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Schirinzi T, Maftei D, Maurizi R, Albanese M, Simonetta C, Bovenzi R, Bissacco J, Mascioli D, Boffa L, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Francavilla B, Di Girolamo S, Mercuri NB, Passali FM, Lattanzi R, Severini C. Post-COVID-19 Hyposmia Does Not Exhibit Main Neurodegeneration Markers in the Olfactory Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04157-w. [PMID: 38570429 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The biological substrate of persistent post-COVID-19 hyposmia is still unclear. However, as many neurodegenerative diseases present with smell impairment at onset, it may theoretically reflect degeneration within the central olfactory circuits. However, no data still exist regarding the post-COVID-19 patients. As the olfactory neurons (ONs) mirror pathological changes in the brain, allowing for tracking the underlying molecular events, here, we performed a broad analysis of ONs from patients with persistent post-COVID-19 OD to identify traces of potential neurodegeneration. ONs were collected through the non-invasive brushing of the olfactory mucosa from ten patients with persistent post-COVID-19 hyposmia (lasting > 6 months after infection) and ten age/sex-matched controls. Immunofluorescence staining for protein quantification and RT-PCR for gene expression levels were combined to measure ONs markers of α-synuclein, amyloid-β, and tau pathology, axonal injury, and mitochondrial network. Patients and controls had similar ONs levels of oligomeric α-synuclein, amyloid-β peptide, tau protein, neurofilament light chain (NfL), cytochrome C oxidase subunit 3 (COX3), and the heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). Our findings thus did not provide evidence for synucleinopathy and amyloid-β mismetabolism or gross traces of neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction within the olfactory system in the early phase of persistent post-COVID-19 hyposmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Schirinzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Maurizi
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Albanese
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Simonetta
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bovenzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Bissacco
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Mascioli
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Boffa
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Francavilla
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Girolamo
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Passali
- Unit of ENT, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
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Pisani C, Onori A, Gabanella F, Iezzi S, De Angelis R, Fanciulli M, Colizza A, de Vincentiis M, Di Certo MG, Passananti C, Corbi N. HAX1 is a novel binding partner of Che-1/AATF. Implications in oxidative stress cell response. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2024; 1871:119587. [PMID: 37742722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119587] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
HAX1 is a multifunctional protein involved in the antagonism of apoptosis in cellular response to oxidative stress. In the present study we identified HAX1 as a novel binding partner for Che-1/AATF, a pro-survival factor which plays a crucial role in fundamental processes, including response to multiple stresses and apoptosis. HAX1 and Che-1 proteins show extensive colocalization in mitochondria and we demonstrated that their association is strengthened after oxidative stress stimuli. Interestingly, in MCF-7 cells, resembling luminal estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, we found that Che-1 depletion correlates with decreased HAX1 mRNA and protein levels, and this event is not significantly affected by oxidative stress induction. Furthermore, we observed an enhancement of the previously reported interaction between HAX1 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) upon H2O2 treatment. These results indicate the two anti-apoptotic proteins HAX1 and Che-1 as coordinated players in cellular response to oxidative stress with a potential role in estrogen sensitive breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- SAFU Unit, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta De Angelis
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Unit, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Gabanella F, Maftei D, Colizza A, Rullo E, Riminucci M, Pasqualucci E, Di Certo MG, Lattanzi R, Possenti R, Corsi A, Greco A, De Vincentiis M, Severini C, Ralli M. Reduced expression of secretogranin VGF in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:37. [PMID: 38108073 PMCID: PMC10722547 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal cancer accounts for one-third of all head and neck tumors, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most predominant type, followed by neuroendocrine tumors. Chromogranins, are commonly used as biomarkers for neuroendocrine tumors, including laryngeal cancer. It has been reported that secretogranin VGF, a member of the chromogranin family, can be also used as a significant biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors. However, the expression and role of VGF in laryngeal carcinomas have not been previously investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the expression levels of VGF in laryngeal SCC (LSCC). The present study collected tumor tissues, as well as serum samples, from a cohort of 15 patients with LSCC. The results of reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays showed that the selective VGF precursor was downregulated in patients with LSCC. Notably, in tumor tissue, the immunoreactivity for VGF was found in vimentin-positive cells, probably corresponding to T lymphocytes. The current preliminary study suggested that the reduced expression levels of VGF observed in tumor tissue and at the systemic level could sustain LSCC phenotype. Overall, VGF could be a potential biomarker for detecting neoplastic lesions with a higher risk of tumor invasiveness, even in non-neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Rullo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Riminucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Pasqualucci
