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Spinozzi F, Moretti P, Perinelli DR, Corucci G, Piergiovanni P, Amenitsch H, Sancini GA, Franzese G, Blasi P. Small-angle X-ray scattering unveils the internal structure of lipid nanoparticles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 662:446-459. [PMID: 38364470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles own a remarkable potential in nanomedicine, only partially disclosed. While the clinical use of liposomes and cationic lipid-nucleic acid complexes is well-established, liquid lipid nanoparticles (nanoemulsions), solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers have even greater possibilities. However, they face obstacles in being used in clinics due to a lack of understanding about the molecular mechanisms controlling their drug loading and release, interactions with the biological environment (such as the protein corona), and shelf-life stability. To create effective drug delivery carriers and successfully translate bench research to clinical settings, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the internal structure of lipid nanoparticles. Through synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering experiments, we determined the spatial distribution and internal structure of the nanoparticles' lipid, surfactant, and the bound water in them. The nanoparticles themselves have a barrel-like shape that consists of coplanar lipid platelets (specifically cetyl palmitate) that are covered by loosely spaced polysorbate 80 surfactant molecules, whose polar heads retain a large amount of bound water. To reduce the interface cost of bound water with unbound water without stacking, the platelets collapse onto each other. This internal structure challenges the classical core-shell model typically used to describe solid lipid nanoparticles and could play a significant role in drug loading and release, biological fluid interaction, and nanoparticle stability, making our findings valuable for the rational design of lipid-based nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy.
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Corucci
- Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France; École Doctorale de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes, Saint-Martin-d'Héres, France; Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Piergiovanni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Giancarlo Franzese
- Secció de Física Estadística i Interdisciplinària, Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, & Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Paolo Blasi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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D'Agostino M, Simonetti A, Motta S, Wolff P, Romagnoli A, Piccinini A, Spinozzi F, Di Marino D, La Teana A, Ennifar E. Crystal structure of archaeal IF5A-DHS complex reveals insights into the hypusination mechanism. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00090-X. [PMID: 38582076 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.03.008] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The translation factor IF5A is highly conserved in Eukarya and Archaea and undergoes a unique post-translational hypusine modification by the deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) enzyme. DHS transfers the butylamine moiety from spermidine to IF5A using NAD as a cofactor, forming a deoxyhypusine intermediate. IF5A is a key player in protein synthesis, preventing ribosome stalling in proline-rich sequences during translation elongation and facilitating translation elongation and termination. Additionally, human eIF5A participates in various essential cellular processes and contributes to cancer metastasis, with inhibiting hypusination showing anti-proliferative effects. The hypusination pathway of IF5A is therefore an attractive new therapeutic target. We elucidated the 2.0 Å X-ray crystal structure of the archaeal DHS-IF5A complex, revealing hetero-octameric architecture and providing a detailed view of the complex active site including the hypusination loop. This structure, along with biophysical data and molecular dynamics simulations, provides new insights into the catalytic mechanism of the hypusination reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia D'Agostino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Angelita Simonetti
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (Ny-Masbic), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Astra Piccinini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (Ny-Masbic), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Neuronal Death and Neuroprotection Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research-IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy.
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (Ny-Masbic), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Eric Ennifar
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, CNRS UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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Spinozzi F, Barbosa LRS, Corucci G, Mariani P, Itri R. Small-angle scattering from flat bilayers containing correlated scattering length density inhomogeneities. J Appl Crystallogr 2023; 56:1348-1360. [PMID: 37791360 PMCID: PMC10543680 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576723006143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Model lipid bilayers have been widely employed as a minimal system to investigate the structural properties of biological membranes by small-angle X-ray (SAXS) and neutron scattering (SANS) techniques. These have nanometre resolution and can give information regarding membrane thickness and scattering length densities (SLDs) of polar and apolar regions. However, biological membranes are complex systems containing different lipids and protein species, in which lipid domains can be dynamically assembled and disassembled. Therefore, SLD variations can occur within the biomembrane. In this work, a novel method has been developed to simulate SAXS and SANS profiles obtained from large unilamellar vesicles containing SLD inhomogeneities that are spatially correlated over the membrane surface. Such inhomogeneities are represented by cylindrical entities with equivalent SLDs. Stacking of bilayers is also included in the model, with no correlation between horizontal and vertical order. The model is applied to a lipid bilayer containing SLD inhomogeneities representing pores, lipid domains, and transmembrane, partially immersed and anchored proteins. It is demonstrated that all the structural information from the host lipid bilayer and from the SLD inhomogeneity can be consistently retrieved by a combined analysis of experimental SAXS and SANS data through the methodology proposed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Leandro R. S. Barbosa
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giacomo Corucci
- Institut Laue–Langevin, Grenoble, France
- École Doctorale de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes, Saint-Martin-d’Héres, France
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rosangela Itri
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Tanouye FT, Alves JR, Spinozzi F, Itri R. Unveiling protein-protein interaction potential through Monte Carlo simulation combined with small-angle X-ray scattering. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125869. [PMID: 37473888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein interactions are investigated under different conditions of lysozyme concentration, temperature and ionic strength by means of in-solution small angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS) experiments and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Initially, experimental data were analysed through a Hard-Sphere Double Yukawa (HSDY) model combined with Random Phase Approximation (RPA), a closure relationship commonly used in the literature for monodisperse systems. We realized by means of MC that the HSDY/RPA modelling fails to describe the protein-protein pair potential for moderated and dense systems at low ionic strength, mainly due to inherent distortions of the RPA approximation. Our SAXS/MC results thus show that lysozyme concentrations between 2 (diluted) and 20 mg/mL (not crowded) present similar protein-protein pair potential preserving the values of surface net charge around 7 e, protein diameter of 28 Å, decay range of attractive well potential of 3 Å and a depth of the well potential varying from 1 to 5 kBT depending on temperature and salt addition. Noteworthy, we here propose a novel method to analyse the SAXS data from interacting proteins through MC simulations, which overcomes the deficiencies presented by the use of a closure relationship. Furthermore, this new methodology of combining SAXS with MC simulations gives a step forward to investigate more complex systems as those composed of a mixture of proteins of distinct species presenting different molecular weights (and hence sizes) and surface net charges at low, moderate and very dense systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
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Paciaroni A, Libera V, Ripanti F, Orecchini A, Petrillo C, Francisci D, Schiaroli E, Sabbatini S, Gidari A, Bianconi E, Macchiarulo A, Hussain R, Silvestrini L, Moretti P, Belhaj N, Vercelli M, Roque Y, Mariani P, Comez L, Spinozzi F. Stabilization of the Dimeric State of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease by GC376 and Nirmatrelvir. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076062. [PMID: 37047038 PMCID: PMC10093836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076062] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro or 3CLpro) is an enzyme that is evolutionarily conserved among different genera of coronaviruses. As it is essential for processing and maturing viral polyproteins, Mpro has been identified as a promising target for the development of broad-spectrum drugs against coronaviruses. Like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the mature and active form of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro is a dimer composed of identical subunits, each with a single active site. Individual monomers, however, have very low or no catalytic activity. As such, inhibition of Mpro can be achieved by molecules that target the substrate binding pocket to block catalytic activity or target the dimerization process. In this study, we investigated GC376, a transition-state analog inhibitor of the main protease of feline infectious peritonitis coronavirus, and Nirmatrelvir (NMV), an oral, bioavailable SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor with pan-human coronavirus antiviral activity. Our results show that both GC376 and NMV are capable of strongly binding to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and altering the monomer-dimer equilibrium by stabilizing the dimeric state. This behavior is proposed to be related to a structured hydrogen-bond network established at the Mpro active site, where hydrogen bonds between Ser1' and Glu166/Phe140 are formed in addition to those achieved by the latter residues with GC376 or NMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Valeria Libera
