.)
- DIAEE, Department of Astronautical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Vozza
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (A.P.); (I.V.)
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16
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Bianchi L, Laghi L, Correani V, Schifano E, Landi C, Uccelletti D, Mattei B. A Combined Proteomics, Metabolomics and In Vivo Analysis Approach for the Characterization of Probiotics in Large-Scale Production. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010157. [PMID: 31963736 PMCID: PMC7022454 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010157] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The manufacturing processes of commercial probiotic strains may be affected in different ways in the attempt to optimize yield, costs, functionality, or stability, influencing gene expression, protein patterns, or metabolic output. Aim of this work is to compare different samples of a high concentration (450 billion bacteria) multispecies (8 strains) formulation produced at two different manufacturing sites, United States of America (US) and Italy (IT), by applying a combination of functional proteomics, metabolomics, and in vivo analyses. Several protein-profile differences were detected between IT- and US-made products, with Lactobacillus paracasei, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacteria being the main affected probiotics/microorganisms. Performing proton nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (1H-NMR), some discrepancies in amino acid, lactate, betaine and sucrose concentrations were also reported between the two products. Finally, we investigated the health-promoting and antiaging effects of both products in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The integration of omics platforms with in vivo analysis has emerged as a powerful tool to assess manufacturing procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Luca Laghi
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna, 40126 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Virginia Correani
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudia Landi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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17
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Bruni E, Simonetti G, Bovone B, Casagrande C, Castellani F, Riccardi C, Pomata D, Di Filippo P, Federici E, Buiarelli F, Uccelletti D. Evaluation of Bioaerosol Bacterial Components of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Through an Integrate Approach and In Vivo Assessment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 17:ijerph17010273. [PMID: 31906026 PMCID: PMC6981557 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater carries different pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms that can be dispersed in the surrounding environment. Workers who frequent sewage treatment plants can therefore be exposed to aerosols that contain a high concentration of potentially dangerous biological agents, or they can come into direct contact with contaminated material. This can lead to allergies, infections and occupational health-associated diseases. A characterization of biological risk assessment of bioaerosol exposure is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of an interdisciplinary method that combines chemical and biological approaches for the analysis of a bioaerosol derived from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) situated in Italy. Sampled filters were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS spectroscopy that searched for different chemical biomarkers of airborne microorganisms. The analytical quantification was compared to the biological cultural method that revealed an underrated microbial concentration. Furthermore, next generation sequencing analysis was used also to identify the uncultivable species that were not detected by the culture dependent-method. Moreover, the simple animal model Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate the pathogenicity of two isolates—Acinetobacter iwoffii and Micrococcus luteus—that showed multidrug-resistance. This work represents a starting point for the development of a multidisciplinary approach for the validation of bioaerosol exposure on WWTP workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Giulia Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
| | - Beatrice Bovone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Chiara Casagrande
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (E.F.)
| | - Federica Castellani
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
| | - Carmela Riccardi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
- Inail DIT, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Pomata
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
- Inail DIT, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Di Filippo
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
- Inail DIT, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Ermanno Federici
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (E.F.)
| | - Francesca Buiarelli
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (F.C.); (C.R.); (D.P.); (P.D.F.); (F.B.)
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Schifano E, Ficociello G, Vespa S, Ghosh S, Cipollo JF, Talora C, Lotti LV, Mancini P, Uccelletti D. Pmr-1 gene affects susceptibility of Caenorhabditis elegans to Staphylococcus aureus infection through glycosylation and stress response pathways' alterations. Virulence 2019; 10:1013-1025. [PMID: 31771413 PMCID: PMC6930020 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1697118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium signaling can elicit different pathways involved in an extreme variety of biological processes. Calcium levels must be tightly regulated in a spatial and temporal manner in order to be efficiently and properly utilized in the host physiology. The Ca2+-ATPase, encoded by pmr-1 gene, was first identified in yeast and localized to the Golgi and it appears to be involved in calcium homeostasis. PMR-1 function is evolutionary conserved from yeast to human, where mutations in the orthologous gene ATP2C1 cause Hailey-Hailey disease. In this work, we used the Caenorhabditis elegans model system to gain insight into the downstream response elicited by the loss of pmr-1 gene. We found that pmr-1 knocked down animals not only showed defects in the oligosaccharide structure of glycoproteins at the cell surface but also were characterized by reduced susceptibility to bacterial infection. Although increased resistance to the infection might be related to lack of regular recognition of C. elegans surface glycoproteins by microbial agents, we provide genetic evidence that pmr-1 interfered nematodes mounted a stronger innate immune response to Gram-positive bacterial infection. Thus, our observations indicate pmr-1 as a candidate gene implicated in mediating the worm's innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Vespa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salil Ghosh
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - John F Cipollo
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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19
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Buiarelli F, Sonego E, Uccelletti D, Bruni E, Di Filippo P, Pomata D, Riccardi C, Perrino C, Marcovecchio F, Simonetti G. Determination of the main bioaerosol components using chemical markers by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.103974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Bossù M, Saccucci M, Salucci A, Di Giorgio G, Bruni E, Uccelletti D, Sarto MS, Familiari G, Relucenti M, Polimeni A. Enamel remineralization and repair results of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite toothpaste on deciduous teeth: an effective option to fluoride toothpaste. J Nanobiotechnology 2019; 17:17. [PMID: 30683113 PMCID: PMC6346538 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dental caries is a recognized worldwide public health problem. Despite being one of the most effective strategies against dental caries, the excessive use of fluorine may result in a potential risk of developing dental fluorosis especially in children under age of six. The purpose of this work is to analyze a fluorine-free toothpaste containing Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite to assess enamel re-mineralizing and repairing properties. Results The study was performed in vitro and in vivo, comparing the hydroxyapatite toothpaste with two others toothpaste containing different fluorine concentrations. The coating effect of the micro-structured Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles reintegrates the enamel with a biomimetic film reproducing the structure and the morphology of the biologic Hydroxyapatite of the enamel. As demonstrated, the coating is due to the deposit of a new layer of apatite, which presents fewer particles than the natural enamel, not based on the chemical—physical changes occurring in fluorinated toothpastes. Moreover, it shows resistance to brushing as a consequence of chemical bonds between the synthetic and natural crystals of the enamel. Conclusions The use of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite toothpastes has proven to be a valuable prevention measure against dental caries in primary dentition since it prevents the risk of fluorosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bossù