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00161 Rome, Italy
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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Lucarelli M, Angeloni A, Bonci E, Petrella C, Francati S, Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Gavaruzzi F, Mastroianni CM, Minni A, Greco A, Ralli M, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Fiore M. Investigating Biomarkers for COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality. Curr Top Med Chem 2023:CTMC-EPUB-129692. [PMID: 36815637 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230222094517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This retrospective study aims to disclose further early parameters of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. METHODS Three hundred and eighty-two COVID-19 patients, recruited between March and April 2020, were divided into three groups according to their outcome: (1) hospital ward group (patients who entered the hospital wards and survived); (2) intensive care unit (ICU) group (patients who attended the ICU and survived); (3) the deceased group (patients admitted to ICU with a fatal outcome). We investigated routine laboratory parameters such as albumin, glycemia, hemoglobin amylase, lipase, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, CK, MGB, TnT-hs, IL-6, ferritin, CRP, PCT, WBC, RBC, PLT, PT, INR, APTT, FBG, and D-dimer. Blood withdrawal was carried out at the beginning of the hospitalization period. RESULTS ANOVA and ROC data evidenced that the concomitant presence of alterations in albumin, lipase, AST, ALT, LDH, MGB, CK, IL-6, ferritin in women, CRP and D-dimer is an early sign of fatal outcomes. CONCLUSION The present study confirms and extends the validity of routine laboratory biomarkers (i.e., lipase, AST, ALT, LDH, CK, IL-6, ferritin in women, CRP and D-dimer) as indicators of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the investigation suggests that both gross changes in albumin and MGB, markers of liver and heart damage, may early disclose COVID-19 fatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enea Bonci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Gavaruzzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze (SITAC), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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5
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Gabanella F, Onori A, Pisani C, Fiore M, Ferraguti G, Colizza A, de Vincentiis M, Ceccanti M, Inghilleri M, Corbi N, Passananti C, Di Certo MG. SMN Deficiency Destabilizes ABCA1 Expression in Human Fibroblasts: Novel Insights in Pathophysiology of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032916. [PMID: 36769246 PMCID: PMC9917534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032916] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The deficiency of survival motor neuron protein (SMN) causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disease that affects different organs. SMN is a key player in RNA metabolism regulation. An intriguing aspect of SMN function is its relationship with plasma membrane-associated proteins. Here, we provide a first demonstration that SMN affects the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1, (ABCA1), a membrane protein critically involved in cholesterol homeostasis. In human fibroblasts, we showed that SMN associates to ABCA1 mRNA, and impacts its subcellular distribution. Consistent with the central role of ABCA1 in the efflux of free cholesterol from cells, we observed a cholesterol accumulation in SMN-depleted human fibroblasts. These results were also confirmed in SMA type I patient-derived fibroblasts. These findings not only validate the intimate connection between SMN and plasma membrane-associated proteins, but also highlight a contribution of dysregulated cholesterol efflux in SMA pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.)
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6
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Gabanella F, Colizza A, Mottola MC, Francati S, Blaconà G, Petrella C, Barbato C, Greco A, Ralli M, Fiore M, Corbi N, Ferraguti G, Corsi A, Minni A, de Vincentiis M, Passananti C, Di Certo MG. The RNA-Binding Protein SMN as a Novel Player in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021794. [PMID: 36675308 PMCID: PMC9864193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises from the mucosal epithelium in the oral cavity, pharynx, sino-nasal region, and larynx. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) represents one-third of all head and neck cancers. Dysregulated RNA-related pathways define an important molecular signature in this aggressive carcinoma. The Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein regulates fundamental aspects of the RNA metabolism but, curiously, its role in cancer is virtually unknown. For the first time, here, we focus on the SMN in the cancer context. We conducted a pilot study in a total of 20 patients with LSCC where the SMN was found overexpressed at both the protein and transcript levels. By a cellular model of human laryngeal carcinoma, we demonstrated that the SMN impacts cancer-relevant behaviors and perturbs key players of cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. Furthermore, in LSCC we showed a physical interaction between the SMN and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), whose overexpression is an important feature in these tumors. This study proposes the SMN protein as a novel therapeutic target in LSSC and likely in the whole spectrum of HNSCC. Overall, we provide the first analysis of the SMN in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mottola
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.)
