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Fard D, Barbiera A, Dobrowolny G, Tamagnone L, Scicchitano BM. Semaphorins: Missing Signals in Age-dependent Alteration of Neuromuscular Junctions and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration. Aging Dis 2024; 15:517-534. [PMID: 37728580 PMCID: PMC10917540 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is characterized by a remarkable capacity to rearrange after physiological changes and efficiently regenerate. However, during aging, extensive injury, or pathological conditions, the complete regenerative program is severely affected, with a progressive loss of muscle mass and function, a condition known as sarcopenia. The compromised tissue repair program is attributable to the gradual depletion of stem cells and to altered regulatory signals. Defective muscle regeneration can severely affect re-innervation by motor axons, and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) development, ultimately leading to skeletal muscle atrophy. Defects in NMJ formation and maintenance occur physiologically during aging and are responsible for the pathogenesis of several neuromuscular disorders. However, it is still largely unknown how neuromuscular connections are restored on regenerating fibers. It has been suggested that attractive and repelling signals used for axon guidance could be implicated in this process; in particular, guidance molecules called semaphorins play a key role. Semaphorins are a wide family of extracellular regulatory signals with a multifaceted role in cell-cell communication. Originally discovered as axon guidance factors, they have been implicated in cancer progression, embryonal organogenesis, skeletal muscle innervation, and other physiological and developmental functions in different tissues. In particular, in skeletal muscle, specific semaphorin molecules are involved in the restoration and remodeling of the nerve-muscle connections, thus emphasizing their plausible role to ensure the success of muscle regeneration. This review article aims to discuss the impact of aging on skeletal muscle regeneration and NMJs remodeling and will highlight the most recent insights about the role of semaphorins in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Barbiera
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unità di Istologia ed Embriologia Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Roma, Italy.
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy.
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2
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Musarò A, Dobrowolny G, Cambieri C, Libonati L, Moret F, Casola I, Laurenzi G, Garibaldi M, Inghilleri M, Ceccanti M. MiR206 and 423-3p Are Differently Modulated in Fast and Slow-Progressing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:5. [PMID: 38491246 PMCID: PMC10943167 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neuromuscular disease with a wide disease progression. Despite several efforts to develop efficient biomarkers, many concerns about the available ones still need to be addressed. MicroRNA (miR) are non-coding RNAs that can modulate molecular circuits and are involved in ALS pathogenic mechanisms. 22 fast and 23 slow-progressing-defined ALS patients were recruited. ALSFRS-R, strength, respiratory function, nerve conduction studies, and creatine kinase were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. The mean monthly reduction of the previous variables (progression index - PI) was calculated. MiR206, 133a-3p, 151a-5p, 199a-5p, and 423-3p were dosed. The univariate analysis showed an independent reduction of miR206 and an increase of miR423-3p in patients with a slow slope of ALSFRS-R and weakness, respectively. MiR206 and 423-3p are differently modulated in fast and slow-progressing ALS patients, suggesting a role for microRNAs in prognosis and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Libonati
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Moret
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Laurenzi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Disease Centre, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Rare Neuromuscular Diseases Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Mazzaro A, Vita V, Ronfini M, Casola I, Klein A, Dobrowolny G, Sorarù G, Musarò A, Mongillo M, Zaglia T. Sympathetic neuropathology is revealed in muscles affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1165811. [PMID: 37250128 PMCID: PMC10213213 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1165811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The anatomical substrate of skeletal muscle autonomic innervation has remained underappreciated since it was described many decades ago. As such, the structural and functional features of muscle sympathetic innervation are largely undetermined in both physiology and pathology, mainly due to methodological limitations in the histopathological analysis of small neuronal fibers in tissue samples. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease which mainly targets motor neurons, and despite autonomic symptoms occurring in a significant fraction of patients, peripheral sympathetic neurons (SNs) are generally considered unaffected and, as such, poorly studied. Purpose: In this research, we compared sympathetic innervation of normal and ALS muscles, through structural analysis of the sympathetic network in human and murine tissue samples. Methods and Results: We first refined tissue processing to circumvent methodological limitations interfering with the detection of muscle sympathetic innervation. The optimized "Neuro Detection Protocol" (NDP) was validated in human muscle biopsies, demonstrating that SNs innervate, at high density, both blood vessels and skeletal myofibers, independent of the fiber metabolic type. Subsequently, NDP was exploited to analyze sympathetic innervation in muscles of SOD1G93A mice, a preclinical ALS model. Our data show that ALS murine muscles display SN denervation, which has already initiated at the early disease stage and worsened during aging. SN degeneration was also observed in muscles of MLC/SOD1G93A mice, with muscle specific expression of the SOD1G93A mutant gene. Notably, similar alterations in SNs were observed in muscle biopsies from an ALS patient, carrying the SOD1G93A mutation. Conclusion: We set up a protocol for the analysis of murine and, more importantly, human muscle sympathetic innervation. Our results indicate that SNs are additional cell types compromised in ALS and suggest that dysfunctional SOD1G93A muscles affect their sympathetic innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Mazzaro
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Veronica Vita
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Ronfini
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Klein
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati Sapienza (SSAS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padua, Italy
- CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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4
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Golini E, Marinelli S, Pisu S, De Angelis F, Vacca V, Rava A, Casola I, Laurenzi G, Rizzuto E, Giuliani A, Musarò A, Dobrowolny G, Mandillo S. Wheel Running Adversely Affects Disease Onset and Neuromuscular Interplay in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Slow Progression Mouse Model. Curr Neurovasc Res 2023; 20:362-376. [PMID: 37614106 DOI: 10.2174/1567202620666230823095922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) plays a controversial role. In some epidemiological studies, both recreational or professional sport exercise has been associated to an increased risk for ALS but the mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise have not been fully elucidated in either patients or animal models. METHODS To better reproduce the influence of this environmental factor in the pathogenesis of ALS, we exposed SOD1G93A low-copy male mice to multiple exercise sessions at asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic disease stages in an automated home-cage running-wheel system for about 3 months. RESULTS Repeated voluntary running negatively influenced disease progression by anticipating disease onset, impairing neuromuscular transmission, worsening neuromuscular decline, and exacerbating muscle atrophy. Muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) as well as key molecular players of the nerve-muscle circuit were similarly affected. CONCLUSION It thus appears that excessive physical activity can be detrimental in predisposed individuals and these findings could model the increased risk of developing ALS in predisposed and specific professional athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Golini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology IBBC, National Research Council CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo scalo, Roma, 00015, Italy
| | - Sara Marinelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology IBBC, National Research Council CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo scalo, Roma, 00015, Italy
| | - Simona Pisu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Federica De Angelis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology IBBC, National Research Council CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo scalo, Roma, 00015, Italy
| | - Valentina Vacca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology IBBC, National Research Council CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo scalo, Roma, 00015, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rava
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology IBBC, National Research Council CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo scalo, Roma, 00015, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Laurenzi
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rizzuto
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Roma 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Mandillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology IBBC, National Research Council CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo scalo, Roma, 00015, Italy
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Barbiera A, Sorrentino S, Fard D, Lepore E, Sica G, Dobrowolny G, Tamagnone L, Scicchitano BM. Taurine Administration Counteracts Aging-Associated Impingement of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11051016. [PMID: 35624880 PMCID: PMC9137670 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11051016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, which occurs during aging, is characterized by the gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, resulting in a functional decline in physical abilities. Several factors contribute to the onset of sarcopenia, including reduced regenerative capacity, chronic low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress, leading to the activation of catabolic pathways. Physical activity and adequate protein intake are considered effective strategies able to reduce the incidence and severity of sarcopenia by exerting beneficial effects in improving the muscular anabolic response during aging. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that is highly expressed in mammalian tissues and, particularly, in skeletal muscle where it is involved in the regulation of biological processes and where it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factor. Here, we evaluated whether taurine administration in old mice counteracts the physiopathological effects of aging in skeletal muscle. We showed that, in injured muscle, taurine enhances the regenerative process by downregulating the inflammatory response and preserving muscle fiber integrity. Moreover, taurine attenuates ROS production in aged muscles by maintaining a proper cellular redox balance, acting as an antioxidant molecule. Although further studies are needed to better elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effect of taurine on skeletal muscle homeostasis, these data demonstrate that taurine administration ameliorates the microenvironment allowing an efficient regenerative process and attenuation of the catabolic pathways related to the onset of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Barbiera
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.B.); (S.S.); (D.F.); (G.S.); (L.T.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Sorrentino
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.B.); (S.S.); (D.F.); (G.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Damon Fard
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.B.); (S.S.); (D.F.); (G.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Elisa Lepore
- DAHFMO-Unità di Istologia ed Embriologia Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Roma, Italy; (E.L.); (G.D.)
