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Delhaye S, Jarjat M, Boulksibat A, Sanchez C, Tempio A, Turtoi A, Giorgi M, Lacas-Gervais S, Baj G, Rovere C, Trezza V, Pellegrini M, Maurin T, Lalli E, Bardoni B. Defects in AMPAR trafficking and microglia activation underlie socio-cognitive deficits associated to decreased expression of phosphodiesterase 2 a. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 191:106393. [PMID: 38154608 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106393] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 2 A (PDE2A) is an enzyme involved in the homeostasis of cAMP and cGMP and is the most highly expressed PDE in human brain regions critical for socio-cognitive behavior. In cerebral cortex and hippocampus, PDE2A expression level is upregulated in Fmr1-KO mice, a model of the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Indeed, PDE2A translation is negatively modulated by FMRP, whose functional absence causes FXS. While the pharmacological inhibition of PDE2A has been associated to its pro-cognitive role in normal animals and in models of ID and ASD, homozygous PDE2A mutations have been identified in patients affected by ID, ASD and epilepsy. To clarify this apparent paradox about the role of PDE2A in brain development, we characterized here Pde2a+/- mice (homozygote animals being not viable) at the behavioral, cellular, molecular and electrophysiological levels. Pde2a+/- females display a milder form of the disorder with reduced cognitive performance in adulthood, conversely males show severe socio-cognitive deficits throughout their life. In males, these phenotypes are associated with microglia activation, elevated glutathione levels and increased externalization of Glutamate receptor (GluR1) in CA1, producing reduced mGluR-dependent Long-term Depression. Overall, our results reveal molecular targets of the PDE2A-dependent pathway underlying socio-cognitive performance. These results clarify the mechanism of action of pro-cognitive drugs based on PDE2A inactivation, which have been shown to be promising therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, FXS as well as other forms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Delhaye
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Marielle Jarjat
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Asma Boulksibat
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Clara Sanchez
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Alessandra Tempio
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Andrei Turtoi
- Inserm U1194, Université Montpellier, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Mauro Giorgi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, DAHFMO, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Lacas-Gervais
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Commun de Microscopie Appliquée, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Carole Rovere
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | | | - Manuela Pellegrini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, DAHFMO, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Maurin
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Enzo Lalli
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Barbara Bardoni
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France.
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Piazza F, Parisse P, Passerino J, Marsich E, Bersanini L, Porrelli D, Baj G, Donati I, Sacco P. Controlled Quenching of Agarose Defines Hydrogels with Tunable Structural, Bulk Mechanical, Surface Nanomechanical, and Cell Response in 2D Cultures. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300973. [PMID: 37369130 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300973] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The scaffolding of agarose hydrogel networks depends critically on the rate of cooling (quenching) after heating. Efforts are made to understand the kinetics and evolution of biopolymer self-assembly upon cooling, but information is lacking on whether quenching might affect the final hydrogel structure and performance. Here, a material strategy for the fine modulation of quenching that involves temperature-curing steps of agarose is reported. Combining microscopy techniques, standard and advanced macro/nanomechanical tools, it is revealed that agarose accumulates on the surface when the curing temperature is set at 121 °C. The inhomogeneity can be mostly recovered when it is reduced to 42 °C. This has a drastic effect on the stiffness of the surface, but not on the viscoelasticity, roughness, and wettability. When hydrogels are strained at small/large deformations, the curing temperature has no effect on the viscoelastic response of the hydrogel bulk but does play a role in the onset of the non-linear region. Cells cultured on these hydrogels exhibit surface stiffness-sensing that affects cell adhesion, spreading, F-actin fiber tension, and assembly of vinculin-rich focal adhesions. Collectively, the results indicate that the temperature curing of agarose is an efficient strategy to produce networks with tunable mechanics and is suitable for mechanobiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Piazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- NanoInnovation Lab, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, I-34149, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy
| | - Julia Passerino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, Trieste, I-34129, Italy
| | - Luca Bersanini
- Optics11 Life, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, Amsterdam, 1101 BM, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Porrelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Alexander Fleming 31/A, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
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Cingolani LA, Thalhammer A, Jaudon F, Muià J, Baj G. Nanoscale organization of Ca V2.1 splice isoforms at presynaptic terminals: implications for synaptic vesicle release and synaptic facilitation. Biol Chem 2023; 404:931-937. [PMID: 37658578 PMCID: PMC10695435 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0235] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The distance between CaV2.1 voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+ sensor responsible for vesicle release at presynaptic terminals is critical for determining synaptic strength. Yet, the molecular mechanisms responsible for a loose coupling configuration of CaV2.1 in certain synapses or developmental periods and a tight one in others remain unknown. Here, we examine the nanoscale organization of two CaV2.1 splice isoforms (CaV2.1[EFa] and CaV2.1[EFb]) at presynaptic terminals by superresolution structured illumination microscopy. We find that CaV2.1[EFa] is more tightly co-localized with presynaptic markers than CaV2.1[EFb], suggesting that alternative splicing plays a crucial role in the synaptic organization of CaV2.1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo A. Cingolani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, I-34127Trieste, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology (NSYN), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, I-16132Genoa, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, I-34127Trieste, Italy
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Avanzata (CIMA), University of Trieste, via Fleming 31, I-34127Trieste, Italy
| | - Fanny Jaudon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, I-34127Trieste, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, I-16132Genoa, Italy
| | - Jessica Muià
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, I-34127Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, I-34127Trieste, Italy
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Avanzata (CIMA), University of Trieste, via Fleming 31, I-34127Trieste, Italy
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Apollonio M, Bellazzo A, Franco N, Lombardi S, Senigagliesi B, Casalis L, Parisse P, Thalhammer A, Baj G, De Florian Fania R, Del Sal G, Collavin L. The Tumor Suppressor DAB2IP Is Regulated by Cell Contact and Contributes to YAP/TAZ Inhibition in Confluent Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3379. [PMID: 37444489 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
External and internal mechanical forces modulate cell morphology, movement, proliferation and metabolism, and represent crucial inputs for tissue homeostasis. The transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ are important effectors of mechanical signaling and are frequently activated in solid tumors, correlating with metastasis, chemoresistance, and shorter patient survival. YAP/TAZ activity is controlled by various pathways that sense cell shape, polarity, contacts, and mechanical tension. In tumors, aberrant YAP/TAZ activation may result from cancer-related alterations of such regulatory networks. The tumor suppressor DAB2IP is a Ras-GAP and scaffold protein that negatively modulates multiple oncogenic pathways and is frequently downregulated or inactivated in solid tumors. Here, we provide evidence that DAB2IP expression is sustained by cell confluency. We also find that DAB2IP depletion in confluent cells alters their morphology, reducing cell packing while increasing cell stiffness. Finally, we find that DAB2IP depletion in confluent cells favors YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, while its ectopic expression in subconfluent cells increases YAP/TAZ retention in the cytoplasm. Together, these data suggest that DAB2IP may function as a sensor of cell interactions, contributing to dampening cellular responses to oncogenic inputs in confluent cells and that DAB2IP loss-of-function would facilitate YAP/TAZ activation in intact epithelia, accelerating oncogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Apollonio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellazzo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Franco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Loredana Casalis
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Institute of Materials (IOM), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giannino Del Sal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- ICGEB-Area Science Park Padriciano, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare (IFOM), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Licio Collavin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Bortot B, Apollonio M, Baj G, Andolfi L, Zupin L, Crovella S, di Giosia M, Cantelli A, Saporetti R, Ulfo L, Petrosino A, Di Lorenzo G, Romano F, Ricci G, Mongiat M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M, Biffi S. Advanced photodynamic therapy with an engineered M13 phage targeting EGFR: Mitochondrial localization and autophagy induction in ovarian cancer cell lines. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:242-251. [PMID: 34808331 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential synergistic approach to chemotherapy for treating ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Here we used M13 bacteriophage as a targeted vector for the efficient photodynamic killing of SKOV3 and COV362 cells. The M13 phage was refactored (M13r) to display an EGFR binding peptide in its tip that is frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancer. The refactored phage was conjugated with chlorin e6 (Ce6), one of the most widely used photosensitizers (M13r-Ce6). The new platform, upon irradiation, generated ROS by type I mechanism and showed activity in killing SKOV3 and COV362 cells even at concentrations in which Ce6 alone was ineffective. A microscopy analysis demonstrated an enhanced cellular uptake of M13r-Ce6 compared to free Ce6 and its mitochondrial localization. Western blot analysis revealed significant downregulation in the expression of EGFR in cells exposed to M13r-Ce6 after PDT. Following PDT treatment, autophagy induction was supported by an increased expression of LC3II, along with a raised autophagic fluorescent signal, as observed by fluorescence microscopy analysis for autophagosome visualization. As a conclusion we have herein proposed a bacteriophage-based receptor targeted photodynamic therapy for EGFR-positive ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bortot
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maura Apollonio
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Andolfi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mongiat
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
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Bortolussi G, Shi X, ten Bloemendaal L, Banerjee B, De Waart DR, Baj G, Chen W, Oude Elferink RP, Beuers U, Paulusma CC, Stocker R, Muro AF, Bosma PJ. Long-Term Effects of Biliverdin Reductase a Deficiency in Ugt1-/- Mice: Impact on Redox Status and Metabolism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10122029. [PMID: 34943131 PMCID: PMC8698966 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10122029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of neurotoxic bilirubin due to a transient neonatal or persistent inherited deficiency of bilirubin glucuronidation activity can cause irreversible brain damage and death. Strategies to inhibit bilirubin production and prevent neurotoxicity in neonatal and adult settings seem promising. We evaluated the impact of Bvra deficiency in neonatal and aged mice, in a background of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, by abolishing bilirubin production. We also investigated the disposal of biliverdin during fetal development. In Ugt1−/− mice, Bvra deficiency appeared sufficient to prevent lethality and to normalize bilirubin level in adults. Although biliverdin accumulated in Bvra-deficient fetuses, both Bvra−/− and Bvra−/−Ugt1−/− pups were healthy and reached adulthood having normal liver, brain, and spleen histology, albeit with increased iron levels in the latter. During aging, both Bvra−/− and Bvra−/−Ugt1−/− mice presented normal levels of relevant hematological and metabolic parameters. Interestingly, the oxidative status in erythrocytes from 9-months-old Bvra−/− and Bvra−/−Ugt1−/− mice was significantly reduced. In addition, triglycerides levels in these 9-months-old Bvra−/− mice were significantly higher than WT controls, while Bvra−/−Ugt1−/− tested normal. The normal parameters observed in Bvra−/−Ugt1−/− mice fed chow diet indicate that Bvra inhibition to treat unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia seems safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Xiaoxia Shi
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Disease, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Lysbeth ten Bloemendaal
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
| | - Bhaswati Banerjee
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Dirk R. De Waart
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Light Microscopy Imaging Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (W.C.); (R.S.)