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7
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Petrella C, Nenna R, Petrarca L, Tarani F, Paparella R, Mancino E, Di Mattia G, Conti MG, Matera L, Bonci E, Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Gabanella F, Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Cavalcanti L, Minni A, Midulla F, Tarani L, Fiore M. Serum NGF and BDNF in Long-COVID-19 Adolescents: A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051162. [PMID: 35626317 PMCID: PMC9140550 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 19) is an infectious disease also known as an acute respiratory syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Although in children and adolescents SARS-CoV-2 infection produces mostly mild or moderate symptoms, in a certain percentage of recovered young people a condition of malaise, defined as long-COVID-19, remains. To date, the risk factors for the development of long-COVID-19 are not completely elucidated. Neurotrophins such as NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) and BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) are known to regulate not only neuronal growth, survival and plasticity, but also to influence cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine systems in physiological and/or pathological conditions; to date only a few papers have discussed their potential role in COVID-19. In the present pilot study, we aimed to identify NGF and BDNF changes in the serum of a small cohort of male and female adolescents that contracted the infection during the second wave of the pandemic (between September and October 2020), notably in the absence of available vaccines. Blood withdrawal was carried out when the recruited adolescents tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 (“post-infected COVID-19”), 30 to 35 days after the last molecular test. According to their COVID-19 related outcomes, the recruited individuals were divided into three groups: asymptomatics, acute symptomatics and symptomatics that over time developed long-COVID-19 symptoms (“future long-COVID-19”). As a control group, we analyzed the serum of age-matched healthy controls that did not contract the infection. Inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, TGF-β), MCP-1, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12) were also analyzed with the free oxygen radicals’ presence as an oxidative stress index. We showed that NGF serum content was lower in post-infected-COVID-19 individuals when compared to healthy controls; BDNF levels were found to be higher compared to healthy individuals only in post-infected-COVID-19 symptomatic and future long-COVID-19 girls, leaving the BDNF levels unchanged in asymptomatic individuals if compared to controls. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were unchanged in male and female adolescents, except for TGF-β that, similarly to BDNF, was higher in post-infected-COVID-19 symptomatic and future long-COVID-19 girls. We predicted that NGF and/or BDNF could be used as early biomarkers of COVID-19 morbidity in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Enrica Mancino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Greta Di Mattia
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Maria Giulia Conti
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Luigi Matera
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Enea Bonci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (E.B.); (F.M.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (E.B.); (F.M.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (E.B.); (F.M.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Luca Cavalcanti
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Gabanella F, Barbato C, Corbi N, Fiore M, Petrella C, de Vincentiis M, Greco A, Ferraguti G, Corsi A, Ralli M, Pecorella I, Di Gioia C, Pecorini F, Brunelli R, Passananti C, Minni A, Di Certo MG. Exploring Mitochondrial Localization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by Padlock Assay: A Pilot Study in Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042100. [PMID: 35216211 PMCID: PMC8875563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic dictated new priorities in biomedicine research. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. In this pilot study, we optimized our padlock assay to visualize genomic and subgenomic regions using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded placental samples obtained from a confirmed case of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was localized in trophoblastic cells. We also checked the presence of the virion by immunolocalization of its glycoprotein spike. In addition, we imaged mitochondria of placental villi keeping in mind that the mitochondrion has been suggested as a potential residence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. We observed a substantial overlapping of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and mitochondria in trophoblastic cells. This intriguing linkage correlated with an aberrant mitochondrial network. Overall, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides evidence of colocalization of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 infected tissue. These findings also support the notion that SARS-CoV-2 infection can reprogram mitochondrial activity in the highly specialized maternal–fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Barbato
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Irene Pecorella
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (C.D.G.)
| | - Cira Di Gioia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (C.D.G.)
| | - Francesco Pecorini
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.G.D.C.)
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9
