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Fernandes S, Cassani M, Cavalieri F, Forte G, Caruso F. Emerging Strategies for Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors Using Lipid-Based Nanoparticles. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2305769. [PMID: 38054651 PMCID: PMC10885677 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305769] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The application of lipid-based nanoparticles for COVID-19 vaccines and transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis treatment have highlighted their potential for translation to cancer therapy. However, their use in delivering drugs to solid tumors is limited by ineffective targeting, heterogeneous organ distribution, systemic inflammatory responses, and insufficient drug accumulation at the tumor. Instead, the use of lipid-based nanoparticles to remotely activate immune system responses is an emerging effective strategy. Despite this approach showing potential for treating hematological cancers, its application to treat solid tumors is hampered by the selection of eligible targets, tumor heterogeneity, and ineffective penetration of activated T cells within the tumor. Notwithstanding, the use of lipid-based nanoparticles for immunotherapy is projected to revolutionize cancer therapy, with the ultimate goal of rendering cancer a chronic disease. However, the translational success is likely to depend on the use of predictive tumor models in preclinical studies, simulating the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (e.g., the fibrotic extracellular matrix that impairs therapeutic outcomes) and stimulating tumor progression. This review compiles recent advances in the field of antitumor lipid-based nanoparticles and highlights emerging therapeutic approaches (e.g., mechanotherapy) to modulate tumor stiffness and improve T cell infiltration, and the use of organoids to better guide therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraia Fernandes
- Center for Translational Medicine (CTM)International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC)St. Anne HospitalBrno656 91Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Marco Cassani
- Center for Translational Medicine (CTM)International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC)St. Anne HospitalBrno656 91Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoria3000Australia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ChimicheUniversita di Roma “Tor Vergata”Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1Rome00133Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine (CTM)International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC)St. Anne HospitalBrno656 91Czech Republic
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & SciencesKing's College LondonLondonSE5 9NUUK
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
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2
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Cassani M, Fernandes S, Oliver‐De La Cruz J, Durikova H, Vrbsky J, Patočka M, Hegrova V, Klimovic S, Pribyl J, Debellis D, Skladal P, Cavalieri F, Caruso F, Forte G. YAP Signaling Regulates the Cellular Uptake and Therapeutic Effect of Nanoparticles. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2302965. [PMID: 37946710 PMCID: PMC10787066 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between living cells and nanoparticles are extensively studied to enhance the delivery of therapeutics. Nanoparticles size, shape, stiffness, and surface charge are regarded as the main features able to control the fate of cell-nanoparticle interactions. However, the clinical translation of nanotherapies has so far been limited, and there is a need to better understand the biology of cell-nanoparticle interactions. This study investigates the role of cellular mechanosensitive components in cell-nanoparticle interactions. It is demonstrated that the genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of yes-associated protein (YAP), a key component of cancer cell mechanosensing apparatus and Hippo pathway effector, improves nanoparticle internalization in triple-negative breast cancer cells regardless of nanoparticle properties or substrate characteristics. This process occurs through YAP-dependent regulation of endocytic pathways, cell mechanics, and membrane organization. Hence, the study proposes targeting YAP may sensitize triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy and increase the selectivity of nanotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cassani
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Jorge Oliver‐De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Helena Durikova
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vrbsky
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Marek Patočka
- NenoVisionPurkynova 649/127Brno61200Czech Republic
- Faculty of Mechanical EngineeringBrno University of TechnologyTechnicka 2896/2Brno61669Czech Republic
| | | | - Simon Klimovic
- Department of Bioanalytical InstrumentationCEITEC Masaryk UniversityBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pribyl
- Department of Bioanalytical InstrumentationCEITEC Masaryk UniversityBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Doriana Debellis
- Electron Microscopy FacilityFondazione Istituto Italiano Di TecnologiaVia Morego 30Genoa16163Italy
| | - Petr Skladal
- Department of Bioanalytical InstrumentationCEITEC Masaryk UniversityBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourne3000VictoriaAustralia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ChimicheUniversità di Roma “Tor Vergata”Via Della Ricerca ScientificaRome00133Italy
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & SciencesKing's College LondonLondonWC2R 2LSUK
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Fernandes S, Oliver-De La Cruz J, Morazzo S, Niro F, Cassani M, Ďuríková H, Caravella A, Fiore P, Azzato G, De Marco G, Lauria A, Izzi V, Bosáková V, Fric J, Filipensky P, Forte G. TGF-β induces matrisome pathological alterations and EMT in patient-derived prostate cancer tumoroids. Matrix Biol 2024; 125:12-30. [PMID: 37944712 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) tumorigenic alterations resulting in high matrix deposition and stiffening are hallmarks of adenocarcinomas and are collectively defined as desmoplasia. Here, we thoroughly analysed primary prostate cancer tissues obtained from numerous patients undergoing radical prostatectomy to highlight reproducible structural changes in the ECM leading to the loss of the glandular architecture. Starting from patient cells, we established prostate cancer tumoroids (PCTs) and demonstrated they require TGF-β signalling pathway activity to preserve phenotypical and structural similarities with the tissue of origin. By modulating TGF-β signalling pathway in PCTs, we unveiled its role in ECM accumulation and remodelling in prostate cancer. We also found that TGF-β-induced ECM remodelling is responsible for the initiation of prostate cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the acquisition of a migratory, invasive phenotype. Our findings highlight the cooperative role of TGF-β signalling and ECM desmoplasia in prompting prostate cell EMT and promoting tumour progression and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic.
| | - Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Sofia Morazzo
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Niro
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Cassani
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Ďuríková
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Alessio Caravella
- Department of Computer Engineering, Modelling, Electronics and Systems Engineering (DIMES), University of Calabria (UNICAL), Via P. Bucci, Cubo 42C, Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Fiore
- Department of Computer Engineering, Modelling, Electronics and Systems Engineering (DIMES), University of Calabria (UNICAL), Via P. Bucci, Cubo 42C, Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Giulia Azzato
- Department of Computer Engineering, Modelling, Electronics and Systems Engineering (DIMES), University of Calabria (UNICAL), Via P. Bucci, Cubo 42C, Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Marco
- Information Technology Center (ICT), University of Calabria (UNICAL), Via P. Bucci, Cubo 22B, Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Agostino Lauria
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento (UNISALENTO), Corpo Z, Campus Ecotekne, SP.6 per Monteroni, Lecce (LE), Italy
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu FI-90014, Finland; Faculty of Medicine, BioIM Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu FI-90014, Finland; Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Tukholmankatu 8, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veronika Bosáková
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Fric
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic; Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Filipensky
- Department of Urology, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 60200, Czech Republic; School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK.
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Čarna M, Onyango IG, Katina S, Holub D, Novotny JS, Nezvedova M, Jha D, Nedelska Z, Lacovich V, Vyvere TV, Houbrechts R, Garcia-Mansfield K, Sharma R, David-Dirgo V, Vyhnalek M, Texlova K, Chaves H, Bakkar N, Pertierra L, Vinkler M, Markova H, Laczo J, Sheardova K, Hortova-Kohoutkova M, Frič J, Forte G, Kaňovsky P, Belaškova S, Damborsky J, Hort J, Seyfried NT, Bowser R, Sevlever G, Rissman RA, Smith RA, Hajduch M, Pirrotte P, Spačil Z, Dammer EB, Limbäck-Stokin C, Stokin GB. Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: Involvement of the choroid plexus. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3537-3554. [PMID: 36825691 PMCID: PMC10634590 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (ChP) produces and is bathed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) shows extensive proteomic alterations including evidence of inflammation. Considering inflammation hampers functions of the involved tissues, the CSF abnormalities reported in these conditions are suggestive of ChP injury. Indeed, several studies document ChP damage in aging and AD, which nevertheless remains to be systematically characterized. We here report that the changes elicited in the CSF by AD are consistent with a perturbed aging process and accompanied by aberrant accumulation of inflammatory signals and metabolically active proteins in the ChP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging shows that these molecular aberrancies correspond to significant remodeling of ChP in AD, which correlates with aging and cognitive decline. Collectively, our preliminary post-mortem and in vivo findings reveal a repertoire of ChP pathologies indicative of its dysfunction and involvement in the pathogenesis of AD. HIGHLIGHTS: Cerebrospinal fluid changes associated with aging are perturbed in Alzheimer's disease Paradoxically, in Alzheimer's disease, the choroid plexus exhibits increased cytokine levels without evidence of inflammatory activation or infiltrates In Alzheimer's disease, increased choroid plexus volumes correlate with age and cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Čarna
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Isaac G. Onyango
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Katina
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dušan Holub
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Sebastian Novotny
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Nezvedova
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Durga Jha
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Nedelska
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, 2 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Valentina Lacovich
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Krystine Garcia-Mansfield
- Collaborative Center for Translational Mass Spectrometry, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ritin Sharma
- Collaborative Center for Translational Mass Spectrometry, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Victoria David-Dirgo
- Collaborative Center for Translational Mass Spectrometry, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Martin Vyhnalek
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, 2 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Texlova
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Nadine Bakkar
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Mojmir Vinkler
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Markova
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, 2 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Laczo
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, 2 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Sheardova
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- 1 Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jan Frič
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kaňovsky
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and Research and Science Department, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Belaškova
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiři Damborsky
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Hort
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, 2 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nicholas T. Seyfried
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Pirrotte
- Collaborative Center for Translational Mass Spectrometry, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Core Facility, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Zdeněk Spačil
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eric B. Dammer
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Clara Limbäck-Stokin
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gorazd B. Stokin
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Translational Aging and Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, MN, Rochester, USA
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Forte G, Antonelli M, Brunazzi E, Simmons MJH, Stitt EH, Alberini F. Flow regime identification in aerated stirred vessel using passive acoustic emission and machine learning. CAN J CHEM ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.24831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Forte
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham Edgbaston UK
- Johnson Matthey Technology Centre Billingham UK
| | - M. Antonelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering University of Pisa Pisa IT
| | - E. Brunazzi
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering University of Pisa Pisa IT
| | - M. J. H. Simmons
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham Edgbaston UK
| | - E. H. Stitt
- Johnson Matthey Technology Centre Billingham UK
| | - F. Alberini
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham Edgbaston UK
- Department of Industrial Chemistry ‘Toso Montanari’ University of Bologna via del risorgimento 4 Bologna Italy
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Cozzolino R, De Giulio B, Martignetti A, Forte G, Dallio M, Romeo M, Scognamiglio F, Ventriglia L, Stocchero M, Federico A. Urinary volatile Organic compounds in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and NAFLD-T2DM coexistence. Metabolomics 2022; 18:98. [PMID: 36441279 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01960-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulating evidence have shown a significant correlation between urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile and the manifestation of several physiological and pathological states, including liver diseases. Previous studies have investigated the urinary metabolic signature as a non-invasive tool for the early discrimination between non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which nowadays represents one of the most important challenges in this context, feasible only by carrying out liver biopsy. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in the urinary VOCs profiles of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects and NAFLD/T2DM patients. METHODS Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to profile the urinary VOCs. Urine samples were analysed both under acid and alkaline conditions, to obtain a range of urinary volatiles with different physicochemical properties. RESULTS Urinary VOCs profiles of 13 NAFLD patients, 13 T2DM subjects and 13 NAFLD/T2DM patients were investigated by multivariate and univariate data analysis techniques which allowed to identify 21 volatiles under alkaline conditions able to describe the NAFLD/T2DM group concerning the other two groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that VOCs signatures can improve the knowledge of the pathological condition where NAFLD coexists with T2DM and discovering new features that are not simply the sum of the two diseases. These preliminary findings may be considered as hypothesis-generating, to be clearly confirmed by larger prospective investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Cozzolino
- Institute of Food Science, National Research Council (CNR), via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy.