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.B.); (S.S.); (D.F.); (G.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unità di Istologia ed Embriologia Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Roma, Italy; (E.L.); (G.D.)
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.B.); (S.S.); (D.F.); (G.S.); (L.T.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.B.); (S.S.); (D.F.); (G.S.); (L.T.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence:
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6
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Dobrowolny G, Scicchitano BM. The Role of Skeletal Muscle in Neuromuscular Diseases: From Cellular and Molecular Players to Therapeutic Interventions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071207. [PMID: 35406771 PMCID: PMC8997919 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unità di Istologia ed Embriologia Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (B.M.S.)
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (B.M.S.)
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7
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Scaricamazza S, Salvatori I, Amadio S, Nesci V, Torcinaro A, Giacovazzo G, Primiano A, Gloriani M, Candelise N, Pieroni L, Loeffler JP, Renè F, Quessada C, Tefera TW, Wang H, Steyn FJ, Ngo ST, Dobrowolny G, Lepore E, Urbani A, Musarò A, Volonté C, Ferraro E, Coccurello R, Valle C, Ferri A. Repurposing of Trimetazidine for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a study in SOD1 G93A mice. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1732-1752. [PMID: 34783031 PMCID: PMC9305494 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles and is currently incurable. Although considered to be a pure motor neuron disease, increasing evidence indicates that the sole protection of motor neurons by a single targeted drug is not sufficient to improve the pathological phenotype. We therefore evaluated the therapeutic potential of the multi‐target drug used to treatment of coronary artery disease, trimetazidine, in SOD1G93A mice. Experimental Approach As a metabolic modulator, trimetazidine improves glucose metabolism. Furthermore, trimetazidine enhances mitochondrial metabolism and promotes nerve regeneration, exerting an anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effect. We orally treated SOD1G93A mice with trimetazidine, solubilized in drinking water at a dose of 20 mg kg−1, from disease onset. We assessed the impact of trimetazidine on disease progression by studying metabolic parameters, grip strength and histological alterations in skeletal muscle, peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. Key Results Trimetazidine administration delays motor function decline, improves muscle performance and metabolism, and significantly extends overall survival of SOD1G93A mice (increased median survival of 16 days and 12.5 days for male and female respectively). Moreover, trimetazidine prevents the degeneration of neuromuscular junctions, attenuates motor neuron loss and reduces neuroinflammation in the spinal cord and in peripheral nerves. Conclusion and Implications In SOD1G93A mice, therapeutic effect of trimetazidine is underpinned by its action on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Scaricamazza
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Illari Salvatori
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessio Torcinaro
- National Council of Research (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology and Neurology (IBCN), Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Aniello Primiano
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Niccolò Candelise
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jean-Philippe Loeffler
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118, Strasbourg, France.,INSERM, U1118, Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frederique Renè
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118, Strasbourg, France.,INSERM, U1118, Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cyril Quessada
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118, Strasbourg, France.,INSERM, U1118, Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tesfaye W Tefera
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hao Wang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shyuan T Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- University of Roma "La Sapienza", DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Lepore
- University of Roma "La Sapienza", DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- University of Roma "La Sapienza", DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science (IASI), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Coccurello
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Complex System (ISC), Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
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8
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Casola I, Scicchitano BM, Lepore E, Mandillo S, Golini E, Nicoletti C, Barberi L, Dobrowolny G, Musarò A. Circulating myomiRs in Muscle Denervation: From Surgical to ALS Pathological Condition. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082043. [PMID: 34440812 PMCID: PMC8393851 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082043] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is associated with muscle atrophy, motoneuron degeneration and denervation. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of the disease; in this context, microRNAs have been described as biomarkers and potential pathogenetic factors for ALS. MyomiRs are microRNAs produced by skeletal muscle, and they play an important role in tissue homeostasis; moreover, they can be released in blood circulation in pathological conditions, including ALS. However, the functional role of myomiRs in muscle denervation has not yet been fully clarified. In this study, we analyze the levels of two myomiRs, namely miR-206 and miR-133a, in skeletal muscle and blood samples of denervated mice, and we demonstrate that surgical denervation reduces the expression of both miR-206 and miR-133a, while miR-206 but not miR-133a is upregulated during the re-innervation process. Furthermore, we quantify the levels of miR-206 and miR-133a in serum samples of two ALS mouse models, characterized by different disease velocities, and we demonstrate a different modulation of circulating myomiRs during ALS disease, according to the velocity of disease progression. Moreover, taking into account surgical and pathological denervation, we describe a different response to increasing amounts of circulating miR-206, suggesting a hormetic effect of miR-206 in relation to changes in neuromuscular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Casola
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (E.L.); (C.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Elisa Lepore
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (E.L.); (C.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Silvia Mandillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Monterotondo scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Elisabetta Golini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Monterotondo scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (E.L.); (C.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Laura Barberi
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (E.L.); (C.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (E.L.); (C.N.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (E.L.); (C.N.); (L.B.)
- Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati Sapienza (SSAS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (A.M.)
