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Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC, Fiume G. Editorial: Recent advances in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of oncogenic virus-driven tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1402877. [PMID: 38660129 PMCID: PMC11040595 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1402877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
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2
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Pelos G, Riester M, Pal J, Myacheva K, Moneke I, Rotondo JC, Lübbert M, Diederichs S. Fast proliferating and slowly migrating non-small cell lung cancer cells are vulnerable to decitabine and retinoic acid combinatorial treatment. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1029-1042. [PMID: 37947765 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are often elderly or unfit and thus cannot tolerate standard aggressive therapy regimes. In our study, we test the efficacy of the DNA-hypomethylating agent decitabine (DAC) in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which has been shown to possess little systemic adverse effects. Screening a broad panel of 56 NSCLC cell lines uncovered a decrease in cell viability after the combination treatment in 77% of the cell lines. Transcriptomics, proteomics, proliferation and migration profiling revealed that fast proliferating and slowly migrating cell lines were more sensitive to the drug combination. The comparison of mutational profiles found oncogenic KRAS mutations only in sensitive cells. Additionally, different cell lines showed a heterogeneous gene expression response to the treatment pointing to diverse mechanisms of action. Silencing KRAS, RIG-I or RARB partially reversed the sensitivity of KRAS-mutant NCI-H460 cells. To study resistance, we generated two NCI-H460 cell populations resistant to ATRA and DAC, which migrated faster and proliferated slower than the parental sensitive cells and showed signs of senescence. In summary, this comprehensive dataset uncovers a broad sensitivity of NSCLC cells to the combinatorial treatment with DAC and ATRA and indicates that migration and proliferation capacities correlate with and could thus serve as determinants for drug sensitivity in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pelos
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marisa Riester
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jagriti Pal
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ksenia Myacheva
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Moneke
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sven Diederichs
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Mazziotta C, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Morciano G, Di Mauro G, Touzé A, Pinton P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. All-trans retinoic acid exhibits anti-proliferative and differentiating activity in Merkel cell carcinoma cells via retinoid pathway modulation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38450801 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited therapies available for treating Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly aggressive skin neoplasm, still pose clinical challenges, and novel treatments are required. Targeting retinoid signalling with retinoids, such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a promising and clinically useful antitumor approach. ATRA drives tumour cell differentiation by modulating retinoid signalling, leading to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. Although retinoid signalling is dysregulated in MCC, ATRA activity in this tumour is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ATRA on the pathological phenotype of MCC cells. METHODS The effect of ATRA was tested in various Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive and polyomavirus-negative MCC cell lines in terms of cell proliferation, viability, migration and clonogenic abilities. In addition, cell cycle, apoptosis/cell death and the retinoid gene signature were evaluated upon ATRA treatments. RESULTS ATRA efficiently impaired MCC cell proliferation and viability in MCC cells. A strong effect in reducing cell migration and clonogenicity was determined in ATRA-treated cells. Moreover, ATRA resulted as strongly effective in arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis/cell death in all tested MCC cells. Enrichment analyses indicated that ATRA was effective in modulating the retinoid gene signature in MCC cells to promote cell differentiation pathways, which led to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic/cell death effects. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the potential of retinoid-based therapy for MCC management and might open the way to novel experimental approaches with other retinoids and/or combinatorial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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4
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Mazzoni E, Di Stefano M, Fiore JR, Destro F, Manfrini M, Rotondo JC, Casali MV, Vesce F, Greco P, Scutiero G, Martini F, Tognon MG. Corrigendum: Serum IgG antibodies from pregnant women reacting to mimotopes of Simian virus 40 large T antigen, the viral oncoprotein. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1329317. [PMID: 38250058 PMCID: PMC10798157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1329317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00411.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Di Stefano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Josè R. Fiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Federica Destro
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Manfrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria V. Casali
- Hospital Headquarter Department, State Hospital, Institute for Social Security, Borgo Maggiore, San Marino
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Scutiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro G. Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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5
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Mazziotta C, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Regulatory mechanisms of circular RNAs during human mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Theranostics 2024; 14:143-158. [PMID: 38164139 PMCID: PMC10750202 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human osteogenic differentiation is a complex and well-orchestrated process which involves a plethora of molecular players and cellular processes. A growing number of studies have underlined that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important regulatory role during human osteogenic differentiation. CircRNAs are single-stranded, covalently closed non-coding RNA molecules that are acquiring increased attention as epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Given their intrinsic high conformational stability, abundance, and specificity, circRNAs can undertake various biological activities in order to regulate multiple cellular processes, including osteogenic differentiation. The most recent evidence indicates that circRNAs control human osteogenesis by preventing the inhibitory activity of miRNAs on their downstream target genes, using a competitive endogenous RNA mechanism. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the currently known regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs during human osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, we provide an understanding of recent advances in research conducted on various human mesenchymal stem cell types that underlined the importance of circRNAs in regulating osteogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms of circRNA in osteogenesis will improve knowledge on the molecular processes of bone growth, resulting in the potential development of novel preclinical and clinical studies and the discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for bone disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara. 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street. Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara. 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street. Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara. 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street. Ferrara, Italy
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6
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Mazziotta C, Iaquinta MR, Tramarin ML, Badiale G, Cervellera CF, Tonnini G, Patergnani S, Pinton P, Lanza G, Gafà R, Tognon M, Martini F, De Mattei M, Rotondo JC. Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p/Homeobox A13 axis modulates the expression of β-catenin gene in human epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22872. [PMID: 38129477 PMCID: PMC10739948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49837-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion is a key function for epithelial cells. The fundamental mechanisms relying on epithelial cell adhesion have been partially uncovered. Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p (hsa-miR-1249-3p) plays a role in the epithelial mesenchymal transition in carcinoma cells, but its physiological function in epithelial cells is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of hsa-miR-1249-3p on epithelial cell functions. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was overexpressed in human epithelial cells and uterine cervical tissues, compared to cervical carcinoma cells and precancerous tissues, respectively. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was analyzed to verify its regulatory function on Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) target gene and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin. Functional experiments indicated that hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition prompted the mRNA and protein overexpression of HOXA13 which, in turn, led to the β-catenin protein expression. Moreover, hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition induced a strong colony forming ability in epithelial cells, suggesting the miR involvement in cell adhesion machinery. These data indicate that hsa-miR-1249-3p regulates the expression of HOXA13 and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin, possible resulting in cell adhesion modification in epithelial cells. This study will allow the set-up of further investigations aimed at exploring the relationship between the hsa-miR-1249-3p/HOXA13 axis and downstream cell adhesion genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Tramarin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Christian Felice Cervellera
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Tonnini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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7
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Badiale G, Vitali I, Touzé A, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Distinct retinoic gene signatures discriminate Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive from -negative Merkel cell carcinoma cells. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28949. [PMID: 37436928 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Limited molecular knowledge of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive and -negative Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) subsets (MCCP/MCCN) has prevented so far the identification of the MCC origin cell type and, therefore, the development of effective therapies. The retinoic gene signature was investigated in various MCCP, MCCN, and control fibroblast/epithelial cell lines to elucidate the heterogeneous nature of MCC. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis indicated that MCCP and MCCN cells were clusterizable from each other and control cells, according to their retinoic gene signature. MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes (n = 43) were identified. Protein-protein interaction network indicated SOX2, ISL1, PAX6, FGF8, ASCL1, OLIG2, SHH, and GLI1 as upregulated hub genes and JAG1 and MYC as downregulated hub genes in MCCP compared to MCCN. Numerous MCCP-associated hub genes were DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in neurological and Merkel cell development and stemness. Enrichment analyses indicated that MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes predominantly encode for to DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in development, stemness, invasiveness, and cancer. Our findings suggest the neuroendocrine origin of MCCP, by which neuronal precursor cells could undergo an MCPyV-driven transformation. These overarching results might open the way to novel retinoid-based MCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vitali
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie Des Infections À Polyomavirus" Team, UMR, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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8
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Cervellera CF, Mazziotta C, Di Mauro G, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Torreggiani E, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Immortalized erythroid cells as a novel frontier for in vitro blood production: current approaches and potential clinical application. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:139. [PMID: 37226267 PMCID: PMC10210309 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood transfusions represent common medical procedures, which provide essential supportive therapy. However, these procedures are notoriously expensive for healthcare services and not without risk. The potential threat of transfusion-related complications, such as the development of pathogenic infections and the occurring of alloimmunization events, alongside the donor's dependence, strongly limits the availability of transfusion units and represents significant concerns in transfusion medicine. Moreover, a further increase in the demand for donated blood and blood transfusion, combined with a reduction in blood donors, is expected as a consequence of the decrease in birth rates and increase in life expectancy in industrialized countries. MAIN BODY An emerging and alternative strategy preferred over blood transfusion is the in vitro production of blood cells from immortalized erythroid cells. The high survival capacity alongside the stable and longest proliferation time of immortalized erythroid cells could allow the generation of a large number of cells over time, which are able to differentiate into blood cells. However, a large-scale, cost-effective production of blood cells is not yet a routine clinical procedure, as being dependent on the optimization of culture conditions of immortalized erythroid cells. CONCLUSION In our review, we provide an overview of the most recent erythroid cell immortalization approaches, while also describing and discussing related advancements of establishing immortalized erythroid cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Felice Cervellera
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences-DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences-DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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9
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Contini C, Rotondo JC, Perna B, Guarino M, De Giorgio R. Special Issue: Advances in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041048. [PMID: 37110471 PMCID: PMC10145712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus which was first reported in late 2019 in China, from where it then spread worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Contini