| | - Beatrice De Giulio
- Institute of Food Science, National Research Council (CNR), via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy.
| | - A Martignetti
- Institute of Food Science, National Research Council (CNR), via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - G Forte
- Institute of Food Science, National Research Council (CNR), via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - M Dallio
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M Romeo
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Scognamiglio
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - L Ventriglia
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M Stocchero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - A Federico
- Institute of Food Science, National Research Council (CNR), via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
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Martino F, Varadarajan NM, Perestrelo AR, Hejret V, Durikova H, Vukic D, Horvath V, Cavalieri F, Caruso F, Albihlal WS, Gerber AP, O'Connell MA, Vanacova S, Pagliari S, Forte G. The mechanical regulation of RNA binding protein hnRNPC in the failing heart. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo5715. [PMID: 36417487 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo5715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac pathologies are characterized by intense remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that eventually leads to heart failure. Cardiomyocytes respond to the ensuing biomechanical stress by reexpressing fetal contractile proteins via transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes, such as alternative splicing (AS). Here, we demonstrate that the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNPC) is up-regulated and relocates to the sarcomeric Z-disc upon ECM pathological remodeling. We show that this is an active site of localized translation, where the ribonucleoprotein associates with the translation machinery. Alterations in hnRNPC expression, phosphorylation, and localization can be mechanically determined and affect the AS of mRNAs involved in mechanotransduction and cardiovascular diseases, including Hippo pathway effector Yes-associated protein 1. We propose that cardiac ECM remodeling serves as a switch in RNA metabolism by affecting an associated regulatory protein of the spliceosome apparatus. These findings offer new insights on the mechanism of mRNA homeostatic mechanoregulation in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Martino
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biology, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.,Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.,Cardiac Section, National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nandan Mysore Varadarajan
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Hejret
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Durikova
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dragana Vukic
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Horvath
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic.,Centre for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, CZ-60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Frank Caruso
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, CZ-60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - André P Gerber
- Department of Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Mary A O'Connell
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stepanka Vanacova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic.,Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic.,Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.,School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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8
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Ergir E, Oliver-De La Cruz J, Fernandes S, Cassani M, Niro F, Pereira-Sousa D, Vrbský J, Vinarský V, Perestrelo AR, Debellis D, Vadovičová N, Uldrijan S, Cavalieri F, Pagliari S, Redl H, Ertl P, Forte G. Generation and maturation of human iPSC-derived 3D organotypic cardiac microtissues in long-term culture. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17409. [PMID: 36257968 PMCID: PMC9579206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide; hence there is an increasing focus on developing physiologically relevant in vitro cardiovascular tissue models suitable for studying personalized medicine and pre-clinical tests. Despite recent advances, models that reproduce both tissue complexity and maturation are still limited. We have established a scaffold-free protocol to generate multicellular, beating human cardiac microtissues in vitro from hiPSCs-namely human organotypic cardiac microtissues (hOCMTs)-that show some degree of self-organization and can be cultured for long term. This is achieved by the differentiation of hiPSC in 2D monolayer culture towards cardiovascular lineage, followed by further aggregation on low-attachment culture dishes in 3D. The generated hOCMTs contain multiple cell types that physiologically compose the heart and beat without external stimuli for more than 100 days. We have shown that 3D hOCMTs display improved cardiac specification, survival and metabolic maturation as compared to standard monolayer cardiac differentiation. We also confirmed the functionality of hOCMTs by their response to cardioactive drugs in long-term culture. Furthermore, we demonstrated that they could be used to study chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Due to showing a tendency for self-organization, cellular heterogeneity, and functionality in our 3D microtissues over extended culture time, we could also confirm these constructs as human cardiac organoids (hCOs). This study could help to develop more physiologically-relevant cardiac tissue models, and represent a powerful platform for future translational research in cardiovascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ergir
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Cassani
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Niro
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Pereira-Sousa
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vrbský
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Vinarský
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Doriana Debellis
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Electron Microscopy Facility, Fondazione Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Natália Vadovičová
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stjepan Uldrijan
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heinz Redl
- grid.454388.6Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, 1200 Vienna, Austria ,grid.511951.8Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria ,grid.511951.8Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- grid.412752.70000 0004 0608 7557Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Studentská 812/6, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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9
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Petralia S, Forte G. Computational study of novel pentacene derivatives: prediction of structural, electronic and optical properties. J PHYS ORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/poc.4443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Petralia
- Department of Drug Science and Health University of Catania Italy
| | - G. Forte
- Department of Drug Science and Health University of Catania Italy
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10
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Wojnilowicz M, Laznickova P, Ju Y, Ang CS, Tidu F, Bendickova K, Forte G, Plebanski M, Caruso F, Cavalieri F, Fric J. Influence of protein corona on the interaction of glycogen-siRNA constructs with ex vivo human blood immune cells. Biomater Adv 2022; 140:213083. [PMID: 36027666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen-nucleic acid constructs i.e., glycoplexes are emerging promising platforms for the alteration of gene expression and transcription. Understanding the interaction of glycoplexes with human blood components, such as serum proteins and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), is important to overcome immune cell activation and control biodistribution upon administration of the glycoplexes in vivo. Herein, we investigated the interactions of polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated and non-PEGylated glycoplexes carrying siRNA molecules with PBMCs isolated from the blood of healthy donors. We found that both types of glycoplexes were non-toxic and were primarily phagocytosed by monocytes without triggering a pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 cytokine production. Furthermore, we investigated the role of the protein corona on controlling the internalization efficiency in immune cells - we found that the adsorption of serum proteins, in particular haptoglobin, alpha-1-antitrypsin and apolipoprotein A-II, onto the non-PEGylated glycoplexes, significantly reduced the uptake of the glycoplexes by PBMCs. Moreover, the non-PEGylated glycoplexes were efficient in the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) knockdown in monocytic THP-1 cell line. This study provides an insight into the rational design of glycogen-based nanocarriers for the safe delivery of siRNA without eliciting unwanted immune cell activation and efficient siRNA activity upon its delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Wojnilowicz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Petra Laznickova
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno-Bohunice, Czech Republic
| | - Yi Ju
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Federico Tidu
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research: London, 123 Old Brompton Road, London SW73RP, United Kingdom
| | - Kamila Bendickova
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Plebanski
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria 3000, Australia; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Jan Fric
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 2094, 128 20 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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11
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Bhangu SK, Fernandes S, Beretta GL, Tinelli S, Cassani M, Radziwon A, Wojnilowicz M, Sarpaki S, Pilatis I, Zaffaroni N, Forte G, Caruso F, Ashokkumar M, Cavalieri F. Transforming the Chemical Structure and Bio-Nano Activity of Doxorubicin by Ultrasound for Selective Killing of Cancer Cells. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2107964. [PMID: 35100658 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107964] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reconfiguring the structure and selectivity of existing chemotherapeutics represents an opportunity for developing novel tumor-selective drugs. Here, as a proof-of-concept, the use of high-frequency sound waves is demonstrated to transform the nonselective anthracycline doxorubicin into a tumor selective drug molecule. The transformed drug self-aggregates in water to form ≈200 nm nanodrugs without requiring organic solvents, chemical agents, or surfactants. The nanodrugs preferentially interact with lipid rafts in the mitochondria of cancer cells. The mitochondrial localization of the nanodrugs plays a key role in inducing reactive oxygen species mediated selective death of breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and drug-resistant cell lines. Only marginal cytotoxicity (80-100% cell viability) toward fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes is observed, even after administration of high doses of the nanodrug (25-40 µg mL-1 ). Penetration, cytotoxicity, and selectivity of the nanodrugs in tumor-mimicking tissues are validated by using a 3D coculture of cancer and healthy cells and 3D cell-collagen constructs in a perfusion bioreactor. The nanodrugs exhibit tropism for lung and limited accumulation in the liver and spleen, as suggested by in vivo biodistribution studies. The results highlight the potential of this approach to transform the structure and bioactivity of anticancer drugs and antibiotics bearing sono-active moieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhvir Kaur Bhangu
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, 65691, Czechia
| | - Giovanni Luca Beretta
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Amadeo 42, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Stella Tinelli
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Amadeo 42, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Marco Cassani
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, 65691, Czechia