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 287a, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Saccucci
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 287a, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Salucci
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 287a, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Di Giorgio
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 287a, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Section of Human Anatomy Electron Microscopy Unit, Laboratory "Pietro M. Motta" Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Relucenti
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Section of Human Anatomy Electron Microscopy Unit, Laboratory "Pietro M. Motta" Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 287a, 00161, Rome, Italy
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21
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Schifano E, Marazzato M, Ammendolia MG, Zanni E, Ricci M, Comanducci A, Goldoni P, Conte MP, Uccelletti D, Longhi C. Virulence behavior of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains in the host model Caenorhabditis elegans. Microbiologyopen 2018; 8:e00756. [PMID: 30381890 PMCID: PMC6562141 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Although a number of bacteria can cause UTIs, most cases are due to infection by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC are a genetically heterogeneous group that exhibit several virulence factors associated with colonization and persistence of bacteria in the urinary tract. Caenorhabditis elegans is a tiny, free-living nematode found worldwide. Because many biological pathways are conserved in C. elegans and humans, the nematode has been increasingly used as a model organism to study virulence mechanisms of microbial infections and innate immunity. The virulence of UPEC strains, characterized for antimicrobial resistance, pathogenicity-related genes associated with virulence and phylogenetic group belonging was evaluated by measuring the survival of C. elegans exposed to pure cultures of these strains. Our results showed that urinary strains can kill the nematode and that the clinical isolate ECP110 was able to efficiently colonize the gut and to inhibit the host oxidative response to infection. Our data support that C. elegans, a free-living nematode found worldwide, could serve as an in vivo model to distinguish, among uropathogenic E. coli, different virulence behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Marazzato
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- National Center of Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Zanni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Ricci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Comanducci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Goldoni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Section, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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22
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Ficociello G, De Caris MG, Trillò G, Cavallini D, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D, Mancini P. Anti-Candidal Activity and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Graphene Nanoplatelets Decorated with Zinc Oxide Nanorods. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2018; 8:E752. [PMID: 30248950 PMCID: PMC6215111 DOI: 10.3390/nano8100752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common pathogenic fungus that is isolated in nosocomial infections in medically and immune-compromised patients. The ability of C. albicans to convert its form from yeast to hyphal morphology contributes to biofilm development that effectively shelters Candida against the action of antifungals molecules. In the last years, nanocomposites are the most promising solutions against drug-resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of graphene nanoplateles decorated with zinc oxide nanorods (ZNGs) against the human pathogen Candida albicans. We observed that ZNGs were able to induce a significant mortality in fungal cells, as well as to affect the main virulence factors of this fungus or rather the hyphal development and biofilm formation. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation in yeast cells resulted one of the mechanisms of ZNGs to induce mortality. Finally, the toxicity of this nanomaterial was tested also on human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. Our data indicated that ZNGs resulted not toxic when their aggregation state decreased by adding glycerol as emulsifier to ZNGs suspensions or when HaCaT cells were grown on ZNGs-coated glasses. Overall, the results that were obtained indicated that ZNGs could be exploited as an antifungal nanomaterial with a high degree of biocompatibility on human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Giovanna De Caris
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giusy Trillò
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Domenico Cavallini
- Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy.
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy.
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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23
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Ficociello G, Zonfrilli A, Cialfi S, Talora C, Uccelletti D. Yeast-Based Screen to Identify Natural Compounds with a Potential Therapeutic Effect in Hailey-Hailey Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061814. [PMID: 29925776 PMCID: PMC6032253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The term orthodisease defines human disorders in which the pathogenic gene has orthologs in model organism genomes. Yeasts have been instrumental for gaining insights into the molecular basis of many human disorders, particularly those resulting from impaired cellular metabolism. We and others have used yeasts as a model system to study the molecular basis of Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), a human blistering skin disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of the gene ATP2C1 the orthologous of the yeast gene PMR1. We observed that K. lactis cells defective for PMR1 gene share several biological similarities with HHD derived keratinocytes. Based on the conservation of ATP2C1/PMR1 function from yeast to human, here we used a yeast-based assay to screen for molecules able to influence the pleiotropy associated with PMR1 deletion. We identified six compounds, Kaempferol, Indirubin, Lappaconite, Cyclocytidine, Azomycin and Nalidixic Acid that induced different major shape phenotypes in K. lactis. These include mitochondrial and the cell-wall morphology-related phenotypes. Interestingly, a secondary assay in mammalian cells confirmed activity for Kaempferol. Indeed, this compound was also active on human keratinocytes depleted of ATP2C1 function by siRNA-treatment used as an in-vitro model of HHD. We found that Kaempferol was a potent NRF2 regulator, strongly inducing its expression and its downstream target NQO1. In addition, Kaempferol could decrease oxidative stress of ATP2C1 defective keratinocytes, characterized by reduced NRF2-expression. Our results indicated that the activation of these pathways might provide protection to the HHD-skin cells. As oxidative stress plays pivotal roles in promoting the skin lesions of Hailey-Hailey, the NRF2 pathway could be a viable therapeutic target for HHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Azzurra Zonfrilli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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24