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Ceci FM, Fiore M, Gavaruzzi F, Angeloni A, Lucarelli M, Scagnolari C, Bonci E, Gabanella F, Di Certo MG, Barbato C, Petrella C, Greco A, Vincentiis MD, Ralli M, Passananti C, Poscia R, Minni A, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Ferraguti G. Early Routine Biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 Morbidity and Mortality: Outcomes from an Emergency Section. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010176. [PMID: 35054342 PMCID: PMC8774587 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family. This disease has spread rapidly around the world and soon became an international public health emergency leading to an unpredicted pressure on the hospital emergency units. Early routine blood biomarkers could be key predicting factors of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality as suggested for C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, prothrombin and D-dimer. This study aims to identify other early routine blood biomarkers for COVID-19 severity prediction disclosed directly into the emergency section. Methods. Our research was conducted on 156 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the Sapienza University Hospital “Policlinico Umberto I” of Rome, Italy, between March 2020 and April 2020 during the paroxysm’s initial phase of the pandemic. In this retrospective study, patients were divided into three groups according to their outcome: (1) emergency group (patients who entered the emergency room and were discharged shortly after because they did not show severe symptoms); (2) intensive care unit (ICU) group (patients who attended the ICU after admission to the emergency unit); (3) the deceased group (patients with a fatal outcome who attended the emergency and, afterward, the ICU units). Routine laboratory tests from medical records were collected when patients were admitted to the emergency unit. We focused on Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine kinase (CK), Myoglobin (MGB), Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer. Results. As expected, ANOVA data show an age morbidity increase in both ICU and deceased groups compared with the emergency group. A main effect of morbidity was revealed by ANOVA for all the analyzed parameters with an elevation between the emergency group and the deceased group. Furthermore, a significant increase in LDH, Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer was also observed between the ICU group and the emergency group and between the deceased group and ICU group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses confirmed and extended these findings. Conclusions. This study suggests that the contemporaneous presence of high levels of LDH, Ferritin, and as expected, CRP, and D-dimer could be considered as potential predictors of COVID-19 severity and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Gavaruzzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Enea Bonci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Marco De Vincentiis
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Claudio Passananti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM-CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Poscia
- Unita di Ricerca Clinica e Clinical Competence-Direzione Generale, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell’Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze (SITAC), 00184 Roma, Italy;
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
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10
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Gabanella F, Barbato C, Fiore M, Petrella C, de Vincentiis M, Greco A, Minni A, Corbi N, Passananti C, Di Certo MG. Fine-Tuning of mTOR mRNA and Nucleolin Complexes by SMN. Cells 2021; 10:3015. [PMID: 34831238 PMCID: PMC8616268 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113015] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein as a key determinant of translation pathway. Besides its role in RNA processing and sorting, several works support a critical implication of SMN in ribosome biogenesis. We previously showed that SMN binds ribosomal proteins (RPs) as well as their encoding transcripts, ensuring an appropriate level of locally synthesized RPs. SMN impacts the translation machinery in both neural and non-neural cells, in agreement with the concept that SMN is an essential protein in all cell types. Here, we further assessed the relationship between SMN and translation-related factors in immortalized human fibroblasts. We focused on SMN-nucleolin interaction, keeping in mind that nucleolin is an RNA-binding protein, highly abundant within the nucleolus, that exhibits a central role in ribosomes production. Nucleolin may also affects translation network by binding the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) mRNA and promoting its local synthesis. In this regard, for the first time we provided evidence that SMN protein itself associates with mTOR transcript. Collectively, we found that: (1) SMN coexists with nucleolin-mTOR mRNA complexes at subcellular level; (2) SMN deficiency impairs nucleolar compartmentalization of nucleolin, and (3) this event correlates with the nuclear retention of mTOR mRNA. These findings suggest that SMN may regulate not only structural components of translation machinery, but also their upstream regulating factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291-00161 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291-00161 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291-00161 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
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11
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Fiore M, Tarani L, Radicioni A, Spaziani M, Ferraguti G, Putotto C, Gabanella F, Maftei D, Lattanzi R, Minni A, Greco A, Tarani F, Petrella C. Serum Prokineticin-2 in Prepubertal and Adult Klinefelter Individuals. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 100:151-157. [PMID: 34614364 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0457] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prokineticin-2 (PROK2) is a small peptide belonging to the prokineticin family. In humans and rodents this chemokine is primarily involved in the control of central and peripheral reproductive processes. Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is the first cause of male genetic infertility, due to an extra X chromosome, which may occur with a classical karyotype (47, XXY) or mosaic forms (46, XY/47, XXY). In affected subjects, pubertal maturation usually begins at an adequate chronological age, but when development is almost complete, they display a primary gonadal failure, with early spermatogenesis damage, and later onset of testosterone insufficiency. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the serum levels of PROK2 in prepubertal and adult KS patients, comparing them with healthy subjects. We showed for the first time the presence of PROK2 in the children serum but with significant changes in KS individuals. Indeed, compared to healthy subjects characterized by PROK2 serum elevation during the growth, KS individuals showed constant serum levels during the sexual maturation phase (higher during the prepubertal phase but lower during the adult age). In conclusion, these data indicate that in KS individuals PROK2 may be considered a biomarker for investigating the SK infertility process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiore
- IBCN-CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Roma, Italy;
| | - Luigi Tarani