| | - Ronald P. Oude Elferink
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
| | - Coen C. Paulusma
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
| | - Roland Stocker
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (W.C.); (R.S.)
| | - Andrés F. Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.B.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.M.); (P.J.B.); Tel.: +39-040-3757369 (A.F.M.); +31-20-566-8850 (P.J.B.)
| | - Piter J. Bosma
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (X.S.); (L.t.B.); (D.R.D.W.); (R.P.O.E.); (U.B.); (C.C.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.M.); (P.J.B.); Tel.: +39-040-3757369 (A.F.M.); +31-20-566-8850 (P.J.B.)
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Martinelli V, Bosi S, Peña B, Baj G, Long CS, Sbaizero O, Giacca M, Prato M, Mestroni L. 3D Carbon-Nanotube-Based Composites for Cardiac Tissue Engineering. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2018; 1:1530-1537. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Martinelli
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | | | - Brisa Peña
- University of Colorado Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | | | - Carlin S. Long
- University of Colorado Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- University of Colorado Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Carbon Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales (CIC biomaGUNE), San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- University of Colorado Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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Singer W, Manthey M, Panford-Walsh R, Matt L, Geisler HS, Passeri E, Baj G, Tongiorgi E, Leal G, Duarte CB, Salazar IL, Eckert P, Rohbock K, Hu J, Strotmann J, Ruth P, Zimmermann U, Rüttiger L, Ott T, Schimmang T, Knipper M. BDNF-Live-Exon-Visualization (BLEV) Allows Differential Detection of BDNF Transcripts in vitro and in vivo. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:325. [PMID: 30319348 PMCID: PMC6170895 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bdnf exon-IV and exon-VI transcripts are driven by neuronal activity and are involved in pathologies related to sleep, fear or memory disorders. However, how their differential transcription translates activity changes into long-lasting network changes is elusive. Aiming to trace specifically the network controlled by exon-IV and -VI derived BDNF during activity-dependent plasticity changes, we generated a transgenic reporter mouse for B DNF- l ive- e xon- v isualization (BLEV), in which expression of Bdnf exon-IV and -VI can be visualized by co-expression of CFP and YFP. CFP and YFP expression was differentially activated and targeted in cell lines, primary cultures and BLEV reporter mice without interfering with BDNF protein synthesis. CFP and YFP expression, moreover, overlapped with BDNF protein expression in defined hippocampal neuronal, glial and vascular locations in vivo. So far, activity-dependent BDNF cannot be explicitly monitored independent of basal BDNF levels. The BLEV reporter mouse therefore provides a new model, which can be used to test whether stimulus-induced activity-dependent changes in BDNF expression are instrumental for long-lasting plasticity modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Singer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marie Manthey
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rama Panford-Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucas Matt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hyun-Soon Geisler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eleonora Passeri
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Baj
- B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Graciano Leal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos B. Duarte
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ivan L. Salazar
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Philipp Eckert
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Rohbock
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jing Hu
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Strotmann
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Ruth
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Zimmermann
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Rüttiger
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Ott
- Transgenic Facility Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schimmang
- Instituto de Biologíay Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Marlies Knipper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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9
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Girardelli M, Loganes C, Pin A, Stacul E, Decleva E, Vozzi D, Baj G, De Giacomo C, Tommasini A, Bianco AM. Novel NOD2 Mutation in Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Phenotype. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2018; 24:1204-1212. [PMID: 29697845 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izy061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is a key intracellular protein of the innate immune system. NOD2 variants are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory phenotypes. We described the case of a baby with a very early-onset IBD who is characterized by a rare homozygous variant in NOD2, found through whole-exome sequencing, Its pathogenic effect was investigated through bioinformatics and functional studies. METHODS The microbicide activity of the patient's phagocytes was analyzed using Escherichia coli. HEK293 and Caco2 cell lines were transfected with wild-type and mutated NOD2 cDNA to evaluate the NF-kB activity and the protein distribution. The functionality of the NOD2 pathway was assessed through analysis of the expression of tumor nectrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on monocytes. The levels of various cytokines were quantified in the patient plasma by a multiplex suspension array. RESULTS A missense NOD2 mutation, c.G1277A; p.R426H in homozygosis, was found. The patient's microbicide activity was comparable to that observed in controls. HEK293 cells transfected with the mutated cDNA showed a 20-fold increase of NF-kB activation in basal condition. Moreover, Caco2 immunostaining revealed a different cytoplasmic distribution of the mutated protein compared with wild-type. A higher production of TNFα by monocytes and elevated levels of plasmatic cytokines and chemokines were evidenced in the patient. CONCLUSIONS This homozygous mutation is functionally relevant and shows a different NOD2 involvement in the IBD phenotype. In our patient, this mutation caused a gain of function typical of the Blau syndrome phenotype, manifesting, however, an IBD-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Girardelli
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic and Clinical Trials, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 'IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo,' Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudia Loganes
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic and Clinical Trials, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 'IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo,' Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Pin
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Eva Decleva
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Diego Vozzi
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic and Clinical Trials, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 'IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo,' Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Tommasini
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic and Clinical Trials, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 'IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo,' Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Monica Bianco
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic and Clinical Trials, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 'IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo,' Trieste, Italy
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10
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Durigutto P, Sblattero D, Biffi S, De Maso L, Garrovo C, Baj G, Colombo F, Fischetti F, Di Naro AF, Tedesco F, Macor P. Targeted Delivery of Neutralizing Anti-C5 Antibody to Renal Endothelium Prevents Complement-Dependent Tissue Damage. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1093. [PMID: 28932227 PMCID: PMC5592221 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement activation is largely implicated in the pathogenesis of several clinical conditions and its therapeutic neutralization has proven effective in preventing tissue and organ damage. A problem that still needs to be solved in the therapeutic control of complement-mediated diseases is how to avoid side effects associated with chronic neutralization of the complement system, in particular, the increased risk of infections. We addressed this issue developing a strategy based on the preferential delivery of a C5 complement inhibitor to the organ involved in the pathologic process. To this end, we generated Ergidina, a neutralizing recombinant anti-C5 human antibody coupled with a cyclic-RGD peptide, with a distinctive homing property for ischemic endothelial cells and effective in controlling tissue damage in a rat model of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). As a result of its preferential localization on renal endothelium, the molecule induced complete inhibition of complement activation at tissue level, and local protection from complement-mediated tissue damage without affecting circulating C5. The ex vivo binding of Ergidina to surgically removed kidney exposed to cold ischemia supports its therapeutic use to prevent posttransplant IRI leading to delay of graft function. Moreover, the finding that the ex vivo binding of Ergidina was not restricted to the kidney, but was also seen on ischemic heart, suggests that this RGD-targeted anti-C5 antibody may represent a useful tool to treat organs prior to transplantation. Based on this evidence, we propose preliminary data showing that Ergidina is a novel targeted drug to prevent complement activation on the endothelium of ischemic kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Durigutto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca De Maso
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Garrovo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Colombo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Fischetti
- Dipartimento Universitario Clinico di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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11
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Polacchini A, Albani C, Baj G, Colliva A, Carpinelli P, Tongiorgi E. Combined cisplatin and aurora inhibitor treatment increase neuroblastoma cell death but surviving cells overproduce BDNF. Biol Open 2016; 5:899-907. [PMID: 27256407 PMCID: PMC4958269 DOI: 10.1242/bio.016725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistance to chemotherapics in aggressive neuroblastoma (NB) is characterized by enhanced cell survival mediated by TrkB and its ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); thus reduction in BDNF levels represent a promising strategy to overcome drug-resistance, but how chemotherapics regulate BDNF is unknown. Here, cisplatin treatment in SK-N-BE neuroblastoma upregulated multiple BDNF transcripts, except exons 5 and 8 variants. Cisplatin increased BDNF mRNA and protein, and enhanced translation of a firefly reporter gene flanked by BDNF 5′UTR exons 1, 2c, 4 or 6 and 3′UTR-long. To block BDNF translation we focused on aurora kinases inhibitors which are proposed as new chemotherapeutics. NB cell survival after 24 h treatment was 43% with cisplatin, and 22% by cisplatin+aurora kinase inhibitor PHA-680632, while the aurora kinases inhibitor alone was less effective; however the combined treatment induced a paradoxical increase of BDNF in surviving cells with strong translational activation of exon6-3′UTR-long transcript, while translation of BDNF transcripts 1, 2C and 4 was suppressed. In conclusion, combined cisplatin and aurora kinase inhibitor treatment increases cell death, but induces BDNF overproduction in surviving cells through an aurora kinase-independent mechanism. Summary: Cisplatin increases endogenous BDNF in MYCN-expanded neuroblastoma cells. Additional treatment with aurora kinase inhibitor PHA-680632 increases cell death but surviving cells overproduce BDNF, mainly by increased translation of exon 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Polacchini