| | - Agata Radziwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Marcin Wojnilowicz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sophia Sarpaki
- BIOEMTECH, 27 Neapoleos st., Lefkippos Attica Technology Park - N.C.S.R. Demokritos, Athens, 15341, Greece
| | - Irinaios Pilatis
- BIOEMTECH, 27 Neapoleos st., Lefkippos Attica Technology Park - N.C.S.R. Demokritos, Athens, 15341, Greece
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Amadeo 42, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, 65691, Czechia
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Francesca Cavalieri
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", via della ricerca scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
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12
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Montanino Oliva M, Gambioli R, Forte G, Porcaro G, Aragona C, Unfer V. Unopposed estrogens: current and future perspectives. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:2975-2989. [PMID: 35503642 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202204_28629] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens and progestogens act on female reproductive tissues in opposite ways. As they counteract each other actions, the correct balance between these two classes of hormones is pivotal to avoid dangerous states. Unopposed estrogens occur when progestogen levels do not balance estrogens, primarily deriving from overproduction of estrogens via aromatase enzyme. In the endometrium, unopposed estrogens induce proliferative or invasive phenomena, which represent the first step toward different diseases. These pathologies include endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyps, endometriosis and adenomyosis. Endometrial hyperplasia and polyps are proliferative pathologies, while endometriosis and adenomyosis are characterized by the invasion of other tissues by endometrial cells. Current pharmacological treatments include Gonadotropin-Releasing-Hormone analogs, aromatase inhibitors and progestogens, either alone or in combination with estrogens. As these drugs usually lead to burdensome undesired effects, researchers seek to find new therapeutical molecules. Recent literature highlights the positive effects of metformin, an insulin sensitizing drug that reduces the insulin proliferative stimulus on the endometrium. d-chiro-inositol is an insulin second messenger with insulin sensitizing and mimetic properties, recently described as an aromatase down-regulator. Based on current evidence, d-chiro-inositol may be useful to treat the pathologies responsive to unopposed estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Montanino Oliva
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), Rome, Italy.
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13
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Zancla A, Mozetic P, Orsini M, Forte G, Rainer A. A primer to traction force microscopy. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101867. [PMID: 35351517 PMCID: PMC9092999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traction force microscopy (TFM) has emerged as a versatile technique for the measurement of single-cell-generated forces. TFM has gained wide use among mechanobiology laboratories, and several variants of the original methodology have been proposed. However, issues related to the experimental setup and, most importantly, data analysis of cell traction datasets may restrain the adoption of TFM by a wider community. In this review, we summarize the state of the art in TFM-related research, with a focus on the analytical methods underlying data analysis. We aim to provide the reader with a friendly compendium underlying the potential of TFM and emphasizing the methodological framework required for a thorough understanding of experimental data. We also compile a list of data analytics tools freely available to the scientific community for the furtherance of knowledge on this powerful technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zancla
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mozetic
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, Lecce, Italy; Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Orsini
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia.
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy; Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, Lecce, Italy.
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14
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Radziwon A, Bhangu SK, Fernandes S, Cortez-Jugo C, De Rose R, Dyett B, Wojnilowicz M, Laznickova P, Fric J, Forte G, Caruso F, Cavalieri F. Triggering the nanophase separation of albumin through multivalent binding to glycogen for drug delivery in 2D and 3D multicellular constructs. Nanoscale 2022; 14:3452-3466. [PMID: 35179174 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08429a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles for the encapsulation of bioactive agents hold promise to improve disease diagnosis, prevention and therapy. To advance this field and enable clinical translation, the rational design of nanoparticles with controlled functionalities and a robust understanding of nanoparticle-cell interactions in the complex biological milieu are of paramount importance. Herein, a simple platform obtained through the nanocomplexation of glycogen nanoparticles and albumin is introduced for the delivery of chemotherapeutics in complex multicellular 2D and 3D systems. We found that the dendrimer-like structure of aminated glycogen nanoparticles is key to controlling the multivalent coordination and phase separation of albumin molecules to form stable glycogen-albumin nanocomplexes. The pH-responsive glycogen scaffold conferred the nanocomplexes the ability to undergo partial endosomal escape in tumour, stromal and immune cells while albumin enabled nanocomplexes to cross endothelial cells and carry therapeutic agents. Limited interactions of nanocomplexes with T cells, B cells and natural killer cells derived from human blood were observed. The nanocomplexes can accommodate chemotherapeutic drugs and release them in multicellular 2D and 3D constructs. The drugs loaded on the nanocomplexes retained their cytotoxic activity, which is comparable with the activity of the free drugs. Cancer cells were found to be more sensitive to the drugs in the presence of stromal and immune cells. Penetration and cytotoxicity of the drug-loaded nanocomplexes in tumour mimicking tissues were validated using a 3D multicellular-collagen construct in a perfusion bioreactor. The results highlight a simple and potentially scalable strategy for engineering nanocomplexes made entirely of biological macromolecules with potential use for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Radziwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Sukhvir K Bhangu
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christina Cortez-Jugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Robert De Rose
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Brendan Dyett
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Marcin Wojnilowicz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Petra Laznickova
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Fric
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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15
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Amodio A, Cassani M, Mummolo L, Cortez-Jugo C, Bhangu SK, Symons J, Ahlenstiel CL, Forte G, Ricci F, Kelleher AD, Lewin SR, Cavalieri F, Caruso F. Nanoscale probing and imaging of HIV-1 RNA in cells with a chimeric LNA-DNA sensor. Nanoscale 2022; 14:3049-3061. [PMID: 35142755 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08418f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Real-time detection and nanoscale imaging of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 ribonucleic acid (HIV-1 RNA) in latently infected cells that persist in people living with HIV-1 on antiretroviral therapy in blood and tissue may reveal new insights needed to cure HIV-1 infection. Herein, we develop a strategy combining DNA nanotechnology and super-resolution expansion microscopy (ExM) to detect and image a 22 base sequence transcribed from the HIV-1 promoter in model live and fixed cells. We engineer a chimeric locked nucleic acid (LNA)-DNA sensor via hybridization chain reaction to probe HIV-1 RNA in the U3 region of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) by signal amplification in live cells. We find that the viral RNA transcript of the U3 region of the HIV-1 LTR, namely PromA, is a valid and specific biomarker to detect infected live cells. The efficiency and selectivity of the LNA-DNA sensor are evaluated in combination with ExM. Unlike standard ExM methods, which rely on additional custom linkers to anchor and immobilize RNA molecules in the intracellular polymeric network, in the current strategy, we probe and image the HIV-1 RNA target at nanoscale resolution, without resorting to chemical linkers or additional preparation steps. This is achieved by physical entrapment of the HIV-1 viral transcripts in the cells post-expansion by finely tuning the mesh size of the intracellular polymeric network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Amodio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cassani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Liviana Mummolo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Christina Cortez-Jugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | - Jori Symons
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | | | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anthony D Kelleher
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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16
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De Zuani M, Lazničková P, Tomašková V, Dvončová M, Forte G, Stokin GB, Šrámek V, Helán M, Frič J. High CD4-to-CD8 ratio identifies an at-risk population susceptible to lethal COVID-19. Scand J Immunol 2021; 95:e13125. [PMID: 34861051 PMCID: PMC9286348 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Around half of people with severe COVID-19 requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment will survive, but it is unclear how the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 differs between ICU patients that recover and those that do not. We conducted whole-blood immunophenotyping of COVID-19 patients upon admission to ICU and during their treatment and uncovered marked differences in their circulating immune cell subsets. At admission, patients who later succumbed to COVID-19 had significantly lower frequencies of all memory CD8+ T cell subsets, resulting in increased CD4-to-CD8 T cell and neutrophil-to-CD8 T cell ratios. ROC and Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that both CD4-to-CD8 and neutrophil-to-CD8 ratios at admission were strong predictors of in-ICU mortality. Therefore, we propose the use of the CD4-to-CD8 T cell ratio as a marker for the early identification of those individuals likely to require enhanced monitoring and/or pro-active intervention in ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Zuani
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Lazničková
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Tomašková
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Dvončová
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gorazd Bernard Stokin
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Šrámek
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Helán
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Frič
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
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17
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Vrbský J, Vinarský V, Perestrelo AR, Oliver-De La Cruz J, Martino F, Pompeiano A, Izzi V, Hlinomaz O, Rotrekl V, Sudol M, Pagliari S, Forte G. Corrigendum to "Evidence for discrete modes of YAP1 signaling via mRNA splice isoforms in development and disease" [Genomics 113 (2021) 1349-1365]. Genomics 2021; 114:474. [PMID: 34544621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vrbský
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimir Vinarský
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Martino
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biology, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Pompeiano
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valerio Izzi
- University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland; Finnish Cancer Institute, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ota Hlinomaz
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Rotrekl
- Department of Biology, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marius Sudol