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University-Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University-Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University-Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University-Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Govoni M, Falzoni S, Tramarin ML, Mazzoni E, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Immunological evidence of an early seroconversion to oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus in healthy children and young adults. Immunology 2023; 168:671-683. [PMID: 36321356 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) provokes a widespread and asymptomatic infection in humans. Herein, sera from healthy children and young adults (HC, n = 344) aged 0-20 years old were evaluated for anti-MCPyV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies employing a recently developed immunoassay. Serum MCPyV IgG data from healthy subjects (HS, n = 510) and elderlies (ES, n = 226), aged 21-65/66-100 years old, from our previous studies, were included. The anti-MCPyV IgG and IgM rates in HC sera were 40.7% and 29.7%, respectively. A lower prevalence of anti-MCPyV IgGs was found in HC aged 0-5 years old (13%) compared to 6-10 (52.3%), 11-15 (60.5%) and 16-20 years old (61.6%) cohorts. Age-stratified HCs exhibited similar anti-MCPyV IgM rates (27.9%-32.9%). Serological profiles indicated that anti-MCPyV IgGs and IgMs had low optical densities (ODs) during the first years of life, while IgM ODs appeared to decrease throughout young adulthood. A lower anti-MCPyV IgGs rate was found in HC (40.7%) than HS (61.8%) and ES (63.7%). Upon the 5-years range age-stratification, a lower anti-MCPyV IgGs rate was found in the younger HC cohort aged 0-5 years old compared to the remaining older HC/HS/ES cohorts (52.3%-72%). The younger HC cohort exhibited the lowest anti-MCPyV IgG ODs than the older cohorts. Low anti-MCPyV IgMs rates and ODs were found in the 21-25 (17.5%) and 26-30 (7.7%) years old cohorts. Our data indicate that, upon an early-in-life seroconversion, the seropositivity for oncogenic MCPyV peaks in late childhood/young adulthood and remains at high prevalence and relatively stable throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simonetta Falzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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11
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Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC. Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health. Cells 2023; 12:cells12010184. [PMID: 36611977 PMCID: PMC9818925 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells and commensal microbes in the human intestine constantly communicate with and react to each other in a stable environment in order to maintain healthy immune activities. Immune system-microbiota cross-talk relies on a complex network of pathways that sustain the balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. Probiotic bacteria can interact and stimulate intestinal immune cells and commensal microflora to modulate specific immune functions and immune homeostasis. Growing evidence shows that probiotic bacteria present important health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, the use of probiotics might represent a promising approach for improving immune system activities. So far, few studies have been reported on the beneficial immune modulatory effect of probiotics. However, many others, which are mainly focused on their metabolic/nutritional properties, have been published. Therefore, the mechanisms behind the interaction between host immune cells and probiotics have only been partially described. The present review aims to collect and summarize the most recent scientific results and the resulting implications of how probiotic bacteria and immune cells interact to improve immune functions. Hence, a description of the currently known immunomodulatory mechanisms of probiotic bacteria in improving the host immune system is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +39-053-2455-557 (E.T.); +39-053-245-5536 (J.C.R.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +39-053-2455-557 (E.T.); +39-053-245-5536 (J.C.R.)
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12
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Lanzillotti C, Touzé A, Gaboriaud P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. MicroRNA dysregulations in Merkel cell carcinoma: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28375. [PMID: 36477874 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin malignancy with two distinct etiologies. The first, which accounts for the highest proportion, is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a DNA tumor virus. A second, UV-induced, MCC form has also been identified. Few MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options are available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, which play a key role in regulating various physiologic cellular functions including cell cycling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous miRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, by acting as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. The aim of this review is to collect, summarize, and discuss recent findings on miRNAs whose dysregulation has been assumed to play a role in MCC. The potential clinical application of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in MCC is also described. In the future, miRNAs will potentially gain clinical significance for the improvement of MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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13
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Iaquinta MR, Martini F, D’Agostino A, Trevisiol L, Bersani M, Torreggiani E, Tognon M, Rotondo JC, Mazzoni E. Stem Cell Fate and Immunomodulation Promote Bone Regeneration via Composite Bio-Oss®/AviteneTM Biomaterial. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:873814. [PMID: 35832412 PMCID: PMC9271820 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.873814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone defects in maxillofacial regions lead to noticeable deformity and dysfunctions. Therefore, the use of biomaterials/scaffolds for maxillofacial bone regrowth has been attracting great interest from many surgical specialties and experts. Many approaches have been devised in order to create an optimal bone scaffold capable of achieving desirable degrees of bone integration and osteogenesis. Osteogenesis represents a complex physiological process involving multiple cooperating systems. A tight relationship between the immune and skeletal systems has lately been established using the concept of “osteoimmunology,” since various molecules, particularly those regulating immunological and inflammatory processes, are shared. Inflammatory mediators are now being implicated in bone remodeling, according to new scientific data. In this study, a profiler PCR array was employed to evaluate the expression of cytokines and chemokines in human adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) cultured on porous hydroxylapatite (HA)/Collagen derived Bio-Oss®/Avitene scaffolds, up to day 21. In hASCs grown on the Bio-Oss®/Avitene biomaterial, 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be up-regulated, together with 12 DEG down-regulated. Chemokine CCL2, which affects bone metabolism, tested down-regulated. Interestingly, the Bio-Oss®/Avitene induced the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory inter-leukin IL-6. In conclusion, our investigation carried out on the Bio-Oss®/Avitene scaffold indicates that it could be successfully employed in maxillofacial surgery. Indeed, this composite material has the advantage of being customized on the basis of the individual patients favoring a novel personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technological Laboratory for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: John Charles Rotondo,
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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14
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Caselli E, Gallenga CE, Guarino M, De Giorgio R, Mazziotta C, Tramarin ML, Badiale G, Tognon M, Contini C. Advanced Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Methods to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1193. [PMID: 35744711 PMCID: PMC9231257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 in China and quickly spread across the globe, causing over 521 million cases of infection and 6.26 million deaths to date. After 2 years, numerous advances have been made. First of all, the preventive vaccine, which has been implemented in record time, is effective in more than 95% of cases. Additionally, in the diagnostic field, there are numerous molecular and antigenic diagnostic kits that are equipped with high sensitivity and specificity. Real Time-PCR-based assays for the detection of viral RNA are currently considered the gold-standard method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and can be used efficiently on pooled nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal samples for widespread screening. Moreover, additional, and more advanced molecular methods such as droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), are currently under development to detect the SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, as the number of subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 continuously increases globally, health care systems are being placed under increased stress. Thus, the clinical laboratory plays an important role, helping to select especially asymptomatic individuals who are actively carrying the live replicating virus, with fast and non-invasive molecular technologies. Recent diagnostic strategies, other than molecular methods, have been adopted to either detect viral antigens, i.e., antigen-based immunoassays, or human anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, i.e., antibody-based immunoassays, in nasal or oropharyngeal swabs, as well as in blood or saliva samples. However, the role of mucosal sIgAs, which are essential in the control of viruses entering the body through mucosal surfaces, remains to be elucidated, and in particular the role of the immune response in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, primarily at the site(s) of virus entry that appears to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, 45030 Occhiobello, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, CIAS Research Center and LTTA, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Tramarin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
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15
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Gafà R, Touzé A, Durand MA, Martini F, Rotondo JC. The Role of Histone Post-Translational Modifications in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832047. [PMID: 35350569 PMCID: PMC8957841 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of non–melanoma skin cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 63%. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, is the etiological agent of MCC. Although representing a small proportion of MCC cases, MCPyV-negative MCCs have also been identified. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in MCC, have been only partially determined. This review aims to describe the most recent progress on PTMs and their regulative factors in the context of MCC onset/development, providing an overview of current findings on both MCC subtypes. An outline of current knowledge on the potential employment of PTMs and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as novel treatment strategies targeting the reversibility of PTMs for MCC therapy is provided. Recent research shows that PTMs are emerging as important epigenetic players involved in MCC onset/development, and therefore may show a potential clinical significance. Deeper and integrated knowledge of currently known PTM dysregulations is of paramount importance in order to understand the molecular basis of MCC and improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options for this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Alice Durand
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Rotondo JC, Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Stefani C, Badiale G, Campione G, Martini F, Tognon M. The Role of Purinergic P2X7 Receptor in Inflammation and Cancer: Novel Molecular Insights and Clinical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1116. [PMID: 35267424 PMCID: PMC8909580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a transmembrane protein whose expression has been related to a variety of cellular processes, while its dysregulation has been linked to inflammation and cancer. P2X7R is expressed in cancer and immune system cell surfaces. ATP plays a key role in numerous metabolic processes due to its abundance in the tumour microenvironment. P2X7R plays an important role in cancer by interacting with ATP. The unusual property of P2X7R is that stimulation with low doses of ATP causes the opening of a permeable channel for sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, whereas sustained stimulation with high doses of ATP favours the formation of a non-selective pore. The latter effect induces a change in intracellular homeostasis that leads to cell death. This evidence suggests that P2X7R has both pro- and anti-tumour proprieties. P2X7R is increasingly recognised as a regulator of inflammation. In this review, we aimed to describe the most relevant characteristics of P2X7R function, activation, and its ligands, while also summarising the role of P2X7R activation in the context of inflammation and cancer. The currently used therapeutic approaches and clinical trials of P2X7R modulators are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Stefani
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Campione
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
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17
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Oton-Gonzalez L, Mazziotta C, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Nocini R, Trevisiol L, D’Agostino A, Tognon M, Rotondo JC, Martini F. Genetics and Epigenetics of Bone Remodeling and Metabolic Bone Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031500. [PMID: 35163424 PMCID: PMC8836080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone metabolism consists of a balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is mediated by osteoblast and osteoclast activity, respectively. In order to ensure bone plasticity, the bone remodeling process needs to function properly. Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into the osteoblast lineage by activating different signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt)/β-catenin pathways. Recent data indicate that bone remodeling processes are also epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA expressions, such as micro-RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Mutations and dysfunctions in pathways regulating the osteoblast differentiation might influence the bone remodeling process, ultimately leading to a large variety of metabolic bone diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize and describe the genetics and epigenetics of the bone remodeling process. Moreover, the current findings behind the genetics of metabolic bone diseases are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Nocini
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Trevisiol
- Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio D’Agostino
- Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.R.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-0532-455536 (J.C.R.); +39-0532-455540 (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.R.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-0532-455536 (J.C.R.); +39-0532-455540 (F.M.)
