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Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC, Fiume G. Editorial: Recent advances in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of oncogenic virus-driven tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1402877. [PMID: 38660129 PMCID: PMC11040595 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1402877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
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2
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Lanzillotti C, Iaquinta MR, De Pace R, Mosaico M, Patergnani S, Giorgi C, Tavoni M, Dapporto M, Sprio S, Tampieri A, Montesi M, Martini F, Mazzoni E. Osteosarcoma cell death induced by innovative scaffolds doped with chemotherapeutics. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38591855 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31256] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) cancer treatments include systemic chemotherapy and surgical resection. In the last years, novel treatment approaches have been proposed, which employ a drug-delivery system to prevent offside effects and improves treatment efficacy. Locally delivering anticancer compounds improves on high local concentrations with more efficient tumour-killing effect, reduced drugs resistance and confined systemic effects. Here, the synthesis of injectable strontium-doped calcium phosphate (SrCPC) scaffold was proposed as drug delivery system to combine bone tissue regeneration and anticancer treatment by controlled release of methotrexate (MTX) and doxorubicin (DOX), coded as SrCPC-MTX and SrCPC-DOX, respectively. The drug-loaded cements were tested in an in vitro model of human OS cell line SAOS-2, engineered OS cell line (SAOS-2-eGFP) and U2-OS. The ability of doped scaffolds to induce OS cell death and apoptosis was assessed analysing cell proliferation and Caspase-3/7 activities, respectively. To determine if OS cells grown on doped-scaffolds change their migratory ability and invasiveness, a wound-healing assay was performed. In addition, the osteogenic potential of SrCPC material was evaluated using human adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells. Osteogenic markers such as (i) the mineral matrix deposition was analysed by alizarin red staining; (ii) the osteocalcin (OCN) protein expression was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, and (iii) the osteogenic process was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction array. The delivery system induced cell-killing cytotoxic effects and apoptosis in OS cell lines up to Day 7. SrCPC demonstrates a good cytocompatibility and it induced upregulation of osteogenic genes involved in the skeletal development pathway, together with OCN protein expression and mineral matrix deposition. The proposed approach, based on the local, sustained release of anticancer drugs from nanostructured biomimetic drug-loaded cements is promising for future therapies aiming to combine bone regeneration and anticancer local therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella De Pace
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Mosaico
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Laboratories of Cell Signalling, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Laboratories of Cell Signalling, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Tavoni
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (ISSMC-CNR, former ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Dapporto
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (ISSMC-CNR, former ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Simone Sprio
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (ISSMC-CNR, former ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Anna Tampieri
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (ISSMC-CNR, former ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Monica Montesi
- Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (ISSMC-CNR, former ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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3
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Campanella A, Capasso A, Heltai S, Taccetti C, Albi E, Herishanu Y, Haggenburg S, Chatzikonstantinou T, Doubek M, Kättström M, Giannopoulos K, Simkovic M, Moreno C, Massaia M, Bumbea H, Alshemmari S, Ranghetti P, Perotta E, Martini F, Sant'Antonio E, Colia M, Combi C, Levi S, Kater AP, Hazenberg M, Nijhof IS, Hofsink Q, Demosthenous C, Kotaskova J, Zaleska J, Vrbacky F, Raya AM, Bisogno D, Tripoli IE, Popov VM, Roman V, Stavroyianni N, Karypidou M, Scarano E, Locatelli M, Frenquelli M, Scarfò L, Stamatopoulos K, Ghia P. Additional booster doses in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia induce humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 similar to natural infection regardless ongoing treatments: A study by ERIC, the European Research Initiative on CLL. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:745-750. [PMID: 38264829 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Profound immune dysregulation and impaired response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine put patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of severe COVID-19. We compared humoral memory and T-cell responses after booster dose vaccination or breakthrough infection. (Green) Quantitative determination of anti-Spike specific antibodies. Booster doses increased seroconversion rate and antibody titers in all patient categories, ultimately generating humoral responses similar to those observed in the postinfection cohort. In detail, humoral response with overscale median antibody titers arose in >80% of patients in watch and wait, off-therapy in remission, or under treatment with venetoclax single-agent. Anti-CD20 antibodies and active treatment with BTK inhibitors (BTKi) represent limiting factors of humoral response, still memory mounted in ~40% of cases following booster doses or infection. (Blue) Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses. Number of T-cell functional activation markers documented in each patient. The vast majority of patients, including those seronegative, developed T-cell responses, qualitatively similar between treatment groups or between vaccination alone and infection cases. These data highlight the efficacy of booster doses in eliciting T-cell immunity independently of treatment status and support the use of additional vaccination boosters to stimulate humoral immunity in patients on active CLL-directed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Campanella
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - A Capasso
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - S Heltai
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C Taccetti
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - E Albi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Y Herishanu
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - M Doubek
- University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Kättström
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - M Simkovic
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, University Hospital and Charles University in Prague, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - C Moreno
- Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Massaia
- AO S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
- Turin University, Turin, Italy
| | - H Bumbea
- University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Alshemmari
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | | | - E Perotta
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - F Martini
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - M Colia
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C Combi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - S Levi
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - A P Kater
- Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - I S Nijhof
- Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Q Hofsink
- Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Demosthenous
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Hematology Department and HCT Unit, G. Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J Kotaskova
- University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Zaleska
- Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - F Vrbacky
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, University Hospital and Charles University in Prague, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - A Mora Raya
- Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - I E Tripoli
- AO S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
- Turin University, Turin, Italy
| | - V M Popov
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - V Roman
- Center of Immunology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - N Stavroyianni
- Hematology Department and HCT Unit, G. Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Karypidou
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Scarano
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - M Locatelli
- Laboratory Medicine Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | | | - L Scarfò
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - K Stamatopoulos
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - P Ghia
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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4
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Mazziotta C, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Morciano G, Di Mauro G, Touzé A, Pinton P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. All-trans retinoic acid exhibits anti-proliferative and differentiating activity in Merkel cell carcinoma cells via retinoid pathway modulation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38450801 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited therapies available for treating Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly aggressive skin neoplasm, still pose clinical challenges, and novel treatments are required. Targeting retinoid signalling with retinoids, such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a promising and clinically useful antitumor approach. ATRA drives tumour cell differentiation by modulating retinoid signalling, leading to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. Although retinoid signalling is dysregulated in MCC, ATRA activity in this tumour is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ATRA on the pathological phenotype of MCC cells. METHODS The effect of ATRA was tested in various Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive and polyomavirus-negative MCC cell lines in terms of cell proliferation, viability, migration and clonogenic abilities. In addition, cell cycle, apoptosis/cell death and the retinoid gene signature were evaluated upon ATRA treatments. RESULTS ATRA efficiently impaired MCC cell proliferation and viability in MCC cells. A strong effect in reducing cell migration and clonogenicity was determined in ATRA-treated cells. Moreover, ATRA resulted as strongly effective in arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis/cell death in all tested MCC cells. Enrichment analyses indicated that ATRA was effective in modulating the retinoid gene signature in MCC cells to promote cell differentiation pathways, which led to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic/cell death effects. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the potential of retinoid-based therapy for MCC management and might open the way to novel experimental approaches with other retinoids and/or combinatorial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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5
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Nicol JTJ, Mazzoni E, Iaquinta MR, De Pace R, Gaboriaud P, Maximova N, Cason C, De Martino E, Mazziotta C, Coursaget P, Touzé A, Boz V, Comar M, Tognon M, Martini F. Prevalence of IgG antibodies against Malawi polyomavirus in patients with autoimmune diseases and lymphoproliferative disorders subjected to bone marrow transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1293313. [PMID: 38299147 PMCID: PMC10827882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) cause persistent/latent infections in a large fraction of the population. HPyV infections may cause severe diseases in immunocompromised patients. Malawi polyomavirus (MWPyV) is the 10th discovered human polyomavirus (HPyV 10). MWPyV was found in stool samples of healthy children. So far, the few investigations carried out on HPyV 10 did not find an association with human disease. Methods In this study, to verify the putative association between MWPyV and human diseases, MWPyV seroprevalence was investigated in patients affected by i) lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) and ii) immune system disorders, i.e., autoimmune diseases (ADs), and in iii) healthy subjects. An indirect ELISA, employing virus-like particles (VLPs) to detect serum IgG antibodies against MWPyV/HPyV 10, was carried out. The study also revealed the prevalence of another polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Results Sera from patients with distinct autoimmune diseases (n = 44; mean age 20 years) had a prevalence of MWPyV antibodies of 68%, while in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 15; mean age 14 years), subjected to bone marrow transplantation, the prevalence was 47%. In healthy subjects (n = 66; mean age 13 years), the prevalence of MWPyV antibodies was 67%. Our immunological investigation indicates that MWPyV/HPyV 10 seroconversion occurs early in life and MWPyV/HPyV 10 appears to be another polyomavirus ubiquitous in the human population. A significantly lower MWPyV antibody reactivity together with a lower immunological profile was detected in the sera of LPD patients compared with HS2 (*p < 0.05) (Fisher's exact test). LPD and AD patients have a similar MCPyV seroprevalence compared with healthy subjects. Discussion MWPyV seroprevalence indicates that this HPyV is not associated with lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. However, the ability to produce high levels of antibodies against MWPyV appears to be impaired in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders. Immunological investigations indicate that MWPyV seroconversion occurs early in life. MCPyV appears to be a ubiquitous polyomavirus, like other HPyVs, in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme T. J. Nicol
- UMR 1282 ISP Team Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella De Pace
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- UMR 1282 ISP Team Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Natalia Maximova
- Onco-Hematology Division, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carolina Cason
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eleonora De Martino
- Laboratory of Pediatric Immunology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pierre Coursaget
- UMR 1282 ISP Team Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- UMR 1282 ISP Team Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Valentina Boz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Manola Comar
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mazzoni E, Di Stefano M, Fiore JR, Destro F, Manfrini M, Rotondo JC, Casali MV, Vesce F, Greco P, Scutiero G, Martini F, Tognon MG. Corrigendum: Serum IgG antibodies from pregnant women reacting to mimotopes of Simian virus 40 large T antigen, the viral oncoprotein. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1329317. [PMID: 38250058 PMCID: PMC10798157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1329317] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00411.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Di Stefano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Josè R. Fiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Federica Destro