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Li School of Medicine, Block MD9, 2 Medical Drive #04-01, 117597, Singapore; Mechanobiology Institute, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, New York 10029, United States of America
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
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18
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Abstract
We theoretically study the integration of short viral DNA in a DNA braid made up by two entwined double-stranded DNA molecules. We show that the statistics of single integration events substantially differ in the straight and buckled, or plectonemic, phase of the braid and are more likely in the latter. We further discover that integration is most likely close to plectoneme tips, where the larger bending energy helps overcome the associated energy barrier and that successive integration events are spatio-temporally correlated, suggesting a potential mechanistic explanation of clustered integration sites in host genomes. The braid geometry we consider provides a novel experimental set-up to quantify integration in a supercoiled substrate in vitro, and to better understand the role of double-stranded DNA topology during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Forte
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - D Michieletto
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - D Marenduzzo
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - E Orlandini
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia and Sezione INFN, Universitá degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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19
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Gambioli R, Forte G, Aragona C, Bevilacqua A, Bizzarri M, Unfer V. The use of D-chiro-Inositol in clinical practice. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:438-446. [PMID: 33506934 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202101_24412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE D-chiro-Inositol has been widely used in clinical practice to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Only recent evidence established that this molecule acts through two different mechanisms, with potentially different outcomes. On the one hand, under a metabolic perspective, D-chiro-Inositol improves insulin signaling, thus restoring physiological insulin levels in resistant subjects. On the other hand, at a cellular level, it downregulates the expression of steroidogenic enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed current literature in different databases, searching for D-chiro-Inositol in relation with one of the following keywords: myo-inositol, PCOS, infertility, insulin resistance, aromatase, androgen and inositol, testosterone, estrogen and inositol, estradiol, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, fat tissue, estrogens and cancer, anovulation, uterine myoma, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia. RESULTS D-Chiro-Inositol treatment may be helpful in restoring physiological hormonal levels in various clinical disorders. However, D-Chiro-Inositol intervention should be carefully designed to avoid possible undesired side effects stemming from its multiple mechanisms of action. CONCLUSIONS We evaluated the optimal D Chiro-Inositol administration for different pathologies, defining dosages and timing. Even though further studies are required to validate our preliminary results, this paper is primarily intended to guide researchers through some of the pathways of D-Chiro-Inositol.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gambioli
- R&D Department, Lo.Li. Pharma Srl, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Vrbský J, Vinarský V, Perestrelo AR, De La Cruz JO, Martino F, Pompeiano A, Izzi V, Hlinomaz O, Rotrekl V, Sudol M, Pagliari S, Forte G. Evidence for discrete modes of YAP1 signaling via mRNA splice isoforms in development and diseases. Genomics 2021; 113:1349-1365. [PMID: 33713822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional co-activator downstream of Hippo pathway. The pathway exerts crucial roles in organogenesis and its dysregulation is associated with the spreading of different cancer types. YAP1 gene encodes for multiple protein isoforms, whose specific functions are not well defined. We demonstrate the splicing of isoform-specific mRNAs is controlled in a stage- and tissue-specific fashion. We designed expression vectors encoding for the most-represented isoforms of YAP1 with either one or two WW domains and studied their specific signaling activities in YAP1 knock-out cell lines. YAP1 isoforms display both common and unique functions and activate distinct transcriptional programs, as the result of their unique protein interactomes. By generating TEAD-based transcriptional reporter cell lines, we demonstrate individual YAP1 isoforms display unique effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. Finally, we illustrate the complexity of the regulation of Hippo-YAP1 effector in physiological and in pathological conditions of the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vrbský
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimir Vinarský
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jorge Oliver De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Martino
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biology, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Pompeiano
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valerio Izzi
- University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland; Finnish Cancer Institute, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ota Hlinomaz
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Rotrekl
- Department of Biology, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marius Sudol
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Li School of Medicine, Block MD9, 2 Medical Drive #04-01, 117597, Singapore; Mechanobiology Institute, T-Lab, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, New York 10029, United States of America
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
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21
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Perestrelo AR, Silva AC, Oliver-De La Cruz J, Martino F, Horváth V, Caluori G, Polanský O, Vinarský V, Azzato G, de Marco G, Žampachová V, Skládal P, Pagliari S, Rainer A, Pinto-do-Ó P, Caravella A, Koci K, Nascimento DS, Forte G. Multiscale Analysis of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in the Failing Heart. Circ Res 2021; 128:24-38. [PMID: 33106094 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.317685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cardiac ECM (extracellular matrix) comprises a dynamic molecular network providing structural support to heart tissue function. Understanding the impact of ECM remodeling on cardiac cells during heart failure (HF) is essential to prevent adverse ventricular remodeling and restore organ functionality in affected patients. OBJECTIVES We aimed to (1) identify consistent modifications to cardiac ECM structure and mechanics that contribute to HF and (2) determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS We first performed decellularization of human and murine ECM (decellularized ECM) and then analyzed the pathological changes occurring in decellularized ECM during HF by atomic force microscopy, 2-photon microscopy, high-resolution 3-dimensional image analysis, and computational fluid dynamics simulation. We then performed molecular and functional assays in patient-derived cardiac fibroblasts based on YAP (yes-associated protein)-transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) mechanosensing activity and collagen contraction assays. The analysis of HF decellularized ECM resulting from ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy, as well as from mouse infarcted tissue, identified a common pattern of modifications in their 3-dimensional topography. As compared with healthy heart, HF ECM exhibited aligned, flat, and compact fiber bundles, with reduced elasticity and organizational complexity. At the molecular level, RNA sequencing of HF cardiac fibroblasts highlighted the overrepresentation of dysregulated genes involved in ECM organization, or being connected to TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor β1), interleukin-1, TNF-α, and BDNF signaling pathways. Functional tests performed on HF cardiac fibroblasts pointed at mechanosensor YAP as a key player in ECM remodeling in the diseased heart via transcriptional activation of focal adhesion assembly. Finally, in vitro experiments clarified pathological cardiac ECM prevents cell homing, thus providing further hints to identify a possible window of action for cell therapy in cardiac diseases. CONCLUSIONS Our multiparametric approach has highlighted repercussions of ECM remodeling on cell homing, cardiac fibroblast activation, and focal adhesion protein expression via hyperactivated YAP signaling during HF.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Animals
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/physiopathology
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Movement
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Extracellular Matrix/genetics
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix/ultrastructure
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/ultrastructure
- Heart Failure/genetics
- Heart Failure/metabolism
- Heart Failure/pathology
- Heart Failure/physiopathology
- Humans
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Myocardial Infarction/genetics
- Myocardial Infarction/metabolism
- Myocardial Infarction/pathology
- Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocardium/ultrastructure
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Ventricular Function, Left
- Ventricular Remodeling
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
| | - Ana Catarina Silva
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto (A.C.S., P.P.-d.Ó., D.S.N.)
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal (A.C.S., P.P.-d.Ó., D.S.N.)
- Gladstone Institute University of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco (A.C.S., J.O.-D.L.C.)
| | - Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
- Gladstone Institute University of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco (A.C.S., J.O.-D.L.C.)
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czech Republic (J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.V., G.F.)
| | - Fabiana Martino
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czech Republic (J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.V., G.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biology, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic (F.M.)
| | - Vladimír Horváth
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, Brno, Czech Republic (V.H.)
| | - Guido Caluori
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
- Central European Institute for Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (G.C., P.S.)
| | - Ondřej Polanský
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
| | - Vladimír Vinarský
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czech Republic (J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.V., G.F.)
| | - Giulia Azzato
- Department of Computer Engineering, Modelling, Electronics and Systems Engineering (G.A., A.C.), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Marco
- Information Technology Center (G.d.M.), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Víta Žampachová
- First Institute of Pathological Anatomy, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (V.Ž.)
| | - Petr Skládal
- Central European Institute for Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (G.C., P.S.)
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy (A.R.)
- Institute of Nanotechnologies (NANOTEC), National Research Council, Lecce, Italy (A.R.)
| | - Perpétua Pinto-do-Ó
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto (A.C.S., P.P.-d.Ó., D.S.N.)
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal (A.C.S., P.P.-d.Ó., D.S.N.)
| | - Alessio Caravella
- Department of Computer Engineering, Modelling, Electronics and Systems Engineering (G.A., A.C.), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Kamila Koci
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
| | - Diana S Nascimento
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto (A.C.S., P.P.-d.Ó., D.S.N.)
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal (A.C.S., P.P.-d.Ó., D.S.N.)
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic (A.R.P., J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.H., G.C., O.P., V.V., S.P., K.K., G.F.)
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czech Republic (J.O.-D.L.C., F.M., V.V., G.F.)
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Finland (G.F.)