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Guantario B, Zinno P, Schifano E, Roselli M, Perozzi G, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D, Devirgiliis C. In Vitro and in Vivo Selection of Potentially Probiotic Lactobacilli From Nocellara del Belice Table Olives. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:595. [PMID: 29643848 PMCID: PMC5882814 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Table olives are increasingly recognized as a vehicle as well as a source of probiotic bacteria, especially those fermented with traditional procedures based on the activity of indigenous microbial consortia, originating from local environments. In the present study, we report characterization at the species level of 49 Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains deriving from Nocellara del Belice table olives fermented with the Spanish or Castelvetrano methods, recently isolated in our previous work. Ribosomal 16S DNA analysis allowed identification of 4 Enterococcus gallinarum, 3 E. casseliflavus, 14 Leuconostoc mesenteroides, 19 Lactobacillus pentosus, 7 L. coryniformis, and 2 L. oligofermentans. The L. pentosus and L. coryniformis strains were subjected to further screening to evaluate their probiotic potential, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches. The majority of them showed high survival rates under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, and positive antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) pathogens. Evaluation of antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, or erythromycin was also performed for all selected strains. Three L. coryniformis strains were selected as very good performers in the initial in vitro testing screens, they were antibiotic susceptible, as well as capable of inhibiting pathogen growth in vitro. Parallel screening employing the simplified model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, fed the Lactobacillus strains as a food source, revealed that one L. pentosus and one L. coryniformis strains significantly induced prolongevity effects and protection from pathogen-mediated infection. Moreover, both strains displayed adhesion to human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and were able to outcompete foodborne pathogens for cell adhesion. Overall, these results are suggestive of beneficial features for novel LAB strains, which renders them promising candidates as starters for the manufacturing of fermented table olives with probiotic added value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Guantario
- Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Zinno
- Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome, Italy
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Roselli
- Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuditta Perozzi
- Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Palleschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Devirgiliis
- Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome, Italy
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25
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Bregnocchi A, Zanni E, Uccelletti D, Marra F, Cavallini D, De Angelis F, De Bellis G, Bossù M, Ierardo G, Polimeni A, Sarto MS. Graphene-based dental adhesive with anti-biofilm activity. J Nanobiotechnology 2017; 15:89. [PMID: 29233187 PMCID: PMC5728064 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0322-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Secondary caries are considered the main cause of dental restoration failure. In this context, anti-biofilm and bactericidal properties are desired in dental materials against pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans. To this purpose, graphene based materials can be used as fillers of polymer dental adhesives. In this work, we investigated the possibility to use as filler of dental adhesives, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), a non toxic hydrophobic nanomaterial with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. Results Graphene nanoplatelets have been produced starting from graphite intercalated compounds through a process consisting of thermal expansion and liquid exfoliation. Then, a dental adhesive filled with GNPs at different volume fractions has been produced through a solvent evaporation method. The rheological properties of the new experimental adhesives have been assessed experimentally. The adhesive properties have been tested using microtensile bond strength measurements (µ-TBS). Biocidal activity has been studied using the colony forming units count (CFU) method. The anti-biofilm properties have been demonstrated through FE-SEM imaging of the biofilm development after 3 and 24 h of growth. Conclusions A significantly lower vitality of S. mutans cells has been demonstrated when in contact with the GNP filled dental adhesives. Biofilm growth on adhesive-covered dentine tissues demonstrated anti-adhesion properties of the produced materials. µ-TBS results demonstrated no significant difference in µ-TBS between the experimental and the control adhesive. The rheology tests highlighted the necessity to avoid low shear rate regimes during adhesive processing and application in clinical protocol, and confirmed that the adhesive containing the 0.2%wt of GNPs possess mechanical properties comparable with the ones of the control adhesive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Bregnocchi
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy. .,Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, 00184, Italy.
| | - Elena Zanni
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Marra
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.,Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, 00184, Italy
| | - Domenico Cavallini
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.,Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, 00184, Italy
| | - Francesca De Angelis
- Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry Sapienza University of Rome, Viale regina Elena 287a, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Bellis
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.,Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, 00184, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bossù
- Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry Sapienza University of Rome, Viale regina Elena 287a, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Gaetano Ierardo
- Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry Sapienza University of Rome, Viale regina Elena 287a, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry Sapienza University of Rome, Viale regina Elena 287a, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- Research Center for Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza University (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-science Laboratory (SNN Lab), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.,Department of Aerospace, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, 00184, Italy
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Zanni E, Bruni E, Chandraiahgari CR, De Bellis G, Santangelo MG, Leone M, Bregnocchi A, Mancini P, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D. Evaluation of the antibacterial power and biocompatibility of zinc oxide nanorods decorated graphene nanoplatelets: new perspectives for antibiodeteriorative approaches. J Nanobiotechnology 2017; 15:57. [PMID: 28764786 PMCID: PMC5539890 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnologies are currently revolutionizing the world around us, improving the quality of our lives thanks to a multitude of applications in several areas including the environmental preservation, with the biodeterioration phenomenon representing one of the major concerns. RESULTS In this study, an innovative nanomaterial consisting of graphene nanoplatelets decorated by zinc oxide nanorods (ZNGs) was tested for the ability to inhibit two different pathogens belonging to bacterial genera frequently associated with nosocomial infections as well as biodeterioration phenomenon: the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A time- and dose-dependent bactericidal effect in cell viability was highlighted against both bacteria, demonstrating a strong antimicrobial potential of ZNGs. Furthermore, the analysis of bacterial surfaces through Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed ZNGs mechanical interaction at cell wall level. ZNGs induced in those bacteria deep physical damages not compatible with life as a result of nanoneedle-like action of this nanomaterial together with its nanoblade effect. Cell injuries were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, revealing that ZNGs antimicrobial effect was related to protein and phospholipid changes as well as a decrease in extracellular polymeric substances; this was also supported by a reduction in biofilm formation of both bacteria. The antibacterial properties of ZNGs applied on building-related materials make them a promising tool for the conservation of indoor/outdoor surfaces. Finally, ZNGs nanotoxicity was assessed in vivo by exploiting the soil free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Notably, no harmful effects of ZNGs on larval development, lifespan, fertility as well as neuromuscular functionality were highlighted in this excellent model for environmental nanotoxicology. CONCLUSIONS Overall, ZNGs represent a promising candidate for developing biocompatible materials that can be exploitable in antimicrobial applications without releasing toxic compounds, harmful to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zanni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), SNNLab, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Bruni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Chandrakanth Reddy Chandraiahgari