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali-IOM, National Research Council-CNR, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Ripanti
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Orecchini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniela Francisci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Schiaroli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Gidari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Bianconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Rohanah Hussain
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Lucia Silvestrini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Norhan Belhaj
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Vercelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Yessica Roque
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Comez
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali-IOM, National Research Council-CNR, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 12, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Spinozzi F, Alcaraz JP, Ortore MG, Gayet L, Radulescu A, Martin DK, Maccarini M. Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Reveals the Nanostructure of Liposomes with Embedded OprF Porins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Langmuir 2022; 38:15026-15037. [PMID: 36459683 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of liposomes as drug delivery systems emerged in the last decades in view of their capacity and versatility to deliver a variety of therapeutic agents. By means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), we performed a detailed characterization of liposomes containing outer membrane protein F (OprF), the main porin of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium outer membrane. These OprF-liposomes are the basis of a novel vaccine against this antibiotic-resistant bacterium, which is one of the main hospital-acquired pathogens and causes each year a significant number of deaths. SANS data were analyzed by a specific model we created to quantify the crucial information about the structure of the liposome containing OprF, including the lipid bilayer structure, the amount of protein in the lipid bilayer, the average protein localization, and the effect of the protein incorporation on the lipid bilayer. Quantification of such structural information is important to enhance the design of liposomal delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre Alcaraz
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Landry Gayet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Aurel Radulescu
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Donald K Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Marco Maccarini
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
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7
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Romagnoli A, Moretti P, D’Agostino M, Rexha J, Perta N, Piccinini A, Di Marino D, Spinozzi F, La Teana A. Structural–Functional Relationship of the Ribonucleolytic Activity of aIF5A from Sulfolobus solfataricus. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101432. [PMID: 36291641 PMCID: PMC9599864 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation factor IF5A is a highly conserved protein playing a well-recognized and well-characterized role in protein synthesis; nevertheless, some of its features as well as its abundance in the cell suggest that it may perform additional functions related to RNA metabolism. Here, we have undertaken a structural and functional characterization of aIF5A from the crenarchaeal Sulfolobus solfataricus model organism. We confirm the association of aIF5A with several RNA molecules in vivo and demonstrate that the protein is endowed with a ribonuclease activity which is specific for long and structured RNA. By means of biochemical and structural approaches we show that aIF5A can exist in both monomeric and dimeric conformations and the monomer formation is favored by the association with RNA. Finally, modelling of the three-dimensional structure of S. solfataricus aIF5A shows an extended positively charged surface which may explain its strong tendency to associate to RNA in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (Ny-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mattia D’Agostino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Jesmina Rexha
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Nunzio Perta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Astra Piccinini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (Ny-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (Ny-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (A.L.T.)
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Come B, Donato M, Potenza LF, Mariani P, Itri R, Spinozzi F. The intriguing role of rhamnolipids on plasma membrane remodelling: From lipid rafts to membrane budding. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 582:669-677. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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9
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Yoneda JS, de Araujo DR, Sella F, Liguori GR, Liguori TTA, Moreira LFP, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Itri R. Self-assembled guanosine-hydrogels for drug-delivery application: Structural and mechanical characterization, methylene blue loading and controlled release. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2020; 121:111834. [PMID: 33579472 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is known that guanosine derivatives (G) self-assemble in water forming long, flexible, and interacting aggregates (the so-called G-quadruplexes): by modulating the quadruplex charges, e.g. simply using a mixture of guanosine 5'-monophosphate (GMP) and guanosine (Gua), multi-responsive, self-healing hydrogels can be obtained. In this paper, the potential application of G-hydrogels as drug delivery systems has been assessed. Hydrogels were prepared at different Gua:GMP molar ratios. The photosensitizer Methylene Blue and the pro-apoptotic protein cytochrome C were used as cargo molecules. Small angle x-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy experiments confirmed the presence of G-quadruplexes disposed in swollen matrices with different mesh-sizes. Rheology measurements showed that the Gua:GMP molar ratio leads to specific drug release mechanisms, as the gel strength is finely tuned by electrostatic repulsion and van der Waals attraction between G-quadruplexes. Noteworthy, the gel cohesion and the drug release were pH responsive. Swelling, self-healing and cell viability features were also investigated: the results qualify the Gua:GMP hydrogel as an excellent biomaterial that can entrap and deliver key biomolecules in a sustained and responsive release manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana S Yoneda
- Instituto de Fisica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Fiorenza Sella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gabriel R Liguori
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tácia T A Liguori
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe P Moreira
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rosangela Itri
- Instituto de Fisica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
The starch granule is Nature’s way to store energy in green plants over long periods. Irrespective of their origins, starches display distinct structural features that are the fingerprints of levels of organization over six orders of magnitude. We hypothesized that Nature retains hierarchical material structures at all levels and that some general rules control the morphogenesis of these structures. We considered the occurrence of a «phyllotaxis» like features that would develop at scales ranging from nano to micrometres, and developed a novel geometric model capable of building complex structures from simple components. We applied it, according to the Fibonacci Golden Angle, to form several Golden Spirals, and derived theoretical models to simulate scattering patterns. A GSE, constructed with elements made up of parallel stranded double-helices, displayed shapes, sizes and high compactness reminiscent of the most intriguing structural element: the ‘blocklet’. From the convergence between the experimental findings and the theoretical construction, we suggest that the «phyllotactic» model represents an amylopectin macromolecule, with a high molecular weight. Our results offer a new vision to some previous models of starch. They complete a consistent description of the levels of organization over four orders of magnitude of the starch granule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrero
- The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, ESRF, Grenoble, France
| | - Serge Perez
- CNRS, CERMAV, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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11
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Moretti P, Mariani P, Ortore MG, Plotegher N, Bubacco L, Beltramini M, Spinozzi F. Comprehensive Structural and Thermodynamic Analysis of Prefibrillar WT α-Synuclein and Its G51D, E46K, and A53T Mutants by a Combination of Small-Angle X-ray Scattering and Variational Bayesian Weighting. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:5265-5281. [PMID: 32866007 PMCID: PMC8154249 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The in solution synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering SAXS technique has been used to investigate an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) related to Parkinson's disease, the α-synuclein (α-syn), in prefibrillar diluted conditions. SAXS experiments have been performed as a function of temperature and concentration on the wild type (WT) and on the three pathogenic mutants G51D, E46K, and A53T. To identify the conformers that populate WT α-syn and the pathogenic mutants in prefibrillar conditions, scattering data have been analyzed by a new variational bayesian weighting method (VBWSAS) based on an ensemble of conformers, which includes unfolded monomers, trimers, and tetramers, both in helical-rich and strand-rich forms. The developed VBWSAS method uses a thermodynamic scheme to account for temperature and concentration effects and considers long-range protein-protein interactions in the framework of the random phase approximation. The global analysis of the whole set of data indicates that WT α-syn is mostly present as unfolded monomers and trimers (helical-rich trimers at low T and strand-rich trimers at high T), but not tetramers, as previously derived by several studies. On the contrary, different conformer combinations characterize mutants. In the α-syn G51D mutant, the most abundant aggregates at all the temperatures are strand-rich tetramers. Strand-rich tetramers are also the predominant forms in the A53T mutant, but their weight decreases with temperature. Only monomeric conformers, with a preference for the ones with the smallest sizes, are present in the E46K mutant. The derived conformational behavior then suggests a different availability of species prone to aggregate, depending on mutation, temperature, and concentration and accounting for the different neurotoxicity of α-syn variants. Indeed, this approach may be of pivotal importance to describe conformational and aggregational properties of other IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Moretti