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22
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Marciniak R, Šumec R, Vyhnálek M, Bendíčková K, Lázničková P, Forte G, Jeleník A, Římalová V, Frič J, Hort J, Sheardová K. The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Depression, Cognition, and Immunity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Feasibility Study. Clin Interv Aging 2020; 15:1365-1381. [PMID: 32848377 PMCID: PMC7429186 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s249196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based programs have shown a promising effect on several health factors associated with increased risk of dementia and the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia such as depression, stress, cognitive decline, immune system and brain structural and functional changes. Studies on mindfulness in MCI subjects are sparse and frequently lack control intervention groups. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) practice on depression, cognition and immunity in MCI compared to cognitive training. METHODS Twenty-eight MCI subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. MBSR group underwent 8-week MBSR program. Control group underwent 8-week cognitive training. Their cognitive and immunological profiles and level of depressive symptoms were examined at baseline, after each 8-week intervention (visit 2, V2) and six months after each intervention (visit 3, V3). MBSR participants completed feasibility questionnaire at V2. RESULTS Twenty MCI patients completed the study (MBSR group n=12, control group n=8). MBSR group showed significant reduction in depressive symptoms at both V2 (p=0.03) and V3 (p=0.0461) compared to the baseline. There was a minimal effect on cognition - a group comparison analysis showed better psychomotor speed in the MBSR group compared to the control group at V2 (p=0.0493) but not at V3. There was a detectable change in immunological profiles in both groups, more pronounced in the MBSR group. Participants checked only positive/neutral answers concerning the attractivity/length of MBSR intervention. More severe cognitive decline (PVLT≤36) was associated with the lower adherence to home practice. CONCLUSION MBSR is well-accepted potentially promising intervention with positive effect on cognition, depressive symptoms and immunological profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Marciniak
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rastislav Šumec
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- First Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Vyhnálek
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Bendíčková
- Center of Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Lázničková
- Center of Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center of Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Jeleník
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Římalová
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Mathematical Analysis and Applications of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Frič
- Center of Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Hort
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Sheardová
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- First Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
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23
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Vallittu PK, Posti JP, Piitulainen JM, Serlo W, Määttä JA, Heino TJ, Pagliari S, Syrjänen SM, Forte G. Biomaterial and implant induced ossification: in vitro and in vivo findings. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1157-1168. [PMID: 32415757 PMCID: PMC7496445 DOI: 10.1002/term.3056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Material-induced ossification is suggested as a suitable approach to heal large bone defects. Fiber-reinforced composite-bioactive glasses (FRC-BGs) display properties that could enhance the ossification of calvarial defects. Here, we analyzed the healing processes of a FRC-BG implant in vivo from the perspective of material-induced ossification. Histological analysis of the implant, which was removed 5 months after insertion, showed the formation of viable, noninflammatory mesenchymal tissue with newly-formed mineralized woven bone, as well as nonmineralized connective tissue with capillaries and larger blood vessels. The presence of osteocytes was detected within the newly generated bone matrix. To expand our understanding on the osteogenic properties of FRC-BG, we cultured human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) in the presence of two different BGs (45S5 and S53P4) and Al2 O3 control. AD-MSCs grew and proliferated on all the scaffolds tested, as well as secreted abundant extracellular matrix, when osteogenic differentiation was appropriately stimulated. 45S5 and S53P4 induced enhanced expression of COL2A1, COL10A1, COL5A1 collagen subunits, and pro-osteogenic genes BMP2 and BMP4. The concomitant downregulation of BMP3 was also detected. Our findings show that FRC-BG can support the vascularization of the implant and the formation of abundant connective tissue in vivo. Specifically, BG 45S5 and BG S53P4 are suited to evoke the osteogenic potential of host mesenchymal stromal cells. In conclusion, FRC-BG implant demonstrated material-induced ossification both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pekka K. Vallittu
- Department of Biomaterials ScienceInstitute of Dentistry, University of Turku and City of Turku, Welfare DivisionTurkuFinland
| | - Jussi P. Posti
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku Brain Injury CentreTurku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jaakko M. Piitulainen
- Division of Surgery and Cancer Diseases, Department of Otorhinolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck Surgery, Turku University HospitalTurku Finland and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Willy Serlo
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland and Department of Children and AdolescentsOulu University HospitalOuluFinland
| | | | | | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne's University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Stina M. Syrjänen
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, Institute of DentistryUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne's University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
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24
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Glab A, Bertucci A, Martino F, Wojnilowicz M, Amodio A, Venanzi M, Ricci F, Forte G, Caruso F, Cavalieri F. Dissecting the intracellular signalling and fate of a DNA nanosensor by super-resolution and quantitative microscopy. Nanoscale 2020; 12:15402-15413. [PMID: 32657284 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr03087b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanodevices have been developed as platforms for the manipulation of gene expression, delivery of molecular payloads, and detection of various molecular targets within cells and in other complex biological settings. Despite efforts to translate DNA nanodevices from the test tube (in vitro) to living cells, their intracellular trafficking and functionality remain poorly understood. Herein, quantitative and super-resolution microscopy approaches were employed to track and visualise, with nanometric resolution, the molecular interactions between a synthetic DNA nanosensor and transcription factors in intracellular compartments. Specifically, fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and multicolour single-molecule localisation microscopy were employed to probe the specific binding of the DNA nanosensor to the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). We monitored the mobility, subcellular localisation and degradation of the DNA nanosensor inside living prostate cancer PC3 cells. Super-resolution imaging enabled the direct visualisation of the molecular interactions between the synthetic DNA nanosensors and the NF-κB molecules in cells. This study represents a significant advance in the effective detection as well as understanding of the intracellular dynamics of DNA nanosensors in a complex biological milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Glab
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Alessandro Bertucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Martino
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marcin Wojnilowicz
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Alessia Amodio
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. and Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Venanzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St Anne's University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frank Caruso
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. and Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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25
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Fernandes S, Cassani M, Pagliari S, Filipensky P, Cavalieri F, Forte G. Tumor in 3D: In Vitro Complex Cellular Models to Improve Nanodrugs Cancer Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:7234-7255. [PMID: 32586245 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200625151134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanodrugs represent novel solutions to reshuffle repurposed drugs for cancer therapy. They might offer different therapeutic options by combining targeted drug delivery and imaging in unique platforms. Such nanomaterials are deemed to overcome the limitations of currently available treatments, ultimately improving patients' life quality. However, despite these promises being made for over three decades, the poor clinical translation of nanoparticle- based therapies calls for deeper in vit.. and in vivo investigations. Translational issues arise very early during the development of nanodrugs, where complex and more reliable cell models are often replaced by easily accessible and convenient 2D monocultures. This is particularly true in the field of cancer therapy. In fact, 2D monocultures provide poor information about the real impact of the nanodrugs in a complex living organism, especially given the poor mimicry of the solid Tumors Microenvironment (TME). The dense and complex extracellular matrix (ECM) of solid tumors dramatically restricts nanoparticles efficacy, impairing the successful implementation of nanodrugs in medical applications. Herein, we propose a comprehensive guideline of the 3D cell culture models currently available, including their potential and limitations for the evaluation of nanodrugs activity. Advanced culture techniques, more closely resembling the physiological conditions of the TME, might give a better prediction of the reciprocal interactions between cells and nanoparticles and eventually help reconsider the use of old drugs for new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC) of St Anne’s University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Cassani
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC) of St Anne’s University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC) of St Anne’s University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Filipensky
- St Anne’s University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- School of Science, RMIT University,
Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma “Tor
Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC) of St Anne’s University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
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26
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Portelli F, Galli F, Cattaneo L, Cossa M, De Giorgi V, Forte G, Fraternali Orcioni G, Gianatti A, Indini A, Labianca A, Maurichi A, Merelli B, Montesco MC, Occelli M, Patuzzo R, Piazzalunga D, Pigozzo J, Quaglino P, Ribero S, Salvatori R, Saraggi D, Sena P, Senetta R, Valeri B, Tanaka M, Fukayama M, Palmieri G, Mandalà M, Massi D. The prognostic impact of the extent of ulceration in patients with clinical stage I-II melanoma: a multicentre study of the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI). Br J Dermatol 2020; 184:281-288. [PMID: 32282932 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.19120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of ulceration has been recognized as an adverse prognostic factor in primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM). OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the extent of ulceration (EoU) predicts relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in PCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrieved data for 477 patients with ulcerated PCM from databases of the Italian Melanoma Intergroup. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the independent prognostic impact of EoU. RESULTS A significant interaction emerged between Breslow thickness (BT) and EoU, considering both RFS (P < 0·0001) and OS (P = 0·0006). At multivariable analysis, a significant negative impact of EoU on RFS [hazard ratio (HR) (1-mm increase) 1·26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·08-1·48, P = 0·0047] and OS [HR (1-mm increase) 1·25, 95% CI 1·05-1·48, P = 0·0120] was found in patients with BT ≤ 2 mm, after adjusting for BT, age, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, sentinel lymph node status and mitotic rate. No impact of EoU was found in patients with 2·01-4 mm and > 4 mm BT. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that EoU has an independent prognostic impact in PCM and should be recorded as a required element in pathology reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Portelli
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Galli
- Methodology for Clinical Research Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - L Cattaneo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Units of Pathology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - M Cossa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - V De Giorgi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florence, Italy
| | - G Forte
- Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Croce e Carle di Cuneo SC, Cuneo, Italy
| | - G Fraternali Orcioni
- Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Croce e Carle di Cuneo SC, Cuneo, Italy
| | - A Gianatti
- Units of Pathology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - A Indini
- Units of Medical Oncology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - A Labianca
- Units of Medical Oncology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - A Maurichi
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - B Merelli
- Units of Medical Oncology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - M C Montesco
- Pathological Anatomy and Histology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - M Occelli
- Oncologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Croce e Carle di Cuneo SC, Cuneo, Italy
| | - R Patuzzo
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Piazzalunga
- Units of Surgery, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - J Pigozzo
- Melanoma and Esophageal Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - P Quaglino
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - S Ribero
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - R Salvatori
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Saraggi
- Pathological Anatomy and Histology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy.,Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS8 Berica-San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - P Sena
- Units of Dermatology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - R Senetta
- Pathology Division, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - B Valeri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - G Palmieri
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, ICB-CNR, Sassari, Italy
| | - M Mandalà
- Units of Medical Oncology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - D Massi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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27