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Clara Albani
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences, Trieste 34127, Italy Nerviano Medical Sciences, Nerviano, Milano 20014, Italy Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Andrea Colliva
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences, Trieste 34127, Italy
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12
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Scaggiante B, Farra R, Dapas B, Baj G, Pozzato G, Grassi M, Zanconati F, Grassi G. Aptamer targeting of the elongation factor 1A impairs hepatocarcinoma cells viability and potentiates bortezomib and idarubicin effects. Int J Pharm 2016; 506:268-79. [PMID: 27094354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The high morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mostly due to the limited efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. Here we explore the anti-HCC potential of an aptamer targeting the elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), a protein implicated in the promotion of HCC. As delivery methods, we have compared the effectiveness of cationic liposome and cholesterol-mediated approaches. A75 nucleotide long aptamer containing GT repetition (GT75) was tested in three HCC cell lines, HepG2, HuH7 and JHH6. When delivered by liposomes, GT75 was able to effectively reducing HCC cells viability in a dose and time dependent fashion. Particular sensitive were JHH6 where increased apoptosis with no effects on cell cycle were observed. GT75 effect was likely due to the interference with eEF1A activity as neither the mRNA nor the protein levels were significantly affected. Notably, cholesterol-mediated delivery of GT75 abrogated its efficacy due to cellular mis-localization as proven by fluorescence and confocal microscopic analysis. Finally, liposome-mediated delivery of GT75 improved the therapeutic index of the anticancer drugs bortezomib and idarubicin. In conclusion, liposome but not cholesterol-mediated delivery of GT75 resulted in an effective delivery of GT75, causing the impairment of the vitality of a panel of HCC derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosella Farra
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Technology, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Technology, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
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13
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Baj G, Pinhero V, Vaghi V, Tongiorgi E. Signaling pathways controlling activity-dependent local translation of BDNF and their localization in dendritic arbors. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:2852-64. [PMID: 27270670 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.177626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is encoded by multiple mRNA variants whose differential subcellular distribution constitutes a 'spatial code' for local translation of BDNF and selective morphological remodeling of dendrites. Here, we investigated where BDNF translation takes place and what are the signaling pathways involved. Cultured hippocampal neurons treated with KCl showed increased BDNF in the soma, proximal and distal dendrites, even in quaternary branches. This activity-dependent increase of BDNF was abolished by cycloheximide, suggesting local translation, and required activation of glutamate and Trk receptors. Our data showed that BDNF translation was regulated by multiple signaling cascades including RAS-Erk and mTOR pathways, and CaMKII-CPEB1, Aurora-A-CPEB1 and Src-ZBP1 pathways. Aurora-A, CPEB1, ZBP1 (also known as IGF2BP1), eiF4E, S6 (also known as rpS6) were present throughout the dendritic arbor. Neuronal activity increased the levels of Aurora-A, CPEB1 and ZBP1 in distal dendrites whereas those of eiF4E and S6 were unaffected. BDNF-6, the main dendritic BDNF transcript, was translated in the same subcellular domains and in response to the same pathways as total BDNF. In conclusion, we identified the signaling cascades controlling BDNF translation and we describe how the translational machinery localization is modulated in response to electrical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Vera Pinhero
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Valentina Vaghi
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
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14
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Zunino G, Messina A, Sgadò P, Baj G, Casarosa S, Bozzi Y. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is altered in the forebrain of Engrailed-2 knockout mice. Neuroscience 2016; 324:252-61. [PMID: 26987954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Engrailed-2 (En2), a homeodomain transcription factor involved in regionalization and patterning of the midbrain and hindbrain regions has been associated to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). En2 knockout (En2(-/-)) mice show ASD-like features accompanied by a significant loss of GABAergic subpopulations in the hippocampus and neocortex. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial factor for the postnatal development of forebrain GABAergic neurons, and altered GABA signaling has been hypothesized to underlie the symptoms of ASD. Here we sought to determine whether interneuron loss in the En2(-/-) forebrain might be related to altered expression of BDNF and its signaling receptors. We first evaluated the expression of different BDNF mRNA isoforms in the neocortex and hippocampus of wild-type (WT) and En2(-/-) mice. Quantitative RT-PCR showed a marked down-regulation of several splicing variants of BDNF mRNA in the neocortex but not hippocampus of adult En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT controls. Accordingly, levels of mature BDNF protein were lower in the neocortex but not hippocampus of En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT. Increased levels of phosphorylated TrkB and decreased levels of p75 receptor were also detected in the neocortex of mutant mice. Accordingly, the expression of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and RhoA, two genes regulated via p75 was significantly altered in forebrain areas of mutant mice. These data indicate that BDNF signaling alterations might be involved in the anatomical changes observed in the En2(-/-) forebrain and suggest a pathogenic role of altered BDNF signaling in this mouse model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zunino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - A Messina
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - P Sgadò
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - G Baj
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - S Casarosa
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Y Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Pisa, Italy.
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15
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Chiaruttini G, Piperno GM, Jouve M, De Nardi F, Larghi P, Peden AA, Baj G, Müller S, Valitutti S, Galli T, Benvenuti F. The SNARE VAMP7 Regulates Exocytic Trafficking of Interleukin-12 in Dendritic Cells. Cell Rep 2016; 14:2624-36. [PMID: 26972013 PMCID: PMC4806224 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12), produced by dendritic cells in response to activation, is central to pathogen eradication and tumor rejection. The trafficking pathways controlling spatial distribution and intracellular transport of IL-12 vesicles to the cell surface are still unknown. Here, we show that intracellular IL-12 localizes in late endocytic vesicles marked by the SNARE VAMP7. Dendritic cells (DCs) from VAMP7-deficient mice are partially impaired in the multidirectional release of IL-12. Upon encounter with antigen-specific T cells, IL-12-containing vesicles rapidly redistribute at the immune synapse and release IL-12 in a process entirely dependent on VAMP7 expression. Consistently, acquisition of effector functions is reduced in T cells stimulated by VAMP7-null DCs. These results provide insights into IL-12 intracellular trafficking pathways and show that VAMP7-mediated release of IL-12 at the immune synapse is a mechanism to transmit innate signals to T cells. Intracellular trafficking of IL-12 in dendritic cells is mediated by the SNARE VAMP7 VAMP7 is required for optimal secretion of IL-12 in the extracellular space IL-12/VAMP7+ vesicles gather at the immune synapse VAMP7 controls synaptic release of IL-12 and IFN-γ production in T cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Chiaruttini
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia M Piperno
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mabel Jouve
- Génétique et Biologie du Développement, UMR 3215, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Francesca De Nardi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Larghi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi," via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew A Peden
- Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Life Sciences Department, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabina Müller
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1043, Toulouse 31300, France
| | - Salvatore Valitutti
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1043, Toulouse 31300, France
| | - Thierry Galli
- Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75013 Paris, France; Membrane Traffic in Neuronal and Epithelial Morphogenesis, INSERM ERL U950, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Federica Benvenuti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
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16
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Bittolo T, Raminelli CA, Deiana C, Baj G, Vaghi V, Ferrazzo S, Bernareggi A, Tongiorgi E. Pharmacological treatment with mirtazapine rescues cortical atrophy and respiratory deficits in MeCP2 null mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19796. [PMID: 26806603 PMCID: PMC4726391 DOI: 10.1038/srep19796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of MeCP2 (Methyl CpG binding protein 2) in Rett syndrome (RTT) causes brain weight decrease, shrinkage of the cortex with reduced dendritic arborization, behavioral abnormalities, seizures and cardio-respiratory complications. The observed monoamine neurotransmitters reduction in RTT suggested antidepressants as a possible therapy. We treated MeCP2-null mice from postnatal-day 28 for two weeks with desipramine, already tested in RTT, or mirtazapine, an antidepressant with limited side-effects, known to promote GABA release. Mirtazapine was more effective than desipramine in restoring somatosensory cortex thickness by fully rescuing pyramidal neurons dendritic arborization and spine density. Functionally, mirtazapine treatment normalized heart rate, breath rate, anxiety levels, and eliminated the hopping behavior observed in MeCP2-null mice, leading to improved phenotypic score. These morphological and functional effects of mirtazapine were accompanied by reestablishment of the GABAergic and glutamatergic receptor activity recorded in cortex and brainstem tissues. Thus, mirtazapine can represent a new potential pharmacological treatment for the Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Bittolo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlo Antonio Raminelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Deiana