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), SNNLab, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Bellis
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), SNNLab, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Leone
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnese Bregnocchi
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), SNNLab, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), SNNLab, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), SNNLab, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
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Zanni E, Schifano E, Motta S, Sciubba F, Palleschi C, Mauri P, Perozzi G, Uccelletti D, Devirgiliis C, Miccheli A. Combination of Metabolomic and Proteomic Analysis Revealed Different Features among Lactobacillus delbrueckii Subspecies bulgaricus and lactis Strains While In Vivo Testing in the Model Organism Caenorhabditis elegans Highlighted Probiotic Properties. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1206. [PMID: 28702021 PMCID: PMC5487477 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus delbrueckii represents a technologically relevant member of lactic acid bacteria, since the two subspecies bulgaricus and lactis are widely associated with fermented dairy products. In the present work, we report the characterization of two commercial strains belonging to L. delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus, lactis and a novel strain previously isolated from a traditional fermented fresh cheese. A phenomic approach was performed by combining metabolomic and proteomic analysis of the three strains, which were subsequently supplemented as food source to the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, with the final aim to evaluate their possible probiotic effects. Restriction analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA revealed that the novel foodborne strain belonged to L. delbrueckii subspecies lactis. Proteomic and metabolomic approaches showed differences in folate, aminoacid and sugar metabolic pathways among the three strains. Moreover, evaluation of C. elegans lifespan, larval development, brood size, and bacterial colonization capacity demonstrated that L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus diet exerted beneficial effects on nematodes. On the other hand, both L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis strains affected lifespan and larval development. We have characterized three strains belonging to L. delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus and lactis highlighting their divergent origin. In particular, the two closely related isolates L. delbrueckii subspecies lactis display different galactose metabolic capabilities. Moreover, the L. delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus strain demonstrated potential probiotic features. Combination of omic platforms coupled with in vivo screening in the simple model organism C. elegans is a powerful tool to characterize industrially relevant bacterial isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zanni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Sara Motta
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research CouncilMilan, Italy
| | - Fabio Sciubba
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Claudio Palleschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Mauri
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research CouncilMilan, Italy
| | - Giuditta Perozzi
- Food and Nutrition Research Center, Council for Agricultural Research and EconomicsRome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Chiara Devirgiliis
- Food and Nutrition Research Center, Council for Agricultural Research and EconomicsRome, Italy
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Cialfi S, Le Pera L, De Blasio C, Mariano G, Palermo R, Zonfrilli A, Uccelletti D, Palleschi C, Biolcati G, Barbieri L, Screpanti I, Talora C. Corrigendum: The loss of ATP2C1 impairs the DNA damage response and induces altered skin homeostasis: Consequences for epidermal biology in Hailey-Hailey disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44514. [PMID: 28300154 PMCID: PMC5353573 DOI: 10.1038/srep44514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Zanni E, Chandraiahgari CR, De Bellis G, Montereali MR, Armiento G, Ballirano P, Polimeni A, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D. Zinc Oxide Nanorods-Decorated Graphene Nanoplatelets: A Promising Antimicrobial Agent against the Cariogenic Bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2016; 6:E179. [PMID: 28335307 PMCID: PMC5245199 DOI: 10.3390/nano6100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanomaterials are revolutionizing the field of medicine to improve the quality of life due to the myriad of applications stemming from their unique properties, including the antimicrobial activity against pathogens. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of a novel nanomaterial composed by zinc oxide nanorods-decorated graphene nanoplatelets (ZNGs) are investigated. ZNGs were produced by hydrothermal method and characterized through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The antimicrobial activity of ZNGs was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteriological agent in the etiology of dental caries. Cell viability assay demonstrated that ZNGs exerted a strikingly high killing effect on S. mutans cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, FE-SEM analysis revealed relevant mechanical damages exerted by ZNGs at the cell surface of this dental pathogen rather than reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements showed negligible zinc dissolution, demonstrating that zinc ion release in the suspension is not associated with the high cell mortality rate. Finally, our data indicated that also S. mutans biofilm formation was affected by the presence of graphene-zinc oxide (ZnO) based material, as witnessed by the safranin staining and growth curve analysis. Therefore, ZNGs can be a remarkable nanobactericide against one of the main dental pathogens. The potential applications in dental care and therapy are very promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zanni
- BBCD, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Chandrakanth Reddy Chandraiahgari
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
- DIAEE, Department of Astronautical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Giovanni De Bellis
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
- DIAEE, Department of Astronautical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Maria Rita Montereali
- Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems Department (SSPT) PROTER Division, BioGeoChemistry Laboratory, ENEA, National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rome 00123, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Armiento
- Sustainable Territorial and Production Systems Department (SSPT) PROTER Division, BioGeoChemistry Laboratory, ENEA, National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rome 00123, Italy.
| | - Paolo Ballirano
- Department of Earth Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Maria Sabrina Sarto
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
- DIAEE, Department of Astronautical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- BBCD, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