- "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Pediatrics, Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Radicioni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy;
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Rome, Italy;
| | - Carolina Putotto
- "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Pediatrics, rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Minni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Sense Organs, Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Greco
- University of Rome La Sapienza, 9311, Rome, Lazio, Italy;
| | - Francesca Tarani
- "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Pediatrics, rome, Italy;
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12
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Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Petrella C, Fiore M, Passananti C, Colizza A, Cavalcanti L, Ralli M, Greco A, De Vincentiis M, Minni A. Staying tuned for post-COVID-19 syndrome: looking for new research to sniff out. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5318-5321. [PMID: 34486708 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202108_26553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 syndrome was defined as a persistent and protracted illness, which follows acute COVID-19 infection. This condition continues for more than 12 weeks and cannot be attributed to other clinical situations. Researchers and clinicians are allied in unraveling the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical development of this unexpected SARS-CoV-2 infectious evolution. Anosmia, dysgeusia, fatigue, dyspnea, and 'brain fog' are common symptoms observed in the Post-COVID-19 syndrome, depicting a multiorgan involvement associated with injuries involving mainly cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric systems. This commentary analyzes the state of the art of Post-COVID-19 interdisciplinary studies, confirming that we are facing a truly intricate biomedicine story.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Petrella C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Barbato C, Ceci FM, Greco A, Ralli M, Polimeni A, Angeloni A, Severini C, Vitali M, Ferraguti G, Ceccanti M, Lucarelli M, Severi C, Fiore M. Mediterranean Diet, Brain and Muscle: Olive Polyphenols and Resveratrol Protection in Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:7595-7613. [PMID: 33949928 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210504113445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet is worldwide recognized as a good prototype of nutrition due to the conspicuous intake of olive oil, nuts, red wine, legumes, fruit, and vegetables, all fundamental elements rich in antioxidant substances and polyphenols. Polyphenols are a wide range of phytochemicals and/or synthetic chemical compounds with proven beneficial properties for human health. In the present review, we critically summarize the well-characterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols contained in the olives and extra virgin olive oil and of resveratrol, a non-flavonoid phenolic compound. We discussed the potential use of these polyphenols as pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of human diseases. We also show the emerging importance of their consumption in the prevention and management of crucial neurodegenerative conditions (alcohol-related brain disorders and aging) and in neuromuscular disorders (Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), where oxidative stress plays a predominant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | | | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Sitac, Societa' Italiana per lo Studio delle Patologie Alcool Derivate. Rome. Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Carola Severi
- Dept of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
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Pisani C, Onori A, Gabanella F, Di Certo MG, Passananti C, Corbi N. Identification of protein/mRNA network involving the PSORS1 locus gene CCHCR1 and the PSORS4 locus gene HAX1. Exp Cell Res 2021; 399:112471. [PMID: 33417922 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CCHCR1 (Coiled-Coil alpha-Helical Rod 1), maps to chromosomal region 6p21.3, within the major psoriasis susceptibility locus PSORS1. CCHCR1 itself is a plausible psoriasis candidate gene, however its role in psoriasis pathogenesis remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that CCHCR1 protein acts as a cytoplasmic docking site for RNA polymerase II core subunit 3 (RPB3) in cycling cells, suggesting a role for CCHCR1 in vesicular trafficking between cellular compartments. Here, we report a novel interaction between CCHCR1 and the RNA binding protein HAX1. HAX1 maps to chromosomal region 1q21.3 within the PSORS4 locus and is over-expressed in psoriasis. Both CCHCR1 and HAX1 share subcellular co-localization with mitochondria, nuclei and cytoplasmic vesicles as P-bodies. By a series of ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, we isolated a pool of mRNAs complexed with HAX1 and/or CCHCR1 proteins. Among the mRNAs complexed with both CCHCR1 and HAX1 proteins, there are Vimentin mRNA, previously described to be bound by HAX1, and CAMP/LL37 mRNA, whose gene product is over-expressed in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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15
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Severini C, Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Petrella C, Di Stadio A, de Vincentiis M, Polimeni A, Ralli M, Greco A. Alzheimer's Disease: New Concepts on the Role of Autoimmunity and NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Pathogenesis of the Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:498-512. [PMID: 32564756 PMCID: PMC8206463 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200621204546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), recognized as the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is clinically characterized by the presence of extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and by intracellular neurofibrillary tau tangles, accompanied by glial activation and neuroinflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that self-misfolded proteins stimulate an immune response mediated by glial cells, inducing the release of inflammatory mediators and the recruitment of peripheral macrophages into the brain, which in turn aggravate AD pathology. The present review aims to update the current knowledge on the role of autoimmunity and neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease, indicating a new target for therapeutic intervention. We mainly focused on the NLRP3 microglial inflammasome as a critical factor in stimulating innate immune responses, thus sustaining chronic inflammation. Additionally, we discussed the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the gut-brain axis. Direct targeting of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the associated receptors could be a potential pharmacological strategy since its inhibition would selectively reduce AD neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Severini