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department
of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Mariano Beltramini
- Department
of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Marche, Italy
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12
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Spinozzi F, Ortore MG, Nava G, Bomboi F, Carducci F, Amenitsch H, Bellini T, Sciortino F, Mariani P. Gelling without Structuring: A SAXS Study of the Interactions among DNA Nanostars. Langmuir 2020; 36:10387-10396. [PMID: 32787014 PMCID: PMC8010795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01520] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We evaluate, by means of synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering, the shape and mutual interactions of DNA tetravalent nanostars as a function of temperature in both the gas-like state and across the gel transition. To this end, we calculate the form factor from coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with a novel method that includes hydration effects; we approximate the radial interaction of DNA nanostars as a hard-sphere potential complemented by a repulsive and an attractive Yukawa term; and we predict the structure factors by exploiting the perturbative random phase approximation of the Percus-Yevick equation. Our approach enables us to fit all the data by selecting the particle radius and the width and amplitude of the attractive potential as free parameters. We determine the evolution of the structure factor across gelation and detect subtle changes of the effective interparticle interactions, that we associate to the temperature and concentration dependence of the particle size. Despite the approximations, the approach here adopted offers new detailed insights into the structure and interparticle interactions of this fascinating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nava
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Bomboi
- Department
of Physics, Sapienza, Università
di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Carducci
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute
for Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University
of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Tommaso Bellini
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Mariani
- Department
of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic
University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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13
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Sguizzato M, Mariani P, Spinozzi F, Benedusi M, Cervellati F, Cortesi R, Drechsler M, Prieux R, Valacchi G, Esposito E. Ethosomes for Coenzyme Q10 Cutaneous Administration: From Design to 3D Skin Tissue Evaluation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E485. [PMID: 32503293 PMCID: PMC7346166 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethosome represents a smart transdermal vehicle suitable for solubilization and cutaneous application of drugs. Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous antioxidant whose supplementation can counteract many cutaneous disorders and pathologies. In this respect, the present study describes the production, characterization, and cutaneous protection of phosphatidylcholine based ethosomes as percutaneous delivery systems for coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 entrapment capacity in ethosomes was almost 100%, vesicles showed the typical 'fingerprint' structure, while mean diameters were around 270 nm, undergoing an 8% increase after 3 months from production. An ex-vivo study, conducted by transmission electron microscopy, could detect the uptake of ethosomes in human skin fibroblasts and the passage of the vesicles through 3D reconstituted human epidermis. Immunofluorescence analyses were carried on both on fibroblasts and 3D reconstituted human epidermis treated with ethosomes in the presence of H2O2 as oxidative stress challenger, evaluating 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts which is as a reliable biomarker for oxidative damage. Notably, the pretreatment with CoQ10 loaded in ethosomes exerted a consistent protective effect against oxidative stress, in both models, fibroblasts and in reconstituted human epidermis respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Sguizzato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy; (P.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy; (P.M.); (F.S.)
| | - Mascia Benedusi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Franco Cervellati
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Rita Cortesi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Markus Drechsler
- Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI) Keylab “Electron and Optical Microscopy”, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany;
| | - Roxane Prieux
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (R.P.)
- Animal Science Dept., Plants for Human Health Institute, NC Research Campus, NC State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Elisabetta Esposito
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Baldassarri EJ, Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Round A, Ferrero C, Mariani P. K vs. Na Effects on the Self-Assembly of Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate: A Solution SAXS Structural Study +. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:E629. [PMID: 32231081 PMCID: PMC7221663 DOI: 10.3390/nano10040629] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hierarchical process of guanosine (G) self-assembly, leading in aqueous solution and in the presence of metal cations to the formation of G-quadruplexes, represents an intriguing topic both for the biological correlation with telomerase activity and for the nano-technological applications, as demonstrated by the current measured in a quadruplex wire 100 nm long. Similar to G-rich DNA sequences and G-oligonucleotides, the guanosine 5'-monophosphate (GMP) self-aggregates in water to form quadruplexes. However, due to the absence of a covalent axial backbone, this system can be very useful to understand the chemical-physical conditions that govern the guanosine supramolecular aggregation. We have then investigated by in-solution Synchrotron Small Angle X-ray Scattering technique the role of different cations in promoting the quadruplex formation as a function of concentration and temperature. Results show how potassium, with its peculiar biological traits, favours the G-quadruplex elongation process in respect to other cations (Na + , but also NH 4 + and Li + ), determining the longest particles in solution. Moreover, the formation and the elongation of G-quadruplexes have been demonstrated to be controlled by both GMP concentration and excess cation content, even if they specifically contribute to these processes in different ways. The occurrence of condensed liquid crystalline phases was also detected, proving that excess cations play also unspecific effects on the effective charges on the G-quadruplex surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Junior Baldassarri
- Marche Structural Biology Center, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Adam Round
- European XFEL, SPB/SFX Instrument, 22869 Schenefeld, Germany
| | - Claudio Ferrero
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility-E.S.R.F., 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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15
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Kumagai PS, Martins CS, Sales EM, Rosa HV, Mendonça DC, Damalio JCP, Spinozzi F, Itri R, Araujo APU. Correct partner makes the difference: Septin G-interface plays a critical role in amyloid formation. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 133:428-435. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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16
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Maio S, Baldacci S, Bresciani M, Simoni M, Latorre M, Murgia N, Spinozzi F, Braschi M, Antonicelli L, Brunetto B, Iacovacci P, Roazzi P, Pini C, Pata M, La Grasta L, Paggiaro P, Viegi G. RItA: The Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma registry. Allergy 2018; 73:683-695. [PMID: 29072882 DOI: 10.1111/all.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Italian severe/uncontrolled asthma (SUA) web-based registry encompasses demographic, clinical, functional, and inflammatory data; it aims to raise SUA awareness, identifying specific phenotypes and promoting optimal care. METHODS Four hundred and ninety three adult patients from 27 Italian centers (recruited in 2011-2014) were analyzed. RESULTS Mean age was 53.8 years. SUA patients were more frequently female (60.6%), with allergic asthma (83.1%). About 30% showed late onset of asthma diagnosis/symptoms (>40 years); the mean age for asthma symptoms onset was 30.2 years and for asthma diagnosis 34.4 years. 97.1% used ICS (dose 2000 BDP), 93.6% LABA in association with ICS, 53.3% LTRAs, 64.1% anti-IgE, 10.7% theophylline, and 16.0% oral corticosteroids. Mean FEV1 % pred of 75.1%, median values of 300/mm3 of blood eosinophil count, 323 kU/L of serum total IgE, and 24 ppb of FENO were shown. Most common comorbidities were allergic rhinitis (62.4%), gastroesophageal reflux (42.1%), sinusitis (37.9%), nasal polyposis (30.2%), and allergic conjunctivitis (30.2%). 55.7% of SUA patients had exacerbations in the last 12 months, 9.7% emergency department visits, and 7.3% hospitalizations. Factors associated with exacerbation risk were obesity (OR, 95% CI 2.46, 1.11-5.41), psychic disorders (2.87, 0.89-9.30-borderline), nasal polyps (1.86, 0.88-3.89-borderline), partial/poor asthma treatment adherence (2.54, 0.97-6.67-borderline), and anti-IgE use in a protective way (0.26, 0.12-0.53). Comparisons to severe asthma multicenter studies and available registries showed data consistency across European and American populations. CONCLUSIONS An international effort in the implementation of SUA patients' registries could help to better understand the clinical features and to manage severe asthma, representing a non-negligible socioeconomic burden for health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Maio
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - S. Baldacci
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Bresciani
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Simoni
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Latorre
- Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - N. Murgia
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - F. Spinozzi
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - M. Braschi
- Allergy Unit; Internal Medicine Department; AOU Ospedali Riuniti; Ancona Italy
| | - L. Antonicelli
- Allergy Unit; Internal Medicine Department; AOU Ospedali Riuniti; Ancona Italy
| | - B. Brunetto
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - P. Iacovacci
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - P. Roazzi
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - C. Pini
