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Coletta M, Bolognesi M, Ascenzi P. Heme is pivotal for life. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 250:112423. [PMID: 37953207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy.
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2
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De Simone G, di Masi A, Pasquadibisceglie A, Coletta A, Sebastiani F, Smulevich G, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Nitrobindin versus myoglobin: A comparative structural and functional study. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 250:112387. [PMID: 37914583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Most hemoproteins display an all-α-helical fold, showing the classical three on three (3/3) globin structural arrangement characterized by seven or eight α-helical segments that form a sandwich around the heme. Over the last decade, a completely distinct class of heme-proteins called nitrobindins (Nbs), which display an all-β-barrel fold, has been identified and characterized from both structural and functional perspectives. Nbs are ten-stranded anti-parallel all-β-barrel heme-proteins found across the evolutionary ladder, from bacteria to Homo sapiens. Myoglobin (Mb), commonly regarded as the prototype of monomeric all-α-helical globins, is involved along with the oligomeric hemoglobin (Hb) in diatomic gas transport, storage, and sensing, as well as in the detoxification of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. On the other hand, the function(s) of Nbs is still obscure, even though it has been postulated that they might participate to O2/NO signaling and metabolism. This function might be of the utmost importance in poorly oxygenated tissues, such as the eye's retina, where a delicate balance between oxygenation and blood flow (regulated by NO) is crucial. Dysfunction in this balance is associated with several pathological conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Here a detailed comparison of the structural, spectroscopic, and functional properties of Mb and Nbs is reported to shed light on the similarities and differences between all-α-helical and all-β-barrel heme-proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Federico Sebastiani
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Giulietta Smulevich
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università Roma Tre, 00146 Roma, Italy.
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3
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Messias A, Pasquadibisceglie A, Alonso de Armiño D, De Simone G, Polticelli F, Coletta M, Ascenzi P, Estrin DA. Nitric oxide binding to ferrous nitrobindins: A computer simulation investigation. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 248:112336. [PMID: 37572543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrobindins (Nbs) represent an evolutionary conserved all-β-barrel heme-proteins displaying a highly solvent-exposed heme-Fe(III) atom, coordinated by a proximal His residue. Interestingly, even if the distal side is exposed to the solvent, the value of the second order rate constants for ligand binding to the ferrous derivative is almost one order of magnitude lower than those reported for myoglobins (Mbs). Noteworthy, nitric oxide binding to the sixth coordination position of the heme-Fe(II)-atom causes the cleavage or the severe weakening of the proximal His-Fe(II) bond. Here, we provide a computer simulation investigation to shed light on the molecular basis of ligand binding kinetics, by dissecting the ligand binding process into the ligand migration and the bond formation steps. Classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed employing a steered molecular dynamics approach and the Jarzinski equality to obtain ligand migration free energy profiles. The formation of the heme-Fe(II)-NO bond took into consideration the iron atom displacement from the heme plane. The ligand migration is almost unhindered, and the low rate constant for NO binding is due to the large displacement of the Fe(II) atom with respect to the heme plane responsible for the barrier for the Fe(II)-NO bond formation. In addition, we investigated the weakening and breaking of the proximal His-Fe(II) bond, observed experimentally upon NO binding, by means of a combination of classical molecular dynamics simulations and quantum-classical (QM-MM) optimizations. In both human and M. tuberculosis Nbs, a stable alternative conformation of the proximal His residue interacting with a network of water molecules was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andresa Messias
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química-Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Diego Alonso de Armiño
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química-Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Via della Lungara 10, 00165 Roma, Italy
| | - Darío A Estrin
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química-Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Ascenzi P, Bolognesi M, Guertin M, Moens L. Jonathan B. Wittenberg (1923-2023). J Inorg Biochem 2023:112396. [PMID: 37838607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy.