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Vaghi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrazzo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bernareggi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5-34127 Trieste, Italy
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17
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Vicario A, Colliva A, Ratti A, Davidovic L, Baj G, Gricman Ł, Colombrita C, Pallavicini A, Jones KR, Bardoni B, Tongiorgi E. Dendritic targeting of short and long 3' UTR BDNF mRNA is regulated by BDNF or NT-3 and distinct sets of RNA-binding proteins. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:62. [PMID: 26578876 PMCID: PMC4624863 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorting of mRNAs in neuronal dendrites relies upon inducible transport mechanisms whose molecular bases are poorly understood. We investigated here the mechanism of inducible dendritic targeting of rat brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs as a paradigmatic example. BDNF encodes multiple mRNAs with either short or long 3' UTR, both hypothesized to harbor inducible dendritic targeting signals. However, the mechanisms of sorting of the two 3' UTR isoforms are controversial. We found that dendritic localization of BDNF mRNAs with short 3' UTR was induced by depolarization and NT3 in vitro or by seizures in vivo and required CPEB-1, -2 and ELAV-2, -4. Dendritic targeting of long 3' UTR was induced by activity or BDNF and required CPEB-1 and the relief of soma-retention signals mediated by ELAV-1, -3, -4, and FXR proteins. Thus, long and short 3' UTRs, by using different sets of RNA-binding proteins provide a mechanism of selective targeting in response to different stimuli which may underlay distinct roles of BDNF variants in neuronal development and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Vicario
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Colliva
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Laboratory of Neuroscience - IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milano, Italy ; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari Center", Università degli Studi di Milano Milano, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Łukasz Gricman
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudia Colombrita
- Laboratory of Neuroscience - IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milano, Italy ; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari Center", Università degli Studi di Milano Milano, Italy
| | | | - Kevin R Jones
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder CO, USA
| | | | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
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18
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Carlino D, Francavilla R, Baj G, Kulak K, d'Adamo P, Ulivi S, Cappellani S, Gasparini P, Tongiorgi E. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels in genetically isolated populations: gender-specific association with anxiety disorder subtypes but not with anxiety levels or Val66Met polymorphism. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1252. [PMID: 26539329 PMCID: PMC4631459 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) are disabling chronic disorders with exaggerated behavioral response to threats. This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that ADs may be associated with reduced neurotrophic activity, particularly of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and determining possible effects of genetics on serum BDNF concentrations. In 672 adult subjects from six isolated villages in North-Eastern Italy with high inbreeding, we determined serum BDNF levels and identified subjects with different ADs subtypes such as Social and Specific Phobias (PHSOC, PHSP), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Panic Disorder (PAD). Analysis of the population as a whole or individual village showed no significant correlation between serum BDNF levels and Val66Met polymorphism and no association with anxiety levels. Stratification of subjects highlighted a significant decrease in serum BDNF in females with GAD and males with PHSP. This study indicates low heritability and absence of any impact of the Val66Met polymorphism on circulating concentrations of BDNF. Our results show that BDNF is not a general biomarker of anxiety but serum BDNF levels correlate in a gender-specific manner with ADs subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Carlino
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Karolina Kulak
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Pio d'Adamo
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Sheila Ulivi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo" , Trieste , Italy
| | - Stefania Cappellani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo" , Trieste , Italy
| | - Paolo Gasparini
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy ; Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo" , Trieste , Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
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Mallei A, Baj G, Ieraci A, Corna S, Musazzi L, Lee FS, Tongiorgi E, Popoli M. Expression and Dendritic Trafficking of BDNF-6 Splice Variant are Impaired in Knock-In Mice Carrying Human BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv069. [PMID: 26108221 PMCID: PMC4675980 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human Val66Met polymorphism in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key factor in neuroplasticity, synaptic function, and cognition, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. BDNF is encoded by multiple transcripts with distinct regulation and localization, but the impact of the Val66Met polymorphism on BDNF regulation remains unclear. METHODS In BDNF Val66Met knock-in mice, which recapitulate the phenotypic hallmarks of individuals carrying the BDNF(Met) allele, we measured expression levels, epigenetic changes at promoters, and dendritic trafficking of distinct BDNF transcripts using quantitative PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and in situ hybridization. RESULTS BDNF-4 and BDNF-6 transcripts were reduced in BDNF(Met/Met) mice, compared with BDNF(Val/Val) mice. ChIP for acetyl-histone H3, a marker of active gene transcription, and trimethyl-histone-H3-Lys27 (H3K27me3), a marker of gene repression, showed higher H3K27me3 binding to exon 5, 6, and 8 promoters in BDNF(Met/Met). The H3K27 methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is involved in epigenetic regulation of BDNF expression, because in neuroblastoma cells BDNF expression was increased both by short interference RNA for EZH2 and incubation with 3-deazaneplanocin A, an inhibitor of EZH2. In situ hybridization for BDNF-2, BDNF-4, and BDNF-6 after pilocarpine treatment showed that BDNF-6 transcript was virtually absent from distal dendrites of the CA1 and CA3 regions in BDNF(Met/Met) mice, while no changes were found for BDNF-2 and BDNF-4. CONCLUSIONS Impaired BDNF expression and dendritic targeting in BDNF(Met/Met) mice may contribute to reduced regulated secretion of BDNF at synapses, and may be a specific correlate of pathology in individuals carrying the Met allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mallei
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics - Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (Drs Mallei, Ieraci, Corna, Musazzi, and Popoli); Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (Drs Baj and Tongiorgi); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College Cornell University, New York, NY (Dr Lee).
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20
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Vaghi V, Polacchini A, Baj G, Pinheiro VLM, Vicario A, Tongiorgi E. Pharmacological profile of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) splice variant translation using a novel drug screening assay: a "quantitative code". J Biol Chem 2014; 289:27702-13. [PMID: 25074925 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.586719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. BDNF is a major pharmaceutical target in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. However, pharmacological modulation of this neurotrophin is challenging because BDNF is generated by multiple, alternatively spliced transcripts with different 5'- and 3'UTRs. Each BDNF mRNA variant is transcribed independently, but translation regulation is unknown. To evaluate the translatability of BDNF transcripts, we developed an in vitro luciferase assay in human neuroblastoma cells. In unstimulated cells, each BDNF 5'- and 3'UTR determined a different basal translation level of the luciferase reporter gene. However, constructs with either a 5'UTR or a 3'UTR alone showed poor translation modulation by BDNF, KCl, dihydroxyphenylglycine, AMPA, NMDA, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, or serotonin. Constructs consisting of the luciferase reporter gene flanked by the 5'UTR of one of the most abundant BDNF transcripts in the brain (exons 1, 2c, 4, and 6) and the long 3'UTR responded selectively to stimulation with the different receptor agonists, and only transcripts 2c and 6 were increased by the antidepressants desipramine and mirtazapine. We propose that BDNF mRNA variants represent "a quantitative code" for regulated expression of the protein. Thus, to discriminate the efficacy of drugs in stimulating BDNF synthesis, it is appropriate to use variant-specific in vitro screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vaghi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessio Polacchini
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vera L M Pinheiro
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Vicario
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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21
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Bortolussi G, Baj G, Vodret S, Viviani G, Bittolo T, Muro AF. Age-dependent pattern of cerebellar susceptibility to bilirubin neurotoxicity in vivo in mice. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:1057-68. [PMID: 25062689 PMCID: PMC4142726 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.016535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal jaundice is caused by high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. It is usually a temporary condition caused by delayed induction of UGT1A1, which conjugates bilirubin in the liver. To reduce bilirubin levels, affected babies are exposed to phototherapy (PT), which converts toxic bilirubin into water-soluble photoisomers that are readily excreted out. However, in some cases uncontrolled hyperbilirubinemia leads to neurotoxicity. To study the mechanisms of bilirubin-induced neurological damage (BIND) in vivo, we generated a mouse model lacking the Ugt1a1 protein and, consequently, mutant mice developed jaundice as early as 36 hours after birth. The mutation was transferred into two genetic backgrounds (C57BL/6 and FVB/NJ). We exposed mutant mice to PT for different periods and analyzed the resulting phenotypes from the molecular, histological and behavioral points of view. Severity of BIND was associated with genetic background, with 50% survival of C57BL/6‑Ugt1−/− mutant mice at postnatal day 5 (P5), and of FVB/NJ-Ugt1−/− mice at P11. Life-long exposure to PT prevented cerebellar architecture alterations and rescued neuronal damage in FVB/NJ-Ugt1−/− but not in C57BL/6-Ugt1−/− mice. Survival of FVB/NJ-Ugt1−/− mice was directly related to the extent of PT treatment. PT treatment of FVB/NJ-Ugt1−/− mice from P0 to P8 did not prevent bilirubin-induced reduction in dendritic arborization and spine density of Purkinje cells. Moreover, PT treatment from P8 to P20 did not rescue BIND accumulated up to P8. However, PT treatment administered in the time-window P0–P15 was sufficient to obtain full rescue of cerebellar damage and motor impairment in FVB/NJ-Ugt1−/− mice. The possibility to modulate the severity of the phenotype by PT makes FVB/NJ-Ugt1−/− mice an excellent and versatile model to study bilirubin neurotoxicity, the role of modifier genes, alternative therapies and cerebellar development during high bilirubin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Basic Research and Integrative Neuroscience (BRAIN) Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Viviani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tamara Bittolo