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Manfrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria V. Casali
- Hospital Headquarter Department, State Hospital, Institute for Social Security, Borgo Maggiore, San Marino
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Scutiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro G. Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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7
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Mazziotta C, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Regulatory mechanisms of circular RNAs during human mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Theranostics 2024; 14:143-158. [PMID: 38164139 PMCID: PMC10750202 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human osteogenic differentiation is a complex and well-orchestrated process which involves a plethora of molecular players and cellular processes. A growing number of studies have underlined that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important regulatory role during human osteogenic differentiation. CircRNAs are single-stranded, covalently closed non-coding RNA molecules that are acquiring increased attention as epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Given their intrinsic high conformational stability, abundance, and specificity, circRNAs can undertake various biological activities in order to regulate multiple cellular processes, including osteogenic differentiation. The most recent evidence indicates that circRNAs control human osteogenesis by preventing the inhibitory activity of miRNAs on their downstream target genes, using a competitive endogenous RNA mechanism. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the currently known regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs during human osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, we provide an understanding of recent advances in research conducted on various human mesenchymal stem cell types that underlined the importance of circRNAs in regulating osteogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms of circRNA in osteogenesis will improve knowledge on the molecular processes of bone growth, resulting in the potential development of novel preclinical and clinical studies and the discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for bone disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara. 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street. Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara. 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street. Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara. 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street. Ferrara, Italy
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8
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Mazziotta C, Iaquinta MR, Tramarin ML, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Tonnini G, Patergnani S, Pinton P, Lanza G, Gafà R, Tognon M, Martini F, De Mattei M, Rotondo JC. Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p/Homeobox A13 axis modulates the expression of β-catenin gene in human epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22872. [PMID: 38129477 PMCID: PMC10739948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49837-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion is a key function for epithelial cells. The fundamental mechanisms relying on epithelial cell adhesion have been partially uncovered. Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p (hsa-miR-1249-3p) plays a role in the epithelial mesenchymal transition in carcinoma cells, but its physiological function in epithelial cells is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of hsa-miR-1249-3p on epithelial cell functions. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was overexpressed in human epithelial cells and uterine cervical tissues, compared to cervical carcinoma cells and precancerous tissues, respectively. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was analyzed to verify its regulatory function on Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) target gene and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin. Functional experiments indicated that hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition prompted the mRNA and protein overexpression of HOXA13 which, in turn, led to the β-catenin protein expression. Moreover, hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition induced a strong colony forming ability in epithelial cells, suggesting the miR involvement in cell adhesion machinery. These data indicate that hsa-miR-1249-3p regulates the expression of HOXA13 and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin, possible resulting in cell adhesion modification in epithelial cells. This study will allow the set-up of further investigations aimed at exploring the relationship between the hsa-miR-1249-3p/HOXA13 axis and downstream cell adhesion genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Tramarin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Christian Felice Cervellera
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Tonnini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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9
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Mazzoni E, Iaquinta MR, Mosaico M, De Pace R, D'Agostino A, Tognon M, Martini F. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Innovative Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2023; 29:514-531. [PMID: 37212264 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0217] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapy is a significant topic in regenerative medicine, with a predominant role being played by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The hMSCs have been shown to be suitable in regenerative medicine for the treatment of bone tissue. In the last few years, the average lifespan of our population has gradually increased. The need of biocompatible materials, which exhibit high performances, such as efficiency in bone regeneration, has been highlighted by aging. Current studies emphasize the benefit of using biomimetic biomaterials, also known as scaffolds, for bone grafts to speed up bone repair at the fracture site. For the healing of injured bone and bone regeneration, regenerative medicine techniques utilizing a combination of these biomaterials, together with cells and bioactive substances, have drawn a great interest. Cell therapy, based on the use of hMSCs, alongside materials for the healing of damaged bone, has obtained promising results. In this work, several aspects of cell biology, tissue engineering, and biomaterials applied to bone healing/regrowth will be considered. In addition, the role of hMSCs in these fields and recent progress in clinical applications are discussed. Impact Statement The restoration of large bone defects is both a challenging clinical issue and a socioeconomic problem on a global scale. Different therapeutic approaches have been proposed for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), considering their paracrine effect and potential differentiation into osteoblasts. However, different limitations are still to be overcome in using hMSCs as a therapeutic opportunity in bone fracture repair, including hMSC administration methods. To identify a suitable hMSC delivery system, new strategies have been proposed using innovative biomaterials. This review provides an update of the literature on hMSC/scaffold clinical applications for the management of bone fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Mosaico
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella De Pace
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Agostino
- Dentistry and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Falzarano MS, Mietto M, Fortunato F, Farnè M, Martini F, Ala P, Selvatici R, Muntoni F, Ferlini A. mRNA in situ hybridization exhibits unbalanced nuclear/cytoplasmic dystrophin transcript repartition in Duchenne myogenic cells and skeletal muscle biopsies. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15942. [PMID: 37743371 PMCID: PMC10518324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain insight on dystrophin (DMD) gene transcription dynamics and spatial localization, we assayed the DMD mRNA amount and defined its compartmentalization in myoblasts, myotubes, and skeletal muscle biopsies of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Using droplet digital PCR, Real-time PCR, and RNAscope in situ hybridization, we showed that the DMD transcript amount is extremely reduced in both DMD patients' cells and muscle biopsies and that mutation-related differences occur. We also found that, compared to controls, DMD transcript is dramatically reduced in the cytoplasm, as up to 90% of it is localized in nuclei, preferentially at the perinuclear region. Using RNA/protein colocalization experiments, we showed that about 40% of nuclear DMD mRNA is localized in the nucleoli in both control and DMD myogenic cells. Our results clearly show that mutant DMD mRNA quantity is strongly reduced in the patients' myogenic cells and muscle biopsies. Furthermore, mutant DMD mRNA compartmentalization is spatially unbalanced due to a shift in its localization towards the nuclei. This abnormal transcript repartition contributes to the poor abundance and availability of the dystrophin messenger in cytoplasm. This novel finding also has important repercussions for RNA-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sofia Falzarano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Mietto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fortunato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marianna Farnè
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Ala
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Ferlini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK.
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11
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Badiale G, Vitali I, Touzé A, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Distinct retinoic gene signatures discriminate Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive from -negative Merkel cell carcinoma cells. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28949. [PMID: 37436928 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Limited molecular knowledge of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive and -negative Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) subsets (MCCP/MCCN) has prevented so far the identification of the MCC origin cell type and, therefore, the development of effective therapies. The retinoic gene signature was investigated in various MCCP, MCCN, and control fibroblast/epithelial cell lines to elucidate the heterogeneous nature of MCC. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis indicated that MCCP and MCCN cells were clusterizable from each other and control cells, according to their retinoic gene signature. MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes (n = 43) were identified. Protein-protein interaction network indicated SOX2, ISL1, PAX6, FGF8, ASCL1, OLIG2, SHH, and GLI1 as upregulated hub genes and JAG1 and MYC as downregulated hub genes in MCCP compared to MCCN. Numerous MCCP-associated hub genes were DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in neurological and Merkel cell development and stemness. Enrichment analyses indicated that MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes predominantly encode for to DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in development, stemness, invasiveness, and cancer. Our findings suggest the neuroendocrine origin of MCCP, by which neuronal precursor cells could undergo an MCPyV-driven transformation. These overarching results might open the way to novel retinoid-based MCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vitali
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie Des Infections À Polyomavirus" Team, UMR, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Cervellera CF, Mazziotta C, Di Mauro G, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Torreggiani E, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Immortalized erythroid cells as a novel frontier for in vitro blood production: current approaches and potential clinical application. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37226267 PMCID: PMC10210309 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood transfusions represent common medical procedures, which provide essential supportive therapy. However, these procedures are notoriously expensive for healthcare services and not without risk. The potential threat of transfusion-related complications, such as the development of pathogenic infections and the occurring of alloimmunization events, alongside the donor's dependence, strongly limits the availability of transfusion units and represents significant concerns in transfusion medicine. Moreover, a further increase in the demand for donated blood and blood transfusion, combined with a reduction in blood donors, is expected as a consequence of the decrease in birth rates and increase in life expectancy in industrialized countries. MAIN BODY An emerging and alternative strategy preferred over blood transfusion is the in vitro production of blood cells from immortalized erythroid cells. The high survival capacity alongside the stable and longest proliferation time of immortalized erythroid cells could allow the generation of a large number of cells over time, which are able to differentiate into blood cells. However, a large-scale, cost-effective production of blood cells is not yet a routine clinical procedure, as being dependent on the optimization of culture conditions of immortalized erythroid cells. CONCLUSION In our review, we provide an overview of the most recent erythroid cell immortalization approaches, while also describing and discussing related advancements of establishing immortalized erythroid cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Felice Cervellera
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences-DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences-DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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13
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Torrioli G, Forrer A, Beck M, Carelli P, Chiarello F, Faist J, Gaggero A, Giovine E, Martini F, Senica U, Leoni R, Scalari G, Cibella S. THz optical beat-note detection with a fast superconducting hot electron bolometer operating up to 31 GHz. Opt Express 2023; 31:15942-15952. [PMID: 37157684 DOI: 10.1364/oe.481081] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We study the performance of a hot-electron bolometer (HEB) operating at THz frequencies based on superconducting niobium nitride films. We report on the voltage response of the detector over a large electrical detection bandwidth carried out with different THz sources. We show that the impulse response of the fully packaged HEB at 7.5 K has a 3 dB cutoff around 2 GHz. Remarkably, detection capability is still observed above 30 GHz in an heterodyne beating experiment using a THz quantum cascade laser frequency comb. Additionally, the HEB sensitivity has been evaluated and an optical noise equivalent power NEP of 0.8 pW/√H z has been measured at 1 MHz.