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Mazziotta C, Pellielo G, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Significantly Low Levels of IgG Antibodies Against Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Sera From Females Affected by Spontaneous Abortion. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:789991. [PMID: 34970247 PMCID: PMC8712937 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a small DNA tumor virus ubiquitous in humans. MCPyV establishes a clinically asymptomatic lifelong infection in healthy immunocompetent individuals. Viral infections are considered to be risk factors for spontaneous abortion (SA), which is the most common adverse complication of pregnancy. The role of MCPyV in SA remains undetermined. Herein, the impact of MCPyV infection in females affected by SA was investigated. Specifically, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method with two linear synthetic peptides/mimotopes mimicking MCPyV antigens was used to investigate immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against MCPyV in sera from 94 females affected by SA [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 35 ± (6) years] and from 96 healthy females undergoing voluntary pregnancy interruption [VI, mean (±SD) age 32 ± (7) years]. MCPyV seroprevalence and serological profiles were analyzed. The overall prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against MCPyV was 35.1% (33/94) and 37.5% (36/96) in SA and VI females, respectively (p > 0.05). Notably, serological profile analyses indicated lower optical densities (ODs) in females with SA compared to those undergoing VI (p < 0.05), thus indicating a reduced IgG antibody response in SA females. Circulating IgGs were identified in sera from SA and VI females. Our immunological findings indicate that a relatively reduced fraction of pregnant females carry serum anti-MCPyV IgG antibodies, while SA females presented a more pronounced decrease in IgG antibody response to MCPyV. Although yet to be determined, this immunological decrease might prompt an increase in MCPyV multiplication events in females experiencing abortive events. The role of MCPyV in SA, if present, remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Mazziotta C, Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Campione G, Martini F, Tognon M. Cancer biology and molecular genetics of A 3 adenosine receptor. Oncogene 2022; 41:301-308. [PMID: 34750517 PMCID: PMC8755539 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is a cell membrane protein, which has been found to be overexpressed in a large number of cancer types. This receptor plays an important role in cancer by interacting with adenosine. Specifically, A3AR has a dual nature in different pathophysiological conditions, as it is expressed according to tissue type and stimulated by an adenosine dose-dependent manner. A3AR activation leads to tumor growth, cell proliferation and survival in some cases, while triggering cytostatic and apoptotic pathways in others. This review aims to describe the most relevant aspects of A3AR activation and its ligands whereas it summarizes A3AR activities in cancer. Progress in the field of A3AR modulators, with a potential therapeutic role in cancer treatment are reported, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Campione
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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20
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Govoni M, Pellielo G, Mazzoni E, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Decreased IgG Antibody Response to Viral Protein Mimotopes of Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Sera From Healthy Elderly Subjects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:738486. [PMID: 34733278 PMCID: PMC8558529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.738486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the main causative agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin tumor with a typical presentation age >60 years. MCPyV is ubiquitous in humans. After an early-age primary infection, MCPyV establishes a clinically asymptomatic lifelong infection. In immunocompromised patients/individuals, including elders, MCC can arise following an increase in MCPyV replication events. Elders are prone to develop immunesenescence and therefore represent an important group to investigate. In addition, detailed information on MCPyV serology in elders has been debated. These findings cumulatively indicate the need for new research verifying the impact of MCPyV infection in elderly subjects (ES). Herein, sera from 226 ES, aged 66-100 years, were analyzed for anti-MCPyV IgGs with an indirect ELISA using peptides mimicking epitopes from the MCPyV capsid proteins VP1-2. Immunological data from sera belonging to a cohort of healthy subjects (HS) (n = 548) aged 18-65 years, reported in our previous study, were also included for comparisons. Age-/gender-specific seroprevalence and serological profiles were investigated. MCPyV seroprevalence in ES was 63.7% (144/226). Age-specific MCPyV seroprevalence resulted as 62.5% (25/40), 71.7% (33/46), 64.9% (37/57), 63.8% (30/47), and 52.8% (19/36) in ES aged 66-70, 71-75, 76-80, 81-85, and 86-100 years, respectively (p > 0.05). MCPyV seroprevalence was 67% (71/106) and 61% (73/120) in ES males and females, respectively (p > 0.05). Lack of age-/gender-related variations in terms of MCPyV serological profiles was found in ES (p > 0.05). Notably, serological profile analyses indicated lower optical densities (ODs) in ES compared with HS (p < 0.05), while lower ODs were also determined in ES males compared with HS males (p < 0.05). Our data cumulatively suggest that oncogenic MCPyV circulates in elders asymptomatically at a relatively high prevalence, while immunesenescence might be responsible for a decreased IgG antibody response to MCPyV, thereby potentially leading to an increase in MCPyV replication levels. In the worse scenario, alongside other factors, MCPyV might drive MCC carcinogenesis, as described in elders with over 60 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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21
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Vincenzi F, Rotondo JC, Pasquini S, Di Virgilio F, Varani K, Tognon M. A 3 Adenosine and P2X7 Purinergic Receptors as New Targets for an Innovative Pharmacological Therapy of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:679285. [PMID: 34660262 PMCID: PMC8518529 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.679285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, but aggressive tumor of the serosal cavities whose 5-year survival rate is 15%. At present, there are no effective therapies for MPM. Although recent findings suggest that A3 adenosine (A3AR) and P2X7 (P2X7R) receptors can be employed as antitumoral pharmacological targets in MPM, their potential role in a combined therapy is currently unknown. The A3AR agonist Cl-IB-MECA and the P2X7 receptor antagonist AZ10606120, as a single compound or in combination, were investigated in vitro for their anti-tumor activities. Assays were carried out in MPM cell lines IST-Mes2 and MPP89 and in primary human normal mesothelial cells (HMCs), as control. Single treatment with Cl-IB-MECA reduced cell proliferation and favored a pro-apoptotic effect in both MPP89 and IST-Mes2 cell lines, whereas AZ10606120 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in IST-Mes2, only. The combined treatment with Cl-IB-MECA and AZ10606120 reduced cell proliferation and favored apoptosis in MPP89 and IST-Mes2 cell lines, whereas no synergistic effect was detected. These data cumulatively suggest the absence of a synergistic effect in combined targeting of A3 adenosine and P2X7 receptors of MPM cell lines. This study may stimulate further investigations aimed at determining new combinations of antitumor compounds and more effective therapeutic strategies against MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Experimental Medicine Section, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Virgilio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Experimental Medicine Section, Pathology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Experimental Medicine Section, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Mazziotta C, Di Mauro G, Lanzillotti C, Barp N, Gallerani A, Tognon M, Contini C. SARS-CoV-2 Infection: New Molecular, Phylogenetic, and Pathogenetic Insights. Efficacy of Current Vaccines and the Potential Risk of Variants. Viruses 2021; 13:1687. [PMID: 34578269 PMCID: PMC8473168 DOI: 10.3390/v13091687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly discovered coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has rapidly become a public health emergency of international concern. Although remarkable scientific achievements have been reached since the beginning of the pandemic, the knowledge behind this novel coronavirus, in terms of molecular and pathogenic characteristics and zoonotic potential, is still relatively limited. Today, there is a vaccine, or rather several vaccines, which, for the first time in the history of highly contagious infectious diseases that have plagued mankind, has been manufactured in just one year. Currently, four vaccines are licensed by regulatory agencies, and they use RNA or viral vector technologies. The positive effects of the vaccination campaign are being felt in many parts of the world, but the disappearance of this new infection is still far from being a reality, as it is also threatened by the presence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, hampering the immunization control efforts. Indeed, the current findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is adapting to transmission in humans more efficiently, while further divergence from the initial archetype should be considered. In this review, we aimed to provide a collection of the current knowledge regarding the molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenetic insights into SARS-CoV-2. The most recent findings obtained with respect to the impact of novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the development and implementation of vaccines are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicole Barp
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Altea Gallerani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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23
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Torreggiani E, Oton-Gonzalez L, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Gaboriaud P, Touzé A, Silvagni E, Govoni M, Martini F, Tognon M, Rotondo JC. Serum Antibodies Against the Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Detected by an Innovative Immunological Assay With Mimotopes in Healthy Subjects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676627. [PMID: 34168646 PMCID: PMC8217635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676627] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, has been detected in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and in normal tissues. Since MCPyV infection occurs in both MCC-affected patients and healthy subjects (HS), innovative immunoassays for detecting antibodies (abs) against MCPyV are required. Herein, sera from HS were analyzed with a novel indirect ELISA using two synthetic peptides mimicking MCPyV capsid protein epitopes of VP1 and VP2. Synthetic peptides were designed to recognize IgGs against MCPyV VP mimotopes using a computer-assisted approach. The assay was set up evaluating its performance in detecting IgGs anti-MCPyV on MCPyV-positive (n=65) and -negative (n=67) control sera. Then, the ELISA was extended to sera (n=548) from HS aged 18-65 yrs old. Age-specific MCPyV-seroprevalence was investigated. Performance evaluation indicated that the assay showed 80% sensitivity, 91% specificity and 83.9% accuracy, with positive and negative predictive values of 94.3% and 71%, respectively. The ratio expected/obtained data agreement was 86%, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.72. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis indicated that the areas under the curves (AUCs) for the two peptides were 0.82 and 0.74, respectively. Intra-/inter-run variations were below 9%. The overall prevalence of serum IgGs anti-MCPyV in HS was 62.9% (345/548). Age-specific MCPyV-seroprevalence was 63.1% (82/130), 56.7% (68/120), 64.5% (91/141), and 66.2% (104/157) in HS aged 18-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-65 yrs old, respectively (p>0.05). Performance evaluation suggests that our indirect ELISA is reliable in detecting IgGs anti-MCPyV. Our immunological data indicate that MCPyV infection occurs asymptomatically, at a relatively high prevalence, in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- ISP “Biologie des infections à polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP “Biologie des infections à polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Ettore Silvagni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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25