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Cardarelli S, D'Amici S, Tassone P, Tramonti A, Uccelletti D, Mancini P, Saliola M. Characterization of the transcription factor encoding gene, KlADR1: metabolic role in Kluyveromyces lactis and expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microbiology (Reading) 2016; 162:1933-1944. [PMID: 27655407 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Adr1 is a zinc-finger transcription factor involved in the transcriptional activation of ADH2. Deletion of KlADR1, its putative ortholog in Kluyveromyces lactis, led to reduced growth in glycerol, oleate and yeast extract-peptone medium suggesting, as in S. cerevisiae, its requirement for glycerol, fatty acid and nitrogen utilization. Moreover, growth comparison on yeast extract and peptone plates showed in K. lactis a KlAdr1-dependent growth trait not present in S. cerevisiae, indicating different metabolic roles of the two factors in their environmental niches. KlADR1 is required for growth under respiratory and fermentative conditions like KlADH, alcohol dehydrogenase genes necessary for metabolic adaptation during the growth transition. Using in-gel native alcohol dehydrogenase assay, we showed that this factor affected the Adh pattern by altering the balance between these activities. Since the activity most affected by KlAdr1 is KlAdh3, a deletion analysis of the KlADH3 promoter allowed the isolation of a DNA fragment through which KlAdr1 modulated its expression. The expression of the KlADR1-GFP gene allowed the intracellular localization of the factor in K. lactis and S. cerevisiae, suggesting in the two yeasts a common mechanism of KlAdr1 translocation under fermentative and respiratory conditions. Finally, the chimeric Kl/ScADR1 gene encoding the zinc-finger domains of KlAdr1 fused to the transactivating domains of the S. cerevisiae factor activated in Scadr1Δ the transcription of ADH2 in a ScAdr1-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cardarelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sirio D'Amici
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tassone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Tramonti
- CNR Department of Biochemical Sciences 'Rossi Fanelli', Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Saliola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Cialfi S, Le Pera L, De Blasio C, Mariano G, Palermo R, Zonfrilli A, Uccelletti D, Palleschi C, Biolcati G, Barbieri L, Screpanti I, Talora C. The loss of ATP2C1 impairs the DNA damage response and induces altered skin homeostasis: Consequences for epidermal biology in Hailey-Hailey disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31567. [PMID: 27528123 PMCID: PMC4985699 DOI: 10.1038/srep31567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutation of the Golgi Ca(2+)-ATPase ATP2C1 is associated with deregulated calcium homeostasis and altered skin function. ATP2C1 mutations have been identified as having a causative role in Hailey-Hailey disease, an autosomal-dominant skin disorder. Here, we identified ATP2C1 as a crucial regulator of epidermal homeostasis through the regulation of oxidative stress. Upon ATP2C1 inactivation, oxidative stress and Notch1 activation were increased in cultured human keratinocytes. Using RNA-seq experiments, we found that the DNA damage response (DDR) was consistently down-regulated in keratinocytes derived from the lesions of patients with Hailey-Hailey disease. Although oxidative stress activates the DDR, ATP2C1 inactivation down-regulates DDR gene expression. We showed that the DDR response was a major target of oxidative stress-induced Notch1 activation. Here, we show that this activation is functionally important because early Notch1 activation in keratinocytes induces keratinocyte differentiation and represses the DDR. These results indicate that an ATP2C1/NOTCH1 axis might be critical for keratinocyte function and cutaneous homeostasis, suggesting a plausible model for the pathological features of Hailey-Hailey disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Le Pera
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo De Blasio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Germano Mariano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zonfrilli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin"; Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Palleschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin"; Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luca Barbieri
- Porphyria Center, San Gallicano Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Ficociello G, Zanni E, Cialfi S, Aurizi C, Biolcati G, Palleschi C, Talora C, Uccelletti D. Glutathione S-transferase ϴ-subunit as a phenotypic suppressor of pmr1Δ strain, the Kluyveromyces lactis model for Hailey-Hailey disease. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1863:2650-2657. [PMID: 27523793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), also known as familial benign chronic pemphigus, is a rare, chronic and recurrent blistering disorder, histologically characterized by suprabasal acantholysis. HHD has been linked to mutations in ATP2C1, the gene encoding the human adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-powered calcium channel pump. METHODS In this work, the genetically tractable yeast Kluyveromyces lactis has been used to study the molecular basis of Hailey-Hailey disease. The K. lactis strain depleted of PMR1, the orthologue of the human ATP2C1 gene, was used to screen a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cDNA library to identify genetic interactors able to suppress the oxidative stress occurring in those cells. RESULTS We have identified the Glutathione S-transferase ϴ-subunit (GST), an important detoxifying enzyme, which restores many of the defects associated with the pmr1Δmutant. GST overexpression in those cells suppressed the sensitivity to calcium chelating agents and partially re-established calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis by decreasing the high cytosolic Ca2+ levels in pmr1Δstrain. Moreover, we found that in the K. lactis mutant the mitochondrial dysfunction was suppressed by GST overexpression independently from calcineurin. In agreement with yeast results, a decreased expression of the human GST counterpart (GSTT1/M1) was observed in lesion-derived keratinocytes from HHD patients. CONCLUSIONS These data highlighted the Glutathione S-transferase as a candidate gene associated with Hailey-Hailey disease. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Kluyveromyces lactis can be considered a good model to study the molecular basis of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Zanni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Aurizi
- Porphyria Center, San Gallicano Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Biolcati
- Porphyria Center, San Gallicano Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C Palleschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,.
| | - D Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Ficociello G, Salemme A, Uccelletti D, Fiorito S, Togna AR, Vallan L, González-Domínguez JM, Da Ros T, Francisci S, Montanari A. Evaluation of the efficacy of carbon nanotubes for delivering peptides into mitochondria. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra14254k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Future therapy for mitochondrial pathologies: CKKSFLSPRTALINFLVK peptide from mitochondrial-LeuRS has a mitochondrial targeting activity when conjugated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Ficociello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Adele Salemme
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Silvana Fiorito
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology – CNR
- 100-00133 Rome
- Italy
| | - Anna Rita Togna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vallan
- INSTM Unit of Trieste
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Trieste
- 1-34127 Trieste
- Italy
| | - Jose M. González-Domínguez
- INSTM Unit of Trieste
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Trieste
- 1-34127 Trieste
- Italy
| | - Tatiana Da Ros
- INSTM Unit of Trieste
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Trieste
- 1-34127 Trieste
- Italy
| | - Silvia Francisci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Arianna Montanari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 5-00185 Rome
- Italy
- Pasteur Institute – Cenci Bolognetti Foundation