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14
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Di Mauro G, Frontini F, Torreggiani E, Iaquinta MR, Caselli A, Mazziotta C, Esposito V, Mazzoni E, Libener R, Grosso F, Maconi A, Martini F, Bononi I, Tognon M. Epigenetic investigation into circulating microRNA 197-3p in sera from patients affected by malignant pleural mesothelioma and workers ex-exposed to asbestos. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6501. [PMID: 37081052 PMCID: PMC10119131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic role of microRNAs is established at both physiological and pathological levels. Dysregulated miRNAs and their targets appear to be a promising approach for innovative anticancer therapies. In our previous study, circulating miR-197-3p tested dysregulated in workers ex-exposed to asbestos (WEA). Herein, an epigenetic investigation on this circulating miRNA was carried out in sera from malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients. MiR-197-3p was quantified in MPM (n = 75) sera and comparatively analyzed to WEA (n = 75) and healthy subject (n = 75) sera, using ddPCR and RT-qPCR techniques. Clinicopathological characteristics, occupational, non-occupational information and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in correlation studies. MiR-197-3p levels, analyzed by ddPCR, were significantly higher in MPM than in WEA cohort, with a mean copies/µl of 981.7 and 525.01, respectively. Consistently, RT-qPCR showed higher miR-197-3p levels in sera from MPM with a mean copies/µl of 603.7, compared to WEA with 336.1 copies/µl. OS data were significantly associated with histologic subtype and pleurectomy. Circulating miR-197-3p is proposed as a new potential biomarker for an early diagnosis of the MPM onset. Indeed, miR-197-3p epigenetic investigations along with chest X-ray, computed tomography scan and spirometry could provide relevant information useful to reach an early and effective diagnosis for MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Frontini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Caselli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences-DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Libener
- Research Training and Innovation Infrastructure - Department of Integrated Research and Innovation Activities (DAIRI), AO SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Federica Grosso
- Mesothelioma Unit, AO SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Antonio Maconi
- Research Training and Innovation Infrastructure - Department of Integrated Research and Innovation Activities (DAIRI), AO SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 70, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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15
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Govoni M, Falzoni S, Tramarin ML, Mazzoni E, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Immunological evidence of an early seroconversion to oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus in healthy children and young adults. Immunology 2023; 168:671-683. [PMID: 36321356 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13601] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) provokes a widespread and asymptomatic infection in humans. Herein, sera from healthy children and young adults (HC, n = 344) aged 0-20 years old were evaluated for anti-MCPyV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies employing a recently developed immunoassay. Serum MCPyV IgG data from healthy subjects (HS, n = 510) and elderlies (ES, n = 226), aged 21-65/66-100 years old, from our previous studies, were included. The anti-MCPyV IgG and IgM rates in HC sera were 40.7% and 29.7%, respectively. A lower prevalence of anti-MCPyV IgGs was found in HC aged 0-5 years old (13%) compared to 6-10 (52.3%), 11-15 (60.5%) and 16-20 years old (61.6%) cohorts. Age-stratified HCs exhibited similar anti-MCPyV IgM rates (27.9%-32.9%). Serological profiles indicated that anti-MCPyV IgGs and IgMs had low optical densities (ODs) during the first years of life, while IgM ODs appeared to decrease throughout young adulthood. A lower anti-MCPyV IgGs rate was found in HC (40.7%) than HS (61.8%) and ES (63.7%). Upon the 5-years range age-stratification, a lower anti-MCPyV IgGs rate was found in the younger HC cohort aged 0-5 years old compared to the remaining older HC/HS/ES cohorts (52.3%-72%). The younger HC cohort exhibited the lowest anti-MCPyV IgG ODs than the older cohorts. Low anti-MCPyV IgMs rates and ODs were found in the 21-25 (17.5%) and 26-30 (7.7%) years old cohorts. Our data indicate that, upon an early-in-life seroconversion, the seropositivity for oncogenic MCPyV peaks in late childhood/young adulthood and remains at high prevalence and relatively stable throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simonetta Falzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Liagre A, Benois M, Queralto M, Boudrie H, Van Haverbeke O, Juglard G, Martini F, Petrucciani N. Corrigendum to Ten-year outcome of one-anastomosis gastric bypass with a biliopancreatic limb of 150 cm versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a single-institution series of 940 patients: [Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 18 (2022) 1228-1238]. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2023; 19:165. [PMID: 36503732 DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Liagre
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Benois
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Queralto
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - H Boudrie
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - O Van Haverbeke
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - G Juglard
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - F Martini
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - N Petrucciani
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Clinique des Cedres, Bariatric Surgery Unit, Cornebarrieu, France; Department of Digestive Surgery, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, France; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC. Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health. Cells 2023; 12:cells12010184. [PMID: 36611977 PMCID: PMC9818925 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells and commensal microbes in the human intestine constantly communicate with and react to each other in a stable environment in order to maintain healthy immune activities. Immune system-microbiota cross-talk relies on a complex network of pathways that sustain the balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. Probiotic bacteria can interact and stimulate intestinal immune cells and commensal microflora to modulate specific immune functions and immune homeostasis. Growing evidence shows that probiotic bacteria present important health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, the use of probiotics might represent a promising approach for improving immune system activities. So far, few studies have been reported on the beneficial immune modulatory effect of probiotics. However, many others, which are mainly focused on their metabolic/nutritional properties, have been published. Therefore, the mechanisms behind the interaction between host immune cells and probiotics have only been partially described. The present review aims to collect and summarize the most recent scientific results and the resulting implications of how probiotic bacteria and immune cells interact to improve immune functions. Hence, a description of the currently known immunomodulatory mechanisms of probiotic bacteria in improving the host immune system is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +39-053-2455-557 (E.T.); +39-053-245-5536 (J.C.R.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +39-053-2455-557 (E.T.); +39-053-245-5536 (J.C.R.)
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18
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Globig P, Madurawala R, Willumeit-Römer R, Martini F, Mazzoni E, Luthringer-Feyerabend BJ. Mg-based materials diminish tumor spreading and cancer metastases. Bioact Mater 2023; 19:594-610. [PMID: 35600975 PMCID: PMC9108521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastases are the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. The formation of secondary tumors at different sites in the human body can impair multiple organ function and dramatically decrease the survival of the patients. In this stage, it is difficulty to treat tumor growth and spreading due to arising therapy resistances. Therefore, it is important to prevent cancer metastases and to increase subsequent cancer therapy success. Cancer metastases are conventionally treated with radiation or chemotherapy. However, these treatments elicit lots of side effects, wherefore novel local treatment approaches are currently discussed. Recent studies already showed anticancer activity of specially designed degradable magnesium (Mg) alloys by reducing the cancer cell proliferation. In this work, we investigated the impact of these Mg-based materials on different steps of the metastatic cascade including cancer cell migration, invasion, and cancer-induced angiogenesis. Both, Mg and Mg–6Ag reduced cell migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in coculture with fibroblasts. Furthermore, the Mg-based materials used in this study diminished the cancer-induced angiogenesis. Endothelial cells incubated with conditioned media obtained from these Mg and Mg–6Ag showed a reduced cell layer permeability, a reduced proliferation and inhibited cell migration. The tube formation as a last step of angiogenesis was stimulated with the presence of Mg under normoxia and diminished under hypoxia. Magnesium (Mg)-based material degradation decrease cell migration and invasion of an osteosarcoma coculture. Mg-based material degradation products reduce cancer-induced angiogenesis at an early stage. These materials may reduce secondary tumor formation and metastases.