- Immunology Department; Italian National Health Institute (ISS); Roma Italy
| | - M. Pata
- Roche S.p.A.; Monza Milano Italy
| | | | - P. Paggiaro
- Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - G. Viegi
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology; Pisa Italy
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology (IBIM) “A. Monroy”; CNR; Palermo Italy
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17
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Piccirilli F, Plotegher N, Ortore MG, Tessari I, Brucale M, Spinozzi F, Beltramini M, Mariani P, Militello V, Lupi S, Perucchi A, Bubacco L. High-Pressure-Driven Reversible Dissociation of α-Synuclein Fibrils Reveals Structural Hierarchy. Biophys J 2017; 113:1685-1696. [PMID: 29045863 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of the α-synuclein (aS) aggregation process, which is involved in Parkinson's disease etiopathogenesis, and of the structural feature of the resulting amyloid fibrils may shed light on the relationship between the structure of aS aggregates and their toxicity. This may be considered a paradigm of the ground work needed to tackle the molecular basis of all the protein-aggregation-related diseases. With this aim, we used chemical and physical dissociation methods to explore the structural organization of wild-type aS fibrils. High pressure (in the kbar range) and alkaline pH were used to disassemble fibrils to collect information on the hierarchic pathway by which distinct β-sheets sequentially unfold using the unique possibility offered by high-pressure Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results point toward the formation of kinetic traps in the energy landscape of aS fibril disassembly and the presence of transient partially folded species during the process. Since we found that the dissociation of wild-type aS fibrils by high pressure is reversible upon pressure release, the disassembled molecules likely retain structural information that favors fibril reformation. To deconstruct the role of the different regions of aS sequence in this process, we measured the high-pressure dissociation of amyloids formed by covalent chimeric dimers of aS (syn-syn) and by the aS deletion mutant that lacks the C-terminus, i.e., aS (1-99). The results allowed us to single out the role of dimerization and that of the C-terminus in the complete maturation of fibrillar aS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Piccirilli
- CNR-IOM, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Physics Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Plotegher
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valeria Militello
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Lupi
- Physics Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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18
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Ricci C, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Ortore MG. Protein Amyloidogenesis Investigated by Small Angle Scattering. Curr Pharm Des 2017; 22:3937-49. [PMID: 27194441 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160519113237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, the study of the mechanisms inducing amyloid fibril formation has involved several experimental and theoretical biophysical approaches. Many efforts have been made by scientist at the borderline between biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics in order to understand why and in which way a protein starts its amyloidogenic pattern. This fundamental research issue is evolving in parallel to the development of drugs and inhibitors able to modify protein self assembly towards amyloid fibrils. Small angle xray and neutron scattering experiments represent suitable methods to investigate protein amyloidogenesis and the possible effects of inhibitors: they are in-solution techniques, require low amount of sample and their time-resolution makes it possible to follow aggregation pattern. In this paper we review small angle x-ray and neutron scattering studies dedicated to investigate amyloid β peptide and α-synuclein, related to Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s diseases, respectively, together with some other studies that introduced innovative models to describe with small angle scattering techniques amyloid fibrillation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Environmental and Life Science, Faculty of Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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19
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Perinelli DR, Vllasaliu D, Bonacucina G, Come B, Pucciarelli S, Ricciutelli M, Cespi M, Itri R, Spinozzi F, Palmieri GF, Casettari L. Rhamnolipids as epithelial permeability enhancers for macromolecular therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2017; 119:419-425. [PMID: 28743594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of surfactants as drug permeability enhancers across epithelial barriers remains a challenge. Although many studies have been performed in this field using synthetic surfactants, the possibility of employing surfactants produced by bacteria (the so called biosurfactants") has not been completely explored. Among them, one of the most well characterized class of biosurfactants are rhamnolipids. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of rhamnolipids on the epithelial permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled dextrans 4kDa and 10kDa (named FD4 and FD10, respectively) as model for macromolecular drugs, across Caco-2 and Calu-3monolayers. These cell lines were selected as an in vitro model for the oral and respiratory administration of drugs. Before performing permeability studies, rhamnolipids mixture was analysed in terms of chemical composition and quantification through mass analysis and HPLC. Cytotoxicity and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) studies were also conducted using Caco-2 and Calu-3 cell lines. A dose-dependent effect of rhamnolipids on TEER and FD4 or FD10 permeability across both cell lines was observed at relatively safe concentrations. Overall, results suggest the possibility of using rhamnolipids as absorption enhancers for macromolecular drugs through a reversible tight junction opening (paracellular route), despite more investigations are required to confirm their mechanism of action in term of permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Romano Perinelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Giulia Bonacucina
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Benedetta Come
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Pucciarelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary medicine, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Massimo Ricciutelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Marco Cespi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Rosangela Itri
- Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo, IFUSP, Rua do Matão, Travessa R, 187, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Luca Casettari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Urbino, Piazza del Rinascimento, 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
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20
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Spinozzi F, Ceccone G, Moretti P, Campanella G, Ferrero C, Combet S, Ojea-Jimenez I, Ghigna P. Structural and Thermodynamic Properties of Nanoparticle-Protein Complexes: A Combined SAXS and SANS Study. Langmuir 2017; 33:2248-2256. [PMID: 28170272 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b04072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We propose a novel method for determining the structural and thermodynamic properties of nanoparticle-protein complexes under physiological conditions. The method consists of collecting a full set of small-angle X-ray and neutron-scattering measurements in solutions with different concentrations of nanoparticles and protein. The nanoparticle-protein dissociation process is described in the framework of the Hill cooperative model, based on which the whole set of X-ray and neutron-scattering data is fitted simultaneously. This method is applied to water solutions of gold nanoparticles in the presence of human serum albumin without any previous manipulation and can be, in principle, extended to all systems. We demonstrate that the protein dissociation constant, the Hill coefficient, and the stoichiometry of the nanoparticle-protein complex are obtained with a high degree of confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche , Ancona I-60131, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ceccone
- Directorate General Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Consumer Products Safety Unit, European Commission , Ispra I-21027, Italy
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche , Ancona I-60131, Italy
| | - Gabriele Campanella
- Weill Medical College, Cornell University , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Claudio Ferrero
- ESRF-The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Sophie Combet
- Laboratoire Léon-Brillouin, UMR 12 CEA-CNRS, CEA-Saclay , Gif sur Yvette F-91191, France
| | - Isaac Ojea-Jimenez
- Directorate General Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Consumer Products Safety Unit, European Commission , Ispra I-21027, Italy
| | - Paolo Ghigna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia , Pavia I-27100, Italy
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21
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Molodenskiy D, Shirshin E, Tikhonova T, Gruzinov A, Peters G, Spinozzi F. Thermally induced conformational changes and protein–protein interactions of bovine serum albumin in aqueous solution under different pH and ionic strengths as revealed by SAXS measurements. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cp08809k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Temperature-induced oligomerization of albumin before and after protein melting was studied using SAXS and interpreted in terms of interaction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evgeny Shirshin
- Department of Physics
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Moscow
- Russia
| | - Tatiana Tikhonova
- International Laser Center
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Moscow
- Russia
| | | | - Georgy Peters
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”
- Moscow
- Russia
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Università Politecnica delle Marche
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente
- Ancona
- Italy
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22
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Battisti A, Palumbo Piccionello A, Sgarbossa A, Vilasi S, Ricci C, Ghetti F, Spinozzi F, Marino Gammazza A, Giacalone V, Martorana A, Lauria A, Ferrero C, Bulone D, Mangione MR, San Biagio PL, Ortore MG. Curcumin-like compounds designed to modify amyloid beta peptide aggregation patterns. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra05300b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study suggests new concepts and potential difficulties in the design of novel drugs against diverse amyloidoses, including Alzheimer’s disease.