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Jose SS, De Zuani M, Tidu F, Hortová Kohoutková M, Pazzagli L, Forte G, Spaccapelo R, Zelante T, Frič J. Comparison of two human organoid models of lung and intestinal inflammation reveals Toll-like receptor signalling activation and monocyte recruitment. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1131. [PMID: 32377340 PMCID: PMC7200218 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The activation of immune responses in mucosal tissues is a key factor for the development and sustainment of several pathologies including infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. However, translational research and personalised medicine struggle to advance because of the lack of suitable preclinical models that successfully mimic the complexity of human tissues without relying on in vivo mouse models. Here, we propose two in vitro human 3D tissue models, deprived of any resident leucocytes, to model mucosal tissue inflammatory processes. Methods We developed human 3D lung and intestinal organoids differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells to model mucosal tissues. We then compared their response to a panel of microbial ligands and investigated their ability to attract and host human primary monocytes. Results Mature lung and intestinal organoids comprised epithelial (EpCAM+) and mesenchymal (CD73+) cells which responded to Toll‐like receptor stimulation by releasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and expressing tissue inflammatory markers including MMP9, COX2 and CRP. When added to the organoid culture, primary human monocytes migrated towards the organoids and began to differentiate to an ‘intermediate‐like’ phenotype characterised by increased levels of CD14 and CD16. Conclusion We show that human mucosal organoids exhibit proper immune functions and successfully mimic an immunocompetent tissue microenvironment able to host patient‐derived immune cells. Our experimental set‐up provides a novel tool to tackle the complexity of immune responses in mucosal tissues which can be tailored to different human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sushama Jose
- International Clinical Research Center St. Anne's University Hospital Brno Brno Czech Republic
| | - Marco De Zuani
- International Clinical Research Center St. Anne's University Hospital Brno Brno Czech Republic
| | - Federico Tidu
- International Clinical Research Center St. Anne's University Hospital Brno Brno Czech Republic.,Department of Biology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic
| | | | - Lucia Pazzagli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and University Research Center for Functional Genomic (C.U.R.Ge.F) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center St. Anne's University Hospital Brno Brno Czech Republic
| | - Roberta Spaccapelo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and University Research Center for Functional Genomic (C.U.R.Ge.F) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Teresa Zelante
- Department of Experimental Medicine and University Research Center for Functional Genomic (C.U.R.Ge.F) University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Jan Frič
- International Clinical Research Center St. Anne's University Hospital Brno Brno Czech Republic.,Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Prague Czech Republic
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28
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Cassani M, Fernandes S, Vrbsky J, Ergir E, Cavalieri F, Forte G. Combining Nanomaterials and Developmental Pathways to Design New Treatments for Cardiac Regeneration: The Pulsing Heart of Advanced Therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:323. [PMID: 32391340 PMCID: PMC7193099 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The research for heart therapies is challenged by the limited intrinsic regenerative capacity of the adult heart. Moreover, it has been hampered by the poor results obtained by tissue engineering and regenerative medicine attempts at generating functional beating constructs able to integrate with the host tissue. For this reason, organ transplantation remains the elective treatment for end-stage heart failure, while novel strategies aiming to promote cardiac regeneration or repair lag behind. The recent discovery that adult cardiomyocytes can be ectopically induced to enter the cell cycle and proliferate by a combination of microRNAs and cardioprotective drugs, like anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulants and anti-platelets agents, fueled the quest for new strategies suited to foster cardiac repair. While proposing a revolutionary approach for heart regeneration, these studies raised serious issues regarding the efficient controlled delivery of the therapeutic cargo, as well as its timely removal or metabolic inactivation from the site of action. Especially, there is need for innovative treatment because of evidence of severe side effects caused by pleiotropic drugs. Biocompatible nanoparticles possess unique physico-chemical properties that have been extensively exploited for overcoming the limitations of standard medical therapies. Researchers have put great efforts into the optimization of the nanoparticles synthesis and functionalization, to control their interactions with the biological milieu and use as a viable alternative to traditional approaches. Nanoparticles can be used for diagnosis and deliver therapies in a personalized and targeted fashion. Regarding the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, nanoparticles-based strategies have provided very promising outcomes, in preclinical studies, during the last years. Efficient encapsulation of a large variety of cargos, specific release at the desired site and improvement of cardiac function are some of the main achievements reached so far by nanoparticle-based treatments in animal models. This work offers an overview on the recent nanomedical applications for cardiac regeneration and highlights how the versatility of nanomaterials can be combined with the newest molecular biology discoveries to advance cardiac regeneration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cassani
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Vrbsky
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ece Ergir
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center, St Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
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30
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Bendíčková K, Tidu F, De Zuani M, Kohoutková MH, Andrejčinová I, Pompeiano A, Bělášková S, Forte G, Zelante T, Frič J. Calcineurin inhibitors reduce NFAT-dependent expression of antifungal pentraxin-3 by human monocytes. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 107:497-508. [PMID: 30934147 PMCID: PMC7064969 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4vma0318-138r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CN) inhibitors are effective clinical immunosuppressants but leave patients vulnerable to potentially fatal fungal infections. This study tested the hypothesis that CN inhibition interferes with antifungal immune defenses mediated by monocytes. We showed that NFAT is expressed by human monocytes, and is activated by exposure to fungal ligands. We confirmed that NFAT translocation potently activated target gene transcription using a human monocytic reporter cell line. Inhibition of CN‐NFAT by cyclosporine A significantly reduced monocyte production of TNF‐α, IL‐10, and MCP‐1 proteins in response to pattern recognition receptor ligands as well as to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. Moreover, we revealed that human monocytes express the antifungal protein pentraxin‐3 under control of NFAT. In conclusion, clinical CN inhibitors have the potential to interfere with the novel NFAT‐dependent pentraxin‐3 pathway as well as antifungal cytokine production in human monocytes, thereby impeding monocyte‐mediated defenses against fungal infection in immune‐suppressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Bendíčková
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Federico Tidu
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marco De Zuani
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ivana Andrejčinová
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Pompeiano
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Bělášková
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Teresa Zelante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jan Frič
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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31
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Oliver-De La Cruz J, Nardone G, Vrbsky J, Pompeiano A, Perestrelo AR, Capradossi F, Melajová K, Filipensky P, Forte G. Substrate mechanics controls adipogenesis through YAP phosphorylation by dictating cell spreading. Biomaterials 2019; 205:64-80. [PMID: 30904599 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mechanoregulated proteins YAP/TAZ are involved in the adipogenic/osteogenic switch of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSC fate decision can be unbalanced by controlling substrate mechanics, in turn altering the transmission of tension through cell cytoskeleton. MSCs have been proposed for orthopedic and reconstructive surgery applications. Thus, a tight control of their adipogenic potential is required in order to avoid their drifting towards fat tissue. Substrate mechanics has been shown to drive MSC commitment and to regulate YAP/TAZ protein shuttling and turnover. The mechanism by which YAP/TAZ co-transcriptional activity is mechanically regulated during MSC fate acquisition is still debated. Here, we design few bioengineering tools suited to disentangle the contribution of mechanical from biological stimuli to MSC adipogenesis. We demonstrate that the mechanical repression of YAP happens through its phosphorylation, is purely mediated by cell spreading downstream of substrate mechanics as dictated by dimensionality. YAP repression is sufficient to prompt MSC adipogenesis, regardless of a permissive biological environment, TEAD nuclear presence or focal adhesion stabilization. Finally, by harnessing the potential of YAP mechanical regulation, we propose a practical example of the exploitation of adipogenic transdifferentiation in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giorgia Nardone
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vrbsky
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Pompeiano
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Rubina Perestrelo
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Capradossi
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Melajová
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic; Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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32
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Petringa G, Romano F, Manti L, Pandola L, Attili A, Cammarata F, Cuttone G, Forte G, Manganaro L, Pipek J, Pisciotta P, Russo G, Cirrone GAP. Radiobiological quantities in proton-therapy: Estimation and validation using Geant4-based Monte Carlo simulations. Phys Med 2019; 58:72-80. [PMID: 30824153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit was used to reproduce radiobiological parameters measured by irradiating three different cancerous cell lines with monochromatic and clinical proton beams. METHODS The experimental set-up adopted for irradiations was fully simulated with a dedicated open-source Geant4 application. Cells survival fractions was calculated coupling the Geant4 simulations with two analytical radiobiological models: one based on the LEM (Local Effect Model) approach and the other on a semi-empirical parameterisation. Results was evaluated and compared with experimental data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated the Geant4 ability to reproduce radiobiological quantities for different cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Petringa
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Universitá degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - F Romano
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; National Physical Laboratory, Acoustic and Ionizing Radiation Division, Teddington TW11 0LW, Middlesex, UK
| | - L Manti
- Dipartimento di Fisica E. Pancini, Universitá degli Studi Federico II di Napoli, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; INFN-NA, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Complesso Universitario di M. S. Angelo, Via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - L Pandola
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - A Attili
- INFN-TO, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - F Cammarata
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; IBFM-CNR, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology - National Research Council, Cefalù, PA, Italy
| | - G Cuttone
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - G Forte
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; IBFM-CNR, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology - National Research Council, Cefalù, PA, Italy
| | - L Manganaro
- INFN-TO, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - J Pipek
- ELI-Beamline Project, Inst. Physics, ASCR, PALS Center, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Pisciotta
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Universitá degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - G Russo
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; IBFM-CNR, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology - National Research Council, Cefalù, PA, Italy
| | - G A P Cirrone
- INFN-LNS. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy; ELI-Beamline Project, Inst. Physics, ASCR, PALS Center, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Jelinkova S, Fojtik P, Kohutova A, Vilotic A, Marková L, Pesl M, Jurakova T, Kruta M, Vrbsky J, Gaillyova R, Valášková I, Frák I, Lacampagne A, Forte G, Dvorak P, Meli AC, Rotrekl V. Dystrophin Deficiency Leads to Genomic Instability in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells via NO Synthase-Induced Oxidative Stress. Cells 2019; 8:cells8010053. [PMID: 30650618 PMCID: PMC6356905 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) show myocyte progenitor's involvement in the disease pathology often leading to the DMD patient's death. The molecular mechanism underlying stem cell impairment in DMD has not been described. We created dystrophin-deficient human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines by reprogramming cells from two DMD patients, and also by introducing dystrophin mutation into human embryonic stem cells via CRISPR/Cas9. While dystrophin is expressed in healthy hPSC, its deficiency in DMD hPSC lines induces the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through dysregulated activity of all three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (further abrev. as, NOS). NOS-induced ROS release leads to DNA damage and genomic instability in DMD hPSC. We were able to reduce both the ROS release as well as DNA damage to the level of wild-type hPSC by inhibiting NOS activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarka Jelinkova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Fojtik
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Aneta Kohutova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Aleksandra Vilotic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Marková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Pesl
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- 1st department of Internal Medicine-Cardioangiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Tereza Jurakova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Miriama Kruta
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Vrbsky
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Renata Gaillyova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University hospital Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Iveta Valášková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University hospital Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivan Frák
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Alain Lacampagne
- PhyMedExp, INSERM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 342 95 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France.