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Iaquinta MR, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Bononi I, Frontini F, Mazzoni E, Oton-Gonzalez L, Rotondo JC, Torreggiani E, Tognon M, Martini F. The role of microRNAs in the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and bone pathologies. Theranostics 2021; 11:6573-6591. [PMID: 33995677 PMCID: PMC8120225 DOI: 10.7150/thno.55664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [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: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues. MSCs can regenerate through cell division or differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes. As a result, MSCs have become an important source of cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for bone tissue and cartilage. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in MSCs differentiation. Among these, microRNA (miRNA) regulation is involved in the fine modulation of gene expression during osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation. It has been reported that miRNAs are involved in bone homeostasis by modulating osteoblast gene expression. In addition, countless evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs dysregulation is involved in the development of osteoporosis and bone fractures. The deregulation of miRNAs expression has also been associated with several malignancies including bone cancer. In this context, bone-associated circulating miRNAs may be useful biomarkers for determining the predisposition, onset and development of osteoporosis, as well as in clinical applications to improve the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of cancer and metastases. Overall, this review will provide an overview of how miRNAs activities participate in osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation, while addressing the role of miRNA regulatory effects on target genes. Finally, the role of miRNAs in pathologies and therapies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara. Ferrara, Italy
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26
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Rotondo JC, Aquila G, Oton-Gonzalez L, Selvatici R, Rizzo P, De Mattei M, Pavasini R, Tognon M, Campo GC, Martini F. Methylation of SERPINA1 gene promoter may predict chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients affected by acute coronary syndrome. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:79. [PMID: 33858475 PMCID: PMC8048251 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnostic biomarkers for detecting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are not available. SERPINA1, coding for the most potent circulating anti-inflammatory protein in the lung, has been found to be differentially methylated in blood cells from COPD patients. This study aimed to investigate the methylation profile of SERPINA1 in blood cells from ACS patients, with (COPD+) or without COPD (COPD−). Methods Blood samples were from 115 ACS patients, including 30 COPD+ and 85 COPD− according to lung function phenotype, obtained with spirometry. DNA treated with sodium bisulfite was PCR-amplified at SERPINA1 promoter region. Methylation analysis was carried out by sequencing the PCR products. Lymphocytes count in ACS patients was recorded at hospital admission and discharge. Results SERPINA1 was hypermethylated in 24/30 (80%) COPD+ and 48/85 (56.5%) COPD− (p < 0.05). Interestingly, at hospital discharge, lymphocytes count was higher in COPD− patients carrying SERPINA1 hypermethylated (1.98 × 103 ± 0.6 cell/µl) than in COPD− carrying SERPINA1 hypomethylated (1.7 × 103 ± 0.48 cell/µl) (p < 0.05). Conclusions SERPINA1 is hypermethylated in blood cells from COPD+ patients. COPD− carrying SERPINA1 hypermethylated and high lymphocytes count may be at risk of COPD development. Therefore, SERPINA1 hypermethylation may represent a potential biomarker for predicting COPD development in ACS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgio Aquila
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70 Eliporto Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Pavasini
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70 Eliporto Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Lanzillotti C, De Mattei M, Mazziotta C, Taraballi F, Rotondo JC, Tognon M, Martini F. Long Non-coding RNAs and MicroRNAs Interplay in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:646032. [PMID: 33898434 PMCID: PMC8063120 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.646032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [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: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained great attention as epigenetic regulators of gene expression in many tissues. Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNAs, together with microRNAs (miRNAs), play a pivotal role in osteogenesis. While miRNA action mechanism relies mainly on miRNA-mRNA interaction, resulting in suppressed expression, lncRNAs affect mRNA functionality through different activities, including interaction with miRNAs. Recent advances in RNA sequencing technology have improved knowledge into the molecular pathways regulated by the interaction of lncRNAs and miRNAs. This review reports on the recent knowledge of lncRNAs and miRNAs roles as key regulators of osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, we described herein the recent discoveries on lncRNA-miRNA crosstalk during the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM), as well as from different other anatomical regions. The deep understanding of the connection between miRNAs and lncRNAs during the osteogenic differentiation will strongly improve knowledge into the molecular mechanisms of bone growth and development, ultimately leading to discover innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools for osteogenic disorders and bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lanzillotti
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Iaquinta MR, Taraballi F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC, Otòn-Gonzalez L, Mazzoni E, Frontini F, Bononi I, De Mattei M, Tognon M, Martini F. MicroRNAs Modulate Signaling Pathways in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2362. [PMID: 33673409 PMCID: PMC7956574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues and they have been closely studied in recent years, especially in view of their potential use for treating diseases and damaged tissues and organs. MSCs are capable of self-replication and differentiation into osteoblasts and are considered an important source of cells in tissue engineering for bone regeneration. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that are able to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by binding the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, which can be subsequently degraded or translationally silenced. MiRNAs control gene expression in osteogenic differentiation by regulating two crucial signaling cascades in osteogenesis: the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathways. This review provides an overview of the miRNAs involved in osteogenic differentiation and how these miRNAs could regulate the expression of target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Lucia Otòn-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Frontini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64b Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.R.I.); (E.T.); (J.C.R.); (L.O.-G.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (I.B.); (F.M.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 70, Eliporto Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Oton-Gonzalez L, Rotondo JC, Cerritelli L, Malagutti N, Lanzillotti C, Bononi I, Ciorba A, Bianchini C, Mazziotta C, De Mattei M, Pelucchi S, Tognon M, Martini F. Association between oncogenic human papillomavirus type 16 and Killian polyp. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:3. [PMID: 33413530 PMCID: PMC7792173 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Killian polyp (KP) is a benign lesion that arises from the maxillary sinus. The etiology of KP is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of human papilloma- (HPV) and polyoma-viruses (HPyV) infections in the onset of KP. METHODS DNA from antral (n = 14) and nasal (n = 14) KP fractions were analyzed for HPV and HPyV sequences, genotypes, viral DNA load and physical status along with expression of viral proteins and p16 cellular protein. RESULTS The oncogenic HPV16 was detected in 3/14 (21.4%) antral KPs, whilst nasal KPs tested HPV-negative (0/14). The mean HPV16 DNA load was 4.65 ± 2.64 copy/104 cell. The whole HPV16 episomal genome was detected in one KP sample, whereas HPV16 DNA integration in two KPs. P16 mRNA level was lower in the KP sample carrying HPV16 episome than in KPs carrying integrated HPV16 and HPV- negative KPs (p< 0.001). None of the antral and nasal KP samples tested positive for HPyV DNA (0/28). CONCLUSIONS A fraction of KP tested positive for the oncogenic HPV16. HPV16 detection in the KP antral portion may be consistent with HPV16 infection derived from the maxillary sinus. HPV16 DNA integration represents a novel finding. Altogether, these data improve our knowledge on the association between KP and HPV infection, whereas it indicates that the KP onset is heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Cerritelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Nicola Malagutti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciorba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianchini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Pelucchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Stomper J, Rotondo JC, Greve G, Lübbert M. Hypomethylating agents (HMA) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: mechanisms of resistance and novel HMA-based therapies. Leukemia 2021; 35:1873-1889. [PMID: 33958699 PMCID: PMC8257497 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [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: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation plays a pivotal role in tumor development and progression. DNA hypomethylating agents (HMA) constitute a class of drugs which are able to reverse DNA methylation, thereby triggering the re-programming of tumor cells. The first-generation HMA azacitidine and decitabine have now been in standard clinical use for some time, offering a valuable alternative to previous treatments in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, so far particularly in older, medically non-fit patients. However, the longer we use these drugs, the more we are confronted with the (almost inevitable) development of resistance. This review provides insights into the mode of action of HMA, mechanisms of resistance to this treatment, and strategies to overcome HMA resistance including next-generation HMA and HMA-based combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stomper