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19
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Martini F, Hetzel U, Beckmann KM, Rostaher A. Cyclosporine induced generalized hyperkeratosis in a dog. SCHWEIZ ARCH TIERH 2023; 165:53-58. [PMID: 36562746 DOI: 10.17236/sat00382] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of inflammatory or immune mediated conditions. Many adverse effects are associated with this medication, however most of them rarely occur. A 5-year-old, female intact French bulldog was presented with multiple, multifocally distributed, severe hyperkeratotic and papillomatous/verrucous plaques. The dog was on long-term immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). It had an history of atopic dermatitis and calcinosis cutis. A papillomavirus infection was excluded by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathologic analysis revealed a chronic lymphoplasmacytic non-specific dermatitis, perifolliculitis and periadnexitis and focal folliculitis with papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. The diagnosis of "cyclosporine-induced epidermal hyperplasia with secondary pyoderma" was made. Cyclosporine was discontinued and as an alternative mycophenolate mofetil was started to control the MUO. An antimicrobial treatment was prescribed for three weeks. After four months, the skin lesions had healed completely. To date after 2 years, the dog is still in remission. The occurrence of hyperplastic lesions associated with cyclosporine therapy have already been described in previous reports. Most of them resemble those of psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis, although papilloma virus may be detected in some instances. The dog of the present case showed some peculiarities in the histopathological findings, and a papillomavirus involvement was ruled out with PCR. Like observed in a previous report, there was no correlation between cyclosporine blood level and the severity of dermatological changes. A discontinuation of cyclosporine resulted in complete healing in 4 months. This case highlights the importance of regular monitoring and follow-ups in patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Even rare side effects should always be considered in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Martini
- Dermatology Unit, Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich
| | - U Hetzel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich
| | - K M Beckmann
- Neurology Department, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich
| | - A Rostaher
- Dermatology Unit, Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich
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20
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Lanzillotti C, Touzé A, Gaboriaud P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. MicroRNA dysregulations in Merkel cell carcinoma: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28375. [PMID: 36477874 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin malignancy with two distinct etiologies. The first, which accounts for the highest proportion, is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a DNA tumor virus. A second, UV-induced, MCC form has also been identified. Few MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options are available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, which play a key role in regulating various physiologic cellular functions including cell cycling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous miRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, by acting as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. The aim of this review is to collect, summarize, and discuss recent findings on miRNAs whose dysregulation has been assumed to play a role in MCC. The potential clinical application of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in MCC is also described. In the future, miRNAs will potentially gain clinical significance for the improvement of MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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21
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Iaquinta MR, Martini F, D’Agostino A, Trevisiol L, Bersani M, Torreggiani E, Tognon M, Rotondo JC, Mazzoni E. Stem Cell Fate and Immunomodulation Promote Bone Regeneration via Composite Bio-Oss®/AviteneTM Biomaterial. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:873814. [PMID: 35832412 PMCID: PMC9271820 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.873814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone defects in maxillofacial regions lead to noticeable deformity and dysfunctions. Therefore, the use of biomaterials/scaffolds for maxillofacial bone regrowth has been attracting great interest from many surgical specialties and experts. Many approaches have been devised in order to create an optimal bone scaffold capable of achieving desirable degrees of bone integration and osteogenesis. Osteogenesis represents a complex physiological process involving multiple cooperating systems. A tight relationship between the immune and skeletal systems has lately been established using the concept of “osteoimmunology,” since various molecules, particularly those regulating immunological and inflammatory processes, are shared. Inflammatory mediators are now being implicated in bone remodeling, according to new scientific data. In this study, a profiler PCR array was employed to evaluate the expression of cytokines and chemokines in human adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) cultured on porous hydroxylapatite (HA)/Collagen derived Bio-Oss®/Avitene scaffolds, up to day 21. In hASCs grown on the Bio-Oss®/Avitene biomaterial, 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be up-regulated, together with 12 DEG down-regulated. Chemokine CCL2, which affects bone metabolism, tested down-regulated. Interestingly, the Bio-Oss®/Avitene induced the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory inter-leukin IL-6. In conclusion, our investigation carried out on the Bio-Oss®/Avitene scaffold indicates that it could be successfully employed in maxillofacial surgery. Indeed, this composite material has the advantage of being customized on the basis of the individual patients favoring a novel personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technological Laboratory for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: John Charles Rotondo,
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Caselli E, Gallenga CE, Guarino M, De Giorgio R, Mazziotta C, Tramarin ML, Badiale G, Tognon M, Contini C. Advanced Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Methods to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1193. [PMID: 35744711 PMCID: PMC9231257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 in China and quickly spread across the globe, causing over 521 million cases of infection and 6.26 million deaths to date. After 2 years, numerous advances have been made. First of all, the preventive vaccine, which has been implemented in record time, is effective in more than 95% of cases. Additionally, in the diagnostic field, there are numerous molecular and antigenic diagnostic kits that are equipped with high sensitivity and specificity. Real Time-PCR-based assays for the detection of viral RNA are currently considered the gold-standard method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and can be used efficiently on pooled nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal samples for widespread screening. Moreover, additional, and more advanced molecular methods such as droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), are currently under development to detect the SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, as the number of subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 continuously increases globally, health care systems are being placed under increased stress. Thus, the clinical laboratory plays an important role, helping to select especially asymptomatic individuals who are actively carrying the live replicating virus, with fast and non-invasive molecular technologies. Recent diagnostic strategies, other than molecular methods, have been adopted to either detect viral antigens, i.e., antigen-based immunoassays, or human anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, i.e., antibody-based immunoassays, in nasal or oropharyngeal swabs, as well as in blood or saliva samples. However, the role of mucosal sIgAs, which are essential in the control of viruses entering the body through mucosal surfaces, remains to be elucidated, and in particular the role of the immune response in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, primarily at the site(s) of virus entry that appears to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, 45030 Occhiobello, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, CIAS Research Center and LTTA, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Tramarin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
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23
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Globig P, Willumeit-Römer R, Martini F, Mazzoni E, Luthringer-Feyerabend BJC. Slow degrading Mg-based materials induce tumor cell dormancy on an osteosarcoma-fibroblast coculture model. Bioact Mater 2022; 16:320-333. [PMID: 35386318 PMCID: PMC8965722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.031] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults and is commonly treated using surgery and chemotherapy. During the past years, these therapy approaches improved but failed to ameliorate the outcomes. Therefore, novel, targeted therapeutic approaches should be established to enhance treatment success while preserving patient's quality of life. Recent studies suggest the application of degradable magnesium (Mg) alloys as orthopedic implants bearing a potential antitumor activity. Here, we examined the influence of Mg-based materials on an osteosarcoma-fibroblast coculture. Both, Mg and Mg–6Ag did not lead to tumor cell apoptosis at low degradation rates. Instead, the Mg-based materials induced cellular dormancy in the cancer cells indicated by a lower number of Ki-67 positive cancer cells and a higher p38 expression. This dormancy-like state could be reversed by reseeding on non-degrading glass slides but could not be provoked by inhibition of the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase. By investigating the influence of the disjunct surface-near effects of the Mg degradation on cell proliferation, an increased pH was found to be a main initiator of Mg degradation-dependent tumor cell proliferation inhibition. Mg-based material degradation induce cellular dormancy in osteosarcoma cells. Dormancy state is indicated by a lower expression of Ki-67 and higher expression of p38 compared to non-degrading materials. The alkalization during Mg material degradation is the driving force of cancer cell proliferation inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Globig
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Regine Willumeit-Römer
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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24
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Gafà R, Touzé A, Durand MA, Martini F, Rotondo JC. The Role of Histone Post-Translational Modifications in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832047. [PMID: 35350569 PMCID: PMC8957841 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of non–melanoma skin cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 63%. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, is the etiological agent of MCC. Although representing a small proportion of MCC cases, MCPyV-negative MCCs have also been identified. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in MCC, have been only partially determined. This review aims to describe the most recent progress on PTMs and their regulative factors in the context of MCC onset/development, providing an overview of current findings on both MCC subtypes. An outline of current knowledge on the potential employment of PTMs and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as novel treatment strategies targeting the reversibility of PTMs for MCC therapy is provided. Recent research shows that PTMs are emerging as important epigenetic players involved in MCC onset/development, and therefore may show a potential clinical significance. Deeper and integrated knowledge of currently known PTM dysregulations is of paramount importance in order to understand the molecular basis of MCC and improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options for this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Alice Durand
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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25
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Rotondo JC, Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Stefani C, Badiale G, Campione G, Martini F, Tognon M. The Role of Purinergic P2X7 Receptor in Inflammation and Cancer: Novel Molecular Insights and Clinical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1116. [PMID: 35267424 PMCID: PMC8909580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a transmembrane protein whose expression has been related to a variety of cellular processes, while its dysregulation has been linked to inflammation and cancer. P2X7R is expressed in cancer and immune system cell surfaces. ATP plays a key role in numerous metabolic processes due to its abundance in the tumour microenvironment. P2X7R plays an important role in cancer by interacting with ATP. The unusual property of P2X7R is that stimulation with low doses of ATP causes the opening of a permeable channel for sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, whereas sustained stimulation with high doses of ATP favours the formation of a non-selective pore. The latter effect induces a change in intracellular homeostasis that leads to cell death. This evidence suggests that P2X7R has both pro- and anti-tumour proprieties. P2X7R is increasingly recognised as a regulator of inflammation. In this review, we aimed to describe the most relevant characteristics of P2X7R function, activation, and its ligands, while also summarising the role of P2X7R activation in the context of inflammation and cancer. The currently used therapeutic approaches and clinical trials of P2X7R modulators are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Stefani
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Campione
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
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Oton-Gonzalez L, Mazziotta C, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Nocini R, Trevisiol L, D’Agostino A, Tognon M, Rotondo JC, Martini F. Genetics and Epigenetics of Bone Remodeling and Metabolic Bone Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031500. [PMID: 35163424 PMCID: PMC8836080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone metabolism consists of a balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is mediated by osteoblast and osteoclast activity, respectively. In order to ensure bone plasticity, the bone remodeling process needs to function properly. Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into the osteoblast lineage by activating different signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt)/β-catenin pathways. Recent data indicate that bone remodeling processes are also epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA expressions, such as micro-RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Mutations and dysfunctions in pathways regulating the osteoblast differentiation might influence the bone remodeling process, ultimately leading to a large variety of metabolic bone diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize and describe the genetics and epigenetics of the bone remodeling process. Moreover, the current findings behind the genetics of metabolic bone diseases are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Nocini
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Trevisiol
- Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio D’Agostino
- Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.R.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-0532-455536 (J.C.R.); +39-0532-455540 (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.R.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-0532-455536 (J.C.R.); +39-0532-455540 (F.M.)