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9
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Orienti I, Armida M, Dobrowolny G, Pepponi R, Sollazzini G, Pezzola A, Casola I, Musarò A, Popoli P, Potenza RL. Fenretinide Beneficial Effects on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-associated SOD1 G93A Mutant Protein Toxicity: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidences. Neuroscience 2021; 473:1-12. [PMID: 34363869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease for which effective treatment options are still lacking. ALS occurs in sporadic and familial forms which are clinically indistinguishable; about 20% of familial ALS cases are linked to mutations of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Fenretinide (FEN), a cancer chemopreventive and antiproliferative agent currently used in several clinical trials, is a multi-target drug which also exhibits redox regulation activities. We analyzed the effects of FEN on mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) toxicity in motoneuronal (NSC34) and a muscle (C2C12) cell lines and evaluated the impacts of chronic administration of a new nanomicellar fenretinide formulation (NanoMFen) on ALS disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model. The results showed that FEN significantly prevents the toxicity of mSOD1 expression in NSC34 motor neuron; furthermore, FEN is able to partially overcome the toxic effect of mSOD1 on the myogenic program of C2C12 muscle cells. Administration of NanoMFen ameliorates the disease progression and increases median survival of mSOD1G93A ALS mice, even when given after disease onset; beneficial effects in ALS mice, however, is restricted to female sex. Our data support the therapeutic potential of FEN against ALS-associated SOD1G93A mutant protein toxicity and promote further studies to elucidate specific cellular targets of the drug in ALS. Furthermore, the sex-related efficacy of NanoMFen in mSOD1G93A ALS mice strengthens the importance, in the perspective of a precision medicine approach, of gender pharmacology in ALS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Pepponi
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sollazzini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Pezzola
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Popoli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Dobrowolny G, Barbiera A, Sica G, Scicchitano BM. Age-Related Alterations at Neuromuscular Junction: Role of Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Modifications. Cells 2021; 10:1307. [PMID: 34074012 PMCID: PMC8225025 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With advancing aging, a decline in physical abilities occurs, leading to reduced mobility and loss of independence. Although many factors contribute to the physio-pathological effects of aging, an important event seems to be related to the compromised integrity of the neuromuscular system, which connects the brain and skeletal muscles via motoneurons and the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). NMJs undergo severe functional, morphological, and molecular alterations during aging and ultimately degenerate. The effect of this decline is an inexorable decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength, a condition generally known as sarcopenia. Moreover, several studies have highlighted how the age-related alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis can contribute to changes in the neuromuscular junction morphology and stability, leading to the reduction in fiber number and innervation. Increasing evidence supports the involvement of epigenetic modifications in age-dependent alterations of the NMJ. In particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA-dependent gene expression represent the major epigenetic mechanisms that play a crucial role in NMJ remodeling. It is established that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise and nutrition that are susceptible to change during aging, can modulate epigenetic phenomena and attenuate the age-related NMJs changes. This review aims to highlight the recent epigenetic findings related to the NMJ dysregulation during aging and the role of physical activity and nutrition as possible interventions to attenuate or delay the age-related decline in the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (DAHFMO)-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Barbiera
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
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11
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Ascenzi F, Barberi L, Dobrowolny G, Villa Nova Bacurau A, Nicoletti C, Rizzuto E, Rosenthal N, Scicchitano BM, Musarò A. Effects of IGF-1 isoforms on muscle growth and sarcopenia. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12954. [PMID: 30953403 PMCID: PMC6516183 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength occurring in aging, referred as sarcopenia, is the result of many factors including an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation, changes in metabolic/hormonal status, and in circulating levels of inflammatory mediators. Thus, factors that increase muscle mass and promote anabolic pathways might be of therapeutic benefit to counteract sarcopenia. Among these, the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) has been implicated in many anabolic pathways in skeletal muscle. IGF‐1 exists in different isoforms that might exert different role in skeletal muscle. Here we study the effects of two full propeptides IGF‐1Ea and IGF‐1Eb in skeletal muscle, with the aim to define whether and through which mechanisms their overexpression impacts muscle aging. We report that only IGF‐1Ea expression promotes a pronounced hypertrophic phenotype in young mice, which is maintained in aged mice. Nevertheless, examination of aged transgenic mice revealed that the local expression of either IGF‐1Ea or IGF‐1Eb transgenes was protective against age‐related loss of muscle mass and force. At molecular level, both isoforms activate the autophagy/lysosome system, normally altered during aging, and increase PGC1‐α expression, modulating mitochondrial function, ROS detoxification, and the basal inflammatory state occurring at old age. Moreover, morphological integrity of neuromuscular junctions was maintained and preserved in both MLC/IGF‐1Ea and MLC/IGF‐1Eb mice during aging. These data suggest that IGF‐1 is a promising therapeutic agent in staving off advancing muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ascenzi
- DAHFMO‐Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Laura Barberi
- DAHFMO‐Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO‐Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | | | - Carmine Nicoletti
- DAHFMO‐Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Emanuele Rizzuto
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Nadia Rosenthal
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine Imperial College London London UK
- The Jackson Laboratory Bar Harbor Maine
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Istituto di Istologia e Embriologia Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Rome Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO‐Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
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12
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Camerino GM, Fonzino A, Conte E, De Bellis M, Mele A, Liantonio A, Tricarico D, Tarantino N, Dobrowolny G, Musarò A, Desaphy JF, De Luca A, Pierno S. Elucidating the Contribution of Skeletal Muscle Ion Channels to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in search of new therapeutic options. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3185. [PMID: 30816241 PMCID: PMC6395744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39676-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of pathogenetic mechanisms is essential to identify new therapeutic approaches in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here we investigated the role of the most important ion channels in skeletal muscle of an ALS animal model (MLC/SOD1G93A) carrying a mutated SOD1 exclusively in this tissue, avoiding motor-neuron involvement. Ion channels are fundamental proteins for muscle function, and also to sustain neuromuscular junction and nerve integrity. By a multivariate statistical analysis, using machine learning algorithms, we identified the discriminant genes in MLC/SOD1G93A mice. Surprisingly, the expression of ClC-1 chloride channel, present only in skeletal muscle, was reduced. Also, the expression of Protein Kinase-C, known to control ClC-1 activity, was increased, causing its inhibition. The functional characterization confirmed the reduction of ClC-1 activity, leading to hyperexcitability and impaired relaxation. The increased expression of ion channel coupled AMPA-receptor may contribute to sustained depolarization and functional impairment. Also, the decreased expression of irisin, a muscle-secreted peptide protecting brain function, may disturb muscle-nerve connection. Interestingly, the in-vitro application of chelerythrine or acetazolamide, restored ClC-1 activity and sarcolemma hyperexcitability in these mice. These findings show that ion channel function impairment in skeletal muscle may lead to motor-neuron increased vulnerability, and opens the possibility to investigate on new compounds as promising therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maria Camerino
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Adriano Fonzino
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Conte
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Michela De Bellis
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonietta Mele
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Tricarico
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nancy Tarantino
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Polyclinic, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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13