- Address correspondence to this author at the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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16
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Petrella C, Di Certo MG, Barbato C, Gabanella F, Ralli M, Greco A, Possenti R, Severini C. Neuropeptides in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Update. Curr Alzheimer Res 2019; 16:544-558. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190503152555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small proteins broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system, which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuroregulators. Growing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of many neuropeptides in both neurophysiological functions and neuropathological conditions, among which is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role exerted by neuropeptides in AD is endorsed by the evidence that they are mainly neuroprotective and widely distributed in brain areas responsible for learning and memory processes. Confirming this point, it has been demonstrated that numerous neuropeptide-containing neurons are pathologically altered in brain areas of both AD patients and AD animal models. Furthermore, the levels of various neuropeptides have been found altered in both Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and blood of AD patients, getting insights into their potential role in the pathophysiology of AD and offering the possibility to identify novel additional biomarkers for this pathology. We summarized the available information about brain distribution, neuroprotective and cognitive functions of some neuropeptides involved in AD. The main focus of the current review was directed towards the description of clinical data reporting alterations in neuropeptides content in both AD patients and AD pre-clinical animal models. In particular, we explored the involvement in the AD of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART), Cholecystokinin (CCK), bradykinin and chromogranin/secretogranin family, discussing their potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target, leaving the dissertation of other neuropeptides to previous reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Pisani C, Onori A, Gabanella F, Delle Monache F, Borreca A, Ammassari-Teule M, Fanciulli M, Di Certo MG, Passananti C, Corbi N. eEF1Bγ binds the Che-1 and TP53 gene promoters and their transcripts. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2016; 35:146. [PMID: 27639846 PMCID: PMC5027090 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0424-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that the eukaryotic elongation factor subunit 1B gamma (eEF1Bγ) interacts with the RNA polymerase II (pol II) alpha-like subunit “C” (POLR2C), alone or complexed, in the pol II enzyme. Moreover, we demonstrated that eEF1Bγ binds the promoter region and the 3’ UTR mRNA of the vimentin gene. These events contribute to localize the vimentin transcript and consequentially its translation, promoting a proper mitochondrial network. Methods With the intent of identifying additional transcripts that complex with the eEF1Bγ protein, we performed a series of ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays using a mitochondria-enriched heavy membrane (HM) fraction. Results Among the eEF1Bγ complexed transcripts, we found the mRNA encoding the Che-1/AATF multifunctional protein. As reported by other research groups, we found the tumor suppressor p53 transcript complexed with the eEF1Bγ protein. Here, we show for the first time that eEF1Bγ binds not only Che-1 and p53 transcripts but also their promoters. Remarkably, we demonstrate that both the Che-1 transcript and its translated product localize also to the mitochondria and that eEF1Bγ depletion strongly perturbs the mitochondrial network and the correct localization of Che-1. In a doxorubicin (Dox)-induced DNA damage assay we show that eEF1Bγ depletion significantly decreases p53 protein accumulation and slightly impacts on Che-1 accumulation. Importantly, Che-1 and p53 proteins are components of the DNA damage response machinery that maintains genome integrity and prevents tumorigenesis. Conclusions Our data support the notion that eEF1Bγ, besides its canonical role in translation, is an RNA-binding protein and a key player in cellular stress responses. We suggest for eEF1Bγ a role as primordial transcription/translation factor that links fundamental steps from transcription control to local translation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0424-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- CNR -Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Delle Monache
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Borreca
- CNR -Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Martine Ammassari-Teule
- CNR -Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, SAFU Laboratory, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR -Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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De Arcangelis V, Strimpakos G, Gabanella F, Corbi N, Luvisetto S, Magrelli A, Onori A, Passananti C, Pisani C, Rome S, Severini C, Naro F, Mattei E, Di Certo MG, Monaco L. Pathways Implicated in Tadalafil Amelioration of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:224-32. [PMID: 26097015 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Numerous therapeutic approaches for Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMD and BMD), the most common X-linked muscle degenerative disease, have been proposed. So far, the only one showing a clear beneficial effect is the use of corticosteroids. Recent evidence indicates an improvement of dystrophic cardiac and skeletal muscles in the presence of sustained cGMP levels secondary to a blocking of their degradation by phosphodiesterase five (PDE5). Due to these data, we performed a study to investigate the effect of the specific PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on dystrophic skeletal muscle function. Chronic pharmacological treatment with tadalafil has been carried out in mdx mice. Behavioral and physiological tests, as well as histological and biochemical analyses, confirmed the efficacy of the therapy. We then performed a microarray-based genomic analysis to assess the pattern of gene expression in muscle samples obtained from the different cohorts of animals treated with tadalafil. This scrutiny allowed us to identify several classes of modulated genes. Our results show that PDE5 inhibition can ameliorate dystrophy by acting at different levels. Tadalafil can lead to (1) increased lipid metabolism; (2) a switch towards slow oxidative fibers driven by the up-regulation of PGC-1α; (3) an increased protein synthesis efficiency; (4) a better actin network organization at Z-disk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De Arcangelis