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27
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Mazziotta C, Pellielo G, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Significantly Low Levels of IgG Antibodies Against Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Sera From Females Affected by Spontaneous Abortion. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:789991. [PMID: 34970247 PMCID: PMC8712937 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a small DNA tumor virus ubiquitous in humans. MCPyV establishes a clinically asymptomatic lifelong infection in healthy immunocompetent individuals. Viral infections are considered to be risk factors for spontaneous abortion (SA), which is the most common adverse complication of pregnancy. The role of MCPyV in SA remains undetermined. Herein, the impact of MCPyV infection in females affected by SA was investigated. Specifically, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method with two linear synthetic peptides/mimotopes mimicking MCPyV antigens was used to investigate immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against MCPyV in sera from 94 females affected by SA [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 35 ± (6) years] and from 96 healthy females undergoing voluntary pregnancy interruption [VI, mean (±SD) age 32 ± (7) years]. MCPyV seroprevalence and serological profiles were analyzed. The overall prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against MCPyV was 35.1% (33/94) and 37.5% (36/96) in SA and VI females, respectively (p > 0.05). Notably, serological profile analyses indicated lower optical densities (ODs) in females with SA compared to those undergoing VI (p < 0.05), thus indicating a reduced IgG antibody response in SA females. Circulating IgGs were identified in sera from SA and VI females. Our immunological findings indicate that a relatively reduced fraction of pregnant females carry serum anti-MCPyV IgG antibodies, while SA females presented a more pronounced decrease in IgG antibody response to MCPyV. Although yet to be determined, this immunological decrease might prompt an increase in MCPyV multiplication events in females experiencing abortive events. The role of MCPyV in SA, if present, remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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28
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Mazziotta C, Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Campione G, Martini F, Tognon M. Cancer biology and molecular genetics of A 3 adenosine receptor. Oncogene 2022; 41:301-308. [PMID: 34750517 PMCID: PMC8755539 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is a cell membrane protein, which has been found to be overexpressed in a large number of cancer types. This receptor plays an important role in cancer by interacting with adenosine. Specifically, A3AR has a dual nature in different pathophysiological conditions, as it is expressed according to tissue type and stimulated by an adenosine dose-dependent manner. A3AR activation leads to tumor growth, cell proliferation and survival in some cases, while triggering cytostatic and apoptotic pathways in others. This review aims to describe the most relevant aspects of A3AR activation and its ligands whereas it summarizes A3AR activities in cancer. Progress in the field of A3AR modulators, with a potential therapeutic role in cancer treatment are reported, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Campione
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Giordano F, Lenna S, Rampado R, Brozovich A, Hirase T, Tognon MG, Martini F, Agostini M, Yustein JT, Taraballi F. Nanodelivery Systems Face Challenges and Limitations in Bone Diseases Management (Adv. Therap. 12/2021). Adv Therap 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202170036] [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: 11/09/2022]
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30
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Della Bella E, Pagani S, Martini F, De Mattei M. Editorial: The Epigenetics in Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:784791. [PMID: 34746159 PMCID: PMC8569890 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefania Pagani
- Complex Structure of Surgical Sciences and Technologies, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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31
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Giordano F, Lenna S, Rampado R, Brozovich A, Hirase T, Tognon MG, Martini F, Agostini M, Yustein JT, Taraballi F. Nanodelivery Systems Face Challenges and Limitations in Bone Diseases Management. Adv Therap 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giordano
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist 6670 Bertner Ave Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist, 6565 Fannin Street Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Stefania Lenna
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist 6670 Bertner Ave Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist, 6565 Fannin Street Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Riccardo Rampado
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist 6670 Bertner Ave Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist, 6565 Fannin Street Houston TX 77030 USA
- First Surgical Clinic Section, Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua Padua 35124 Italy
- Nano‐Inspired Biomedicine Laboratory Institute of Pediatric Research—Città della Speranza Padua Italy
| | - Ava Brozovich
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist 6670 Bertner Ave Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist, 6565 Fannin Street Houston TX 77030 USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine 8447 Highway 47 Bryan TX 77807 USA
| | - Takashi Hirase
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist 6670 Bertner Ave Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist, 6565 Fannin Street Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Mauro G. Tognon
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Marco Agostini
- First Surgical Clinic Section, Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua Padua 35124 Italy
- Nano‐Inspired Biomedicine Laboratory Institute of Pediatric Research—Città della Speranza Padua Italy
| | - Jason T. Yustein
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston Methodist 6670 Bertner Ave Houston TX 77030 USA
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist, 6565 Fannin Street Houston TX 77030 USA
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32
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Govoni M, Pellielo G, Mazzoni E, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Decreased IgG Antibody Response to Viral Protein Mimotopes of Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Sera From Healthy Elderly Subjects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:738486. [PMID: 34733278 PMCID: PMC8558529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.738486] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the main causative agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin tumor with a typical presentation age >60 years. MCPyV is ubiquitous in humans. After an early-age primary infection, MCPyV establishes a clinically asymptomatic lifelong infection. In immunocompromised patients/individuals, including elders, MCC can arise following an increase in MCPyV replication events. Elders are prone to develop immunesenescence and therefore represent an important group to investigate. In addition, detailed information on MCPyV serology in elders has been debated. These findings cumulatively indicate the need for new research verifying the impact of MCPyV infection in elderly subjects (ES). Herein, sera from 226 ES, aged 66-100 years, were analyzed for anti-MCPyV IgGs with an indirect ELISA using peptides mimicking epitopes from the MCPyV capsid proteins VP1-2. Immunological data from sera belonging to a cohort of healthy subjects (HS) (n = 548) aged 18-65 years, reported in our previous study, were also included for comparisons. Age-/gender-specific seroprevalence and serological profiles were investigated. MCPyV seroprevalence in ES was 63.7% (144/226). Age-specific MCPyV seroprevalence resulted as 62.5% (25/40), 71.7% (33/46), 64.9% (37/57), 63.8% (30/47), and 52.8% (19/36) in ES aged 66-70, 71-75, 76-80, 81-85, and 86-100 years, respectively (p > 0.05). MCPyV seroprevalence was 67% (71/106) and 61% (73/120) in ES males and females, respectively (p > 0.05). Lack of age-/gender-related variations in terms of MCPyV serological profiles was found in ES (p > 0.05). Notably, serological profile analyses indicated lower optical densities (ODs) in ES compared with HS (p < 0.05), while lower ODs were also determined in ES males compared with HS males (p < 0.05). Our data cumulatively suggest that oncogenic MCPyV circulates in elders asymptomatically at a relatively high prevalence, while immunesenescence might be responsible for a decreased IgG antibody response to MCPyV, thereby potentially leading to an increase in MCPyV replication levels. In the worse scenario, alongside other factors, MCPyV might drive MCC carcinogenesis, as described in elders with over 60 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Marracino L, Fortini F, Bouhamida E, Camponogara F, Severi P, Mazzoni E, Patergnani S, D’Aniello E, Campana R, Pinton P, Martini F, Tognon M, Campo G, Ferrari R, Vieceli Dalla Sega F, Rizzo P. Adding a "Notch" to Cardiovascular Disease Therapeutics: A MicroRNA-Based Approach. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695114. [PMID: 34527667 PMCID: PMC8435685 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Notch pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but, as of today, therapies based on the re-establishing the physiological levels of Notch in the heart and vessels are not available. A possible reason is the context-dependent role of Notch in the cardiovascular system, which would require a finely tuned, cell-specific approach. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short functional endogenous, non-coding RNA sequences able to regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional levels influencing most, if not all, biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs expression is implicated in the molecular mechanisms underlying many CVDs. Notch is regulated and regulates a large number of miRNAs expressed in the cardiovascular system and, thus, targeting these miRNAs could represent an avenue to be explored to target Notch for CVDs. In this Review, we provide an overview of both established and potential, based on evidence in other pathologies, crosstalks between miRNAs and Notch in cellular processes underlying atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, calcification of aortic valve, and arrhythmias. We also discuss the potential advantages, as well as the challenges, of using miRNAs for a Notch-based approach for the diagnosis and treatment of the most common CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Marracino
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Esmaa Bouhamida
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Camponogara
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Severi
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuele D’Aniello
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Campana
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Ravenna, Italy
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrari
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | - Paola Rizzo