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Scicchitano BM, Sorrentino S, Proietti G, Lama G, Dobrowolny G, Catizone A, Binda E, Larocca LM, Sica G. Levetiracetam enhances the temozolomide effect on glioblastoma stem cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:136. [PMID: 30214378 PMCID: PMC6131782 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0626-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor in which cancer cells with stem cell-like features, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), were identified. Two CSC populations have been previously identified in GBM, one derived from the GBM area called enhanced lesion (GCSCs) and the other one from the brain area adjacent to the tumor margin (PCSCs) that greatly differ in their growth properties and tumor-initiating ability. To date the most effective chemotherapy to treat GBM is represented by alkylating agents such as temozolomide (TMZ), whose activity can be regulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors through the modulation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression. Levetiracetam (LEV), a relatively new antiepileptic drug, modulates HDAC levels ultimately silencing MGMT, thus increasing TMZ effectiveness. However, an improvement in the therapeutic efficacy of TMZ is needed. Methods Cell proliferation was investigated by BrdU cell proliferation assay and by Western Blot analysis of PCNA expression. Apoptosis was evaluated by Western Blot and Immunofluorescence analysis of the cleaved Caspase-3 expression. MGMT and HDAC4 expression was analyzed by Western Blotting and Immunofluorescence. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test. Results Here we evaluated the effect of TMZ on the proliferation rate of the IDH-wildtype GCSCs and PCSCs derived from six patients, in comparison with the effects of other drugs such as etoposide, irinotecan and carboplatin. Our results demonstrated that TMZ was less effective compared to the other agents; hence, we verified the possibility to increase the effect of TMZ by combining it with LEV. Here we show that LEV enhances the effect of TMZ on GCSCs proliferation (being less effective on PCSCs) by decreasing MGMT expression, promoting HDAC4 nuclear translocation and activating apoptotic pathway. Conclusions Although further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism by which LEV makes GBM stem cells more sensitive to TMZ, these results suggest that the clinical therapeutic efficacy of TMZ in GBM might be enhanced by the combined treatment with LEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Silvia Sorrentino
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gabriella Proietti
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gina Lama
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- 2DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- 2DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Binda
- 3ISBReMIT-Cancer Stem Cells Unit, IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Padre Pio 7, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Larocca
- 4Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gigliola Sica
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
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Abstract
Muscle homeostasis is guaranteed by a delicate balance between synthesis and degradation of cell proteins and its alteration leads to muscle wasting and diseases. In this review, we describe the major anabolic pathways that are involved in muscle growth and homeostasis and the proteolytic systems that are over-activated in muscle pathologies. Modulation of these pathways comprises an attractive target for drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Istituto di Istologia e Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1-00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Istituto di Istologia e Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo Francesco Vito 1-00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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15
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Dobrowolny G, Lepore E, Martini M, Barberi L, Nunn A, Scicchitano BM, Musarò A. Metabolic Changes Associated With Muscle Expression of SOD1 G93A. Front Physiol 2018; 9:831. [PMID: 30042688 PMCID: PMC6048270 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder, classified into sporadic or familial forms and characterized by motor neurons death, muscle atrophy, weakness, and paralysis. Among the familial cases of ALS, approximately 20% are caused by dominant mutations in the gene coding for superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein. Of note, mutant SOD1 toxicity is not necessarily limited to the central nervous system. ALS is indeed a multi-systemic and multifactorial disease that affects whole body physiology and induces severe metabolic changes in several tissues, including skeletal muscle. Nevertheless, whether alterations in the plasticity, heterogeneity, and metabolism of muscle fibers are the result of motor neuron degeneration or alternatively occur independently of it remain to be elucidated. To address this issue, we made use of a mouse model (MLC/SOD1G93A) that overexpresses the SOD1 mutant gene selectively in skeletal muscle. We found an alteration in the metabolic properties of skeletal muscle characterized by alteration in fiber type composition and metabolism. Indeed, we observed an alteration of muscle glucose metabolism associated with the induction of Phosphofructokinases and Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 expression. The upregulation of Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 led to the inhibition of Pyruvate conversion into Acetyl-CoA. Moreover, we demonstrated that the MLC/SOD1G93A transgene was associated with an increase of lipid catabolism and with the inhibition of fat deposition inside muscle fibers. All together these data demonstrate that muscle expression of the SOD1G93A gene induces metabolic changes, along with a preferential use of lipid energy fuel by muscle fibers. We provided evidences that muscle metabolic alterations occurred before disease symptoms and independently of motor neuron degeneration, indicating that skeletal muscle is likely an important therapeutic target in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO - Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Lepore
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO - Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Martini
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO - Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Barberi
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO - Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Abigail Nunn
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO - Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
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Dobrowolny G, Martini M, Scicchitano BM, Romanello V, Boncompagni S, Nicoletti C, Pietrangelo L, De Panfilis S, Catizone A, Bouchè M, Sandri M, Rudolf R, Protasi F, Musarò A. Muscle Expression of SOD1 G93A Triggers the Dismantlement of Neuromuscular Junction via PKC-Theta. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:1105-1119. [PMID: 28931313 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) represents the morphofunctional interface between muscle and nerve. Several chronic pathologies such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, display altered NMJ and functional denervation. However, the triggers and the molecular mechanisms underlying the dismantlement of NMJ remain unclear. RESULTS Here we provide evidence that perturbation in redox signaling cascades, induced by muscle-specific accumulation of mutant SOD1G93A in transgenic MLC/SOD1G93A mice, is causally linked to morphological alterations of the neuromuscular presynaptic terminals, high turnover rate of acetylcholine receptor, and NMJ dismantlement. The analysis of potential molecular mechanisms that mediate the toxic activity of SOD1G93A revealed a causal link between protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) activation and NMJ disintegration. INNOVATION The study discloses the molecular mechanism that triggers functional denervation associated with the toxic activity of muscle SOD1G93A expression and suggests the possibility of developing a new strategy to counteract age- and pathology-associated denervation based on pharmacological inhibition of PKCθ activity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data indicate that muscle-specific accumulation of oxidative damage can affect neuromuscular communication and induce NMJ dismantlement through a PKCθ-dependent mechanism. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1105-1119.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- 1 Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy .,2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Martini
- 1 Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy .,2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- 3 Institute of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Rome, Italy
| | - Vanina Romanello
- 4 Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova , Padova, Italy
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- 5 CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine and DNICS-Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti , Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- 6 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- 5 CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine and DNICS-Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti , Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone De Panfilis
- 2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- 6 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Bouchè
- 6 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sandri
- 4 Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova , Padova, Italy
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- 7 Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany .,8 Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences , Mannheim, Germany .,9 Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- 5 CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine and DNICS-Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti , Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- 1 Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy .,2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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Onorato I, D'Alessandro G, Di Castro MA, Renzi M, Dobrowolny G, Musarò A, Salvetti M, Limatola C, Crisanti A, Grassi F. Noise Enhances Action Potential Generation in Mouse Sensory Neurons via Stochastic Resonance. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160950. [PMID: 27525414 PMCID: PMC4985147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Noise can enhance perception of tactile and proprioceptive stimuli by stochastic resonance processes. However, the mechanisms underlying this general phenomenon remain to be characterized. Here we studied how externally applied noise influences action potential firing in mouse primary sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia, modelling a basic process in sensory perception. Since noisy mechanical stimuli may cause stochastic fluctuations in receptor potential, we examined the effects of sub-threshold depolarizing current steps with superimposed random fluctuations. We performed whole cell patch clamp recordings in cultured neurons of mouse dorsal root ganglia. Noise was added either before and during the step, or during the depolarizing step only, to focus onto the specific effects of external noise on action potential generation. In both cases, step + noise stimuli triggered significantly more action potentials than steps alone. The normalized power norm had a clear peak at intermediate noise levels, demonstrating that the phenomenon is driven by stochastic resonance. Spikes evoked in step + noise trials occur earlier and show faster rise time as compared to the occasional ones elicited by steps alone. These data suggest that external noise enhances, via stochastic resonance, the recruitment of transient voltage-gated Na channels, responsible for action potential firing in response to rapid step-wise depolarizing currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Onorato