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Armando Magrelli
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sophie Rome
- CarMen Laboratory (INSERM 1060, INRA 1362, INSA), University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Cinzia Severini
- CNR-IBCN, Rome, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Naro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia Monaco
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Gabanella F, Pisani C, Borreca A, Farioli-Vecchioli S, Ciotti MT, Ingegnere T, Onori A, Ammassari-Teule M, Corbi N, Canu N, Monaco L, Passananti C, Di Certo MG. SMN affects membrane remodelling and anchoring of the protein synthesis machinery. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:804-16. [PMID: 26743087 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.176750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Disconnection between membrane signalling and actin networks can have catastrophic effects depending on cell size and polarity. The survival motor neuron (SMN) protein is ubiquitously involved in assembly of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles. Other SMN functions could, however, affect cellular activities driving asymmetrical cell surface expansions. Genes able to mitigate SMN deficiency operate within pathways in which SMN can act, such as mRNA translation, actin network and endocytosis. Here, we found that SMN accumulates at membrane protrusions during the dynamic rearrangement of the actin filaments. In addition to localization data, we show that SMN interacts with caveolin-1, which mediates anchoring of translation machinery components. Importantly, SMN deficiency depletes the plasma membrane of ribosomes, and this correlates with the failure of fibroblasts to extend membrane protrusions. These findings strongly support a relationship between SMN and membrane dynamics. We propose that SMN could assembly translational platforms associated with and governed by the plasma membrane. This activity could be crucial in cells that have an exacerbated interdependence of membrane remodelling and local protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Antonella Borreca
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Stefano Farioli-Vecchioli
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Tiziano Ingegnere
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Martine Ammassari-Teule
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy Department of System Medicine, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome 00137, Italy
| | - Lucia Monaco
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Rome 00143, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy
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20
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Strimpakos G, Corbi N, Pisani C, Di Certo MG, Onori A, Luvisetto S, Severini C, Gabanella F, Monaco L, Mattei E, Passananti C. Novel adeno-associated viral vector delivering the utrophin gene regulator jazz counteracts dystrophic pathology in mdx mice. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1283-91. [PMID: 24469912 PMCID: PMC4303978 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Over-expression of the dystrophin-related gene utrophin represents a promising therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The strategy is based on the ability of utrophin to functionally replace defective dystrophin. We developed the artificial zinc finger transcription factor “Jazz” that up-regulates both the human and mouse utrophin promoter. We observed a significant recovery of muscle strength in dystrophic Jazz-transgenic mdx mice. Here we demonstrate the efficacy of an experimental gene therapy based on the systemic delivery of Jazz gene in mdx mice by adeno-associated virus (AAV). AAV serotype 8 was chosen on the basis of its high affinity for skeletal muscle. Muscle-specific expression of the therapeutic Jazz gene was enhanced by adding the muscle α-actin promoter to the AAV vector (mAAV). Injection of mAAV8-Jazz viral preparations into mdx mice resulted in muscle-specific Jazz expression coupled with up-regulation of the utrophin gene. We show a significant recovery from the dystrophic phenotype in mAAV8-Jazz-treated mdx mice. Histological and physiological analysis revealed a reduction of fiber necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration associated with functional recovery in muscle contractile force. The combination of ZF-ATF technology with the AAV delivery can open a new avenue to obtain a therapeutic strategy for treatment of DMD. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1283–1291, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Strimpakos
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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21
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Pesaresi MG, Amori I, Giorgi C, Ferri A, Fiorenzo P, Gabanella F, Salvatore AM, Giorgio M, Pelicci PG, Pinton P, Carrì MT, Cozzolino M. Mitochondrial redox signalling by p66Shc mediates ALS-like disease through Rac1 inactivation. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:4196-208. [PMID: 21828072 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage are among the mechanisms whereby mutant SOD1 (mutSOD1) associated with familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) induces motoneuronal death. The 66 kDa isoform of the growth factor adapter Shc (p66Shc) is known to be central in the control of mitochondria-dependent oxidative balance. Here we report that expression of mutSOD1s induces the activation of p66Shc in neuronal cells and that the overexpression of inactive p66Shc mutants protects cells from mutSOD1-induced mitochondrial damage. Most importantly, deletion of p66Shc ameliorates mitochondrial function, delays onset, improves motor performance and prolongs survival in transgenic mice modelling ALS. We also show that p66Shc activation by mutSOD1 causes a strong decrease in the activity of the small GTPase Rac1 through a redox-sensitive regulation. Our results provide new insight into the potential mechanisms of mutSOD1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.