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Gorietti D, Zanni E, Palleschi C, Delfini M, Uccelletti D, Saliola M, Puccetti C, Sobolev A, Mannina L, Miccheli A. 13C NMR based profiling unveils different α-ketoglutarate pools involved into glutamate and lysine synthesis in the milk yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:2222-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Cialfi S, Palermo R, Manca S, De Blasio C, Vargas Romero P, Checquolo S, Bellavia D, Uccelletti D, Saliola M, D'Alessandro A, Zolla L, Gulino A, Screpanti I, Talora C. Loss of Notch1-dependent p21(Waf1/Cip1) expression influences the Notch1 outcome in tumorigenesis. Cell Cycle 2014; 13:2046-55. [PMID: 24801890 DOI: 10.4161/cc.29079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling plays a complex role in carcinogenesis, and its signaling pathway has both tumor-suppressor and oncogenic components. In this study we investigated the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on Notch1 signaling outcome in keratinocyte biology. We demonstrate that Notch1 function contributes to the arsenic-induced keratinocyte transformation. We found that acute exposure to arsenite increases oxidative stress and inhibits proliferation of keratinocyte cells by upregulation of p21(waf1/Cip1). The necessity of p21(waf1/Cip1) for arsenite-induced cell death was demonstrated by targeted downregulation of p21(waf1/Cip1) by using RNA interference. We further demonstrated that on acute exposure to arsenite, p21(waf1/Cip1) is upregulated and Notch1 downmodulated, whereas on chronic exposure to arsenite, malignant progression of arsenite-treated keratinocytes cells was accompanied by regained expression and activity of Notch1. Notch1 activity in arsenite-transformed keratinocytes inhibits arsenite-induced upregulation of p21(waf1/Cip1) by sustaining c-myc expression. We further demonstrated that c-myc collaborates with Nrf2, a key regulator for the maintenance of redox homeostasis, to promote metabolic activities that support cell proliferation and cytoprotection. Therefore, Notch1-mediated repression of p21(waf1/Cip1) expression results in the inhibition of cell death and keratinocytes transformation. Our results not only demonstrate that sustained Notch1 expression is at least one key event implicated in the arsenite human skin carcinogenic effect, but also may provide mechanistic insights into the molecular aspects that determine whether Notch signaling will be either oncogenic or tumor suppressive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Center for Life Nanosciences at Sapienza; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Manca
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo De Blasio
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | | | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical-Surgical Sciences; Sapienza University; Latina, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin"; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Saliola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin"; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences; University of Tuscia; Viterbo, Italy
| | - Lello Zolla
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences; University of Tuscia; Viterbo, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nanosciences at Sapienza; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Rome, Italy; Neuromed Institute; Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome, Italy
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Rago I, Chandraiahgari CR, Bracciale MP, De Bellis G, Zanni E, Cestelli Guidi M, Sali D, Broggi A, Palleschi C, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D. Zinc oxide microrods and nanorods: different antibacterial activity and their mode of action against Gram-positive bacteria. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra08462d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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] Open
Abstract
ZnO micro and nanorods, produced through simple and inexpensive techniques, resulted to be strong antimicrobials against Gram-positive bacteria, in vitro as well as in vivo, by altering cell outer structures like membrane and exopolysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Rago
- Department of Astronautic
- Electrical and Energetic Engineering
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome 00184, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS)
| | - Chandrakanth Reddy Chandraiahgari
- Department of Astronautic
- Electrical and Energetic Engineering
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome 00184, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS)
| | - Maria P. Bracciale
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Materials and Environment
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Bellis
- Department of Astronautic
- Electrical and Energetic Engineering
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome 00184, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS)
| | - Elena Zanni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Diego Sali
- Bruker Italia Srl Unipersonale
- 20158 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Broggi
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Materials and Environment
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Claudio Palleschi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS)
- SNNLab
| | - Maria S. Sarto
- Department of Astronautic
- Electrical and Energetic Engineering
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome 00184, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS)
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS)
- SNNLab
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Luca V, Olivi M, Di Grazia A, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D, Mangoni ML. Anti-Candida activity of 1-18 fragment of the frog skin peptide esculentin-1b: in vitro and in vivo studies in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 71:2535-46. [PMID: 24221134 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1500-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans represents one of the most prevalent species causing life-threatening fungal infections. Current treatments to defeat Candida albicans have become quite difficult, due to their toxic side effects and the emergence of resistant strains. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are fascinating molecules with a potential role as novel anti-infective agents. However, only a few studies have been performed on their efficacy towards the most virulent hyphal phenotype of this pathogen. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the anti-Candida activity of the N-terminal 1-18 fragment of the frog skin AMP esculentin-1b, Esc(1-18), under both in vitro and in vivo conditions using Caenorhabditis elegans as a simple host model for microbial infections. Our results demonstrate that Esc(1-18) caused a rapid reduction in the number of viable yeast cells and killing of the hyphal population. Esc(1-18) revealed a membrane perturbing effect which is likely the basis of its mode of action. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the ability of a frog skin AMP-derived peptide (1) to kill both growing stages of Candida; (2) to promote survival of Candida-infected living organisms and (3) to inhibit transition of these fungal cells from the roundish yeast shape to the more dangerous hyphal form at sub-inhibitory concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Luca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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38
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Gorietti D, Zanni E, Palleschi C, Delfini M, Uccelletti D, Saliola M, Miccheli A. Depletion of casein kinase I leads to a NAD(P)(+)/NAD(P)H balance-dependent metabolic adaptation as determined by NMR spectroscopy-metabolomic profile in Kluyveromyces lactis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1840:556-64. [PMID: 24144565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Crabtree-negative Kluyveromyces lactis yeast the rag8 mutant is one of nineteen complementation groups constituting the fermentative-deficient model equivalent to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae respiratory petite mutants. These mutants display pleiotropic defects in membrane fatty acids and/or cell walls, osmo-sensitivity and the inability to grow under strictly anaerobic conditions (Rag(-) phenotype). RAG8 is an essential gene coding for the casein kinase I, an evolutionary conserved activity involved in a wide range of cellular processes coordinating morphogenesis and glycolytic flux with glucose/oxygen sensing. METHODS A metabolomic approach was performed by NMR spectroscopy to investigate how the broad physiological roles of Rag8, taken as a model for all rag mutants, coordinate cellular responses. RESULTS Statistical analysis of metabolomic data showed a significant increase in the level of metabolites in reactions directly involved in the reoxidation of the NAD(P)H in rag8 mutant samples with respect to the wild type ones. We also observed an increased de novo synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. On the contrary, the production of metabolites in pathways leading to the reduction of the cofactors was reduced. CONCLUSIONS The changes in metabolite levels in rag8 showed a metabolic adaptation that is determined by the intracellular NAD(P)(+)/NAD(P)H redox balance state. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The inadequate glycolytic flux of the mutant leads to a reduced/asymmetric distribution of acetyl-CoA to the different cellular compartments with loss of the fatty acid dynamic respiratory/fermentative adaptive balance response.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gorietti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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39