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina D'Alessandro
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Amalia Di Castro
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Renzi
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- NeuroMed, Pozzilli, (IS), Italy
| | | | - Francesca Grassi
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Beqollari D, Romberg CF, Dobrowolny G, Martini M, Voss AA, Musarò A, Bannister RA. Progressive impairment of CaV1.1 function in the skeletal muscle of mice expressing a mutant type 1 Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (G93A) linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Skelet Muscle 2016; 6:24. [PMID: 27340545 PMCID: PMC4918102 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-016-0094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that is typically fatal within 3–5 years of diagnosis. While motoneuron death is the defining characteristic of ALS, the events that underlie its pathology are not restricted to the nervous system. In this regard, ALS muscle atrophies and weakens significantly before presentation of neurological symptoms. Since the skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel (CaV1.1) is a key regulator of both mass and force, we investigated whether CaV1.1 function is impaired in the muscle of two distinct mouse models carrying an ALS-linked mutation. Methods We recorded L-type currents, charge movements, and myoplasmic Ca2+ transients from dissociated flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers to assess CaV1.1 function in two mouse models expressing a type 1 Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase mutant (SOD1G93A). Results In FDB fibers obtained from “symptomatic” global SOD1G93A mice, we observed a substantial reduction of SR Ca2+ release in response to depolarization relative to fibers harvested from age-matched control mice. L-type current and charge movement were both reduced by ~40 % in symptomatic SOD1G93A fibers when compared to control fibers. Ca2+ transients were not significantly reduced in similar experiments performed with FDB fibers obtained from “early-symptomatic” SOD1G93A mice, but L-type current and charge movement were decreased (~30 and ~20 %, respectively). Reductions in SR Ca2+ release (~35 %), L-type current (~20 %), and charge movement (~15 %) were also observed in fibers obtained from another model where SOD1G93A expression was restricted to skeletal muscle. Conclusions We report reductions in EC coupling, L-type current density, and charge movement in FDB fibers obtained from symptomatic global SOD1G93A mice. Experiments performed with FDB fibers obtained from early-symptomatic SOD1G93A and skeletal muscle autonomous MLC/SOD1G93A mice support the idea that events occurring locally in the skeletal muscle contribute to the impairment of CaV1.1 function in ALS muscle independently of innervation status. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13395-016-0094-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Beqollari
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology Division, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Avenue, B-139, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Christin F Romberg
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology Division, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Avenue, B-139, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, La Sapienza University, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy ; Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Martini
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, La Sapienza University, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy ; Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrew A Voss
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, 235A Biological Sciences, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435 USA
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, La Sapienza University, Via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161 Rome, Italy ; Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Roger A Bannister
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology Division, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Avenue, B-139, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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Dobrowolny G, Bernardini C, Martini M, Baranzini M, Barba M, Musarò A. Muscle Expression of SOD1(G93A) Modulates microRNA and mRNA Transcription Pattern Associated with the Myelination Process in the Spinal Cord of Transgenic Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:463. [PMID: 26648847 PMCID: PMC4664730 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial system severely affected in several neuromuscular diseases is the loss of effective connection between muscle and nerve, leading to a pathological non-communication between the two tissues. One of the best examples of impaired interplay between muscle and nerve is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons and muscle atrophy. Increasing evidences suggest that damage to motor neurons is enhanced by alterations in the neighboring non-neuronal cells and indicate that altered skeletal muscle might be the source of signals that impinge motor neuron activity and survival. Here we investigated whether muscle selective expression of SOD1G93A mutant gene modulates mRNAs and miRNAs expression at the level of spinal cord of MLC/SOD1G93A mice. Using a Taqman array, the Affymetrix Mouse Gene 2.0 ST approach and the MiRwalk 2.0 database, which provides information on miRNA and their predicted target genes, we revealed that muscle specific expression of SOD1G93A modulates relevant molecules of the genetic and epigenetic circuitry of myelin homeostasis in spinal cord of transgenic mice. Our study provides insights into the pathophysiological interplay between muscle and nerve and supports the hypothesis that muscle is a source of signals that can either positively or negatively affect the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy ; Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Bernardini
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Martini
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy ; Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Baranzini
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Barba
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy ; Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Rome, Italy
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20
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Caruso M, Ferranti F, Corano Scheri K, Dobrowolny G, Ciccarone F, Grammatico P, Catizone A, Ricci G. R-spondin 1/dickkopf-1/beta-catenin machinery is involved in testicular embryonic angiogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124213. [PMID: 25910078 PMCID: PMC4409372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular vasculogenesis is one of the key processes regulating male gonad morphogenesis. The knowledge of the molecular cues underlining this phenomenon is one of today’s most challenging issues and could represent a major contribution toward a better understanding of the onset of testicular morphogenetic disorders. R-spondin 1 has been clearly established as a candidate for mammalian ovary determination. Conversely, very little information is available on the expression and role of R-spondin 1 during testicular morphogenesis. This study aims to clarify the distribution pattern of R-spondin 1 and other partners of its machinery during the entire period of testicular morphogenesis and to indicate the role of this system in testicular development. Our whole mount immunofluorescence results clearly demonstrate that R-spondin 1 is always detectable in the testicular coelomic partition, where testicular vasculature is organized, while Dickkopf-1 is never detectable in this area. Moreover, organ culture experiments of embryonic male UGRs demonstrated that Dickkopf-1 acted as an inhibitor of testis vasculature formation. Consistent with this observation, real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that DKK1 is able to slightly but significantly decrease the expression level of the endothelial marker Pecam1. The latter experiments allowed us to observe that DKK1 administration also perturbs the expression level of the Pdgf-b chain, which is consistent with some authors’ observations relating this factor with prenatal testicular patterning and angiogenesis. Interestingly, the DKK1 induced inhibition of testicular angiogenesis was rescued by the co-administration of R-spondin 1. In addition, R-spondin 1 alone was sufficient to enhance, in culture, testicular angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caruso
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Italian Space Agency, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciccarone
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grammatico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine-Histology and Embryology Laboratory, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Proietti S, Cucina A, Dobrowolny G, D'Anselmi F, Dinicola S, Masiello MG, Pasqualato A, Palombo A, Morini V, Reiter RJ, Bizzarri M. Melatonin down-regulates MDM2 gene expression and enhances p53 acetylation in MCF-7 cells. J Pineal Res 2014; 57:120-9. [PMID: 24920214 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Compelling evidence demonstrated that melatonin increases p53 activity in cancer cells. p53 undergoes acetylation to be stabilized and activated for driving cells destined for apoptosis/growth inhibition. Over-expression of p300 induces p53 acetylation, leading to cell growth arrest by increasing p21 expression. In turn, p53 activation is mainly regulated in the nucleus by MDM2. MDM2 also acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase, promoting the proteasome-dependent p53 degradation. MDM2 entry into the nucleus is finely tuned by two different modulations: the ribosomal protein L11, acts by sequestering MDM2 in the cytosol, whereas the PI3K-AkT-dependent MDM2 phosphorylation is mandatory for MDM2 translocation across the nuclear membrane. In addition, MDM2-dependent targeting of p53 is regulated in a nonlinear fashion by MDM2/MDMX interplay. Melatonin induces both cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in MCF7 breast cancer cells. We previously reported that this effect is associated with reduced MDM2 levels and increased p53 activity. Herein, we demonstrated that melatonin drastically down-regulates MDM2 gene expression and inhibits MDM2 shuttling into the nucleus, given that melatonin increases L11 and inhibits Akt-PI3K-dependent MDM2 phosphorylation. Melatonin induces a 3-fold increase in both MDMX and p300 levels, decreasing simultaneously Sirt1, a specific inhibitor of p300 activity. Consequently, melatonin-treated cells display significantly higher values of both p53 and acetylated p53. Thus, a 15-fold increase in p21 levels was observed in melatonin-treated cancer cells. Our results provide evidence that melatonin enhances p53 acetylation by modulating the MDM2/MDMX/p300 pathway, disclosing new insights for understanding its anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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22
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D’Anselmi F, Masiello MG, Cucina A, Proietti S, Dinicola S, Pasqualato A, Ricci G, Dobrowolny G, Catizone A, Palombo A, Bizzarri M. Microenvironment promotes tumor cell reprogramming in human breast cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83770. [PMID: 24386275 PMCID: PMC3875474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment drives mammary gland development and function, and may influence significantly both malignant behavior and cell growth of mammary cancer cells. By restoring context, and forcing cells to properly interpret native signals from the microenvironment, the cancer cell aberrant behavior can be quelled, and organization re-established. In order to restore functional and morphological differentiation, human mammary MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were allowed to grow in a culture medium filled with a 10% of the albumen (EW, Egg White) from unfertilized chicken egg. That unique microenvironment behaves akin a 3D culture and induces MCF-7 cells to produce acini and branching duct-like structures, distinctive of mammary gland differentiation. EW-treated MDA-MB-231 cells developed buds of acini and duct-like structures. Both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells produced β-casein, a key milk component. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was reactivated in MDA-MB-231 cells, as a consequence of the increased cdh1 expression; meanwhile β-catenin – a key cytoskeleton component – was displaced behind the inner cell membrane. Such modification hinders the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MDA-MB-231 cells. This differentiating pathway is supported by the contemporary down-regulation of canonical pluripotency markers (Klf4, Nanog). Given that egg-conditioned medium behaves as a 3D-medium, it is likely that cancer phenotype reversion could be ascribed to the changed interactions between cells and their microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio D’Anselmi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Dinicola
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Pasqualato
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palombo
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Italian Space Agency (ASI), Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Dobrowolny G, Aucello M, Molinaro M, Musarò A. Local expression of mIgf-1 modulates ubiquitin, caspase and CDK5 expression in skeletal muscle of an ALS mouse model. Neurol Res 2013; 30:131-6. [DOI: 10.1179/174313208x281235] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Murdocca M, Malgieri A, Luchetti A, Saieva L, Dobrowolny G, de Leonibus E, Filareto A, Quitadamo MC, Novelli G, Musarò A, Sangiuolo F. IPLEX administration improves motor neuron survival and ameliorates motor functions in a severe mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Med 2012; 18:1076-85. [PMID: 22669476 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2012.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder and the first genetic cause of death in childhood. SMA is caused by low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein that induce selective loss of α-motor neurons (MNs) in the spinal cord, resulting in progressive muscle atrophy and consequent respiratory failure. To date, no effective treatment is available to counteract the course of the disease. Among the different therapeutic strategies with potential clinical applications, the evaluation of trophic and/or protective agents able to antagonize MNs degeneration represents an attractive opportunity to develop valid therapies. Here we investigated the effects of IPLEX (recombinant human insulinlike growth factor 1 [rhIGF-1] complexed with recombinant human IGF-1 binding protein 3 [rhIGFBP-3]) on a severe mouse model of SMA. Interestingly, molecular and biochemical analyses of IGF-1 carried out in SMA mice before drug administration revealed marked reductions of IGF-1 circulating levels and hepatic mRNA expression. In this study, we found that perinatal administration of IPLEX, even if does not influence survival and body weight of mice, results in reduced degeneration of MNs, increased muscle fiber size and in amelioration of motor functions in SMA mice. Additionally, we show that phenotypic changes observed are not SMN-dependent, since no significant SMN modification was addressed in treated mice. Collectively, our data indicate IPLEX as a good therapeutic candidate to hinder the progression of the neurodegenerative process in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Murdocca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Sandonà D, Desaphy JF, Camerino GM, Bianchini E, Ciciliot S, Danieli-Betto D, Dobrowolny G, Furlan S, Germinario E, Goto K, Gutsmann M, Kawano F, Nakai N, Ohira T, Ohno Y, Picard A, Salanova M, Schiffl G, Blottner D, Musarò A, Ohira Y, Betto R, Conte D, Schiaffino S. Adaptation of mouse skeletal muscle to long-term microgravity in the MDS mission. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33232. [PMID: 22470446 PMCID: PMC3314659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of microgravity on skeletal muscles has so far been examined in rat and mice only after short-term (5–20 day) spaceflights. The mice drawer system (MDS) program, sponsored by Italian Space Agency, for the first time aimed to investigate the consequences of long-term (91 days) exposure to microgravity in mice within the International Space Station. Muscle atrophy was present indistinctly in all fiber types of the slow-twitch soleus muscle, but was only slightly greater than that observed after 20 days of spaceflight. Myosin heavy chain analysis indicated a concomitant slow-to-fast transition of soleus. In addition, spaceflight induced translocation of sarcolemmal nitric oxide synthase-1 (NOS1) into the cytosol in soleus but not in the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. Most of the sarcolemmal ion channel subunits were up-regulated, more in soleus than EDL, whereas Ca2+-activated K+ channels were down-regulated, consistent with the phenotype transition. Gene expression of the atrophy-related ubiquitin-ligases was up-regulated in both spaceflown soleus and EDL muscles, whereas autophagy genes were in the control range. Muscle-specific IGF-1 and interleukin-6 were down-regulated in soleus but up-regulated in EDL. Also, various stress-related genes were up-regulated in spaceflown EDL, not in soleus. Altogether, these results suggest that EDL muscle may resist to microgravity-induced atrophy by activating compensatory and protective pathways. Our study shows the extended sensitivity of antigravity soleus muscle after prolonged exposition to microgravity, suggests possible mechanisms accounting for the resistance of EDL, and individuates some molecular targets for the development of countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorianna Sandonà
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giulia M. Camerino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacobiology, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Elisa Bianchini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciciliot
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, IIM, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Furlan
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Germinario
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Katsumasa Goto
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi Sozo University, Toyohashi-shi, Aichi, Japan
| | - Martina Gutsmann
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Vegetative Anatomy and Zentrum für Weltraummedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fuminori Kawano
- Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Naoya Nakai
- Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohira
- Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Ohno
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi Sozo University, Toyohashi-shi, Aichi, Japan
| | - Anne Picard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Salanova
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Vegetative Anatomy and Zentrum für Weltraummedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Schiffl
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Vegetative Anatomy and Zentrum für Weltraummedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Blottner
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Vegetative Anatomy and Zentrum für Weltraummedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, IIM, Rome, Italy
| | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Romeo Betto
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail: (RB); (DC); (SS)
| | - Diana Conte
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacobiology, University of Bari, Italy
- * E-mail: (RB); (DC); (SS)
| | - Stefano Schiaffino
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail: (RB); (DC); (SS)