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.8484.00000 0004 1757 2064Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Greve
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
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Rotondo JC, Oton-Gonzalez L, Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Iaquinta MR, Tognon M, Martini F. Simultaneous Detection and Viral DNA Load Quantification of Different Human Papillomavirus Types in Clinical Specimens by the High Analytical Droplet Digital PCR Method. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:591452. [PMID: 33329471 PMCID: PMC7710522 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.591452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small DNA tumor viruses that mainly infect mucosal epithelia of anogenital and upper respiratory tracts. There has been progressive demand for more analytical assays for HPV DNA quantification. A novel droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method was developed to simultaneously detect and quantify HPV DNA from different HPV types. DdPCR was initially tested for assay sensitivity, accuracy, specificity as well as intra- and inter-run assay variation employing four recombinant plasmids containing HPV16, HPV18, HPV11, and HPV45 DNAs. The assay was extended to investigate/quantify HPV DNA in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN, n = 45) specimens and human cell lines (n = 4). DdPCR and qPCR data from clinical samples were compared. The assay showed high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, with low intra-/inter- run variations, in detecting/quantifying HPV16/18/11/45 DNAs. HPV DNA was detected in 51.1% (23/45) CIN DNA samples by ddPCR, whereas 40% (18/45) CIN tested HPV-positive by qPCR. Five CIN, tested positive by ddPCR, were found to be negative by qPCR. In CIN specimens, the mean HPV DNA loads determined by ddPCR were 3.81 copy/cell (range 0.002–51.02 copy/cell), whereas 8.04 copy/cell (range 0.003–78.73 copy/cell) by qPCR. DdPCR and qPCR concordantly detected HPV DNA in SiHa, CaSki and Hela cells, whereas HaCaT tested HPV-negative. The correlation between HPV DNA loads simultaneously detected by ddPCR/qPCR in CINs/cell lines was good (R2 = 0.9706, p < 0.0001). Our data indicate that ddPCR is a valuable technique in quantifying HPV DNA load in CIN specimens and human cell lines, thereby improving clinical applications, such as patient management after primary diagnosis of HPV-related lesions with HPV-type specific assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Corazza M, Oton-Gonzalez L, Scuderi V, Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Di Mauro G, Tognon M, Martini F, Borghi A. Tissue cytokine/chemokine profile in vulvar lichen sclerosus: An observational study on keratinocyte and fibroblast cultures. J Dermatol Sci 2020; 100:223-226. [PMID: 32998835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Corazza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Scuderi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Rotondo JC, Oton-Gonzalez L, Selvatici R, Rizzo P, Pavasini R, Campo GC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, De Mattei M, Tognon M, Martini F. SERPINA1 Gene Promoter Is Differentially Methylated in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Pregnant Women. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:550543. [PMID: 33015055 PMCID: PMC7494783 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.550543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SERine Protein INhibitor-A1 (SERPINA1) is an inducible blood cell gene coding for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), a plasma protease inhibitor whose circulating levels are raised during inflammation, infection and advanced pregnancy. DNA methylation has been suggested to play a role in SERPINA1 gene expression regulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The methylation status of SERPINA1 in PBMCs is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methylation profile of the SERPINA1 promoter in PBMC. To this purpose PBMCs and serum were collected from healthy subjects (HS) (n = 75), including blood donors (BD) (n = 25), pregnant women at early pregnancy (EP) (n = 25), i.e., within the first trimester, and pregnant women at late pregnancy (LP) (n = 25), i.e., at the third trimester. DNA from PBMCs was treated with sodium bisulfite and PCR amplified for SERPINA1 gene promoter, followed by sequencing analyses. AAT serum levels were determined by ELISA test. SERPINA1 was found hypermethylated in 58.7% of HS. The prevalence of SERPINA1 hypermethylation was significantly higher in BD (68%) and EP (88%) than in LP (20%) (p < 0.01). The median serum AAT concentration was 1.07, 0.63, and 3.15 mg/ml in BD, EP, and LP, respectively (p < 0.05, BD and EP vs LP). This study indicates, for the first time, that SERPINA1 gene promoter is differentially methylated in PBMCs from HS. Likely, modulation of the methylation may be a novel epigenetic regulator mechanism of AAT expression in the PBMC of HS. Therefore, SERPINA1 gene promoter methylation may represent an epigenetic biomarker of PBMCs in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Pavasini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Calogero Campo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Tognon M, Tagliapietra A, Magagnoli F, Mazziotta C, Oton-Gonzalez L, Lanzillotti C, Vesce F, Contini C, Rotondo JC, Martini F. Investigation on Spontaneous Abortion and Human Papillomavirus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E473. [PMID: 32854278 PMCID: PMC7563606 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are considered to be risk factors for spontaneous abortion (SA). Conflicting results have been reported on the association between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and SA. HPV DNA was investigated in matched chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from women who experienced SA (n = 80, cases) and women who underwent a voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI; n = 80, controls) by qualitative PCR and quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Viral genotyping was performed using real-time PCR in HPV-positive samples. Specific IgG antibodies against HPV16 were investigated in sera from SA (n = 80) and VI (n = 80) females using indirect ELISA assays. None of the DNA samples from SA subjects was HPV-positive (0/80), whilst HPV DNA was detected in 2.5% of VI women (p > 0.05), with a mean viral DNA load of 7.12 copy/cell. VI samples (n = 2) were found to be positive for the HPV45 genotype. The ddPCR assay revealed a higher number of HPV-positive samples. HPV DNA was detected in 3.7% and 5% of SA and VI chorionic tissues, respectively, with mean viral DNA loads of 0.13 copy/cell in SA and 1.79 copy/cell in VI (p >0.05) samples. All DNA samples from the PBMCs of SA and VI females tested HPV-negative by both PCR and ddPCR. The overall prevalence of serum anti-HPV16 IgG antibodies was 37.5% in SA and 30% in VI (p > 0.05) women. For the first time, HPV DNA was detected and quantitatively analyzed using ddPCR in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from SA and VI women. Circulating IgG antibodies against HPV16 were detected in sera from SA and VI females. Our results suggest that HPV infection in chorionic villi may be a rare event. Accordingly, it is likely that HPV has no significant role in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Fossato di Mortara street, 64, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.T.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (L.O.-G.); (C.L.); (F.V.); (C.C.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Fossato di Mortara street, 64, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.T.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (L.O.-G.); (C.L.); (F.V.); (C.C.)
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Tagliapietra A, Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Mazzoni E, Magagnoli F, Maritati M, Contini C, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Footprints of BK and JC polyomaviruses in specimens from females affected by spontaneous abortion. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:433-440. [PMID: 30590693 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infections associated with spontaneous abortion (SA)? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no association of JCPyV or BKPyV with SA. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A large number of risk factors have been associated with SA. The role of polyomaviruses, including JCPyV and BKPyV, in SA remains to be clarified. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a case-control study including women affected by spontaneous abortion (SA, n = 100, the cases) and women who underwent voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI, n = 100, the controls). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Viral DNAs were investigated by qualitative PCR and quantitative droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) in matched chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SA (n = 100) and VI (n = 100). Indirect ELISAs with mimotopes/synthetic peptides corresponding to JCPyV and BKPyV viral capsid protein 1 epitopes were then employed to investigate specific IgG antibodies against JCPyV and BKPyV in human sera from SA (n = 80) and VI (n = 80) cohorts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE JCPyV DNA was detected in 51% and 61% of SA and VI samples, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 7.92 copy/104 cells in SA and 5.91 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05); BKPyV DNA was detected in 11% and 12% of SA and VI specimens, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.7 copy/104 cells in SA and 3.08 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05). JCPyV was more prevalent than BKPyV in both SA and VI specimens (P < 0.0001). In PBMCs from the SA and VI cohorts, JCPyV DNA was detected with a prevalence of 8% and 12%, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.29 copy/104 cells in SA and 1.88 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against JCPyV detected by indirect ELISAs was 52.5% and 48.7% in SA and VI groups, respectively, whereas BKPyV-positive sera were found in 80% SA and 78.7% VI samples. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study did not investigate the presence of viral mRNA and/or proteins, which are indicative of an active viral infection, and these might be taken into consideration in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS JCPyV and BKPyV DNA sequences were detected and quantitatively analyzed for the first time by PCR/ddPCR in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from SA and VI specimens. Moreover specific immunological approaches detected serum IgG against JCPyV/BKPyV. Statistical analyses, however, do not indicate an association between these polyomaviruses and SA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the University of Ferrara, FAR research grants and the University Hospital of Ferrara/University of Ferrara joint grant. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tagliapietra
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - J C Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - I Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - E Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Magagnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology; University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology; University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