- Basic Research and Integrative Neuroscience (BRAIN) Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrés F Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy
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22
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Capolla S, Mezzaroba N, Nunez L, Biffi S, Baj G, Zorzet S, Granzotto M, Pozzatto G, Macor P. 834: Chemotherapeutic-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Eur J Cancer 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(14)50737-x] [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: 10/25/2022]
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23
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Baj G, Patrizio A, Montalbano A, Sciancalepore M, Tongiorgi E. Developmental and maintenance defects in Rett syndrome neurons identified by a new mouse staging system in vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:18. [PMID: 24550777 PMCID: PMC3914021 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with intellectual disability, mainly caused by loss-of-function mutations in the MECP2 gene. RTT brains display decreased neuronal size and dendritic arborization possibly caused by either a developmental failure or a deficit in the maintenance of dendritic arbor structure. To distinguish between these two hypotheses, the development of Mecp2-knockout mouse hippocampal neurons was analyzed in vitro. Since a staging system for the in vitro development of mouse neurons was lacking, mouse and rat hippocampal neurons development was compared between 1–15 days in vitro (DIV) leading to a 6-stage model for both species. Mecp2-knockout hippocampal neurons displayed reduced growth of dendritic branches from stage 4 (DIV4) onwards. At stages 5–6 (DIV9-15), synapse number was lowered in Mecp2-knockout neurons, suggesting increased synapse elimination. These results point to both a developmental and a maintenance setback affecting the final shape and function of neurons in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Angela Patrizio
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Montalbano
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Sciancalepore
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
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24
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Baj G, Carlino D, Gardossi L, Tongiorgi E. Toward a unified biological hypothesis for the BDNF Val66Met-associated memory deficits in humans: a model of impaired dendritic mRNA trafficking. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:188. [PMID: 24198753 PMCID: PMC3812868 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents promotesa key molecule for the survival and differentiation of specific populations of neurons in the central nervous system. BDNF also regulates plasticity-related processes underlying memory and learning. A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6265 has been identified on the coding sequence of human BDNF located at 11p13. The SNP rs6265 is a single base mutation with an adenine instead of a guanine at position 196 (G196A), resulting in the amino acid substitution Val66Met. This polymorphism only exists in humans and has been associated with a plethora of effects ranging from molecular, cellular and brain structural modifications in association with deficits in social and cognitive functions. To date, the literature on Val66Met polymorphism describes a complex and often conflicting pattern of effects. In this review, we attempt to provide a unifying model of the Val66Met effects. We discuss the clinical evidence of the association between Val66Met and memory deficits, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved including the reduced transport of BDNF mRNA to the dendrites as well as the reduced processing and secretion of BDNF protein through the regulated secretory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, Brain Centre for Neurosciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
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25
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Mezzaroba N, Zorzet S, Secco E, Biffi S, Tripodo C, Calvaruso M, Mendoza-Maldonado R, Capolla S, Granzotto M, Spretz R, Larsen G, Noriega S, Lucafò M, Mansilla E, Garrovo C, Marín GH, Baj G, Gattei V, Pozzato G, Núñez L, Macor P. New potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of B-Cell malignancies using chlorambucil/hydroxychloroquine-loaded anti-CD20 nanoparticles. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74216. [PMID: 24098639 PMCID: PMC3787049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Current B-cell disorder treatments take advantage of dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens and immunotherapy via use of monoclonal antibodies. Unfortunately, they may lead to insufficient tumor distribution of therapeutic agents, and often cause adverse effects on patients. In this contribution, we propose a novel therapeutic approach in which relatively high doses of Hydroxychloroquine and Chlorambucil were loaded into biodegradable nanoparticles coated with an anti-CD20 antibody. We demonstrate their ability to effectively target and internalize in tumor B-cells. Moreover, these nanoparticles were able to kill not only p53 mutated/deleted lymphoma cell lines expressing a low amount of CD20, but also circulating primary cells purified from chronic lymphocitic leukemia patients. Their safety was demonstrated in healthy mice, and their therapeutic effects in a new model of Burkitt's lymphoma. The latter serves as a prototype of an aggressive lympho-proliferative disease. In vitro and in vivo data showed the ability of anti-CD20 nanoparticles loaded with Hydroxychloroquine and Chlorambucil to increase tumor cell killing in comparison to free cytotoxic agents or Rituximab. These results shed light on the potential of anti-CD20 nanoparticles carrying Hydroxychloroquine and Chlorambucil for controlling a disseminated model of aggressive lymphoma, and lend credence to the idea of adopting this therapeutic approach for the treatment of B-cell disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Mezzaroba
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sonia Zorzet
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Erika Secco
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health – IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ramiro Mendoza-Maldonado
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Capolla
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marilena Granzotto
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health – IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ruben Spretz
- LNK Chemsolutions LLC, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Larsen
- LNK Chemsolutions LLC, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- Bio-Target, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sandra Noriega
- LNK Chemsolutions LLC, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Marianna Lucafò
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eduardo Mansilla
- Centro Único Coordinador de Ablación e Implante Provincia de Buenos Aires, Ministry of Health, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Chiara Garrovo
- Optical Imaging Laboratory, Cluster in BioMedicine, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gustavo H. Marín
- Centro Único Coordinador de Ablación e Implante Provincia de Buenos Aires, Ministry of Health, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Dipartimento Universitario Clinico di Scienze mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luis Núñez
- Bio-Target, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Paolo Macor
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- * E-mail:
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26
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Montalbano A, Baj G, Papadia D, Tongiorgi E, Sciancalepore M. Blockade of BDNF signaling turns chemically-induced long-term potentiation into long-term depression. Hippocampus 2013; 23:879-89. [PMID: 23674394 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is accompanied by increased spine density and dimensions triggered by signaling cascades involving activation of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytoskeleton remodeling. Chemically-induced long-term potentiation (c-LTP) is a widely used cellular model of plasticity, whose effects on spines have been poorly investigated. We induced c-LTP by bath-application of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) coagonist glycine or by the K(+) channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) chloride in cultured hippocampal neurons and compared the changes in dendritic spines induced by the two models of c-LTP and determined if they depend on BDNF/TrkB signaling. We found that both TEA and glycine induced a significant increase in stubby spine density in primary and secondary apical dendrites, whereas a specific increase in mushroom spine density was observed upon TEA application only in primary dendrites. Both TEA and glycine increased BDNF levels and the blockade of tropomyosin-receptor-kinase receptors (TrkRs) by the nonselective tyrosine kinase inhibitor K-252a or the selective allosteric TrkB receptor (TrkBR) inhibitor ANA-12, abolished the c-LTP-induced increase in spine density. Surprisingly, a blockade of TrkBRs did not change basal spontaneous glutamatergic transmission but completely changed the synaptic plasticity induced by c-LTP, provoking a shift from a long-term increase to a long-term depression (LTD) in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency. In conclusion, these results suggest that BDNF/TrkB signaling is necessary for c-LTP-induced plasticity in hippocampal neurons and its blockade leads to a switch of c-LTP into chemical-LTD (c-LTD).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Montalbano
- Department of Life Sciences and B.R.A.I.N., Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Baj G, Del Turco D, Schlaudraff J, Torelli L, Deller T, Tongiorgi E. Regulation of the spatial code for BDNF mRNA isoforms in the rat hippocampus following pilocarpine-treatment: A systematic analysis using laser microdissection and quantitative real-time PCR. Hippocampus 2013; 23:413-23. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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28
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Tongiorgi E, Sartori A, Baj G, Bratina A, Di Cola F, Zorzon M, Pizzolato G. Altered serum content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor isoforms in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2012; 320:161-5. [PMID: 22836016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) provides neuroprotection, but can also promote disease through the maintenance of autoreactive T cells. One aspect that has not been explored yet in MS is related to the opposite functions of BDNF protein isoforms consisting of the pro-BDNF precursor, which has pro-apoptotic effects, and two proteolytic isoforms, the mature BDNF with pro-survival effects and truncated BDNF, with unknown functions. Using ELISA and semi-quantitative Western-blot we determined the relative serum levels of BDNF isoforms in 20 relapsing-remitting MS patients without any disease modifying therapy and 20 age and gender-matched healthy controls and searched for clinical correlates. Total serum BDNF was lower in MS than in HC. We demonstrate that the capture and detection antibodies of the ELISA kit from Promega are able to recognize all three isoforms but with different efficiency. Using Western-blot analysis, we show that the percentage of serum mature BDNF and pro-BDNF with respect to total serum BDNF was significantly decreased, while truncated BDNF was increased. No correlation between BDNF isoform percentage and clinical or demographic features was found. Serum Fas (sFas) was increased. These results support and expand the current hypothesis on the role of BDNF in multiple sclerosis, in that low pro-BDNF and high sFas might result in a failure to limit autoreactive T cells by apoptotic deletion and decreased mature BDNF may not provide enough neuroprotection, while truncated BDNF percent increase could be a compensatory mechanism. Hence, future studies on MS should take into account BDNF proteolytic processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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29