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Dvorak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Albano C Meli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- PhyMedExp, INSERM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 342 95 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France.
| | - Vladimir Rotrekl
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center ICRC, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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34
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Ergir E, Bachmann B, Redl H, Forte G, Ertl P. Small Force, Big Impact: Next Generation Organ-on-a-Chip Systems Incorporating Biomechanical Cues. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1417. [PMID: 30356887 PMCID: PMC6190857 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology-on-a-chip is a growing field focusing on how mechanical inputs modulate physico-chemical output in microphysiological systems. It is well known that biomechanical cues trigger a variety of molecular events and adjustment of mechanical forces is therefore essential for mimicking in vivo physiologies in organ-on-a-chip technology. Biomechanical inputs in organ-on-a-chip systems can range from variations in extracellular matrix type and stiffness and applied shear stresses to active stretch/strain or compression forces using integrated flexible membranes. The main advantages of these organ-on-a-chip systems are therefore (a) the control over spatiotemporal organization of in vivo-like tissue architectures, (b) the ability to precisely control the amount, duration and intensity of the biomechanical stimuli, and (c) the capability of monitoring in real time the effects of applied mechanical forces on cell, tissue and organ functions. Consequently, over the last decade a variety of microfluidic devices have been introduced to recreate physiological microenvironments that also account for the influence of physical forces on biological functions. In this review we present recent advances in mechanobiological lab-on-a-chip systems and report on lessons learned from these current mechanobiological models. Additionally, future developments needed to engineer next-generation physiological and pathological organ-on-a-chip models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ergir
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bachmann
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
- AUVA Research Centre, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Kompetenzzentrum für MechanoBiologie (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Redl
- AUVA Research Centre, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Kompetenzzentrum für MechanoBiologie (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Vienna, Austria
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Brno, Czechia
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Kompetenzzentrum für MechanoBiologie (INTERREG V-A Austria – Czech Republic Programme, ATCZ133), Vienna, Austria
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35
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Forte G, Clark P, Yan Z, Stitt E, Marigo M. Using a Freeman FT4 rheometer and Electrical Capacitance Tomography to assess powder blending. POWDER TECHNOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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36
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Caluori G, Pribyl J, Pesl M, Oliver-De La Cruz J, Nardone G, Skladal P, Forte G. Advanced and Rationalized Atomic Force Microscopy Analysis Unveils Specific Properties of Controlled Cell Mechanics. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1121. [PMID: 30174612 PMCID: PMC6107778 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell biomechanical properties play a key role in the determination of the changes during the essential cellular functions, such as contraction, growth, and migration. Recent advances in nano-technologies have enabled the development of new experimental and modeling approaches to study cell biomechanics, with a level of insights and reliability that were not possible in the past. The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for force spectroscopy allows nanoscale mapping of the cell topography and mechanical properties under, nearly physiological conditions. A proper evaluation process of such data is an essential factor to obtain accurate values of the cell elastic properties (primarily Young's modulus). Several numerical models were published in the literature, describing the depth sensing indentation as interaction process between the elastic surface and indenting probe. However, many studies are still relying on the nowadays outdated Hertzian model from the nineteenth century, or its modification by Sneddon. The lack of comparison between the Hertz/Sneddon model with their modern modifications blocks the development of advanced analysis software and further progress of AFM promising technology into biological sciences. In this work, we applied a rationalized use of mechanical models for advanced postprocessing and interpretation of AFM data. We investigated the effect of the mechanical model choice on the final evaluation of cellular elasticity. We then selected samples subjected to different physicochemical modulators, to show how a critical use of AFM data handling can provide more information than simple elastic modulus estimation. Our contribution is intended as a methodological discussion of the limitations and benefits of AFM-based advanced mechanical analysis, to refine the quantification of cellular elastic properties and its correlation to undergoing cellular processes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Caluori
- International Clinical Research Center of the St. Anne's University Hospital Brno (FNUSA-ICRC), Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, Brno, Czechia.,Central European Institute of Technology of Masaryk University, Nanobiotechnology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Pribyl
- Central European Institute of Technology of Masaryk University, Nanobiotechnology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martin Pesl
- International Clinical Research Center of the St. Anne's University Hospital Brno (FNUSA-ICRC), Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,First Department of Internal Medicine/Cardioangiology, St. Anne's Hospital, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research Center of the St. Anne's University Hospital Brno (FNUSA-ICRC), Center for Translational Medicine, Brno, Czechia
| | - Giorgia Nardone
- International Clinical Research Center of the St. Anne's University Hospital Brno (FNUSA-ICRC), Center for Translational Medicine, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petr Skladal
- Central European Institute of Technology of Masaryk University, Nanobiotechnology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center of the St. Anne's University Hospital Brno (FNUSA-ICRC), Center for Translational Medicine, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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37
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Forte G, Messina G, Zamuner A, Dettin M, Grassi A, Marletta G. Surface-driven first-step events of nanoscale self-assembly for molecular peptide fibers: An experimental and theoretical study. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 168:148-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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38
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Martino F, Perestrelo AR, Vinarský V, Pagliari S, Forte G. Cellular Mechanotransduction: From Tension to Function. Front Physiol 2018; 9:824. [PMID: 30026699 PMCID: PMC6041413 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 483] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Living cells are constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli arising from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or from neighboring cells. The intracellular molecular processes through which such physical cues are transformed into a biological response are collectively dubbed as mechanotransduction and are of fundamental importance to help the cell timely adapt to the continuous dynamic modifications of the microenvironment. Local changes in ECM composition and mechanics are driven by a feed forward interplay between the cell and the matrix itself, with the first depositing ECM proteins that in turn will impact on the surrounding cells. As such, these changes occur regularly during tissue development and are a hallmark of the pathologies of aging. Only lately, though, the importance of mechanical cues in controlling cell function (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, migration) has been acknowledged. Here we provide a critical review of the recent insights into the molecular basis of cellular mechanotransduction, by analyzing how mechanical stimuli get transformed into a given biological response through the activation of a peculiar genetic program. Specifically, by recapitulating the processes involved in the interpretation of ECM remodeling by Focal Adhesions at cell-matrix interphase, we revise the role of cytoskeleton tension as the second messenger of the mechanotransduction process and the action of mechano-responsive shuttling proteins converging on stage and cell-specific transcription factors. Finally, we give few paradigmatic examples highlighting the emerging role of malfunctions in cell mechanosensing apparatus in the onset and progression of pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Martino
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ana R. Perestrelo
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Vinarský
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czechia
| | - Stefania Pagliari
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- Competence Center for Mechanobiology in Regenerative Medicine, INTERREG ATCZ133, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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39
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Signorile ML, Grossi V, Sanese P, Celestini V, Fasano C, Forte G, Russo L, Simone C. PO-006 The MAPK/c-Myc axis in CRC: new pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. ESMO Open 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-eacr25.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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40
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Grossi V, Signorile ML, Forte G, Sanese P, Fasano C, Russo L, Sciglio VD, Simone C. PO-203 A novel member in the β-catenin destruction complex: may MAPK14/P38α foster new therapeutic approaches in colorectal cancer? ESMO Open 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-eacr25.721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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41
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Simone C, Celestini V, Tezil T, Russo L, Fasano C, Sanese P, Forte G, Peserico A, Signorile ML, Grossi V. PO-243 Uncoupling FOXO3A mitochondrial and nuclear functions in cancer cells undergoing metabolic stress and chemotherapy. ESMO Open 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-eacr25.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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42
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Celestini V, Tezil T, Russo L, Fasano C, Sanese P, Forte G, Peserico A, Signorile ML, Grossi V, Simone C. PO-161 The AMPK and MEK/ERK signalling pathways regulate mitochondrial FOXO3A import through phosphorylation of serine 12 and serine 30. ESMO Open 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-eacr25.683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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43
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Abstract
Sixty-seven patients with malignant melanomas were seen in our institute since 1998. We looked for a sentinel node in 26 (38%) patients with lesions thicker than 1 mm, employing a double technique: staining with methylene blue and gamma probe mapping after injection of 99mTc. Forty-six nodes were retrieved, 25% of them containing tumor cells. This approach enabled us to choose between a wait-and-see policy and radical surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Landra
- First Department of General Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Croce, Cuneo, Italy.