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Preti M, Rotondo JC, Holzinger D, Micheletti L, Gallio N, McKay-Chopin S, Carreira C, Privitera SS, Watanabe R, Ridder R, Pawlita M, Benedetto C, Tommasino M, Gheit T. Role of human papillomavirus infection in the etiology of vulvar cancer in Italian women. Infect Agent Cancer 2020; 15:20. [PMID: 32266002 PMCID: PMC7110671 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00286-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [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: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare malignancy of the female genital tract. We aimed to determine the mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-attributable fraction of VSCCs from Italian women using multiple markers of viral infections. Methods VSCCs and 8 metastatic lymph node samples from 107 Italian women were analyzed by a highly type-specific multiplex genotyping assay for the presence of DNA from 119 different HPVs. Tissues were further analyzed for HPV RNA and for upregulation of the cellular protein p16INK4a. Results The rate of mucosal HPV-related tumors defined by viral DNA and RNA positivity was low (7.8%). HPV16 was the most prevalent, followed by 53, 56, and 58. Only five (4.9%) p16INK4a-positive tumors were also positive for both viral DNA and RNA. One (14.3%) metastatic lymph node sample was positive for all three markers. DNA of cutaneous HPVs was detected in only two VSCCs, i.e. genus beta types 5 and 110. Conclusion A small proportion of Italian VSCCs is putatively HPV-related, i.e. positive for both viral DNA and RNA of the same type, thus reinforcing the importance of HPV vaccination. Moreover, this study suggests that a direct role of HPV from genus beta and gamma in vulvar carcinogenesis is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Preti
- 1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- 2International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.,3Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dana Holzinger
- 4Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infections and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Niccolò Gallio
- 1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Reiko Watanabe
- 2International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Ruediger Ridder
- Roche mtm laboratories, Mannheim, Germany.,7Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Michael Pawlita
- 4Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infections and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- 1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Tarik Gheit
- 2International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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Mazzoni E, Pellegrinelli E, Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Iaquinta MR, Manfrini M, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Mother-to-child transmission of oncogenic polyomaviruses BKPyV, JCPyV and SV40. J Infect 2020; 80:563-570. [PMID: 32097686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Polyomavirus (PyV) infections have been associated with different diseases. BK (BKPyV), JC (JCPyV) and simian virus 40 (SV40) are the three main PyVs whose primary infection occurs early in life. Their vertical transmission was investigated in this study. METHODS PyV sequences were analyzed by the digital droplet PCR in blood, serum, placenta, amniotic fluid, vaginal smear from two independent cohorts of pregnant females and umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples. IgG antibodies against the three PyVs were investigated by indirect E.L.I.S.As with viral mimotopes. RESULTS DNAs from blood, vaginal smear and placenta tested BKPyV-, JCPyV- and SV40-positive with a distinct prevalence, while amniotic fluids were all PyVs-negative. A prevalence of 3%, 7%, and 3% for BKPyV, JCPyV and SV40 DNA sequences, respectively, was obtained in UCBs. Serum IgG antibodies from pregnant females reached an overall prevalence of 62%, 42% and 17% for BKPyV, JCPyV and SV40, respectively. Sera from newborns (UCB) tested IgG-positive with a prevalence of 10% for BKPyV/JCPyV and 3% for SV40. CONCLUSIONS In this investigation, PyV vertical transmission was revealed by detecting PyV DNA sequences and IgG antibodies in samples from females and their offspring suggesting a potential risk of diseases in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Elena Pellegrinelli
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Marco Manfrini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy; Biostatistic Unit, GVM Care & Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
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Mazzoni E, D'Agostino A, Iaquinta MR, Bononi I, Trevisiol L, Rotondo JC, Patergnani S, Giorgi C, Gunson MJ, Arnett GW, Nocini PF, Tognon M, Martini F. Hydroxylapatite-collagen hybrid scaffold induces human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to osteogenic differentiation in vitro and bone regrowth in patients. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 9:377-388. [PMID: 31834992 PMCID: PMC7031637 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering-based bone graft is an emerging viable treatment modality to repair and regenerate tissues damaged as a result of diseases or injuries. The structure and composition of scaffolds should modulate the classical osteogenic pathways in human stem cells. The osteoinductivity properties of the hydroxylapatite-collagen hybrid scaffold named Coll/Pro Osteon 200 were investigated in an in vitro model of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs), whereas the clinical evaluation was carried out in maxillofacial patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by the scaffold were analyzed using the Osteogenesis RT2 PCR Array. The osteoinductivity potential of the scaffold was also investigated by studying the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, matrix mineralization, osteocalcin (OCN), and CLEC3B expression protein. Fifty patients who underwent zygomatic augmentation and bimaxillary osteotomy were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and histologically during a 3-year follow-up. Among DEGs, osteogenesis-related genes, including BMP1/2, ALP, BGLAP, SP7, RUNX2, SPP1, and EGFR, which play important roles in osteogenesis, were found to be upregulated. The genes to cartilage condensation SOX9, BMPR1B, and osteoclast cells TNFSF11 were detected upregulated at every time point of the investigation. This scaffold has a high osteoinductivity revealed by the matrix mineralization, ALP activity, OCN, and CLEC3B expression proteins. Clinical evaluation evidences that the biomaterial promotes bone regrowth. Histological results of biopsy specimens from patients showed prominent ossification. Experimental data using the Coll/Pro Osteon 200 indicate that clinical evaluation of bone regrowth in patients, after scaffold implantation, was supported by DEGs implicated in skeletal development as shown in "in vitro" experiments with hASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michael J Gunson
- Private Practice, Arnett and Gunson Facial Reconstruction, Santa Barbara, California
| | - G William Arnett
- Private Practice, Arnett and Gunson Facial Reconstruction, Santa Barbara, California.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | | | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Bononi I, Rotondo JC, Mazziotta C, Montesi M, Sprio S, Tampieri A, Tognon M, Martini F. Adult Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration and Repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:268. [PMID: 31799249 PMCID: PMC6863062 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The regeneration of bone fractures, resulting from trauma, osteoporosis or tumors, is a major problem in our super-aging society. Bone regeneration is one of the main topics of concern in regenerative medicine. In recent years, stem cells have been employed in regenerative medicine with interesting results due to their self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Moreover, stem cells are able to secrete bioactive molecules and regulate the behavior of other cells in different host tissues. Bone regeneration process may improve effectively and rapidly when stem cells are used. To this purpose, stem cells are often employed with biomaterials/scaffolds and growth factors to accelerate bone healing at the fracture site. Briefly, this review will describe bone structure and the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. In addition, the role of mesenchymal stem cells for bone repair/regrowth in the tissue engineering field and their recent progress in clinical applications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Montesi
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, Faenza, Italy
| | - Simone Sprio
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, Faenza, Italy
| | - Anna Tampieri
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council, Faenza, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Tagliapietra A, Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Mazzoni E, Magagnoli F, Gonzalez LO, Contini C, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Droplet-digital PCR assay to detect Merkel cell polyomavirus sequences in chorionic villi from spontaneous abortion affected females. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:1888-1894. [PMID: 31549405 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29213] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technique was set up to detect/quantify Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA in clinical specimens, including chorionic villi and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from spontaneous abortion (SA)-affected females. This ddPCR assay showed high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting MCPyV DNA cloned in a recombinant plasmid vector, the control. ddPCR was extended to MCPyV DNA to investigate/quantify its sequences in clinical samples. Overall, 400 samples were analyzed, that is, 100 chorionic villi and 100 PBMCs, from SA females (n = 100), the cases, and 100 chorionic villi and 100 PBMCs from females who underwent voluntary pregnancy interruption (VI, n = 100), the control. MCPyV DNA was detected in 4/100 (4%) and 5/100 (5%) of SA and VI chorionic villi, respectively. The mean viral DNA load was 1.99 ( ± 0.94 standard mean deviation [SD]) copy/104 cells in SA and 3.02 ( ± 1.86 [SD]) copy/104 cells in VI. In PBMCs, MCPyV DNA was revealed in 9/100 (9%) and 14/100 (14%) of SA and VI, with a mean of 2.09 ( ± 1.17 [SD]) copy/104 cells and 4.09 ( ± 4.26 [SD]) copy/104 cells in SA and VI, respectively. MCPyV gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR for the large T antigen (LT) and viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) showed their mRNAs in 2/4 (50%) SA- and 2/5 (40%) VI-MCPyV-positive samples. MCPyV DNA was detected/quantified using the ddPCR technique, in chorionic villi and PBMCs from SA and VI. In our experimental conditions, ddPCR provided a powerful tool to detect/quantify MCPyV DNA sequences in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tagliapietra
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Magagnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Oton Gonzalez