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Ravenna, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Mazziotta C, Di Mauro G, Lanzillotti C, Barp N, Gallerani A, Tognon M, Contini C. SARS-CoV-2 Infection: New Molecular, Phylogenetic, and Pathogenetic Insights. Efficacy of Current Vaccines and the Potential Risk of Variants. Viruses 2021; 13:1687. [PMID: 34578269 PMCID: PMC8473168 DOI: 10.3390/v13091687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly discovered coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has rapidly become a public health emergency of international concern. Although remarkable scientific achievements have been reached since the beginning of the pandemic, the knowledge behind this novel coronavirus, in terms of molecular and pathogenic characteristics and zoonotic potential, is still relatively limited. Today, there is a vaccine, or rather several vaccines, which, for the first time in the history of highly contagious infectious diseases that have plagued mankind, has been manufactured in just one year. Currently, four vaccines are licensed by regulatory agencies, and they use RNA or viral vector technologies. The positive effects of the vaccination campaign are being felt in many parts of the world, but the disappearance of this new infection is still far from being a reality, as it is also threatened by the presence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, hampering the immunization control efforts. Indeed, the current findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is adapting to transmission in humans more efficiently, while further divergence from the initial archetype should be considered. In this review, we aimed to provide a collection of the current knowledge regarding the molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenetic insights into SARS-CoV-2. The most recent findings obtained with respect to the impact of novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the development and implementation of vaccines are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicole Barp
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Altea Gallerani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Iaquinta MR, Torreggiani E, Mazziotta C, Ruffini A, Sprio S, Tampieri A, Tognon M, Martini F, Mazzoni E. In Vitro Osteoinductivity Assay of Hydroxylapatite Scaffolds, Obtained with Biomorphic Transformation Processes, Assessed Using Human Adipose Stem Cell Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137092. [PMID: 34209351 PMCID: PMC8267654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the in vitro biocompatibility and osteoinductive ability of a recently developed biomorphic hydroxylapatite ceramic scaffold (B-HA) derived from transformation of wood structures were analyzed using human adipose stem cells (hASCs). Cell viability and metabolic activity were evaluated in hASCs, parental cells and in recombinant genetically engineered hASC-eGFP cells expressing the green fluorescence protein. B-HA osteoinductivity properties, such as differentially expressed genes (DEG) involved in the skeletal development pathway, osteocalcin (OCN) protein expression and mineral matrix deposition in hASCs, were evaluated. In vitro induction of osteoblastic genes, such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), Bone gamma-carboxyglutamate (gla) protein (BGLAP), SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3), Sp7 transcription factor (SP7) and Transforming growth factor, beta 3 (TGFB3) and Tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 11 (TNFSF11)/Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL), involved in osteoclast differentiation, was undertaken in cells grown on B-HA. Chondrogenic transcription factor SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9), tested up-regulated in hASCs grown on the B-HA scaffold. Gene expression enhancement in the skeletal development pathway was detected in hASCs using B-HA compared to sintered hydroxylapatite (S-HA). OCN protein expression and calcium deposition were increased in hASCs grown on B-HA in comparison with the control. This study demonstrates the biocompatibility of the novel biomorphic B-HA scaffold and its potential use in osteogenic differentiation for hASCs. Our data highlight the relevance of B-HA for bone regeneration purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (C.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (C.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (C.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Andrea Ruffini
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (A.R.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Simone Sprio
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (A.R.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Anna Tampieri
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (A.R.); (S.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (C.M.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (C.M.); (E.M.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (C.M.); (E.M.)
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Torreggiani E, Oton-Gonzalez L, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Gaboriaud P, Touzé A, Silvagni E, Govoni M, Martini F, Tognon M, Rotondo JC. Serum Antibodies Against the Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Detected by an Innovative Immunological Assay With Mimotopes in Healthy Subjects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676627. [PMID: 34168646 PMCID: PMC8217635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, has been detected in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and in normal tissues. Since MCPyV infection occurs in both MCC-affected patients and healthy subjects (HS), innovative immunoassays for detecting antibodies (abs) against MCPyV are required. Herein, sera from HS were analyzed with a novel indirect ELISA using two synthetic peptides mimicking MCPyV capsid protein epitopes of VP1 and VP2. Synthetic peptides were designed to recognize IgGs against MCPyV VP mimotopes using a computer-assisted approach. The assay was set up evaluating its performance in detecting IgGs anti-MCPyV on MCPyV-positive (n=65) and -negative (n=67) control sera. Then, the ELISA was extended to sera (n=548) from HS aged 18-65 yrs old. Age-specific MCPyV-seroprevalence was investigated. Performance evaluation indicated that the assay showed 80% sensitivity, 91% specificity and 83.9% accuracy, with positive and negative predictive values of 94.3% and 71%, respectively. The ratio expected/obtained data agreement was 86%, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.72. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis indicated that the areas under the curves (AUCs) for the two peptides were 0.82 and 0.74, respectively. Intra-/inter-run variations were below 9%. The overall prevalence of serum IgGs anti-MCPyV in HS was 62.9% (345/548). Age-specific MCPyV-seroprevalence was 63.1% (82/130), 56.7% (68/120), 64.5% (91/141), and 66.2% (104/157) in HS aged 18-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-65 yrs old, respectively (p>0.05). Performance evaluation suggests that our indirect ELISA is reliable in detecting IgGs anti-MCPyV. Our immunological data indicate that MCPyV infection occurs asymptomatically, at a relatively high prevalence, in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- ISP “Biologie des infections à polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP “Biologie des infections à polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Ettore Silvagni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Hushcha Y, Blo I, Oton-Gonzalez L, Mauro GD, Martini F, Tognon M, Mattei MD. microRNAs in the Regulation of Melanogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116104. [PMID: 34198907 PMCID: PMC8201055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanogenesis is the process leading to the synthesis of melanin, the main substance that influences skin color and plays a pivotal role against UV damage. Altered melanogenesis is observed in several pigmentation disorders. Melanogenesis occurs in specialized cells called melanocytes, physically and functionally related by means of autocrine and paracrine interplay to other skin cell types. Several external and internal factors control melanin biosynthesis and operate through different intracellular signaling pathways, which finally leads to the regulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), the key transcription factor involved in melanogenesis and the expression of the main melanogenic enzymes, including TYR, TYRP-1, and TYRP-2. Epigenetic factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), are involved in melanogenesis regulation. miRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs, of approximately 22 nucleotides in length, which control cell behavior by regulating gene expression, mainly by binding the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of target mRNAs. This review collects data on the miRNAs involved in melanogenesis and how these miRNAs can modulate target gene expression. Bringing to light the biological function of miRNAs could lead to a wider understanding of epigenetic melanogenesis regulation and its dysregulation. This knowledge may constitute the basis for developing innovative treatment approaches for pigmentation dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Blo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.B.); (L.O.-G.); (G.D.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.B.); (L.O.-G.); (G.D.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.B.); (L.O.-G.); (G.D.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.B.); (L.O.-G.); (G.D.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.B.); (L.O.-G.); (G.D.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (I.B.); (L.O.-G.); (G.D.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-455534
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Camellino D, Dejaco C, Giusti A, Martini F, Cosso R, Girasole G, Bianchi G. AB0379 BARICITINIB IN POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA AND GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: REPORT OF SIX CASES. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Glucocorticoids (GC) are the cornerstone of the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA), but they are associated with several adverse events (AEs). Moreover, a considerable proportion of patients relapse during GC tapering.Objectives:To describe the efficacy and safety of the JAK-inhibitor baricitinib (BARI) in a group of patients with PMR and/or GCA.Methods:Case series of patients with PMR and/or GCA with a refractory disease course, despite several lines of therapy, including methotrexate (MTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ), started treatment with BARI. All patients underwent periodic, standardised clinical and laboratory examinations, and also FDG-PET/CT. PMR-activity score (AS) was calculated at each visit except in patients with isolated large vessel vasculitis (LVV) or GCA.Results:A total of six patients (five females and one male, median age 64 years, range 50-83) were treated with BARI. Two of them had isolated PMR (patients #1 and #6), two had PMR with associated LVV (patients #2 and #5), and one (patient #3) had cranial-GCA. Demographic and clinical characteristics are provided in Table 1. At the time of starting BARI, patients were taking a median prednisone dose of 8.75 mg/day (range 0-25), and the 4 patients with PMR±LVV had a median PMR-activity score (PMR-AS) of 23.3 (indicating high disease activity), which decreased to 1.58 after 6 months of treatment with BARI. Two of them could stop GC and continued BARI monotherapy (in one case, BARI was tapered down to 2 mg/day after 12 months).After starting BARI, patient #3 (GCA) could gradually taper prednisone from 25 mg/day to 10 mg/day in six months, without reporting fever or headache. After one year of treatment, she feels well while taking prednisone 7.5 mg/day.Patient #4 (LVV) remained clinically stable during the treatment with BARI, but a follow-up FDG-PET/CT showed LVV, and we decided to stop BARI and restart TCZ. After 4 months of treatment with BARI, patient #5 suffered from pneumonia, while she was also taking prednisone 15 mg/day. BARI was therefore stopped. No other AEs attributable to BARI were detected.Conclusion:BARI appears as an appealing option for treating patients with PMR and/or GCA. Although these preliminary results should be confirmed by a RCT, BARI lowered rapidly disease activity and exerted a significant steroid-sparing effect, allowing GC withdrawal in 2 out of 6 patients.Table 1.Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients.Patient #SexAgeDiagnosisPrevious treatmentDisease duration (months)PMR-AS1F66PMRMTX, HCQ, SSZ25.540.52F78PMR+LVVTCZ, MTX41.828.83F61GCACYC, MMF, TCZ119.8N/A4F60LVVTCZ16.4N/A5F83PMR+LVVMTX, TCZ24.415.26M50PMRMTX24.617.8CYC: cyclophosphamide, GCA: giant cell arteritis, HCQ: hydroxychloroquine, LVV: large vessel vasculitis, MMF: mycophenolate mofetil, MTX: methotrexate, N/A: not applicable, PMR: polymyalgia rheumatica, PMR-AS: PMR-activity score, SSZ: sulfasalazine, TCZ: tocilizumab.Disclosure of Interests:Dario Camellino Speakers bureau: Medac, Eli Lilly, Paid instructor for: Mylan, Consultant of: Accord, Celgene, Novartis, Sanofi, Christian Dejaco Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly (<10.000€), Andrea Giusti Speakers bureau: UCB, Amgen, Kyowa Kirin, Abiogen Pharma, and Eli Lilly, Consultant of: EffRx, Abiogen Pharma, FRANCO MARTINI: None declared, Renzo Cosso: None declared, Giuseppe Girasole: None declared, Gerolamo Bianchi Speakers bureau: Amgen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Genzyme, and Servier, Consultant of: Abbvie, Abiogen Pharma, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen-Cilag, Medac