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44
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Farra R, Musiani F, Perrone F, Čemažar M, Kamenšek U, Tonon F, Abrami M, Ručigaj A, Grassi M, Pozzato G, Bonazza D, Zanconati F, Forte G, El Boustani M, Scarabel L, Garziera M, Russo Spena C, De Stefano L, Salis B, Toffoli G, Rizzolio F, Grassi G, Dapas B. Polymer-Mediated Delivery of siRNAs to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Variables Affecting Specificity and Effectiveness. Molecules 2018; 23:E777. [PMID: 29597300 PMCID: PMC6017305 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances in anticancer therapies, their effectiveness for many human tumors is still far from being optimal. Significant improvements in treatment efficacy can come from the enhancement of drug specificity. This goal may be achieved by combining the use of therapeutic molecules with tumor specific effects and delivery carriers with tumor targeting ability. In this regard, nucleic acid-based drug (NABD) and particularly small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are attractive molecules due to the possibility to be engineered to target specific tumor genes. On the other hand, polymeric-based delivery systems are emerging as versatile carriers to generate tumor-targeted delivery systems. Here we will focus on the most recent findings in the selection of siRNA/polymeric targeted delivery systems for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a human tumor for which currently available therapeutic approaches are poorly effective. In addition, we will discuss the most attracting and, in our opinion, promising siRNA-polymer combinations for HCC in relation to the biological features of HCC tissue. Attention will be also put on the mathematical description of the mechanisms ruling siRNA-carrier delivery, this being an important aspect to improve effectiveness reducing the experimental work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Farra
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio, 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Perrone
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Urška Kamenšek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio, 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Aleš Ručigaj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio, 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Department of "Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute", University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of "Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute", University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of "Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute", University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Studenstka 6, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Maguie El Boustani
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
- Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Lucia Scarabel
- C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
| | - Marica Garziera
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
| | - Concetta Russo Spena
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
- Doctoral School in Chemistry, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Lucia De Stefano
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
- Doctoral School in Chemistry, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Barbara Salis
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
- Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O.-National Cancer Institute, via Franco Gallini 2, I-33081 Aviano (PN), Italy.
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University, via Torino 155, I-30172 Mestre (Venezia), Italy.
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
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45
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Satriano C, Forte G, Magrì A, Di Pietro P, Travaglia A, Pandini G, Gianì F, La Mendola D. Neurotrophin-mimicking peptides at the biointerface with gold respond to copper ion stimuli. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 18:30595-30604. [PMID: 27786317 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp05476e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The peptide fragments NGF1-14 and BDNF1-12, encompassing the N-terminal domains, respectively, of the proteins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were used in this study for the fabrication of a hybrid gold/peptide biointerface. These peptides mimic the Trk receptor activation of the respective whole protein - with a crucial role played by copper ions - and exhibit, in bulk solution, a pH-dependent capability to complex copper. We demonstrate here the maintenance of peptide-specific responses at different pH values as well as the copper binding also for the adlayers formed upon physisorption at the gold surface. The physicochemical properties, including viscoelastic behavior of the adlayer and competitive vs. synergic interactions in sequential adsorption processes, were addressed both experimentally, by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and circular dichroism (CD), and theoretically, by molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. Proof-of work biological assays with the neuroblastoma SY-SH5H cell line demonstrated that the developed hybrid Au/peptide nanoplatforms are very promising for implementation in pH- and metal-responsive systems for application in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - G Forte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - A Magrì
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages - Catania, National Council of Research (IBB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 16, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - P Di Pietro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, I-95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - A Travaglia
- Centre for Neural Science, New York University, Washington Place, 4, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - G Pandini
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, via Palermo n. 636, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - F Gianì
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, via Palermo n. 636, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - D La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano, 6, I-56100 Pisa, Italy.
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Abstract
In this paper, we focus on the control of the mean-field equilibrium of nonlinear networks of the Langevin type in the limit of small noise. Using iterative linear approximations, we derive a formula that prescribes a control strategy in order to displace the equilibrium state of a given system and remarkably find that the control function has a "universal" form under certain physical conditions. This result can be employed to define universal protocols useful, for example, in the optimal work extraction from a given reservoir. Generalizations and limits of application of the method are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Forte
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, 225 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - D C Vural
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, 225 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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Occelli M, Nigro L, Vivenza D, Cauchi C, Sciancalepore G, Rovera M, Silvia V, Varamo C, Martinoglio B, Seia Z, Bosio P, Errico F, Lavagna F, Forte G, Palazzini S, Quaranta L, Basso D, Gervasio S, Merlano M. Analysis of miRNAs and their correlation with early malignat melanoma (MM). Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx428.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Halib N, Perrone F, Cemazar M, Dapas B, Farra R, Abrami M, Chiarappa G, Forte G, Zanconati F, Pozzato G, Murena L, Fiotti N, Lapasin R, Cansolino L, Grassi G, Grassi M. Potential Applications of Nanocellulose-Containing Materials in the Biomedical Field. Materials (Basel) 2017; 10:ma10080977. [PMID: 28825682 PMCID: PMC5578343 DOI: 10.3390/ma10080977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Because of its high biocompatibility, bio-degradability, low-cost and easy availability, cellulose finds application in disparate areas of research. Here we focus our attention on the most recent and attractive potential applications of cellulose in the biomedical field. We first describe the chemical/structural composition of cellulose fibers, the cellulose sources/features and cellulose chemical modifications employed to improve its properties. We then move to the description of cellulose potential applications in biomedicine. In this field, cellulose is most considered in recent research in the form of nano-sized particle, i.e., nanofiber cellulose (NFC) or cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). NFC is obtained from cellulose via chemical and mechanical methods. CNC can be obtained from macroscopic or microscopic forms of cellulose following strong acid hydrolysis. NFC and CNC are used for several reasons including the mechanical properties, the extended surface area and the low toxicity. Here we present some potential applications of nano-sized cellulose in the fields of wound healing, bone-cartilage regeneration, dental application and different human diseases including cancer. To witness the close proximity of nano-sized cellulose to the practical biomedical use, examples of recent clinical trials are also reported. Altogether, the described examples strongly support the enormous application potential of nano-sized cellulose in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Halib
- Department of Basic Sciences & Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Level 15, Tower B, Persiaran MPAJ, Jalan Pandan Utama, Kuala Lumpur 55100, Malaysia;.
| | - Francesca Perrone
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Rossella Farra
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Chiarappa
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Luigi Murena
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- Surgery and Health Sciences, Department of Medical, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Romano Lapasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Laura Cansolino
- Department of Clinico-Surgical Sciences, Experimental Surgery Laboratory, University of Pavia and IRCCS S, Matteo Hospital Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
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Farra R, Grassi G, Tonon F, Abrami M, Grassi M, Pozzato G, Fiotti N, Forte G, Dapas B. The Role of the Transcription Factor E2F1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Drug Deliv 2017; 14:272-281. [PMID: 27109336 DOI: 10.2174/1567201813666160527141742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Because of the fast growth, early hepatic metastasis and the multidrug resistance, the five-year survival rate is very low. Thus, the understanding of its biology can significantly contribute in identifying valuable targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this regard, E2F1 may represent an interesting candidate. E2F1 is a transcription factor implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes including cell proliferation and apoptosis. Whereas the involvement of E2F1 in HCC has been recognized, its ability to act as a proliferative and/or apoptotic factor in HCC has not yet been clarified and, in this regard, an active debate is ongoing. The definition of E2F1 role in HCC is not a trivial aspect as it can have significant consequences for the development of novel therapeutic options with E2F1 as target. In this review, we present data about the reported proliferative/apoptotic effects as well as the dual (combined proliferation and apoptosis) functions of E2F1 in HCC discussing the molecular basis for this behavior. The data available so far indicate that the proliferative and apoptotic functions of E2F1 in HCC may coexist but the proliferative effect seems to be more pronounced than the apoptotic one.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital of Trieste, P.O. Box: 34149, Trieste, Italy
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50
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Scarabel L, Perrone F, Garziera M, Farra R, Grassi M, Musiani F, Russo Spena C, Salis B, De Stefano L, Toffoli G, Rizzolio F, Tonon F, Abrami M, Chiarappa G, Pozzato G, Forte G, Grassi G, Dapas B. Strategies to optimize siRNA delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2017; 14:797-810. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2017.1292247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Scarabel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesca Perrone
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marica Garziera
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Rossella Farra
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Russo Spena
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Salis
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Lucia De Stefano
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca Chiarappa
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pozzato
- Department of ‘Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute’, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of ‘Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e della Salute’, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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