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Borghi A, Selvatici R, Mazzoni E, Bononi I, Corazza M, Kussini J, Montinari E, Gafà R, Tognon M, Martini F. Association of Retinoic Acid Receptor β Gene With Onset and Progression of Lichen Sclerosus-Associated Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JAMA Dermatol 2019; 154:819-823. [PMID: 29898214 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance Molecular alterations in lichen sclerosus-associated vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (LS-VSCC) are largely unknown. Objective To determine whether the retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ) tumor-suppressor gene is involved in the onset and/or progression of LS-VSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants The case-control study, conducted at University-Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, included 20 LS-VSCC (mean [SD] age, 75 [3] years) and 20 cancer-associated vulvar LS (caVLS; mean [SD] age, 62 [11] years) formalin-fixed embedded tissue specimens, 20 cancer-free vulvar LS (cfVLS), and 20 normal skin fresh specimens from diagnostic biopsies and women surgically treated for nonmalignant skin lesions, respectively. RARβ gene expression and promoter methylation were investigated in LS-VSCC and caVLS adjacent to VSCC specimens, and in cfVLS and normal skin specimens, as controls, by RT-Q real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and sequencing of PCR-amplified bisulfite-treated DNA. c-Jun expression, an RARβ pathway-related gene, was also investigated. Main Outcomes and Measures RARβ expression, correlation with its promoter methylation and c-Jun expression, and association with onset or progression of LS-VSCC. Results In LS-VSCC, RARβ messenger RNA was 3.4-, 3.6-, and 4.8-fold lower than in caVLS (P = .001), cfVLS (P = .005), and normal skin (P < .001), respectively. The RARβ mRNA levels were similar in caVLS, cfVLS, and normal skin. The RARβ promoter was hypermethylated in 18 (90%) of 20 LS-VSCC, 11 (55%) of 20 cfVLS, 10 (50%) of 20 caVLS, and 5 (25%) of 20 in the normal skin group. The degree of methylation of RARβ promoter was higher in LS-VSCC, ranging from 5 to 9 (full promoter methylation) CpGs methylated, than in caVLS (P = .02), cfVLS (P = .03), or normal skin (P < .001), which was up to 5 CpGs methylated. Importantly, 0 of 8 LS-VSCC with 5 to 6 CpGs methylated and 5 (63%) of 8 LS-VSCC with 7 to 8 CpGs methylated were from patients with lymph node metastasis at diagnosis, respectively, whereas there were 2 of 2 (100%) LS-VSCC samples with 9 CpG methylated from patients with lymph node metastasis at diagnosis and subsequent recurrence. In LS-VSCC c-Jun mRNA was 4.3-, 1.4-, and 2.6-fold higher than in caVLS (P < .001), cfVLS (P = .001), and normal skin (P < .001), respectively. The expression of c-Jun was similar in caVLS, cfVLS, and normal skin. Conclusions and Relevance Hypermethylation-induced RARβ down-expression was associated with LS-VSCC and correlates with the upregulation of c-Jun. The degree of methylation of RARβ promoter increased with the malignancy of LS-VSCC. Therefore, RARβ gene dysregulation may play a role in progression of LS-VSCC, and RARβ promoter methylation status may be used as a prognostic marker in clinical treatment of patients with LS-VSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Savonarola 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Corazza
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Savonarola 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jacqueline Kussini
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Savonarola 9, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Montinari
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital Via Aldo Moro, 8, 44124 Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital Via Aldo Moro, 8, 44124 Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Abstract
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a small DNA tumor virus of monkey origin. This polyomavirus was administered to human populations mainly through contaminated polio vaccines, which were produced in naturally infected SV40 monkey cells. Previous molecular biology and recent immunological assays have indicated that SV40 is spreading in human populations, independently from earlier SV40-contaminated vaccines. SV40 DNA sequences have been detected at a higher prevalence in specific human cancer specimens, such as the brain and bone tumors, malignant pleural mesotheliomas, and lymphoproliferative disorders, compared to the corresponding normal tissues/specimens. However, other investigations, which reported negative data, did not confirm an association between SV40 and human tumors. To circumvent the controversies, which have arisen because of these molecular biology studies, immunological researches with newly developed indirect ELISA tests were carried out in serum samples from patients affected by the same kind of tumors as mentioned above. These innovative indirect ELISAs employ synthetic peptides as mimotopes/specific SV40 antigens. SV40 mimotopes do not cross-react with the homologous human polyomaviruses, BKPyV, and JCPyV. Immunological data obtained from indirect ELISAs, using SV40 mimotopes, employed to analyze serum samples from oncological patients, have indicated that these sera had a higher prevalence of antibodies against SV40 compared to healthy subjects. The main data on (i) the biology and genetics of SV40; (ii) the epidemiology of SV40 in the general population, (iii) the mechanisms of SV40 transformation; (iv) the putative role of SV40 in the onset/progression of specific human tumors, and (v) its association with other human diseases are reported in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Torreggiani E, Rossini M, Bononi I, Pietrobon S, Mazzoni E, Iaquinta MR, Feo C, Rotondo JC, Rizzo P, Tognon M, Martini F. Protocol for the long-term culture of human primary keratinocytes from the normal colorectal mucosa. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:9895-9905. [PMID: 30740692 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28300] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Procedures for in vitro culturing of human primary keratinocytes from normal colon mucosa specimens have not been fully feasible, thus far. The protocol described herein allows primary keratinocytes from small tissue fragments of colorectal mucosa biopsies to grow in vitro. The procedure develops in three steps: (a) the enzymatic digestion of the tissue biopsy; (b) the use of cloning rings to purify primary keratinocyte colonies, (c) a defined keratinocyte medium to grow these cells in long-term culture. Our cultural method enables normal primary keratinocytes to be obtained by simple and rapid techniques. In our culture condition, primary keratinocytes express specific epithelial markers. Colorectal mucosa keratinocyte colonies require approximately 2 weeks to grow. Compared with previous approaches, our protocol provides a valuable model of study for human primary keratinocytes from normal colorectal (NCR) mucosa both at the cellular and molecular levels. It is well known, that different mutations occurring during the multistep process of carcinogenesis in the NCR mucosa, are strictly associated to the onset/progression of the colorectal carcinoma. On this ground, normal keratinocytes grown with our protocol, may represent an innovative tool to investigate the mechanisms that lead to colorectal carcinoma and other diseases. Our innovative procedure may allow to perform comparative investigations between normal and pathological colorectal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torreggiani
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marika Rossini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Pietrobon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Feo
- Section of Clinical Surgery, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mazzoni E, Frontini F, Rotondo JC, Zanotta N, Fioravanti A, Minelli F, Torreggiani E, Campisciano G, Marcuzzi A, Guerra G, Tommasini A, Touzé A, Martini F, Tognon M, Comar M. Antibodies reacting to mimotopes of Simian virus 40 large T antigen, the viral oncoprotein, in sera from children. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:3170-3179. [PMID: 30362540 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent data indicate that the Simian virus 40 (SV40) infection appears to be transmitted in humans independently from early SV40-contaminated antipolio vaccines. Serum antibodies against SV40 large T antigen (Tag) were analyzed in children/adolescents and young adults. To investigate antibodies reacting to SV40 Tag antigens, serum samples ( n = 812) from children and young adults were analyzed by indirect ELISAs using specific SV40 Tag mimotopes. Mimotopes were synthetic peptides corresponding to SV40 Tag epitopes. In sera ( n = 412) from healthy children up to 17 years old, IgG antibodies against SV40 Tag mimotopes reached an overall prevalence of 15%. IgM antibodies against SV40 Tag were detected in sera of children 6-8 months old confirming and extending the knowledge that SV40 seroconversion occurs early in life. In children/adolescents affected by different diseases ( n = 180) SV40 Tag had a prevalence of 18%, being the difference no significant compared to healthy subjects ( n = 220; 16%) of the same age. Our immunological data indicate that SV40 circulates in children and young adults, both in healthy conditions and affected by distinct diseases. The IgM detection in sera from healthy children suggests that the SV40 infection/seroconversion occurs early in life (>6 months). Our immunological data support the hypothesis that SV40, or a closely related still unknown polyomavirus, infects humans. The SV40 seroprevalence is lower than common polyomaviruses, such as BKPyV and JCPyV, and other new human polyomaviruses. In addition, our immunological surveillance indicates a lack of association between different diseases, considered herein, and SV40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Frontini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nunzia Zanotta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Arianna Fioravanti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Minelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Marcuzzi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guerra
- Clinical Laboratory Analysis, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Tommasini
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- UMR INRA ISP, Team Biologie des infections à polyomavirus, University de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Giari L, Guerranti C, Tognon M, Castaldelli G, Fano EA, Martini F. Environmental doses of perfluorooctanoic acid change the expression of genes in target tissues of common carp. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018; 37:942-948. [PMID: 29105837 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental doses of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on bioconcentration and gene expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Adult male and female carp were exposed to environmental (200 ng/L) and experimental (2 mg/L) doses of PFOA for 56 d. Carp exposed to 200 ng/L had levels of PFOA below the level of detection in all tissue samples analyzed, whereas variable concentrations were measurable in various tissues from carp exposed to 2 mg/L. The expression level of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene, coding for a detoxifying enzyme, increased in a PFOA dose-dependent manner in liver tissues from 200 ng/L to 2 mg/L exposure (p < 0.05). The expression levels of CYP19A gene, coding for the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, were altered in gonadal tissues from male and female carp exposed to either 200 ng/L or 2 mg/L; expression increased in male gonads and decreased in female gonads. Unexpectedly, the expression levels of CYP19A in male and female gonads from carp exposed to 200 ng/L or 2 mg/L were similar (p > 0.05). Therefore, even though environmental doses of PFOA did not accumulate in tissues of the common carp, they did affect the gene expression levels of GST in the liver and CYP19A in the gonads. These observations raise concerns that exposure to environmental doses of PFOA may affect gene expression in animals and possibly in humans, with important health consequences. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:942-948. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristiana Guerranti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- BRC Bioscience Research Center, Orbetello (GR), Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Anna Fano