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Abstract
Aqueous dispersions of the anionic phospholipid dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DMPG) exhibit an unusual "melting regime", at the phase transition between the ordered (gel) and the disordered (fluid liquid crystal) state of hydrocarbon chains, depending on the ionic strength and DMPG concentration, previously attributed to the pore formation. Dispersions with 150 mM DMPG present a lamellar phase above 23 °C, within the melting regime. In this study, we present a detailed pore model for the analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results and their variation with temperature, focused on the surface fractions of pores in the bilayers. Large and small toroidal pores are necessary to explain the SAXS results. Pores have DMPG in the fluid conformation, whereas the flat region of the bilayer has DMPG molecules in fluid and in gel conformations. A particular strategy was developed to estimate the charges due to the localization of mobile ions in the system, which is based on the calculation of electron densities by duly considering all molecular and ionic species that characterize the system, and the temperature dependency of their volumes. The best fit to the model of SAXS curves defines that the gel phase transforms initially, at 19.4 °C, in uncoupled bilayers with large pores (radius 93.2 ± 0.5 Å, with water channel diameter 137 ± 1 Å), which transform into small pores along the lamellar phase. The minimum intensity of the SAXS bilayer peak at 30 °C corresponds to a maximum number of small pores, and above 35 °C, the system enters into the normal lamellar fluid phase, without pores. The charge is estimated and shows that the regions with pores contains less Na+ ions per polar head; hence, when they are forming, there is a release of Na+ ions toward the bulk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche , Ancona 60121, Italy
| | - Lia Q Amaral
- Department of Applied Physics, Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo , São Paulo CEP 05508-090, Brazil
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24
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Abstract
Proteins in living organisms exist in complex aqueous solutions or embedded in membranes. In solution, proteins are surrounded by a tightly bound hydration layer, which is more ordered and less mobile than bulk water. As a consequence, water plays a major role in controlling protein structure stability, conformational flexibility, dynamics, and functionality, but it also appears that protein surface regulates the structuring of the surrounding water. The presence of cosolvents can modify the hydration layer characteristics and then the whole protein structural and dynamical properties. Because cytoplasm or biological liquids are complex solutions, the knowledge of the solvation shell characteristics in mixed solvents should be considered as a crucial step in describing biological processes at molecular level. This review reports on recent studies on the structural and thermodynamic properties of model proteins dissolved in binary solvent mixtures by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and differential scanning microcalorimetry (DSC) techniques. We will show that contrast variation SANS experiments allow to acquire a direct knowledge of both protein structure and protein solvation shell (in terms of low-resolution shape and solvent/cosolvent composition), while DSC experiments provide information on all the relevant thermodynamic properties. We will focus on two main points. First, an extended description of the thermodynamic model used to define the equilibria between water and cosolvent molecules in the protein solvation shell will be presented. Second, the determination of the peculiar characteristics of the protein solvation layer, which will be illustrated by considering different systems. As a conclusion, we will show that the investigation of structure and thermodynamics of proteins in binary aqueous mixtures is an important way to understand the role of hydration in protein stability and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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25
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Ortore MG, Macedo JNA, Araujo APU, Ferrero C, Mariani P, Spinozzi F, Itri R. Structural and Thermodynamic Properties of Septin 3 Investigated by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering. Biophys J 2016; 108:2896-902. [PMID: 26083929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Septins comprise a family of proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes and related to several human pathologies. They are constituted by three structural domains: the N- and C-terminal domains, highly variable in length and composition, and the central domain, involved in the guanine nucleotide (GTP) binding. Thirteen different human septins are known to form heterogeneous complexes or homofilaments, which are stabilized by specific interactions between the different interfaces present in the domains. In this work, we have investigated by in-solution small-angle x-ray scattering the structural and thermodynamic properties of a human septin 3 construct, SEPT3-GC, which contains both of both interfaces (G and NC) responsible for septin-septin interactions. In order to shed light on the role of these interactions, small-angle x-ray scattering measurements were performed in a wide range of temperatures, from 2 up to 56°C, both with and without a nonhydrolysable form of GTP (GTPγS). The acquired data show a temperature-dependent coexistence of monomers, dimers, and higher-order aggregates that were analyzed using a global fitting approach, taking into account the crystallographic structure of the recently reported SEPT3 dimer, PDB:3SOP. As a result, the enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity variations that control the dimer-monomer dissociation equilibrium in solution were derived and GTPγS was detected to increase the enthalpic stability of the dimeric species. Moreover, a temperature increase was observed to induce dissociation of SEPT3-GC dimers into monomers just preceding their reassembling into amyloid aggregates, as revealed by the Thioflavin-T fluorescence assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ortore
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente and Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Fisiche della Materia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Joci N A Macedo
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula U Araujo
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | - Paolo Mariani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente and Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Fisiche della Materia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente and Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Fisiche della Materia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Rosangela Itri
- Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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26
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Ortore MG, Battisti A, Bizzarri R, Bulone D, Ferrero C, Ghetti F, Giacalone V, Lauria A, Mangione MR, Gammazza AM, Ricci C, Sgarbossa A, Spinozzi F, Vilasi S, Piccionello AP. Curcumin-Like Compounds Designed to Modify Amyloid Beta Peptide Aggregation Pattern. Biophys J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.11.1132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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27
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Minute F, Hellmann N, Spinozzi F, Ortore MG, Di Muro P, Bubacco L, Beltramini M. Entrapment and characterization of functional allosteric conformers of hemocyanin in sol–gel matrices. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra26377h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Entrapment of hemocyanin in sol–gel stabilizes conformations scarcely populated in solution, allowing for their structural and functional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Minute
- Department of Biology
- University of Padova
- I-35131 Padova
- Italy
| | - Nadja Hellmann
- Institute for Molecular Biophysics
- University of Mainz
- Mainz
- Germany
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department DISVA
- Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM
- I-60131 Ancona
- Italy
| | | | - Paolo Di Muro
- Department of Biology
- University of Padova
- I-35131 Padova
- Italy
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology
- University of Padova
- I-35131 Padova
- Italy
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28
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Spinozzi F, Murgia N, Baldacci S, Maio S, Pala AP, Casciari C, dell'Omo M, Viegi G. Characteristics and predictors of allergic rhinitis undertreatment in primary care. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2015; 29:129-36. [PMID: 26680255 DOI: 10.1177/0394632015595779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although allergic rhinitis is considered a raising medical problem in many countries it is often undertreated. The reasons for this phenomenon are not completely clear.The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with allergic rhinitis under-/no treatment.A sample of 518 allergic rhinitis patients recruited by their primary care physicians, as a part of the ARGA study, were invited to fill in a specific questionnaire regarding rhinitis symptoms, treatment, and rhinitis-related work/social disability. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to assess risk factors for allergic rhinitis under-/no treatment.Over one out of four patients had no treatment despite the symptoms and 13.5% were inadequately treated. Participants with asthma (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.75) and conjunctivitis (0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.71) were at lower risk of allergic rhinitis under-/no treatment: in asthmatics this reduction was related mainly to the concomitant asthma treatment (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.10-0.37).Asthmatics with under-/not treated rhinitis had the highest prevalence of rhinitis-related quality of life impairment.Under-/no treatment for allergic rhinitis is still rather frequent despite the relevance of this disease. The simultaneous presence of asthma and an anti-asthmatic therapy are able to influence positively the treatment. Targeted interventions toward a better characterization and a tight follow-up of rhinitis patient without asthma are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Spinozzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - N Murgia