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Torreggiani E, Bononi I, Pietrobon S, Mazzoni E, Guerra G, Feo C, Martini F, Tognon M. Colorectal Carcinoma Affected Patients Are Significantly Poor Responders Against the Oncogenic JC Polyomavirus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:632129. [PMID: 34113338 PMCID: PMC8185217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.632129] [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: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many investigations reported the association between human tumors and JCPyV, a polyomavirus with oncogenic potential. The association has been supported by studies that found JCPyV footprints in CRC and gliomas of different types. Indeed, JCPyV footprints including its nucleic acids and Tag oncoprotein have been revealed in CRC tissues. Methods Herein, sera from colorectal carcinoma (CRC) affected patients and healthy individuals (HS), employed as control, were analysed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against specific JCPyV viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) antigens. The investigation was carried out employing an innovative immunological assay. Indeed, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with JCPyV VP1 mimotopes was used. JCPyV VP1 mimotopes consisted of synthetic peptides mimicking VP1 epitopes. Results Sera from CRC affected patients, evaluated using indirect ELISAs with synthetic mimotopes, showed a significant lower prevalence of IgG antibodies against JCPyV VP1 mimotopes (26%) compared to HS (51%), p<0.005. These data were confirmed by another method, the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay. Altogether these results, i.e. the prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against JCPyV VP1 mimotopes from patients with CRC is approximately 50% lower than in HS, are of interest. Discussion Our data suggest that patients with CRC are significantly poor responders against JCPyV VP1 antigens. It is possible that CRC patients are affected by a specific immunological deregulation. This immunological dysfunction, revelled in CRC patients, may account for their predisposition to the colorectal carcinoma onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Pietrobon
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guerra
- Clinical Laboratory Analysis, University-Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Feo
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Iaquinta MR, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Bononi I, Frontini F, Mazzoni E, Oton-Gonzalez L, Rotondo JC, Torreggiani E, Tognon M, Martini F. The role of microRNAs in the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and bone pathologies. Theranostics 2021; 11:6573-6591. [PMID: 33995677 PMCID: PMC8120225 DOI: 10.7150/thno.55664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues. MSCs can regenerate through cell division or differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes. As a result, MSCs have become an important source of cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for bone tissue and cartilage. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in MSCs differentiation. Among these, microRNA (miRNA) regulation is involved in the fine modulation of gene expression during osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation. It has been reported that miRNAs are involved in bone homeostasis by modulating osteoblast gene expression. In addition, countless evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs dysregulation is involved in the development of osteoporosis and bone fractures. The deregulation of miRNAs expression has also been associated with several malignancies including bone cancer. In this context, bone-associated circulating miRNAs may be useful biomarkers for determining the predisposition, onset and development of osteoporosis, as well as in clinical applications to improve the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of cancer and metastases. Overall, this review will provide an overview of how miRNAs activities participate in osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation, while addressing the role of miRNA regulatory effects on target genes. Finally, the role of miRNAs in pathologies and therapies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara. Ferrara, Italy
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Pellegrini E, Buccheri M, Martini F, Boscutti F. Agricultural land use curbs exotic invasion but sustains native plant diversity at intermediate levels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8385. [PMID: 33863976 PMCID: PMC8052428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Unveiling the processes driving exotic plant invasion represent a central issue in taking decisions aimed at constraining the loss of biodiversity and related ecosystem services. The invasion success is often linked to anthropogenic land uses and warming due to climate change. We studied the responses of native versus casual and naturalised exotic species richness to land uses and climate at the landscape level, relying on a large floristic survey undertaken in North - Eastern Italy. Both climate and land use drove exotic species richness. Our results suggest that the success of plant invasion at this scale is mainly due to warm climatic conditions and the extent of urban and agricultural land, but with different effects on casual and naturalized exotic species. The occurrence of non-linear trends showed that a small percentage of extensive agricultural land in the landscape may concurrently reduce the number of exotic plant while sustaining native plant diversity. Plant invasion could be potentially limited by land management, mainly focusing on areas with extensive agricultural land use. A more consciousness land management is more and more commonly required by local administrations. According to our results, a shift of intensive to extensive agricultural land, by implementing green infrastructures, seems to be a win-win solution favouring native species while controlling the oversimplification of the flora due to plant invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Pellegrini
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XFreshwater Biological Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, 3rd floor, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.5390.f0000 0001 2113 062XDepartment of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, via delle Scienze 91, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - M. Buccheri
- Museo Friulano di Storia Naturale di Udine, via Cecilia Gradenigo Sabbadini, 22-32, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | | | - F. Boscutti
- grid.5390.f0000 0001 2113 062XDepartment of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, via delle Scienze 91, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Aquila G, Oton-Gonzalez L, Selvatici R, Rizzo P, De Mattei M, Pavasini R, Tognon M, Campo GC, Martini F. Methylation of SERPINA1 gene promoter may predict chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients affected by acute coronary syndrome. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:79. [PMID: 33858475 PMCID: PMC8048251 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnostic biomarkers for detecting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are not available. SERPINA1, coding for the most potent circulating anti-inflammatory protein in the lung, has been found to be differentially methylated in blood cells from COPD patients. This study aimed to investigate the methylation profile of SERPINA1 in blood cells from ACS patients, with (COPD+) or without COPD (COPD−). Methods Blood samples were from 115 ACS patients, including 30 COPD+ and 85 COPD− according to lung function phenotype, obtained with spirometry. DNA treated with sodium bisulfite was PCR-amplified at SERPINA1 promoter region. Methylation analysis was carried out by sequencing the PCR products. Lymphocytes count in ACS patients was recorded at hospital admission and discharge. Results SERPINA1 was hypermethylated in 24/30 (80%) COPD+ and 48/85 (56.5%) COPD− (p < 0.05). Interestingly, at hospital discharge, lymphocytes count was higher in COPD− patients carrying SERPINA1 hypermethylated (1.98 × 103 ± 0.6 cell/µl) than in COPD− carrying SERPINA1 hypomethylated (1.7 × 103 ± 0.48 cell/µl) (p < 0.05). Conclusions SERPINA1 is hypermethylated in blood cells from COPD+ patients. COPD− carrying SERPINA1 hypermethylated and high lymphocytes count may be at risk of COPD development. Therefore, SERPINA1 hypermethylation may represent a potential biomarker for predicting COPD development in ACS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgio Aquila
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70 Eliporto Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Pavasini
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70 Eliporto Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Lanzillotti C, De Mattei M, Mazziotta C, Taraballi F, Rotondo JC, Tognon M, Martini F. Long Non-coding RNAs and MicroRNAs Interplay in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:646032. [PMID: 33898434 PMCID: PMC8063120 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.646032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained great attention as epigenetic regulators of gene expression in many tissues. Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNAs, together with microRNAs (miRNAs), play a pivotal role in osteogenesis. While miRNA action mechanism relies mainly on miRNA-mRNA interaction, resulting in suppressed expression, lncRNAs affect mRNA functionality through different activities, including interaction with miRNAs. Recent advances in RNA sequencing technology have improved knowledge into the molecular pathways regulated by the interaction of lncRNAs and miRNAs. This review reports on the recent knowledge of lncRNAs and miRNAs roles as key regulators of osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, we described herein the recent discoveries on lncRNA-miRNA crosstalk during the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM), as well as from different other anatomical regions. The deep understanding of the connection between miRNAs and lncRNAs during the osteogenic differentiation will strongly improve knowledge into the molecular mechanisms of bone growth and development, ultimately leading to discover innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools for osteogenic disorders and bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lanzillotti