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Borghi A, Selvatici R, Magri E, Bianchini E, Montinari E, Corazza M, Virgili A, Tognon M, Martini F. Hypermethylation-Induced Inactivation of the IRF6 Gene as a Possible Early Event in Progression of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated With Lichen Sclerosus. JAMA Dermatol 2017; 152:928-33. [PMID: 27223861 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.1336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The molecular mechanism leading to the development of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) from vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the possible involvement of the IRF6 tumor-suppressor gene in the development of VSCC from VLS. DESIGN In laboratories at the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy, IRF6 gene expression and promoter methylation were investigated in paraffin-embedded VSCC and adjacent vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and VLS specimens, in cancer-free VLS (cfVLS) specimens, and in healthy skin specimens by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and by sequencing of PCR-amplified bisulfite-treated DNA. Methylation-induced dysregulation was assessed by expression of p63, the IRF6-transactivator gene. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES IRF6 expression, correlation with promoter methylation and p63 expression, and association with development of VSCC from VLS. RESULTS Specimens from 60 participating women (1 specimen from each) were analyzed for the study (mean [SD] age, 66.3 [12.1] years): 20 paraffin-embedded specimens of VSCC (patient age, 75.3 [8.3] years) with adjacent VLS lesions, in 5 of which VIN preneoplastic tissue was also present (patient age, 64.3 [15.3] years); 20 cfVLS specimens (patient age, 62.1 [11.4] years) obtained from diagnostic biopsies; and 20 normal skin specimens from noncancer surgical patients (patient age, 61.4 [9.1] years). IRF6 messenger RNA was found to be reduced 4.5-, 2.9-, 6.6-, and 2.2-fold in VLS, VIN, VSCC, and cfVLS specimens, respectively, compared with controls, although p63 was still expressed in all specimens. IRF6 promoter was hypermethylated in 9 (45%) of 20 VLS specimens, 1 (20%) of 5 VIN specimens, 16 (80%) of 20 VSCC specimens, 2 (10%) of 20 cfVLS specimens, and 0 normal skin specimens. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE IRF6 dysregulation may be involved in the development of VSCC from VLS. Methylation of the IRF6 promoter may be a marker of cancer risk in patients with VLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eros Magri
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enzo Bianchini
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Montinari
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara and S. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Corazza
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annarosa Virgili
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Pathology, Oncology, and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Mazzoni E, Di Stefano M, Fiore JR, Destro F, Manfrini M, Rotondo JC, Casali MV, Vesce F, Greco P, Scutiero G, Martini F, Tognon MG. Serum IgG Antibodies from Pregnant Women Reacting to Mimotopes of Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen, the Viral Oncoprotein. Front Immunol 2017; 8:411. [PMID: 28443094 PMCID: PMC5385463 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (LT) coding sequences were revealed in different human samples, whereas SV40 antibodies (Ab) were detected in human sera of cancer patients and healthy individuals, although with a lower prevalence. Previous studies carried out by the neutralization assay gave a SV40 seroprevalence, in the general population, up to 8%, although higher rates, 12%, were detected in kidney transplant children, in a group of HIV-positive patients, and in healthy females. In this study, serum samples from pregnant women, together with those from non-pregnant women, were analyzed to check the prevalence of IgG Ab reacting to SV40 LT antigens. Serum samples were collected from pregnant and non-pregnant women, with the same mean age. Women were in the range of 15-48 years old. Samples were assayed by an indirect ELISA employing specific SV40 LT mimotopes as antigens, whereas functional analysis was performed by neutralization of the viral infectivity in cell cultures. As a control, sera were analyzed for Ab against BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), which is a human polyomavirus homologous to SV40. Statistical analyses employed chi-square with Yates' correction, and Student's t tests. Indirect ELISAs indicated that pregnant women tested SV40 LT-positive with a prevalence of 17% (23/134), whereas non-pregnant women had a prevalence of 20% (36/180) (P > 0.05). Ab against BKPyV were detected with a prevalence of 80% in pregnant women and with a prevalence of 78% in non-pregnant women. These data indicate that SV40 infects at a low prevalence pregnant women. We may speculate that SV40, or a close human polyomavirus still undetected, could be transmitted from mother to fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Di Stefano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Josè R. Fiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Federica Destro
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Manfrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria V. Casali
- Hospital Headquarter Department, State Hospital, Institute for Social Security, Borgo Maggiore, San Marino
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Scutiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro G. Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Puozzo A, Govoni M, Foschi V, Lanza G, Gafà R, Gaboriaud P, Touzé FA, Selvatici R, Martini F, Tognon M. Merkel Cell Carcinomas Arising in Autoimmune Disease Affected Patients Treated with Biologic Drugs, Including Anti-TNF. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:3929-3934. [PMID: 28174236 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) arisen in patients affected by autoimmune diseases and treated with biologic drugs.Experimental Design: Serum samples from patients with MCC were analyzed for the presence and titer of antibodies against antigens of the oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). IgG antibodies against the viral oncoproteins large T (LT) and small T (ST) antigens and the viral capsid protein-1 were analyzed by indirect ELISA. Viral antigens were recombinant LT/ST and virus-like particles (VLP), respectively. MCPyV DNA sequences were studied using PCR methods in MCC tissues and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were carried out in MCC tissues to reveal MCPyV LT oncoprotein.Results: MCPyV DNA sequences identified in MCC tissues showed 100% homology with the European MKL-1 strain. PBMCs from patients tested MCPyV-negative. Viral DNA loads in the three MCC tissues were in the 0.1 to 30 copy/cell range. IgG antibodies against LT/ST were detected in patients 1 and 3, whereas patient 2 did not react to the MCPyV LT/ST antigen. Sera from the three patients with MCC contained IgG antibodies against MCPyV VP1. MCC tissues tested MCPyV LT-antigen-positive in IHC assays, with strong LT expression with diffuse nuclear localization. Normal tissues tested MCPyV LT-negative when employed as control.Conclusions: We investigated three new MCCs in patients affected by rheumatologic diseases treated with biologic drugs, including TNF. A possible cause-effect relationship between pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatment and MCC onset is suggested. Indeed, MCC is associated with MCPyV LT oncoprotein activity. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3929-34. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Puozzo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Foschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- Université Francois Rabelais, UMR INRA 1282 ISP, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Tours, France
| | - Françoise Antoine Touzé
- Université Francois Rabelais, UMR INRA 1282 ISP, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Tours, France
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Rotondo JC, Candian T, Selvatici R, Mazzoni E, Bonaccorsi G, Greco P, Tognon M, Martini F. Tracing Males From Different Continents by Genotyping JC Polyomavirus in DNA From Semen Samples. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:982-985. [PMID: 27859215 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is an ubiquitous viral agent infecting approximately 60% of humans. Recently, JCPyV sequences have been detected in semen samples. The aim of this investigation was to test whether semen JCPyV genotyping can be employed to trace the origin continent of males. Semen DNA samples (n = 170) from males of different Continents were investigated by PCR for the polymorphic JCPyV viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) sequences, followed by DNA sequencing. JCPyV sequences were detected with an overall prevalence of 27.6% (47/170). DNA sequencing revealed that European males carried JCPyV types 1A (71.4%), 4 (11.4%), 2B (2.9%), 2D1 (2.9%), and 3A (2.9%). Asians JCPyV type 2D1 (66.7%) and Africans JCPyV types 3A (33.3%) and 1A (33.3%). In 10.6% of males, two different JCPyV genotypes were detected, suggesting that the second JCPyV genotype was acquired in the destination country. This study indicates that the majority of semen samples found to be JCPyV-positive, were infected with the JCPyV genotype found in the geographic area of male origin. Therefore, semen JCPyV genotyping could be employed to trace the origin continent of males. Our findings could be applied to forensic investigations, in case of for instance sexual crimes. Indeed, JCPyV genotyping should enable investigators to make additional detailed profiling of the offender. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 982-985, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Candian
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gloria Bonaccorsi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Ferrara, Italy
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Fainardi E, Bortolotti D, Bolzani S, Castellazzi M, Tamborino C, Roversi G, Baldi E, Caniatti ML, Casetta I, Gentili V, Granieri E, Rizzo R, Granieri E, Castellazzi M, Casetta I, Tola MR, Fainardi E, Dallocchio F, Bellini T, Rizzo R, Rotola A, Di Luca D, Seraceni S, Contini C, Sabbioni S, Negrini M, Tognon M, Antonelli T, Groppo E, Gentile M, Baldi E, Caniatti ML, Ceruti S, Manfrinato MR, Trentini A, Bortolotti D, Miotto E, Ferracin M, Mazzoni E, Pietrobon S, Masini I, Rotondo JC, Martini F, Baruzzi A, Roberto D’Alessandro R, Michelucci R, Salvi F, Stecchi S, Scandellari C, Terzano G, Granella F, Nichelli P, Sola P, Ferraro D, Vitetta F, Simone AM, Bedin R, Marcello N, Motti L, Montepietra S, Guidetti D, Immovilli P, Montanari E, Pesci I, Guareschi A, Greco G, Santangelo M, Mauro AM, Malagù S, Rasi F, Spadoni M, Galeotti M, Fiorani L, Neri W, Ravasio A, Pasquinelli M, Gutman S, Monaldini C. Cerebrospinal fluid amounts of HLA-G in dimeric form are strongly associated to patients with MRI inactive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2015; 22:245-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458515590647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G in dimeric form in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unknown. Objective: To investigate the contribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HLA-G dimers in MS pathogenesis. Methods: CSF amounts of 78-kDa HLA-G dimers were measured by western blot analysis in 80 MS relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients and in 81 inflammatory and 70 non-inflammatory controls. Results: CSF amounts of 78kDa HLA-G dimers were more frequent in RRMS than in inflammatory ( p<0.01) and non-inflammatory controls ( p<0.001) and in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inactive than in MRI active RRMS ( p<0.00001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HLA-G dimers may be implicated in termination of inflammatory response occurring in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Neuroradilogy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolzani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmine Tamborino
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gloria Roversi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Baldi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Caniatti
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Casetta
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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