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Baj G, D'Alessandro V, Musazzi L, Mallei A, Sartori CR, Sciancalepore M, Tardito D, Langone F, Popoli M, Tongiorgi E. Physical exercise and antidepressants enhance BDNF targeting in hippocampal CA3 dendrites: further evidence of a spatial code for BDNF splice variants. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1600-11. [PMID: 22318196 PMCID: PMC3358751 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is encoded by multiple BDNF transcripts, whose function is unclear. We recently showed that a subset of BDNF transcripts can traffic into distal dendrites in response to electrical activity, while others are segregated into the somatoproximal domains. Physical exercise and antidepressant treatments exert their beneficial effects through upregulation of BDNF, which is required to support survival and differentiation of newborn dentate gyrus (DG) neurons. While these DG processes are required for the antidepressant effect, a role for CA1 in antidepressant action has been excluded, and the effect on CA3 neurons remains unclear. Here, we show for the first time that physical exercise and antidepressants induce local increase of BDNF in CA3. Voluntary physical exercise for 28 consecutive days, or 2-week treatment with 10 mg/kg per day fluoxetine or reboxetine, produced a global increase of BDNF mRNA and protein in the neuronal somata of the whole hippocampus and a specific increase of BDNF in dendrites of CA3 neurons. This increase was accounted for by BDNF exon 6 variant. In cultured hippocampal neurons, application of serotonin or norepinephrine (10-50 μM) induced increase in synaptic transmission and targeting of BDNF mRNA in dendrites. The increased expression of BDNF in CA3 dendrites following antidepressants or exercise further supports the neurotrophin hypothesis of antidepressants action and confirms that the differential subcellular localization of BDNF mRNA splice variants provides a spatial code for a selective expression of BDNF in specific subcellular districts. This selective expression may be exploited to design more specific antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina D'Alessandro
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- Center of Neuropharmacology—Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mallei
- Center of Neuropharmacology—Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Cesar R Sartori
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marina Sciancalepore
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniela Tardito
- Center of Neuropharmacology—Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Langone
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Center of Neuropharmacology—Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy,Department of Life Sciences, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri, 5, Building Q, Trieste 34127, Italy, Tel: +39 040 558 8724, Fax: +39 040 558 2425, E-mail:
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Bortolussi G, Zentilin L, Baj G, Giraudi P, Bellarosa C, Giacca M, Tiribelli C, Muro AF. Rescue of bilirubin-induced neonatal lethality in a mouse model of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I by AAV9-mediated gene transfer. FASEB J 2011; 26:1052-63. [PMID: 22094718 PMCID: PMC3370676 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-195461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Crigler-Najjar type I (CNI) syndrome is a recessively inherited disorder characterized by severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by uridine diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) deficiency. The disease is lethal due to bilirubin-induced neurological damage unless phototherapy is applied from birth. However, treatment becomes less effective during growth, and liver transplantation is required. To investigate the pathophysiology of the disease and therapeutic approaches in mice, we generated a mouse model by introducing a premature stop codon in the UGT1a1 gene, which results in an inactive enzyme. Homozygous mutant mice developed severe jaundice soon after birth and died within 11 d, showing significant cerebellar alterations. To rescue neonatal lethality, newborns were injected with a single dose of adeno-associated viral vector 9 (AAV9) expressing the human UGT1A1. Gene therapy treatment completely rescued all AAV-treated mutant mice, accompanied by lower plasma bilirubin levels and normal brain histology and motor coordination. Our mouse model of CNI reproduces genetic and phenotypic features of the human disease. We have shown, for the first time, the full recovery of the lethal effects of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We believe that, besides gene-addition-based therapies, our mice could represent a very useful model to develop and test novel technologies based on gene correction by homologous recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
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Carlino D, Leone E, Di Cola F, Baj G, Marin R, Dinelli G, Tongiorgi E, De Vanna M. Low serum truncated-BDNF isoform correlates with higher cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2011; 45:273-9. [PMID: 20630543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2009] [Revised: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor in learning and memory. Altered BDNF-signalling is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SZ) especially in relation to cognitive deficits. However, analysis of serum BDNF as a potential biomarker in schizophrenia has provided controversial data. We hypothesized that these confounding results might be due to a differential regulation of BDNF precursor pro-BDNF (32 KDa) and proteolytic products mature (mat-BDNF; 14 KDa), and truncated-BDNF (28 KDa). Accordingly, we investigated the serum abundance of these BDNF isoforms and its relationship with cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia was diagnosed with PANSS test. Abbreviated cognitive assessment included tests for attention, perceptual-motor skills, processing speed and memory. Using an ELISA assay, we found a slight reduction in serum BDNF levels in SZ patients (n = 40) with respect to healthy controls (HC, n = 40; p = 0.018). Western-blot analysis revealed increased serum pro-BDNF and mat-BDNF and reduced truncated-BDNF (p < 0.001) in SZ with respect to HC. Patients with an increase in pro-BDNF (n = 15/40) or mat-BDNF (n = 9/40) higher than the HC mean + 2 Standard Deviations (SD) also had >2SD reduction of truncated-BDNF (n = 27/40). Reduced truncated-BDNF correlated significantly with higher positive and lower negative PANNS scores and a worst performance in all cognitive assays but not with antipsychotic type. Measurement of serum truncated-BDNF abundance predicted for high cognitive deficits with sensitivity = 67.5%, specificity = 97.5%, Negative Predictive Value = 75% and Positive Predictive Value = 96.4%. These results suggest deficiency in pro-BDNF processing as a possible biological mechanism underlying schizophrenia with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Carlino
- Dipartimento Clinico di Scienze Mediche, Tecnologiche e Traslazionali, Unita' Clinica Operativa di Clinica Psichiatrica, University of Trieste, Italy
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D'Este E, Baj G, Beuzer P, Ferrari E, Pinato G, Tongiorgi E, Cojoc D. Use of optical tweezers technology for long-term, focal stimulation of specific subcellular neuronal compartments. Integr Biol (Camb) 2011; 3:568-77. [DOI: 10.1039/c0ib00102c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ma B, Culver BP, Baj G, Tongiorgi E, Chao MV, Tanese N. Localization of BDNF mRNA with the Huntington's disease protein in rat brain. Mol Neurodegener 2010; 5:22. [PMID: 20507609 PMCID: PMC2889995 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-5-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have implicated reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease. Mutant huntingtin (Htt) protein was previously reported to decrease BDNF gene transcription and axonal transport of BDNF. We recently showed that wild-type Htt is associated with the Argonaute 2 microRNA-processing enzyme involved in gene silencing. In dendrites, Htt co-localizes with components of neuronal granules and mRNAs, indicating that it might play a role in post-transcriptional processing/transport of dendritic mRNAs. Results We conducted imaging experiments in cultured cortical neurons to demonstrate the co-localization of endogenous Htt and BDNF mRNA in fixed cells, and co-trafficking of BDNF 3'UTR mRNA with endogenous and fluorescently tagged Htt in live neurons. We used an enhanced technique that combines FISH and immunofluorescent staining to co-localize BDNF mRNA with Htt, Ago2, CPEB and dynein in thick vibratome sections of the rat cortex. Conclusions In cultured neurons and sections of the rat cortex, we found BDNF mRNA associated with Htt and components of neuronal RNA granules, which are centers for regulating RNA transport and local translation. Htt may play a role in post-transcriptional transport/targeting of mRNA for BDNF, thus contributing to neurotrophic support and neuron survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Tognoli C, Rossi F, Di Cola F, Baj G, Tongiorgi E, Terova G, Saroglia M, Bernardini G, Gornati R. Acute stress alters transcript expression pattern and reduces processing of proBDNF to mature BDNF in Dicentrarchus labrax. BMC Neurosci 2010; 11:4. [PMID: 20074340 PMCID: PMC2829032 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-11-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress involves alterations of brain functioning that may precipitate to mood disorders. The neurotrophin Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has recently been involved in stress-induced adaptation. BDNF is a key regulator of neuronal plasticity and adaptive processes. Regulation of BDNF is complex and may reflect not only stress-specific mechanisms but also hormonal and emotional responses. For this reason we used, as an animal model of stress, a fish whose brain organization is very similar to that of higher vertebrates, but is generally considered free of emotional reactions. RESULTS We provide a comprehensive characterization of BDNF gene in the Dicentrarchus labrax and its transcriptional, translational and post-translational regulation following acute stress. While total BDNF mRNA levels are unchanged, BDNF transcripts 1c and 1d resulted down regulated after acute stress. Acute stress induces also a significant increase in proBDNF levels and reduction in mature BDNF suggesting altered regulation of proBDNF proteolytic processing. Notably, we provide here the first evidence that fishes possess a simplified proteolytic regulation of BDNF since the pro28Kda form, generated by the SKI-1 protease in mammals, is absent in fishes because the cleavage site has first emerged in reptilians. Finally, we show that the proBDNF/totBDNF ratio is a highly predictive novel quantitative biomarker to detect stress in fishes with sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 87%, and Negative Predictive Value = 100%. CONCLUSION The high predictivity of proBDNF/totBDNF ratio for stress in lower vertebrates indicates that processing of BDNF is a central mechanism in adaptation to stress and predicts that a similar regulation of pro/mature BDNF has likely been conserved throughout evolution of vertebrates from fish to man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tognoli