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - S Baldacci
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Trieste 41, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - S Maio
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Trieste 41, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - A P Pala
- Technosciences Unit, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Trieste 41, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Casciari
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - M dell'Omo
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Respiratory Diseases and Toxicology, University of Perugia, Piazzale Gambuli, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - G Viegi
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Trieste 41, 56126 Pisa, Italy CNR Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "A. Monroy", Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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29
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Falsini S, Ciani L, Arcangeli A, Di Cola E, Spinozzi F, Ristori S. Physico-chemical properties of gemini micelles studied by X-ray scattering and ESR spectroscopy. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2015.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Spinello A, Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Ricci C, Barone G, Gammazza AM, Piccionello AP. Quaternary structures of GroEL and naïve-Hsp60 chaperonins in solution: a combined SAXS-MD study. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra05144d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis with QUAFIT software combined with SAXS-MD data, allows resolution of GroEL and naïve-Hsp60 oligomeric structures in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Spinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche
- 90128 Palermo
- Italy
- Istituto EuroMediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia-IEMEST
- 90139 Palermo
| | - M. G. Ortore
- Dipartimento DiSVA
- Università Politecnica delle Marche
- 60131 Ancona
- Italy
| | - F. Spinozzi
- Dipartimento DiSVA
- Università Politecnica delle Marche
- 60131 Ancona
- Italy
| | - C. Ricci
- Dipartimento DiSVA
- Università Politecnica delle Marche
- 60131 Ancona
- Italy
| | - G. Barone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche
- 90128 Palermo
- Italy
- Istituto EuroMediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia-IEMEST
- 90139 Palermo
| | - A. Marino Gammazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche
- 90128 Palermo
- Italy
- Istituto EuroMediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia-IEMEST
- 90139 Palermo
| | - A. Palumbo Piccionello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche
- 90128 Palermo
- Italy
- Istituto EuroMediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia-IEMEST
- 90139 Palermo
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31
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Spinozzi F, Ferrero C, Ortore MG, De Maria Antolinos A, Mariani P. GENFIT: software for the analysis of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering data of macro-molecules in solution. J Appl Crystallogr 2014; 47:1132-1139. [PMID: 24904247 PMCID: PMC4038801 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576714005147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many research topics in the fields of condensed matter and the life sciences are based on small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. With the current rapid progress in source brilliance and detector technology, high data fluxes of ever-increasing quality are produced. In order to exploit such a huge quantity of data and richness of information, wider and more sophisticated approaches to data analysis are needed. Presented here is GENFIT, a new software tool able to fit small-angle scattering data of randomly oriented macromolecular or nanosized systems according to a wide list of models, including form and structure factors. Batches of curves can be analysed simultaneously in terms of common fitting parameters or by expressing the model parameters via physical or phenomenological link functions. The models can also be combined, enabling the user to describe complex heterogeneous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department DiSVA, Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department DiSVA, Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Mariani
- Department DiSVA, Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
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32
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Russo D, Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Loupiac C, Annighofer B, Paciaroni A. The impact of high hydrostatic pressure on structure and dynamics of β-lactoglobulin. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:4974-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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33
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Mirotti L, Florsheim E, Rundqvist L, Larsson G, Spinozzi F, Leite-de-Moraes M, Russo M, Alcocer M. Lipids are required for the development of Brazil nut allergy: the role of mouse and human iNKT cells. Allergy 2013; 68:74-83. [PMID: 23137012 DOI: 10.1111/all.12057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipids are required for mice sensitization to Ber e 1, Brazil nut major allergen. Here, we characterized different lipid fractions extracted from Brazil nuts and the lipid-binding ability of Ber e 1. Further, we determined their in vivo ability to induce Ber-specific anaphylactic antibodies and the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in this process. METHODS Wild-type (WT) and iNKT cell-deficient mice were sensitized with Ber e 1 and specific lipid fractions, and anaphylactic antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). The lipid-binding characteristic of Ber e 1 (Ber) was established by using fluorescent probes and (15) N-labeled NMR. In vitro production of IL-4 was determined in Ber/lipid C-stimulated mouse iNKT cells and human T-cell lines containing NKTs primed with CD1d+C1R transfectants by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS Only one specific lipid fraction (lipid C), containing neutral and common phospholipids, induced Ber anaphylactic antibodies in mice. Ber e 1 has a lipid-binding site, and our results indicated an interaction between Ber e 1 and lipid C. iNKT-deficient mice produced lower levels of anaphylactic antibodies than WT mice. In vitro, Ber/lipid C-stimulated murine iNKT cells produced IL-4 but not IFN-gamma. Human T-cell lines derived from nut-allergic patients produced IL-4 to Ber/lipid C in a CD1d- and dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Lipid fraction C from Brazil nut presents an essential adjuvant activity to Ber e 1 sensitization, and iNKT cells play a critical role in the development of Brazil nut-allergic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Mirotti
- Departamento de Imunologia; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo; Brasil
| | - E. Florsheim
- Departamento de Imunologia; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo; Brasil
| | - L. Rundqvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics; Umeå University; Umeå; Sweden
| | - G. Larsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics; Umeå University; Umeå; Sweden
| | - F. Spinozzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology and Allergy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia; Italy
| | - M. Leite-de-Moraes
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 8147; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Faculté de Médecine René Descartes; Paris V, Hôpital Necker; Paris; France
| | - M. Russo
- Departamento de Imunologia; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo; Brasil
| | - M. Alcocer
- Division of Nutritional Sciences; School of Biosciences; University of Nottingham; Nottingham; UK
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34
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Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Mičetić I, Ferrero C, Pontoni D, Beltramini M. Quaternary structure heterogeneity of oligomeric proteins: a SAXS and SANS study of the dissociation products of Octopus vulgaris hemocyanin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49644. [PMID: 23166737 PMCID: PMC3499515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Octopus vulgaris hemocyanin shows a particular self-assembling pattern, characterized by a hierarchical organization of monomers. The highest molecular weight aggregate is a decamer, the stability of which in solution depends on several parameters. Different pH values, buffer compositions, H₂O/D₂O ratios and Hofmeister's salts result in modifications of the aggregation state of Octopus vulgaris hemocyanin. The new QUAFIT method, recently applied to derive the structure of the decameric and the monomeric assembly from small-angle scattering data, is used here to model the polydisperse system that results from changing the solution conditions. A dataset of small-angle X-rays and neutron scattering curves is analysed by QUAFIT to derive structure, composition and concentration of different assemblies present in solution. According to the hierarchy of the association/dissociation processes and the possible number of different aggregation products in solution, each sample has been considered as a heterogeneous mixture composed of the entire decamer, the dissociated "loose" monomer and all the intermediate dissociation products. Scattering curves corresponding to given experimental conditions are well fitted by using a linear combination of single particle form factors. QUAFIT has proved to be a method of general validity to describe solutions of proteins that, even after purification processes, result to be intrinsically heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ivan Mičetić