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22
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Gabanella F, Butchbach MER, Saieva L, Carissimi C, Burghes AHM, Pellizzoni L. Ribonucleoprotein assembly defects correlate with spinal muscular atrophy severity and preferentially affect a subset of spliceosomal snRNPs. PLoS One 2007; 2:e921. [PMID: 17895963 PMCID: PMC1976558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 09/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by reduced levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN together with Gemins2-8 and unrip proteins form a macromolecular complex that functions in the assembly of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) of both the major and the minor splicing pathways. It is not known whether the levels of spliceosomal snRNPs are decreased in SMA. Here we analyzed the consequence of SMN deficiency on snRNP metabolism in the spinal cord of mouse models of SMA with differing phenotypic severities. We demonstrate that the expression of a subset of Gemin proteins and snRNP assembly activity are dramatically reduced in the spinal cord of severe SMA mice. Comparative analysis of different tissues highlights a similar decrease in SMN levels and a strong impairment of snRNP assembly in tissues of severe SMA mice, although the defect appears smaller in kidney than in neural tissue. We further show that the extent of reduction in both Gemin proteins expression and snRNP assembly activity in the spinal cord of SMA mice correlates with disease severity. Remarkably, defective SMN complex function in snRNP assembly causes a significant decrease in the levels of a subset of snRNPs and preferentially affects the accumulation of U11 snRNP--a component of the minor spliceosome--in tissues of severe SMA mice. Thus, impairment of a ubiquitous function of SMN changes the snRNP profile of SMA tissues by unevenly altering the normal proportion of endogenous snRNPs. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that SMN deficiency affects the splicing machinery and in particular the minor splicing pathway of a rare class of introns in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Matthew E. R. Butchbach
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Luciano Saieva
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Arthur H. M. Burghes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Avila AM, Burnett BG, Taye AA, Gabanella F, Knight MA, Hartenstein P, Cizman Z, Di Prospero NA, Pellizzoni L, Fischbeck KH, Sumner CJ. Trichostatin A increases SMN expression and survival in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. J Clin Invest 2007; 117:659-71. [PMID: 17318264 PMCID: PMC1797603 DOI: 10.1172/jci29562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/20/2006] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The inherited motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation of the telomeric survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene with retention of the centromeric SMN2 gene. We sought to establish whether the potent and specific hydroxamic acid class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors activates SMN2 gene expression in vivo and modulates the SMA disease phenotype when delivered after disease onset. Single intraperitoneal doses of 10 mg/kg trichostatin A (TSA) in nontransgenic and SMA model mice resulted in increased levels of acetylated H3 and H4 histones and modest increases in SMN gene expression. Repeated daily doses of TSA caused increases in both SMN2-derived transcript and SMN protein levels in neural tissues and muscle, which were associated with an improvement in small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) assembly. When TSA was delivered daily beginning on P5, after the onset of weight loss and motor deficit, there was improved survival, attenuated weight loss, and enhanced motor behavior. Pathological analysis showed increased myofiber size and number and increased anterior horn cell size. These results indicate that the hydroxamic acid class of HDAC inhibitors activates SMN2 gene expression in vivo and has an ameliorating effect on the SMA disease phenotype when administered after disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Avila
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Barrington G. Burnett
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Addis A. Taye
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Melanie A. Knight
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Parvana Hartenstein
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Ziga Cizman
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas A. Di Prospero
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Kenneth H. Fischbeck
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Charlotte J. Sumner
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology (CNR), Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The biogenesis of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) in higher eukaryotes requires the functions of several cellular proteins and includes nuclear as well as cytoplasmic phases. In the cytoplasm, a macromolecular complex containing the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, Gemin2-8 and Unrip mediates the ATP-dependent assembly of Sm proteins and snRNAs into snRNPs. To carry out snRNP assembly, the SMN complex binds directly to both Sm proteins and snRNAs; however, the contribution of the individual components of the SMN complex to its composition, interactions, and function is poorly characterized. Here, we have investigated the functional role of Gemin8 using novel monoclonal antibodies against components of the SMN complex and RNA interference experiments. We show that Gemin6, Gemin7, and Unrip form a stable cytoplasmic complex whose association with SMN requires Gemin8. Gemin8 binds directly to SMN and mediates its interaction with the Gemin6/Gemin7 heterodimer. Importantly, loss of Gemin6, Gemin7, and Unrip interaction with SMN as a result of Gemin8 knockdown affects snRNP assembly by impairing the SMN complex association with Sm proteins but not with snRNAs. These results reveal the essential role of Gemin8 for the proper structural organization of the SMN complex and the involvement of the heteromeric subunit containing Gemin6, Gemin7, Gemin8, and Unrip in the recruitment of Sm proteins to the snRNP assembly pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carissimi
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Institute of Cell Biology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome 00016, Italy
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25
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Gabanella F, Carissimi C, Usiello A, Pellizzoni L. The activity of the spinal muscular atrophy protein is regulated during development and cellular differentiation. Hum Mol Genet 2005; 14:3629-42. [PMID: 16236758 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lethal neuromuscular disease caused by reduced levels of expression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is part of a macromolecular complex essential for the assembly of the small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that carry out pre-mRNA splicing. Although the SMN complex has the potential to control the pathway of snRNP biogenesis, it is not known whether SMN function in snRNP assembly is regulated. Here, we analyze SMN interactions and function in mouse tissues and show that, when normalized per cell number, similar levels of the SMN complex are expressed throughout the ontogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS). Strikingly, however, SMN function in snRNP assembly in extracts does not correlate with its expression levels and it varies greatly both among tissues and during development. The highest levels of SMN activity are found during the embryonic and early postnatal development of the CNS and are followed by a sharp decrease to a basal level, which is then maintained throughout life. This downregulation takes place in the spinal cord earlier than in the brain and coincides with the onset of myelination. Using model cell systems and pulse-labeling experiments, we further show that SMN activity and snRNP synthesis are strongly downregulated upon neuronal as well as myogenic differentiation, and linked to the rate of global transcription of postmitotic neurons and myotubes. These results demonstrate that the SMN complex activity in snRNP assembly is regulated and point to a differential requirement for SMN function during development and cellular differentiation.
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