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Dobrowolny G, Aucello M, Musarò A. Muscle atrophy induced by SOD1G93A expression does not involve the activation of caspase in the absence of denervation. Skelet Muscle 2011; 1:3. [PMID: 21798081 PMCID: PMC3143901 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-1-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most remarkable feature of skeletal muscle is the capacity to adapt its morphological, biochemical and molecular properties in response to several factors. Nonetheless, under pathological conditions, skeletal muscle loses its adaptability, leading to atrophy or wasting. Several signals might function as physiopathological triggers of muscle atrophy. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the atrophic phenotype under different pathological conditions remain to be fully elucidated. In this paper, we address the involvement of caspases in the induction of muscle atrophy in experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) expressing the mutant SOD1G93A transgene either locally or ubiquitously. Results We demonstrate that SOD1G93A-mediated muscle atrophy is independent from caspase activity. In particular, the expression of SOD1G93A promotes a reduction of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway associated with activation of forkhead box O3. In contrast, the activation of caspases occurs later and is causally linked to motor neuron degeneration, which is associated with exacerbation of the atrophic phenotype and a shift in fiber-type composition. Conclusion This study suggests that muscle atrophy induced by the toxic effect of SOD1G93A is independent from the activation of apoptotic markers and that caspase-mediated apoptosis is a process activated upon muscle denervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM; Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14 Rome I-00161, Italy
| | - Michela Aucello
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM; Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14 Rome I-00161, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM; Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 14 Rome I-00161, Italy.,School of Biomedical & Sports Science; Unit of Human Biology, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, Australia
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Aucello M, Dobrowolny G, Musarò A. Localized accumulation of oxidative stress causes muscle atrophy through activation of an autophagic pathway. Autophagy 2009; 5:527-9. [PMID: 19221466 DOI: 10.4161/auto.5.4.7962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial system severely affected in different chronic diseases is the antioxidative defense, leading to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The discovery that deletion in the antioxidant genes shortens significantly the mouse life span, and that mutation in the major antioxidant enzyme SOD1 is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, has placed oxidative stress as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of many pathological conditions. However, how such an oxidative insult plays a role in the disease-related decrease of muscle performance and mass remains largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that autophagy plays a dominant role in the promotion of muscle atrophy associated with local alteration in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD1. In particular, transcription of autophagy-related genes, such as those encoding LC3, Cathepsin-L and Bnip3, is activated in response to localized accumulation of oxidative stress and is mediated by FoxO3. In addition, our study documents how the T-tubule might be the potential donor of membrane that forms sequestering autophagic vesicles. Here we discuss the sequence of events leading to muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Aucello
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, CE-BEMM and IIM, Sapienza University of Rome,Via A. Scarpa 14, Rome, Italy
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28
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Barberi L, Dobrowolny G, Pelosi L, Giacinti C, Musarò A. Muscle involvement and IGF-1 signaling in genetic disorders: new therapeutic approaches. Endocr Dev 2009; 14:29-37. [PMID: 19293573 DOI: 10.1159/000207474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, dramatic progress has been made in elucidating the molecular defects underlying a number of muscle diseases. With the characterization of mutations responsible for muscle dysfunction in several inherited pathologies, and the identification of novel signaling pathways, subtle alterations in which can lead to significant defects in muscle metabolism, the field is poised to devise successful strategies for treatment of this debilitating and often fatal group of human ailments. Yet progress has been slow in therapeutic applications of our newly gained knowledge. The complexity of muscle types, the intimate relationship between structural integrity and mechanical function, and the sensitivity of skeletal muscle to metabolic perturbations have impeded rapid progress in successful clinical intervention. The relatively poor regenerative properties of striated muscle compound the devastating effects of muscle degeneration. Perhaps the most difficult hurdle is the sheer volume of tissue that must be treated to effect a significant improvement in quality of life. Recent studies on the role of insulin-like growth factor-1 in skeletal muscle growth and homeostasis have excited new interest in this important mediator of anabolic pathways and suggest promising new avenues for intervention in catabolic disease. In this review, we will discuss the potential therapeutic role of local insulin-like growth factor 1 in the treatment of muscle wasting associated with muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Barberi
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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29
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Musarò A, Giacinti C, Pelosi L, Dobrowolny G, Barberi L, Nardis C, Coletti D, Scicchitano BM, Adamo S, Molinaro M. Stem cell-mediated muscle regeneration and repair in aging and neuromuscular diseases. Eur J Histochem 2007; 51 Suppl 1:35-43. [PMID: 17703592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most exciting aspirations of current medical science is the regeneration of damaged body parts. The capacity of adult tissues to regenerate in response to injury stimuli represents an important homeostatic process that until recently was thought to be limited in mammals to tissues with high turnover such as blood and skin. However, it is now generally accepted that each tissue type, even those considered post-mitotic, such as nerve or muscle, contains a reserve of undifferentiated progenitor cells, loosely termed stem cells, participating in tissue regeneration and repair. Skeletal muscle regeneration is a coordinate process in which several factors are sequentially activated to maintain and preserve muscle structure and function upon injury stimuli. In this review, we will discuss the role of stem cells in muscle regeneration and repair and the critical role of specific factors, such as IGF-1, vasopressin and TNF-alpha, in the modulation of the myogenic program and in the regulation of muscle regeneration and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Musarò
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, CE-BEMM and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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30
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Musarò A, Dobrowolny G, Rosenthal N. The neuroprotective effects of a locally acting IGF-1 isoform. Exp Gerontol 2006; 42:76-80. [PMID: 16782294 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2006.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Revised: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, dramatic progress has been made in elucidating the molecular defects underlying a number of neuromuscular diseases. With the characterization of mutations responsible for muscle and nerve dysfunction in several inherited pathologies, and the identification of novel signaling pathways, in which subtle alterations can lead to significant defects in tissue metabolism, the field is poised to devise successful strategies for treatment of this debilitating and often fatal group of human ailments. Yet progress in therapeutic application has been slow despite our newly gained knowledge of basic biology. Hence, where direct therapeutic approaches to address the primary diseases are still sub-optimal, it may be more effective to focus on strategies for improving neuromuscular function. Among potential candidates, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) has been involved in several anabolic pathways in both skeletal muscle and the nervous system and it is a promising candidate to attenuate neuromuscular diseases. In this review, we will discuss the role of IGF-1 isoforms in neuromuscular diseases and the contribution of muscle-produced IGF-1 (mIGF-1) to motor neuron survival and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Musarò
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, CE-BEMM and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
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31
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Dobrowolny G, Giacinti C, Pelosi L, Nicoletti C, Winn N, Barberi L, Molinaro M, Rosenthal N, Musarò A. Muscle expression of a local Igf-1 isoform protects motor neurons in an ALS mouse model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 168:193-9. [PMID: 15657392 PMCID: PMC2171577 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200407021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a selective degeneration of motor neurons, atrophy, and paralysis of skeletal muscle. Although a significant proportion of familial ALS results from a toxic gain of function associated with dominant SOD1 mutations, the etiology of the disease and its specific cellular origins have remained difficult to define. Here, we show that muscle-restricted expression of a localized insulin-like growth factor (Igf) -1 isoform maintained muscle integrity and enhanced satellite cell activity in SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice, inducing calcineurin-mediated regenerative pathways. Muscle-specific expression of local Igf-1 (mIgf-1) isoform also stabilized neuromuscular junctions, reduced inflammation in the spinal cord, and enhanced motor neuronal survival in SOD1(G93A) mice, delaying the onset and progression of the disease. These studies establish skeletal muscle as a primary target for the dominant action of inherited SOD1 mutation and suggest that muscle fibers provide appropriate factors, such as mIgf-1, for neuron survival.