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Diego Pontoni
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
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35
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Spinozzi F, Beltramini M. QUAFIT: a novel method for the quaternary structure determination from small-angle scattering data. Biophys J 2012; 103:511-521. [PMID: 22947867 PMCID: PMC3414896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The new QUAFIT method for determining the quaternary structure of biological macromolecular assemblies by analyzing x-ray or neutron small-angle scattering data is presented. The method is based on the idea that asymmetric monomers, formed by rigid domains of known atomic structure possibly connected by flexible linkers of known sequence, are assembled according to a point-group symmetry combined with a screw axis. Scattering amplitudes of domains and linkers are determined by means of a spherical harmonics expansion and combined to get the form factor of the assembly. To avoid any overlap among domains, the contact distance between two asymmetric domains is determined as a function of their orientation by a new algorithm, based on Stone's Invariants expansion. To account for continuity and compactness of the whole assembly, an anisotropic Lennard-Jones potential among domains, written in terms of the contact distances, is included in the merit function. QUAFIT allows for the simultaneous presence of oligomerization intermediates as well as of monomers distributed over multiple conformations. QUAFIT has been tested by studying the structure of a high molecular weight protein, the hemocyanin from Octopus vulgaris, under solution conditions that stabilize the decameric form or induce dissociation into monomers, respectively. Results are in very good agreement with the structural model derived from electron microscopy observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche and Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Fisiche della Materia, Ancona, Italy.
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36
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Itri R, Morandé Sales E, Damascio J, de Souza Barbosa LR, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Paula Araújo A. Structural Studies of Septin2G Amyloid Fibrils. Biophys J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.11.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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37
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Barbosa LR, Correani A, Romaldini A, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Itri R. The Uni- to Multilamellar Transition of Mixed Anionic and Zwitterionic Vesicles Induced by Cytochrome-C: A Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Study. Biophys J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.11.2722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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38
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Ortore MG, Mariani P, Carsughi F, Cinelli S, Onori G, Teixeira J, Spinozzi F. Preferential solvation of lysozyme in water/ethanol mixtures. J Chem Phys 2011; 135:245103. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3670419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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39
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Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Vilasi S, Sirangelo I, Irace G, Shukla A, Narayanan T, Sinibaldi R, Mariani P. Time-resolved small-angle x-ray scattering study of the early stage of amyloid formation of an apomyoglobin mutant. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2011; 84:061904. [PMID: 22304113 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.84.061904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The description of the fibrillogenesis pathway and the identification of "on-pathway" or "off-pathway" intermediates are key issues in amyloid research as they are concerned with the mechanism for onset of certain diseases and with therapeutic treatments. Recent results on the fibril formation process revealed an unexpected complexity both in the number and in the types of species involved, but the early aggregation events are still largely unknown, mainly because of their experimental inaccessibility. To provide information on the early stage events of self-assembly of an amyloidogenic protein, during the so-called lag phase, stopped-flow time-resolved small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments were performed. Using a global fitting analysis, the structural and aggregation properties of the apomyoglobin W7FW14F mutant, which is monomeric and partly folded at acidic pH but forms amyloid fibrils after neutralization, were derived from the first few milliseconds onward. SAXS data indicated that the first aggregates appear in less than 20 ms after the pH jump to neutrality and further revealed the simultaneous presence of diverse species. In particular, worm-like unstructured monomers, very large assemblies, and elongated particles were detected, and their structural features and relative concentrations were derived as a function of time on the basis of our model. The final results show that, during the lag phase, early assembling occurs due to the presence of transient monomeric species very prone to association and through successive competing aggregation and rearrangement processes leading to coexisting on-pathway and off-pathway transient species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University and CNISM, Ancona, Italy.
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Cervellati C, Montin K, Squerzanti M, Mischiati C, Ferrari C, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Amenitsch H, Bergamini CM, Lanzara V. Effects of the regulatory ligands calcium and GTP on the thermal stability of tissue transglutaminase. Amino Acids 2011; 42:2233-42. [PMID: 21706296 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase undergoes thermal inactivation with first-order kinetics at moderate temperatures, in a process which is affected in opposite way by the regulatory ligands calcium and GTP, which stabilize different conformations. We have explored the processes of inactivation and of unfolding of transglutaminase and the effects of ligands thereon, combining approaches of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and of thermal analysis coupled to fluorescence spectroscopy and small angle scattering. At low temperature (38-45°C), calcium promotes and GTP protects from inactivation, which occurs without detectable disruption of the protein structure but only local perturbations at the active site. Only at higher temperatures (52-56°C), the protein structure undergoes major rearrangements with alterations in the interactions between the N- and C-terminal domain pairs. Experiments by DSC and fluorescence spectroscopy clearly indicate reinforced and weakened interactions of the domains in the presence of GTP and of calcium, and different patterns of unfolding. Small angle scattering experiments confirm different pathways of unfolding, with attainment of limiting values of gyration radius of 52, 60 and 90 Å in the absence of ligands and in the presence of GTP and calcium. Data by X-rays scattering indicate that ligands influence retention of a relatively compact structure in the protein even after denaturation at 70°C. These results suggest that the complex regulation of the enzyme by ligands involves both short- and long-range effects which might be relevant for understanding the turnover of the protein in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
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Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Vilasi S, Sirangelo I, Irace G, Shukla A, Narayanan T, Sinibaldi R, Mariani P. Time-Resolved Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Study of the Early Formation of Amyloid Protofibrils on a Apomyoglobin Mutant. Biophys J 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.12.3105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Paccamiccio L, Amaral LQ. New lamellar phase with pores in the chain-melting regime of an anionic phospholipid dispersion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/247/1/012019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Mariani P, Spinozzi F, Federiconi F, Ortore MG, Amenitsch H, Spindler L, Drevensek-Olenik I. Guanosine quadruplexes in solution: a small-angle x-ray scattering analysis of temperature effects on self-assembling of deoxyguanosine monophosphate. J Nucleic Acids 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20725625 PMCID: PMC2915817 DOI: 10.4061/2010/472478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated quadruplex formation in aqueous solutions of 2′-deoxyriboguanosine 5′-monophosphate, d(pG), which takes place in the absence of the covalent axial backbone. A series of in-solution small angle X-ray scattering experiments on d(pG) have been performed as a function of temperature in the absence
of excess salt, at a concentration just above the critical one at which self-assembling occurs. A global fit