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Science, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Baj G, Tongiorgi E. BDNF splice variants from the second promoter cluster support cell survival of differentiated neuroblastoma upon cytotoxic stress. J Cell Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.03506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
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Baj G, Tongiorgi E. BDNF splice variants from the second promoter cluster support cell survival of differentiated neuroblastoma upon cytotoxic stress. J Cell Sci 2009; 122:36-43. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.033316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key survival factor for neural cells. In particular, in neuroblastoma tumour cells, expression of the BDNF/TrkB autocrine signalling system promotes a more malignant phenotype and resistance to chemotherapy. The human BDNF gene contains two clusters of upstream exons encoding the 5′UTR (exon 1 to exon 3 and exon 4 to exon 9a), these are alternatively spliced to a common exon 9, which contains the coding region and the 3′UTR. At least 34 different BDNF mRNA transcripts can be generated, although their physiological role is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine which BDNF transcript is involved in cell survival of the human neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY-5Y (single-copy MYCN) and SK-N-BE (amplified MYCN). Expression of human BDNF mRNAs encoding all possible isoforms was characterised in the two neuroblastoma cell lines. We then investigated whether selective silencing of the different BDNF mRNAs using specific siRNAs could reduce cell survival in response to serum deprivation or the anticancer drugs cisplatin, doxorubicin and etoposide. We found that three isoforms located in the second exon cluster are essential for neuroblastoma cell survival under cytotoxic stress. Notably, promoters of the second exon cluster, but not the first, are controlled by Ca2+-sensitive elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- University of Trieste, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- University of Trieste, BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Abstract
Long-lasting changes in the basis of memory storage require delivery of newly synthesized proteins to the affected synapses. While most of these proteins are generated in the cell body, several key molecules for plasticity can be delivered in the form of silent mRNAs at synapses in extra-somatic compartments where they are locally translated in response to specific stimuli. One such mRNA encodes brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule in neuronal development that plays a critical role in learning and memory, and which displays abnormal levels in several neuropsychiatric disorders. BDNF mRNA accumulates in distal dendrites in response to stimuli that trigger activation of NMDAR and TrkB receptors. A single BDNF protein is produced from several splice variants having different 5'UTRs. We have shown that these mRNA variants have a different subcellular localization (soma, proximal or distal dendritic compartment) and that the protein is co-localized with the transcript from which it originated. As these splice variants are also differentially expressed in response to various stimuli and antidepressants, we propose that they represent a spatial and temporal code to regulate BDNF protein expression locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Tongiorgi
- BRAIN Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri, 10-34127 Trieste, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Riso
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital of Novara, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy. e-mail:
| | - G. Baj
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital of Novara, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy. e-mail:
| | - F. D'Andrea
- Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital of Novara, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy. e-mail:
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Chiaruttini C, Sonego M, Baj G, Simonato M, Tongiorgi E. BDNF mRNA splice variants display activity-dependent targeting to distinct hippocampal laminae. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 37:11-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2007.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2007] [Revised: 08/06/2007] [Accepted: 08/16/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Abstract
Elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) have been reported in many high metastatic human breast cancers, but no relationship between exogenous PGE2 activity, expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and metastasis in human tumor cells has been reported. The poorly invasive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was cultured for 24h in the presence of both phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 50 nM) and PGE2 (1 microM) and the activity of MMP-9, one of the MMPs involved in metastasis, was measured, in growth medium by gelatin substrate zymography. TPA induced a strong production of MMP-9 while exogenous PGE2 had no effect on the basal MMP-9 level, but inhibited the TPA induced enzyme expression and matrigel invasiveness. We showed that MCF-7 cells expressed EP2, EP3 and EP4 receptors for PGE2 and that its action was probably mediated by EP4 receptor and adenylyl cyclase activation while cAMP dependent PKA was not involved in the process of inhibition of MMP-9 production. These findings suggest a possible inhibitory role for exogenous PGE2 in the metastatic process development.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Renò
- Human Anatomy Laboratory, Medical Sciences Department, University of Eastern Piedmont A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Vigone A, Tron GC, Surico D, Baj G, Appendino G, Surico N. Ingenol derivatives inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2005; 26:526-30. [PMID: 16285571] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We present an analysis of the antitumour effects of a library of ingenol derivatives synthesized in our laboratory and published elsewhere. Fluoro-ingenol (1), ingenol-20-deoxy-20-phtalimido (2), ingenol-3-benzoate-20-deoxy-20-benzamide (3), ingenol-3-benzoate (4), ingenol-3,5-dibenzoate (5), ingenol-3,20-dibenzoate (6), 20-deoxy-20-benylureidoingenol-3-benzoate (7), ingenol-20-deoxy-20-fluoro-3-benzoate (8), ingenol-20-deoxy-20-fluoro-3,5-dibenzoate (9), ingenol-20-phenylcarbamate (10), ingenol-20-benzoate (11), ingenol-3-benzoate-20-phenylcarbamate (12) were tested in vitro on two well characterized breast cancer cell (BCC) lines, namely T47D and MDA-MB-231, as representative of two opposite types of hormone-sensitiveness and differentiation stage. These experiments led us to identify ingenol-20-benzoate (11) as a promising antitumour compound characterized by a relevant inhibition of cell growth and apoptotic cell death involving a p53-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vigone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy
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Menzaghi C, Di Paola R, Baj G, Funaro A, Arnulfo A, Ercolino T, Surico N, Malavasi F, Trischitta V. Insulin modulates PC-1 processing and recruitment in cultured human cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2003; 284:E514-20. [PMID: 12441313 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00503.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated whether insulin signaling modulates plasma cell glycoprotein (PC-1) plasma membrane recruitment, posttranslational processing, and gene expression in human cultured cell lines. Insulin induced a fourfold increase (P < 0.01) of membrane PC-1 expression by rapid and sensitive mechanism(s). This effect was reduced (P < 0.05-0.01) by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (200 nmol/l wortmannin) and S6 kinase (50 nmol/l rapamycin) activities and intracellular trafficking (50 micromol/l monensin) and was not accompanied by PC-1 gene expression changes. Moreover, at Western blot, insulin elicited the appearance, in both plasma membrane and cytosol, of a PC-1-related 146-kDa band (in addition to bands of 163, 117, 106, and 97 kDa observed also in absence of insulin) that was sensitive to endoglycosidase H. Finally, inhibition of PC-1 translocation to plasma membrane, by wortmannin pretreatment, increases insulin-stimulated receptor autophosphorylation. Our data indicate that insulin stimulates PC-1 posttranslational processing and translocation to the plasma membrane, which in turn impairs insulin receptor signaling. Bidirectional cross talk between insulin and PC-1, therefore, takes place, which may be part of the hormone self-desensitization mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Menzaghi
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Genetics, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Torino Medical School, Italy.
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Mallone R, Ortolan E, Pinach S, Volante M, Zanone MM, Bruno G, Baj G, Lohmann T, Cavallo-Perin P, Malavasi F. Anti-CD38 autoantibodies: characterisation in new-onset type I diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult (LADA) and comparison with other islet autoantibodies. Diabetologia 2002; 45:1667-77. [PMID: 12488956 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-002-0940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2002] [Revised: 06/28/2002] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Serum anti-CD38 autoantibodies (aAbs) have been reported in 17 to 19% of patients with long-standing Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Whether these aAbs are also found in new-onset Type I diabetes and in Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is not known, as is their relationship with conventional islet aAbs. METHODS These issues were addressed by studying new-onset Type I and LADA diabetic cohorts with a recently developed anti-CD38 enzymatic immuno-assay. RESULTS Anti-CD38 aAb prevalence among new-onset Type I patients (3.8%) was lower than previously found in long-standing Type I diabetes (11.7%, as defined with the 97.5 percentile cutoff; p=0.01), suggesting a late appearance of these aAbs. Among LADA patients, 14.9% were anti-CD38(+). Anti-CD38 were only associated with anti-GAD aAbs in new-onset Type I diabetes. Although the CD38 target molecule was expressed in human pancreatic islets, anti-CD38 aAbs did not contribute to the islet cell antibody (ICA) immunofluorescence reactivity. All the positive sera analysed for Ca(2+) release were found to mobilise it. In agreement with these agonistic features, anti-CD38(+) new-onset Type I patients showed higher fasting C-peptide values as compared to negative counterparts; the association was stronger when the analysis was limited to the agonistic anti-CD38(+) sera. A similar trend was found among LADA patients. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION Anti-CD38 aAbs are distinct markers of islet autoimmunity which are more prevalent in long-standing disease, as opposed to the other known islet aAbs. Their in vitro agonistic properties could be operating in vivo as well, as they identify sub-groups of patients with higher residual beta-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mallone
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Torino, Italy.