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Spangaro M, Bosia M, Martini F, Bechi M, Buonocore M, Cavallaro R. Factors affecting cognitive remediation outcome in schizophrenia: The role of treatment resistance. Eur Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC9471921 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionTreatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) represents a major clinical issue, characterized by worse psychopathological outcome, a more disrupted neurobiological substrate and higher healthcare costs. Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia, strongly associated with patients’ functional outcome. Different studies showed that TRS patients exhibit poorer neurocognitive performance, particularly on verbal domains. To date Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) represents the best available tool for treating cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, CRT outcomes are highly heterogeneous and significant treatment predictors are still lacking.ObjectivesTo investigate possible differences of CRT outcome among patients with schizophrenia, stratified according to antipsychotic response (TRSs vs. first-line responders - FLRs).Methods150 patients with schizophrenia, (95 FLRs, 55 TRSs) were assessed for neurocognition with BACS and WCST at baseline and after CRT. General Linear Models (GLMs) were performed to investigate possible differences between groups on basal cognition and CRT outcome (Cohen’s d Effect Size).ResultsAt baseline, GLMs showed significant differences in Verbal Memory (F=4,66; p=0,03) and WCST–executive functions (F=5,59; p=0,02), both worse in TRS group. Effecr Sizes of CRT outcome resulted significantly different in domains of Verbal Memory (F=4,68; p=0,03) and WCST–executive functions (F=4,62; p=0,03), with greater improvements among TRS patients.ConclusionsThis is the first study to indicate treatment-resistance as a possible predictor of CRT outcome in schizophrenia. Moreover, we observed that CRT resulted able to fill the cognitive gap between treatment groups. Thus, these results further highlight the importance of early cognitive interventions in order to reduce the neuropsychological and functional burden associated with the disease, especially for TRS patients.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
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Martini F, Cibella S, Gaggero A, Mattioli F, Leoni R. Waveguide integrated hot electron bolometer for classical and quantum photonics. Opt Express 2021; 29:7956-7965. [PMID: 33820252 DOI: 10.1364/oe.410317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of performant integrated detectors, which are sensitive to quantum fluctuations of coherent light, are strongly desired to realize a scalable and determinist photonic quantum processor based on continuous variables states of light. Here, we investigate the performance of hot electron bolometers (HEBs) fabricated on top of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic circuit showing responsivities up to 8600 V/W and a record noise equivalent temperature of 1.1 dB above the quantum limit. Thanks to a detailed analysis of the noise sources of the waveguide integrated HEB, we estimate 14.8 dBV clearance between the shot noise and electrical noise with just 1.1µW of local oscillator power. The full technology compatibility with superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) opens the possibility of nonclassical state engineering and state tomography performed within the same platform, enabling a new class of optical quantum processors.
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Iaquinta MR, Taraballi F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC, Otòn-Gonzalez L, Mazzoni E, Frontini F, Bononi I, De Mattei M, Tognon M, Martini F. MicroRNAs Modulate Signaling Pathways in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2362. [PMID: 33673409 PMCID: PMC7956574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues and they have been closely studied in recent years, especially in view of their potential use for treating diseases and damaged tissues and organs. MSCs are capable of self-replication and differentiation into osteoblasts and are considered an important source of cells in tissue engineering for bone regeneration. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that are able to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by binding the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, which can be subsequently degraded or translationally silenced. MiRNAs control gene expression in osteogenic differentiation by regulating two crucial signaling cascades in osteogenesis: the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathways. This review provides an overview of the miRNAs involved in osteogenic differentiation and how these miRNAs could regulate the expression of target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Lucia Otòn-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Frontini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70, Eliporto Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Mazzoni E, Iaquinta MR, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Maritati M, Montesi M, Sprio S, Tampieri A, Tognon M, Martini F. Bioactive Materials for Soft Tissue Repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:613787. [PMID: 33681157 PMCID: PMC7933465 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.613787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [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: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, age-related pathologies have increased abreast the aging population worldwide. The increased age of the population indicates that new tools, such as biomaterials/scaffolds for damaged tissues, which display high efficiency, effectively and in a limited period of time, for the regeneration of the body's tissue are needed. Indeed, scaffolds can be used as templates for three-dimensional tissue growth in order to promote the tissue healing stimulating the body's own regenerative mechanisms. In tissue engineering, several types of biomaterials are employed, such as bioceramics including calcium phosphates, bioactive glasses, and glass-ceramics. These scaffolds seem to have a high potential as biomaterials in regenerative medicine. In addition, in conjunction with other materials, such as polymers, ceramic scaffolds may be used to manufacture composite scaffolds characterized by high biocompatibility, mechanical efficiency and load-bearing capabilities that render these biomaterials suitable for regenerative medicine applications. Usually, bioceramics have been used to repair hard tissues, such as bone and dental defects. More recently, in the field of soft tissue engineering, this form of scaffold has also shown promising applications. Indeed, soft tissues are continuously exposed to damages, such as burns or mechanical traumas, tumors and degenerative pathology, and, thereby, thousands of people need remedial interventions such as biomaterials-based therapies. It is known that scaffolds can affect the ability to bind, proliferate and differentiate cells similar to those of autologous tissues. Therefore, it is important to investigate the interaction between bioceramics and somatic/stem cells derived from soft tissues in order to promote tissue healing. Biomimetic scaffolds are frequently employed as drug-delivery system using several therapeutic molecules to increase their biological performance, leading to ultimate products with innovative functionalities. This review provides an overview of essential requirements for soft tissue engineering biomaterials. Data on recent progresses of porous bioceramics and composites for tissue repair are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Montesi
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics-National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Simone Sprio
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics-National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Anna Tampieri
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics-National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rossini M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Fortini F, Aquila G, Sega FVD, Patergnani S, Pinton P, Maniscalco P, Cavallesco G, Rizzo P, Tognon M. Metformin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Notch1 in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:534499. [PMID: 33537296 PMCID: PMC7849608 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.534499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive asbestos-related cancer arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleural cavity. MPM is characterized by a silent clinical progression and a highly resistance to conventional chemo/radio-therapies. MPM patients die in a few months/years from diagnosis. Notch signaling is a well-conserved cell communication system, which regulates many biological processes. In humans, the dysregulation of Notch pathway potentially contributes to cancer onset/progression, including MPM. Metformin is the first-line drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin is proven to be an effective antitumor drug in preclinical models of different types of cancer. To date, clinical efficacy is being studied in many clinical trials. In this study, the anti-proliferative effect of metformin on MPM cells and the putative involvement of Notch1 as a mediator of metformin activities, were investigated. MPM cells showed high levels of Notch1 activation compared to normal pleural mesothelial cells. Furthermore, metformin treatment hampered MPM cell proliferation and enhanced the apoptotic process, accompanied by decreased Notch1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Rossini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Aquila
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pio Maniscalco
- Surgery Unit, Sant'Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Paola Rizzo
- Laboratory for Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mazzoni E, Mazziotta C, Iaquinta MR, Lanzillotti C, Fortini F, D'Agostino A, Trevisiol L, Nocini R, Barbanti-Brodano G, Mescola A, Alessandrini A, Tognon M, Martini F. Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Hybrid Hydroxylapatite/Collagen Scaffold. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:610570. [PMID: 33537303 PMCID: PMC7849836 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.610570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and their derivative enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-hBMSCs were employed to evaluate an innovative hybrid scaffold composed of granular hydroxylapatite and collagen hemostat (Coll/HA). The cellular morphology/cytoskeleton organization and cell viability were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and AlamarBlue metabolic assay, respectively. The expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin proteins was analyzed by IHC and ELISA, whereas osteogenic genes were investigated by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR). Cell morphology of eGFP-hBMSCs was indistinguishable from that of parental hBMSCs. The cytoskeleton architecture of hBMSCs grown on the scaffold appeared to be well organized, whereas its integrity remained uninfluenced by the scaffold during the time course. Metabolic activity measured in hBMSCs grown on a biomaterial was increased during the experiments, up to day 21 (p < 0.05). The biomaterial induced the matrix mineralization in hBMSCs. The scaffold favored the expression of osteogenic proteins, such as osteocalcin and osteopontin. In hBMSC cultures, the scaffold induced up-regulation in specific genes that are involved in ossification process (BMP2/3, SPP1, SMAD3, and SP7), whereas they showed an up-regulation of MMP9 and MMP10, which play a central role during the skeletal development. hBMSCs were induced to chondrogenic differentiation through up-regulation of COL2A1 gene. Our experiments suggest that the innovative scaffold tested herein provides a good microenvironment for hBMSC adhesion, viability, and osteoinduction. hBMSCs are an excellent in vitro cellular model to assay scaffolds, which can be employed for bone repair and bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Antonio D'Agostino
- Department of Surgical Odonto-Stomatological Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Trevisiol
- Department of Surgical Odonto-Stomatological Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Nocini
- Department of Surgical Odonto-Stomatological Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barbanti-Brodano
- Department of Oncologic and Degenerative Spine Surgery, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Alessandrini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Modena, Italy.,Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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