approach has been used to derive composition and size distribution of the scattering particles as a function
of temperature. The obtained results give thermodynamical justification for the observed phase-behavior,
indicating that octamer formation is essential for quadruplex elongation. Our investigation shows that d(pG)
quadruplexes are very suitable to assess the potential of G-quadruplex formation and to study the self-assembling thermodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mariani
- Physical Science Section, Research Unit of Ancona, SAIFET Department, CNISM, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Andreozzi P, Funari SS, La Mesa C, Mariani P, Ortore MG, Sinibaldi R, Spinozzi F. Multi- to Unilamellar Transitions in Catanionic Vesicles. J Phys Chem B 2010; 114:8056-60. [DOI: 10.1021/jp100437v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Andreozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sergio S. Funari
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Camillo La Mesa
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ortore
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Sinibaldi
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, SOFT-INFM, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, and Department of SAIFET & CNISM, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Spinozzi F, Paccamiccio L, Mariani P, Amaral LQ. Melting regime of the anionic phospholipid DMPG: new lamellar phase and porous bilayer model. Langmuir 2010; 26:6484-6493. [PMID: 20180590 DOI: 10.1021/la9039623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous dispersions of the anionic phospholipid dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) at pH above the apparent pK of DMPG and concentrations in the interval 70-300 mM have been investigated by small (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized optical microscopy. The order-disorder transition of the hydrocarbon chains occurs along an interval of about 10 degrees C (between T(m)(on) approximately 20 degrees C and T(m)(off) approximately 30 degrees C). Such melting regime was previously characterized at lower concentrations, up to 70 mM DMPG, when sample transparency was correlated with the presence of pores across the bilayer. At higher concentrations considered here, the melting regime persists but is not transparent. Defined SAXS peaks appear and a new lamellar phase L(p) with pores is proposed to exist above 70 mM DMPG, starting at approximately 23 degrees C (approximately 3 degrees C above T(m)(on)) and losing correlation after T(m)(off). A new model for describing the X-ray scattering of bilayers with pores, presented here, is able to explain the broad band attributed to in-plane correlation between pores. The majority of cell membranes have a net negative charge, and the opening of pores across the membrane tuned by ionic strength, temperature, and lipid composition is likely to have biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Facoltà di Scienze, Dipartimento SAIFET, Sezione di Scienze Fisiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche and CNISM, Ancona, Italy.
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Barbosa LRS, Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Bernstorff S, Itri R. The importance of protein-protein interactions on the pH-induced conformational changes of bovine serum albumin: a small-angle X-ray scattering study. Biophys J 2010; 98:147-57. [PMID: 20085727 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2009.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined effects of concentration and pH on the conformational states of bovine serum albumin (BSA) are investigated by small-angle x-ray scattering. Serum albumins, at physiological conditions, are found at concentrations of approximately 35-45 mg/mL (42 mg/mL in the case of humans). In this work, BSA at three different concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg/mL) and pH values (2.0-9.0) have been studied. Data were analyzed by means of the Global Fitting procedure, with the protein form factor calculated from human serum albumin (HSA) crystallographic structure and the interference function described, considering repulsive and attractive interaction potentials within a random phase approximation. Small-angle x-ray scattering data show that BSA maintains its native state from pH 4.0 up to 9.0 at all investigated concentrations. A pH-dependence of the absolute net protein charge is shown and the charge number per BSA is quantified to 10(2), 8(1), 13(2), 20(2), and 26(2) for pH values 4.0, 5.4, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0, respectively. The attractive potential diminishes as BSA concentration increases. The coexistence of monomers and dimers is observed at 50 mg/mL and pH 5.4, near the BSA isoelectric point. Samples at pH 2.0 show a different behavior, because BSA overall shape changes as a function of concentration. At 10 mg/mL, BSA is partially unfolded and a strong repulsive protein-protein interaction occurs due to the high amount of exposed charge. At 25 and 50 mg/mL, BSA undergoes some re-folding, which likely results in a molten-globule state. This work concludes by confirming that the protein concentration plays an important role on the pH-unfolded BSA state, due to a delicate compromise between interaction forces and crowding effects.
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Ortore MG, Spinozzi F, Mariani P, Paciaroni A, Barbosa LRS, Amenitsch H, Steinhart M, Ollivier J, Russo D. Combining structure and dynamics: non-denaturing high-pressure effect on lysozyme in solution. J R Soc Interface 2009; 6 Suppl 5:S619-34. [PMID: 19570795 PMCID: PMC2843975 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2009.0163.focus] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and elastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering techniques were used to investigate the high-pressure-induced changes on interactions, the low-resolution structure and the dynamics of lysozyme in solution. SAXS data, analysed using a global-fit procedure based on a new approach for hydrated protein form factor description, indicate that lysozyme completely maintains its globular structure up to 1500 bar, but significant modifications in the protein-protein interaction potential occur at approximately 600-1000 bar. Moreover, the mass density of the protein hydration water shows a clear discontinuity within this pressure range. Neutron scattering experiments indicate that the global and the local lysozyme dynamics change at a similar threshold pressure. A clear evolution of the internal protein dynamics from diffusing to more localized motions has also been probed. Protein structure and dynamics results have then been discussed in the context of protein-water interface and hydration water dynamics. According to SAXS results, the new configuration of water in the first hydration layer induced by pressure is suggested to be at the origin of the observed local mobility changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ortore
- Dipartimento SAIFET, Sezione Scienze Fisiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche and CNISM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Spinozzi
- Dipartimento SAIFET, Sezione Scienze Fisiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche and CNISM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariani
- Dipartimento SAIFET, Sezione Scienze Fisiche, Università Politecnica delle Marche and CNISM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Perugia and CNISM, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Biophysics and Nanosystems Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Milos Steinhart
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Daniela Russo
- CNR-INFM and CRS-SOFT, c/o Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France
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Mariani P, Spinozzi F, Federiconi F, Amenitsch H, Spindler L, Drevensek-Olenik I. Small angle X-ray scattering analysis of deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate self-assembing in solution: nucleation and growth of G-quadruplexes. J Phys Chem B 2009; 113:7934-44. [PMID: 19435359 DOI: 10.1021/jp809734p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To solve details of the self-assembling process of guanosine in diluted aqueous solution and to derive a thermodynamical model for quadruplex formation, the structural behavior of deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate has been analyzed by in-solution small angle X-ray scattering. The experiments have been performed as a function of guanosine concentration and at fixed guanosine concentration but in the presence of varying amounts of KCl. As a result, the self-assembling process, in terms of both aggregate particle fractions and aggregate length, has been observed to be strongly dependent on composition and largely affected by excess potassium ions in the solution. In particular, the different aggregate forms have been resolved and their concentration derived as a function of sample composition. In accordance with a hierarchical aggregation process, a nucleation and elongation mechanism has been used to derive the thermodynamical parameters for self-assembling. The results show that the annealing and fragmentation steps play an important role in the aggregation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mariani
- Dipartimento SAIFET, Università Politecnica delle Marche and CNISM, Research Unit of Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy.
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Ortore MG, Sinibaldi R, Spinozzi F, Carbini A, Carsughi F, Mariani P. Looking for the best experimental conditions to detail the protein solvation shell in a binary aqueous solvent via small angle scattering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/177/1/012007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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