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Olivi M, Zanni E, De Bellis G, Talora C, Sarto MS, Palleschi C, Flahaut E, Monthioux M, Rapino S, Uccelletti D, Fiorito S. Inhibition of microbial growth by carbon nanotube networks. Nanoscale 2013; 5:9023-9029. [PMID: 23934344 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02091f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In the last years carbon nanotubes have attracted increasing attention for their potential applications in the biomedical field as diagnostic and therapeutic nano tools. Here we investigate the antimicrobial activity of different fully characterized carbon nanotube types (single walled, double walled and multi walled) on representative pathogen species: Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the opportunistic fungus Candida albicans. Our results show that all the carbon nanotube types possess a highly significant antimicrobial capacity, even though they have a colony forming unit capacity and induction of oxidative stress in all the microbial species to a different extent. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the microbial cells were wrapped or entrapped by carbon nanotube networks. Our data taken together suggest that the reduced capacity of microbial cells to forming colonies and their oxidative response could be related to the cellular stress induced by the interactions of pathogens with the CNT network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Olivi
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Raimondi S, Zanni E, Amaretti A, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D, Rossi M. Thermal adaptability of Kluyveromyces marxianus in recombinant protein production. Microb Cell Fact 2013; 12:34. [PMID: 23587421 PMCID: PMC3655038 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-12-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kluyveromyces marxianus combines the ease of genetic manipulation and fermentation with the ability to efficiently secrete high molecular weight proteins, performing eukaryotic post-translational modifications. It is able to grow efficiently in a wide range of temperatures. The secretion performances were analyzed in the host K. marxianus L3 in the range between 5°C and 40°C by means of 3 different reporter proteins, since temperature appears a key parameter for production and secretion of recombinant proteins. Results The recombinant strains were able to grow up to 40°C and, along the tested temperature interval (5-40°C), the specific growth rates (μ) were generally lower as compared to those of the untransformed strain. Biomass yields were slightly affected by temperature, with the highest values reached at 15°C and 30°C. The secretion of the endogenous β-fructofuranosidase, used as an internal control, was efficient in the range of the tested temperature, as evaluated by assaying the enzyme activity in the culture supernatants. The endogenous β-fructofuranosidase production was temperature dependent, with the highest yield at 30°C. The heterologous proteins HSA, GAA and Sod1p were all successfully produced and secreted between 5°C and 40°C, albeit each one presented a different optimal production temperature (15, 40, 5-30°C for HSA, GAA and Sod1p, respectively). Conclusions K. marxianus L3 has been identified as a promising and flexible cell factory. In a sole host, the optimization of growth temperatures for the efficient secretion of each individual protein can be carried out over a wide range of temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Raimondi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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41
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Zanni E, Franco M, Nakano M, Iida H, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D. KlMID1, a relevant key player between endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in Kluyveromyces lactis. Microbiology (Reading) 2012; 158:1694-1701. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.056283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zanni
- Department Biology and Biotechnology University of Rome LA SAPIENZA, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Milena Franco
- Department Biology and Biotechnology University of Rome LA SAPIENZA, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Masataka Nakano
- Department Biology, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Iida
- Department Biology, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan
| | - Claudio Palleschi
- Department Biology and Biotechnology University of Rome LA SAPIENZA, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department Biology and Biotechnology University of Rome LA SAPIENZA, 00185 Rome, Italy
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42
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Zanni E, De Bellis G, Bracciale MP, Broggi A, Santarelli ML, Sarto MS, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D. Graphite nanoplatelets and Caenorhabditis elegans: insights from an in vivo model. Nano Lett 2012; 12:2740-2744. [PMID: 22612766 DOI: 10.1021/nl204388p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the toxicity of graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The GNPs resulted nontoxic by measuring longevity as well as reproductive capability end points. An imaging technique based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) mapping was also developed to analyze the GNPs spatial distribution inside the nematodes. Conflicting reports on the in vitro antimicrobial properties of graphene-based nanomaterials prompted us to challenge the host-pathogen system C. elegans-Pseudomonas aeruginosa to assess these findings through an in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zanni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Pagnanelli F, Viggi CC, Cibati A, Uccelletti D, Toro L, Palleschi C. Biotreatment of Cr(VI) contaminated waters by sulphate reducing bacteria fed with ethanol. J Hazard Mater 2012; 199-200:186-192. [PMID: 22104763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.10.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Biological treatment of Cr(VI) contaminated waters was performed in fixed bed reactors inoculated with SRB (sulphate-reducing bacteria) growing on ethanol. Treatment efficiency was evaluated by checking chemical abatement of Cr(VI) and by ecotoxicological tests using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. A preliminary comparison between ethanol and lactate was performed, denoting that using ethanol, the same values of final sulphate abatement were obtained. In addition ethanol showed to be a substrate more competitive than lactate in kinetic terms. Fixed bed column reactors were continuously fed with a solution containing sulphates (3 g L(-1)), ethanol (1.5 g L(-1)) and Cr(VI) (50 mg L(-1)). At steady state the column inoculated with SRB removed 65 ± 5% of sulphate and 95 ± 5% of chromium. Bioactive removal mechanisms predominated over biosorption. Diminution of Cr(VI) toxicity was assessed by using the nematode C. elegans as a test organism showing that the survival of nematodes was 20% in the presence of the untreated influent and raised up to 53% when the nematodes were exposed to the treated effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pagnanelli
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Manca S, Magrelli A, Cialfi S, Lefort K, Ambra R, Alimandi M, Biolcati G, Uccelletti D, Palleschi C, Screpanti I, Candi E, Melino G, Salvatore M, Taruscio D, Talora C. Oxidative stress activation of miR-125b is part of the molecular switch for Hailey-Hailey disease manifestation. Exp Dermatol 2011; 20:932-7. [PMID: 21913998 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01359.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by suprabasal cutaneous cell separation (acantholysis) leading to the development of erosive and oozing skin lesion. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous post-transcriptional modulators of gene expression with critical functions in health and disease. Here, we evaluated whether the expression of specific miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of HHD. Here, we report that miRNAs are expressed in a non-random manner in Hailey-Hailey patients. miR-125b appeared a promising candidate for playing a role in HHD manifestation. Both Notch1 and p63 are part of a regulatory signalling whose function is essential for the control of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and of note, the expression of both Notch1 and p63 is downregulated in HHD-derived keratinocytes. We found that both Notch1 and p63 expression is strongly suppressed by miR-125b expression. Additionally, we found that miR-125b expression is increased by an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism. Our data suggest that oxidative stress-mediated induction of miR-125b plays a specific role in the pathogenesis of HHD by regulating the expression of factors playing an important role in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Manca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy National Centre for Rare Diseases Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy