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MESH Headings
- Agrin/genetics
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/metabolism
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/mortality
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/pathology
- Animals
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Blotting, Northern
- Blotting, Western
- Calcineurin/genetics
- Calcineurin/metabolism
- Central Nervous System/chemistry
- Central Nervous System/metabolism
- Central Nervous System/pathology
- Desmin/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression/genetics
- Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/genetics
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Motor Neurons/metabolism
- Motor Neurons/pathology
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/cytology
- Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Myosin Heavy Chains/metabolism
- Neuromuscular Junction/metabolism
- PAX7 Transcription Factor
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- Protein Isoforms/physiology
- Receptors, Cholinergic/genetics
- Receptors, Cholinergic/metabolism
- Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle/chemistry
- Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle/metabolism
- Superoxide Dismutase/genetics
- Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
- Superoxide Dismutase-1
- Survival Rate
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Walking
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, CE-BEMM and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", 14 00161 Rome, Italy
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32
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Musarò A, Giacinti C, Borsellino G, Dobrowolny G, Pelosi L, Cairns L, Ottolenghi S, Cossu G, Bernardi G, Battistini L, Molinaro M, Rosenthal N. Stem cell-mediated muscle regeneration is enhanced by local isoform of insulin-like growth factor 1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:1206-10. [PMID: 14745025 PMCID: PMC337031 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0303792101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the mechanism whereby expression of a transgene encoding a locally acting isoform of insulin-like growth factor 1 (mIGF-1) enhances repair of skeletal muscle damage. Increased recruitment of proliferating bone marrow cells to injured MLC/mIgf-1 transgenic muscles was accompanied by elevated bone marrow stem cell production in response to distal trauma. Regenerating MLC/mIgf-1 transgenic muscles contained increased cell populations expressing stem cell markers, exhibited accelerated myogenic differentiation, expressed markers of regeneration and readily converted cocultured bone marrow to muscle. These data implicate mIGF-1 as a powerful enhancer of the regeneration response, mediating the recruitment of bone marrow cells to sites of tissue damage and augmenting local repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Musarò
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology and Centro Eccellenza Biologia e Medicina Molecolare, University of Rome "La Sapienza," 00161 Rome, Italy
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33
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Crebelli R, Carta P, Andreoli C, Aru G, Dobrowolny G, Rossi S, Zijno A. Biomonitoring of primary aluminium industry workers: detection of micronuclei and repairable DNA lesions by alkaline SCGE. Mutat Res 2002; 516:63-70. [PMID: 11943612 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(02)00028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The genetic effects of occupational exposure to low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations were investigated in primary aluminium industry workers. The study subjects were employed in a plant that uses pre-baked anode cells, and has relatively low PAH contamination. Forty-two male workers belonging to different job categories (anode fabrication, baking, rodding, electrolysis, maintenance), together with 16 male local residents with no occupational exposure to PAHs were selected for the analysis of micronuclei and DNA lesions in peripheral lymphocytes. The incidence of micronuclei determined in 1000 cytokinesis-blocked cells in each subject was not significantly different between workers and controls (8.5+/-5.4 per thousand versus 9.7+/-4.9 per thousand, respectively), nor between smokers and non-smokers (8.3+/-5.8 per thousand versus 9.2+/-5.1 per thousand), but was significantly (P<0.05) related to the subjects' age. Also the analysis of DNA damage in unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) did not show significant differences between the studied groups (average tail moment values were 0.53+/-0.53 and 0.49+/-0.45 microm in exposed subjects and controls, respectively). However, when lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C, 1 microg/ml for 16h) the SCGE analysis revealed a significant (P=0.018) difference in tail moment values between aluminium workers and controls (1.73+/-1.05 microm versus 0.93+/-0.88 microm, respectively). This difference may highlight an excess of relatively stable DNA lesions, that do not affect strand integrity, and are expressed as intermediates of excision repair in stimulated cells, when gap refilling is inhibited by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Crebelli
- Laboratory of Comparative Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Rome, Italy.
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34
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Marcon F, Zijno A, Dobrowolny G, Carere A, Crebelli R. Detection of 1cen--1q12 lesions in different phases of the cell cycle: dual colour FISH analysis of peripheral lymphocytes from subjects with occupational exposure to petroleum fuels. Mutagenesis 2002; 17:157-62. [PMID: 11880545 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/17.2.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual colour FISH was used to assess the genotoxic effects of exposure to petroleum fuels and low benzene levels in peripheral lymphocytes of 12 gasoline station attendants. Labelled DNA probes were used for hybridization of the 1cen and 1q12 contiguous regions of chromosome 1, allowing simultaneous detection of hyperploidy and breakages in both interphase and metaphase cells. The analysis of interphase cells (either unstimulated or mitogen stimulated) showed a prevalence of cells with signal separation in exposed workers compared to matched controls. This difference was highly significant (P < 0.001) in stimulated lymphocytes (9.9 +/- 3.3 and 6.5 +/- 1.5 per thousand in exposed and controls, respectively). Far lower incidences of breaks, with no relation to chemical exposure, were detected in metaphase cells (0.3 +/- 0.8 versus 0.7 +/- 1.0 per thousand, respectively). The analysis of post-mitotic, cytokinesis-blocked cells again showed a relatively high incidence of nuclei with displacement of fluorescent signals (7.2 +/- 2.4 and 5.6 +/- 1.7 per thousand, respectively), suggesting that chromatin decondensation, rather than alteration of DNA strand integrity, led to signal separation in interphase nuclei. Even though the mechanism leading to the separation of alpha and classical satellites in interphase nuclei has not been elucidated, the significant association between cytogenetic findings and intensity of benzene exposure (as shown by the analysis of internal exposure biomarkers) suggests that signal displacement in 1cen-1q12 may be a marker of chemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marcon
- Istituto Superiore Sanità, Laboratory of Comparative Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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35
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Leopardi P, Marcon F, Dobrowolny G, Zijno A, Crebelli R. Influence of donor age on vinblastine-induced chromosome malsegregation in cultured peripheral lymphocytes. Mutagenesis 2002; 17:83-8. [PMID: 11752239 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/17.1.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of spontaneous aneuploidy in human somatic and germ cells is known to be positively associated with aging. However, the influence of age on the individual susceptibility to chemically induced chromosome malsegregation has not been elucidated. In this study the spindle poison vinblastine (VBL) was used as a model compound to assess the influence of donor age on chemically induced chromosome malsegregation in cultured lymphocytes. Blood cultures from 20 female donors belonging to two different age groups (10 <30 years and 10 >50 years) were treated with VBL (7.5 ng/ml) from 43 h after mitogen stimulation until harvest at 60 h, i.e. during the time interval corresponding to G2/M. In order to block cytokinesis, cytochalasin B (6 microg/ml) was added to cultures at 44 h. For each donor the incidence of micronuclei, polyploidy and malsegregation (non-disjunction and loss) of chromosomes X and 8 was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific centromeric probes. Both background incidence of micronuclei and spontaneous chromosome X non-disjunction were significantly elevated in older donors. Individual responses to VBL treatment showed wide interindividual variability, which was not significantly associated with the age of the donor. In both age classes chromosome X was more susceptible than chromosome 8 to both spontaneous and VBL-induced malsegregation. These results indicate that donor age has a limited influence on the aneugenic effects exerted by VBL in peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. Other factors have to be considered to account for the large interindividual variation in sensitivity to VBL challenge observed in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Leopardi
- Laboratory of Comparative Toxicology and Ecotoxicology,Istituto Superiore Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Rome, Italy
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36
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Musarò A, McCullagh K, Paul A, Houghton L, Dobrowolny G, Molinaro M, Barton ER, Sweeney HL, Rosenthal N. Localized Igf-1 transgene expression sustains hypertrophy and regeneration in senescent skeletal muscle. Nat Genet 2001; 27:195-200. [PMID: 11175789 DOI: 10.1038/84839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 775] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aging skeletal muscles suffer a steady decline in mass and functional performance, and compromised muscle integrity as fibrotic invasions replace contractile tissue, accompanied by a characteristic loss in the fastest, most powerful muscle fibers. The same programmed deficits in muscle structure and function are found in numerous neurodegenerative syndromes and disease-related cachexia. We have generated a model of persistent, functional myocyte hypertrophy using a tissue-restricted transgene encoding a locally acting isoform of insulin-like growth factor-1 that is expressed in skeletal muscle (mIgf-1). Transgenic embryos developed normally, and postnatal increases in muscle mass and strength were not accompanied by the additional pathological changes seen in other Igf-1 transgenic models. Expression of GATA-2, a transcription factor normally undetected in skeletal muscle, marked hypertrophic myocytes that escaped age-related muscle atrophy and retained the proliferative response to muscle injury characteristic of younger animals. The preservation of muscle architecture and age-independent regenerative capacity through localized mIgf-1 transgene expression suggests clinical strategies for the treatment of age or disease-related muscle frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Musarò
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital-East, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
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