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Antonelli A, Baj G, Marchetti P, Fallahi P, Surico N, Pupilli C, Malavasi F, Ferrannini E. Human anti-CD38 autoantibodies raise intracellular calcium and stimulate insulin release in human pancreatic islets. Diabetes 2001; 50:985-91. [PMID: 11334442 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.50.5.985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CD38 is involved in transmembrane signaling in many cell types; anti-CD38 autoantibodies have been described in diabetic patients. We tested whether human anti-CD38 antibodies possess signaling properties by measuring their ability to raise intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) using the fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester method in a human-derived T-cell line (Jurkat T-cells, expressing high levels of surface CD38) and in dispersed human islet cells from normal donors. In Jurkat T-cells, 11 of 19 anti-CD38-positive sera raised [Ca2+]i (by > or =20% of baseline), whereas no [Ca2+]i-mobilizing activity was found in 27 anti-CD38-negative sera (chi2 = 20.5, P < 0.0001). In dispersed human islet cells, 5 of 11 anti-CD38-positive sera (and none of three anti-CD38-negative sera) raised [Ca2+]i significantly. When preincubated with Staphylococcus aureus protein A to remove IgG, anti-CD38-positive sera showed a 70 +/- 5% reduction in [Ca2+]i-mobilizing activity. Preincubation with CD38-transfected NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, but not with mock-transfected NIH-3T3 cells, abolished [Ca2+]i mobilization. In blocking experiments, preincubation with nonagonistic anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies also prevented [Ca2+]i mobilization. In cultured human islets, anti-CD38-positive sera exhibiting [Ca2+]i-mobilizing activity in Jurkat T-cells (n = 6) significantly stimulated insulin release at 3.3 mmol/l glucose (median [interquartile range] 738 microU/ml [234], P = 0.0001 vs. 320 [52] microU/ml of control), whereas 6 anti-CD38-positive sera without [Ca2+]i-mobilizing activity and 10 anti-CD38-negative did not. In further incubations, the five anti-CD38-positive sera displaying [Ca2+]i-mobilizing activity in dispersed islet cells significantly stimulated insulin release at both 3.3 mmol/l glucose (2.2 +/- 0.3% of insulin islet content, P < 0.002 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.1% of control) and 16.7 mmol/l glucose (3.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.3%, P < 0.002). We conclude that human anti-CD38 autoantibodies with agonistic properties on the CD38 effector system occur in nature; in human islets, their [Ca2+]i-mobilizing activity is coupled with the ability to stimulate insulin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Antonelli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche Institute of Clinical Physiology and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
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Mallone R, Funaro A, Zubiaur M, Baj G, Ausiello CM, Tacchetti C, Sancho J, Grossi C, Malavasi F. Signaling through CD38 induces NK cell activation. Int Immunol 2001; 13:397-409. [PMID: 11282979 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/13.4.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human CD38 is a signal transduction molecule, and, concurrently, an ectoenzyme catalyzing the synthesis and degradation of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), a potent Ca2+ mobilizer. One facet of CD38 that has not yet been addressed is its role in NK cells. To this end, the events triggered by CD38 ligation with agonistic mAb were analyzed on freshly purified human NK cells. Ligation was followed by (i) a significant rise in the intracellular level of Ca2+, (ii) increased expression of HLA class II and CD25, and (iii) tyrosine phosphorylation of discrete cytoplasmic substrates. The phosphorylation cascade involved CD3-zeta and FcepsilonRIgamma chains, zeta-associated protein (ZAP)-70 and the proto-oncogene product c-Cbl. NK effector functions were then analyzed: CD38 signaling was able (iv) to induce release of IFN-gamma and, more prominently, of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, as assessed by measuring both mRNA and protein products; and, lastly, (v) to induce cytolytic effector functions on target cells after IL-2 activation, as shown both by cytotoxicity assays and ultrastructural changes. The tyrosine-phosphorylated substrates and all the effects mediated by CD38 were similar to those observed following triggering via CD16 (FcgammaRIIIA); moreover, Ca2+ mobilization via CD38 no longer operated in NK-derived cell lines lacking CD16. These results suggest that the activation signals transduced by CD38 in NK cells elicit relevant cellular events. The effects are similar to those elicited via CD16 and possibly rely on common signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mallone
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Genetics, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Mallone R, Ortolan E, Baj G, Funaro A, Giunti S, Lillaz E, Saccucci F, Cassader M, Cavallo-Perin P, Malavasi F. Autoantibody response to CD38 in Caucasian patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: immunological and genetic characterization. Diabetes 2001; 50:752-62. [PMID: 11289039 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.50.4.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Insulin secretion is one of the functions mediated by CD38, a nonlineage pleiotropic cell surface receptor. The molecule is the target of an autoimmune response, because serum autoantibodies (aAbs) to CD38 have been detected in diabetic patients. In the healthy Caucasian population, the CD38 gene is bi-allelic (86% CD38*B and 14% CD38*A), whereas an Arg140Trp mutation has been identified in Japanese diabetic patients. We investigated the relationship between CD38 and diabetes in Caucasian patients by characterizing anti-CD38 aAbs in terms of prevalence and function (agonistic/nonagonistic activity) and by exploring the potential influence of the CD38 genetic background. A novel enzymatic immunoassay, using recombinant soluble CD38 as the target antigen, was developed for the analysis of anti-CD38 aAb titers. Sera from 19.15% of type 1 and 16.67% of type 2 diabetic patients were positive. The majority of anti-CD38 aAbs (57.14%) displayed agonistic properties, i.e., they demonstrated the capability to trigger Ca2+ release in lymphocytic cell lines. In agreement with these functional features, the presence of anti-CD38 aAbs in type 2 diabetic patients was associated with significantly higher levels of fasting plasma C-peptide and insulin, as compared with anti-CD38-counterparts. No diabetic subject carrying the Arg140Trp mutation and no preferential association between diabetes or aAb status and the CD38*A allele was found in the study population. These results show the significance of anti-CD38 aAbs as a new diagnostic marker of beta-cell autoimmunity in diabetes. Moreover, the prevalent agonistic activity of these aAbs suggests that they could mediate relevant effects on target cells by means of Ca2+ mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mallone
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Torino, Italy
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48
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Baj G, Arnulfo A, Deaglio S, Mallone R, Vigone A, Rosa M, Giana M, Villa L, Malavasi F, Surico N. Retinoids in breast cancer prevention and treatment. A review of the literature. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2001; 21:411-5. [PMID: 11055498] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
During the last three decades, research focused on cancer treatment has led to the development of many cytotoxic agents. Despite the fact that these efforts have significantly improved the prognosis of certain malignancies such as some lymphomas, leukemias and testicular carcinomas, other tumors such as ovarian, lung and metastatic breast cancer are still associated with a poor prognosis. An innovative approach has recently emerged, thanks to a better understanding of tumor cell biology and many efforts are aimed at finding compounds capable of restoring a more differentiated phenotype to tumor cells, thereby reducing the tumor's aggressiveness and ultimately reverting it to its normal counterpart [1, 2]. Retinoids are the prototype of this new therapeutical approach called "differentiation therapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- G Baj
- Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont A. Avogadro Novara, Italy
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49
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Surico N, Ribaldone R, Arnulfo A, Baj G. Uterine malformations and pregnancy losses: is cervical cerclage effective? CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2001; 27:147-9. [PMID: 10968358] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
For many years, we and others have reported the efficacy of cervical cerclage in the prevention of miscarriage in patients with uterine malformations. In this paper the experience of 275 cases collected between 1978 and 1998 is reported. Our data indicate that cervical cerclage is effective in preventing miscarriages, prevalently in those pregnancies bearing uterine malformations with simultaneous cervical incompetence.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Surico
- Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont and Maggiore Hospital, Novara, Italy
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50
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Deaglio S, Mallone R, Baj G, Donati D, Giraudo G, Corno F, Bruzzone S, Geuna M, Ausiello C, Malavasi F. Human CD38 and its ligand CD31 define a unique lamina propria T lymphocyte signaling pathway. FASEB J 2001; 15:580-2. [PMID: 11259373 DOI: 10.1096/fj.00-0522fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
CD38, a nonlineage-restricted surface glycoprotein, is an ecto-enzyme (ADP ribosyl cyclase/cADPR hydrolase/EC 3.2.2.6) that regulates cytoplasmic Ca2+ and cell-cell interactions. The molecule also delivers trans-membrane signals, despite a structural ineptitude to the scope. To reconcile these issues in a unitarian model, we compared the effects of CD38 signaling in circulating and residential T lymphocytes, the latter represented by those colonizing the intestinal lamina propria. Results are as follows: 1) LP T cells express an enzymatically active form of CD38, characterized by a modified ratio between cyclase and hydrolase functions; 2) LP T cells do not mobilize Ca2+ upon CD38 ligation, as seen in PB T cells (this condition is due to a lack in activation of PLC- g, constantly observed in PB T lymphocytes); 3) The early steps of CD38 signaling involve activation of lck, syk, and LAT; 4) Late events include synthesis and release of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFN-g and GM-CSF; 5) The uniqueness of the CD38 pathway in LP T cells is not caused by impaired interactions with the CD31 ligand. The differences observed concern the signaling machinery that CD38 exploits for its own use and not the interplay with its ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Deaglio
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Genetics, First Surgical, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy
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