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Cialfi S, Uccelletti D, Carducci A, Wésolowski-Louvel M, Mancini P, Heipieper HJ, Saliola M. KlHsl1 is a component of glycerol response pathways in the milk yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. Microbiology (Reading) 2011; 157:1509-1518. [PMID: 21310785 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.044040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HSL1 (NIK1) encodes a serine-threonine protein kinase involved in cell cycle control and morphogenesis. Deletion of its putative orthologue in Kluyveromyces lactis, KlHSL1, gives rise to sensitivity to the respiratory inhibitor antimycin A (AA). Resistance to AA on glucose (Rag+ phenotype) is associated with genes (RAG) required for glucose metabolism/glycolysis. To understand the relationship between RAG and KlHSL1, rag and Klhsl1Δ mutant strains were investigated. The analysis showed that all the mutants contained a phosphorylated form of Hog1 and displayed an inability to synthesize/accumulate glycerol as a compatible solute. In addition, rag mutants also showed alterations in both cell wall and membrane fatty acids. The pleiotropic defects of these strains indicate that a common pathway regulates glucose utilization and stress response mechanisms, suggesting impaired adaptation of the plasma membrane/cell wall during the respiratory-fermentative transition. KlHsl1 could be the link between these adaptive pathways and the morphogenetic checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Carducci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Micheline Wésolowski-Louvel
- UMR, Microbiologie, Adaptation et Pathogénie, Université de Lyon, Lyon, F-69003, France; Université Lyon 1, Lyon, F-69003, France; CNRS, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France; and INSA de Lyon, Villeurbanne, F-69621, France
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Hermann J Heipieper
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michele Saliola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Uccelletti D, Zanni E, Guerisoli M, Palleschi C. Caenorhabditis elegans: an emerging animal model for biomonitoring environmental toxicity. J Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.09.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zanni E, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D. Calcium signalling and heterologous protein production in Kluyveromyces lactis. J Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.09.489] [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: 11/27/2022]
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Uccelletti D, Zanni E, Marcellini L, Palleschi C, Barra D, Mangoni ML. Anti-Pseudomonas activity of frog skin antimicrobial peptides in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model: a plausible mode of action in vitro and in vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:3853-60. [PMID: 20606068 PMCID: PMC2935021 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00154-10] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 06/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms makes it increasingly difficult to treat infections. These infections include those associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are hard to eradicate, especially in patients with a compromised immune system. Naturally occurring membrane-active cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) serve as attractive candidates for the development of new therapeutic agents. Amphibian skin is one of the richest sources for such peptides, but only a few studies on their in vivo activities and modes of action have been reported. We investigated (i) the activity and mechanism underlying the killing of short CAMPs from frog skin (e.g., temporins and esculentin fragments) on an MDR clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa and (ii) their in vivo antibacterial activities and modes of action, using the minihost model of Caenorhabditis elegans. Our data revealed that in vivo, both temporin-1Tb and esculentin(1-18) were highly active in promoting the survival of Pseudomonas-infected nematodes, although temporin-1Tb did not show significant activity in vitro under the experimental conditions used. Importantly, esculentin(1-18) permeated the membrane of Pseudomonas cells within the infected nematode. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the ability of a CAMP to permeate the microbial membrane within a living organism. Besides shedding light on a plausible mode of action of frog skin CAMPs in vivo, our data suggest that temporins and esculentins would be attractive molecules as templates for the development of new therapeutics against life-threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Uccelletti
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Zanni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Marcellini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Palleschi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Barra
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Cruz Viggi C, Pagnanelli F, Cibati A, Uccelletti D, Palleschi C, Toro L. Biotreatment and bioassessment of heavy metal removal by sulphate reducing bacteria in fixed bed reactors. Water Res 2010; 44:151-158. [PMID: 19804893 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this work a batch-optimised mixture (w/w %: 6% leaves, 9% compost, 3% Fe(0), 30% silica sand, 30% perlite, 22% limestone) was investigated in a continuous fixed bed column reactor for the treatment of synthetic acid-mine drainage (AMD). A column reactor was inoculated with sulphate-reducing bacteria and fed with a solution containing sulphate and heavy metals (As(V), Cd, Cr(VI), Cu and Zn). At steady state, sulphate abatement was 50+/-10%, while metals were totally removed. A degradation rate constant (k) of 0.015+/-0.001h(-1) for sulphate removal was determined from column data by assuming a first order degradation rate. Reduction of AMD toxicity was assessed by using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a test organism. A lethality assay was performed with the toxicants before and after the treatment, showing that only 5% of the animals were still alive after 48h in presence of the contaminants, while the percentage increased to 73% when the nematodes were exposed to the solution eluted from the column.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cruz Viggi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Zanni E, Farina F, Ricci A, Mancini P, Frank C, Palleschi C, Uccelletti D. The Golgi alpha-1,6 mannosyltransferase KlOch1p of Kluyveromyces lactis is required for Ca2+/calmodulin-based signaling and for proper mitochondrial functionality. BMC Cell Biol 2009; 10:86. [PMID: 20003441 PMCID: PMC2797761 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-10-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 12/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Protein N-glycosylation is a relevant metabolic pathway in eukaryotes and plays key roles in cell processes. In yeasts, outer chain branching is initiated in the Golgi apparatus by the alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase Och1p. Results Here we report that, in Kluyveromyces lactis, this glycosyltransferase is also required to maintain functional mitochondria and calcium homeostasis. Cells carrying a mutation in KlOCH1 gene showed altered mitochondrial morphology, increased accumulation of ROS and reduced expression of calcium signalling genes such as calmodulin and calcineurin. Intracellular calcium concentration was also reduced in the mutant cells with respect to the wild type counterparts. Phenotypes that occur in cells lacking the alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase, including oxidative stress and impaired mitochondria functionality, were suppressed by increased dosage of KlCmd1p. This, in turn, acts through the action of calcineurin. Conclusions Proper functioning of the alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase in the N-glycosylation pathway of K. lactis is required for maintaining normal calcium homeostasis; this is necessary for physiological mitochondria dynamics and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zanni
- Dpt, Developmental and Cell Biology, University LA SAPIENZA, P.le. A. Moro, 500185 Rome, Italy
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