| | | | - Michel Guertin
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Luc Moens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
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De Simone G, Monaca SD, Fattibene P, Bocedi A, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Ferrous nitrosylated cytochrome c: The unusual strength of the proximal His18-Fe bond. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112338. [PMID: 37549473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
NO binding to horse heart cytochrome c (hhcyt c) has been investigated as a function of pH by both optical absorption and EPR spectroscopies. Lowering pH from 3.5 to 1.5 induces: (i) a blue-shift of the maximum of the optical absorption spectrum in the Soret region from 415 to about 404 nm, and (ii) the appearance of a strong three hyperfine splitting in the gz region of the EPR spectrum. Both spectroscopic features indicate the cleavage of the proximal His18-Fe(II)-NO bond giving rise to the five-coordinated Fe(II)-NO species. By quantification of the relative weight for the six- and the five-coordinated component in the EPR spectra, the pKa value was determined. The apparent pKa of the proximal His Nε atom (1.8 ± 0.1) is unusually low for a ferrous nitrosylated form since in all investigated ferrous NO-bound heme-proteins the pKa value for the cleavage of the proximal His-Fe(II) bond ranges between 3.7 and 5.8. The pKa value of ferrous nitrosylated hhcyt c indicates that the strength of the proximal His18-Fe(II) bond (= 27.9 kJ/mol) is about 10-22 kJ/mol higher than that observed in all investigated heme-proteins. The strong coordination of the heme-Fe atom by His18 is extremely important to maintain the redox efficiency of cyt c and to keep apoptosis under control. This is a crucial point in tissues, such as retina, where apoptosis might trigger macular degenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Della Monaca
- Servizio Grandi Strumentazioni and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Fattibene
- Servizio Grandi Strumentazioni and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", 00133 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy; Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 00165 Roma, Italy.
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De Simone G, di Masi A, Tundo GR, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Nitrite Reductase Activity of Ferrous Nitrobindins: A Comparative Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076553. [PMID: 37047528 PMCID: PMC10094804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076553] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrobindins (Nbs) are all-β-barrel heme proteins spanning from bacteria to Homo sapiens. They inactivate reactive nitrogen species by sequestering NO, converting NO to HNO2, and promoting peroxynitrite isomerization to NO3−. Here, the nitrite reductase activity of Nb(II) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt-Nb(II)), Arabidopsis thaliana (At-Nb(II)), Danio rerio (Dr-Nb(II)), and Homo sapiens (Hs-Nb(II)) is reported. This activity is crucial for the in vivo production of NO, and thus for the regulation of blood pressure, being of the utmost importance for the blood supply to poorly oxygenated tissues, such as the eye retina. At pH 7.3 and 20.0 °C, the values of the second-order rate constants (i.e., kon) for the reduction of NO2− to NO and the concomitant formation of nitrosylated Mt-Nb(II), At-Nb(II), Dr-Nb(II), and Hs-Nb(II) (Nb(II)-NO) were 7.6 M−1 s−1, 9.3 M−1 s−1, 1.4 × 101 M−1 s−1, and 5.8 M−1 s−1, respectively. The values of kon increased linearly with decreasing pH, thus indicating that the NO2−-based conversion of Nb(II) to Nb(II)-NO requires the involvement of one proton. These results represent the first evidence for the NO2 reductase activity of Nbs(II), strongly supporting the view that Nbs are involved in NO metabolism. Interestingly, the nitrite reductase reactivity of all-β-barrel Nbs and of all-α-helical globins (e.g., myoglobin) was very similar despite the very different three-dimensional fold; however, differences between all-α-helical globins and all-β-barrel Nbs suggest that nitrite reductase activity appears to be controlled by distal steric barriers, even though a more complex regulatory mechanism can be also envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grazia R. Tundo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università Roma Tre, 00146 Roma, Italy
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De Simone G, Varricchio R, Ruberto TF, di Masi A, Ascenzi P. Heme Scavenging and Delivery: The Role of Human Serum Albumin. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030575. [PMID: 36979511 PMCID: PMC10046553 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme is the reactive center of several metal-based proteins that are involved in multiple biological processes. However, free heme, defined as the labile heme pool, has toxic properties that are derived from its hydrophobic nature and the Fe-atom. Therefore, the heme concentration must be tightly controlled to maintain cellular homeostasis and to avoid pathological conditions. Therefore, different systems have been developed to scavenge either Hb (i.e., haptoglobin (Hp)) or the free heme (i.e., high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), hemopexin (Hx), and human serum albumin (HSA)). In the first seconds after heme appearance in the plasma, more than 80% of the heme binds to HDL and LDL, and only the remaining 20% binds to Hx and HSA. Then, HSA slowly removes most of the heme from HDL and LDL, and finally, heme transits to Hx, which releases it into hepatic parenchymal cells. The Hx:heme or HSA:heme complexes are internalized via endocytosis mediated by the CD91 and CD71 receptors, respectively. As heme constitutes a major iron source for pathogens, bacteria have evolved hemophores that can extract and uptake heme from host proteins, including HSA:heme. Here, the molecular mechanisms underlying heme scavenging and delivery from HSA are reviewed. Moreover, the relevance of HSA in disease states associated with increased heme plasma concentrations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Romualdo Varricchio
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Tommaso Francesco Ruberto
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy
- Centro Linceo Interdisciplinare Beniamino Segre, Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 00165 Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, 00146 Roma, Italy
- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, 00165 Roma, Italy
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Constantin M, Cosman B, Ascenzi P, Simionescu BC, Fundueanu G. New chromatographic insights on drug:cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and their potential use in drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1696-1709. [PMID: 36372064 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2147159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cyclodextrins (CDs) play a pivotal role in the controlled release of drugs; however, their ability to gradually release drugs is here interrogated: can cyclodextrins, even those that form strong inclusion complexes, sustain a prolonged release of drugs? METHODS An original chromatographic approach was developed and accordingly we classified and determined drugs that form the most stable inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins. β-CD and hydroxypropyl-β-CD (HP-β-CD) were coupled to pullulan (Pul) microspheres and packed into a chromatographic column. Then, different drugs or model compounds were eluted, and values of the retention time (RT) were determined. In vitro release studies were performed for drugs that form the most stable inclusion complexes. RESULTS The drugs with the longest RT value form the most stable inclusion complexes with Pul/β-CD and Pul/HP-β-CD microspheres. Pul/β-CD microspheres form more stable inclusion complexes than Pul/HP-β-CD microspheres. However, in spite of their high stability, they were not able to gradually release the included drug (15 min release time). The cross-chromatographic experiments confirmed the hypothesis that in aqueous solution, drug/cyclodextrin complexes are continuously associated and dissociated. CONCLUSIONS If the dissociation of the guest molecule is very rapid, why is it expected that these complexes gradually release the drug?
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieta Constantin
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Cosman
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Bogdan C Simionescu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Fundueanu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
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De Simone G, Fattibene P, Sebastiani F, Smulevich G, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Dissociation of the proximal His-Fe bond upon NO binding to ferrous zebrafish nitrobindin. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 236:111962. [PMID: 36075159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nitrobindins (Nbs) are all-β-barrel heme-proteins present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Although the physiological role(s) of Nbs are still unclear, it has been postulated that they are involved in the NO/O2 metabolism, which is particularly relevant in fishes for the oxygen supply. Here, the reactivity of ferrous Danio rerio Nb (Dr-Nb(II)) towards NO has been investigated from the spectroscopic and kinetic viewpoints and compared with those of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Nb, Arabidopsis thaliana Nb, Homo sapiens Nb, and Equus ferus caballus myoglobin. Between pH 5.5 and 9.1 at 22.0 °C, Dr-Nb(II) nitrosylation is a monophasic process; values of the second-order rate constant for Dr-Nb(II) nitrosylation and of the first-order rate constant for Dr-Nb(II)-NO denitrosylation are pH-independent ranging between 1.6 × 106 M-1 s-1 and 2.3 × 106 M-1 s-1 and between 5.3 × 10-2 s-1 and 8.2 × 10-2 s-1, respectively. Interestingly, both UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopies indicate that the heme-Fe(II) atom of Dr-Nb(II)-NO is five-coordinated. Kinetics of Dr-Nb(II) nitrosylation may reflect the ligand accessibility to the metal center, which is likely impaired by the crowded network of water molecules which shields the heme pocket from the bulk solvent. On the other hand, kinetics of Dr-Nb(II)-NO denitrosylation may reflect an easy pathway for the ligand escape into the outer solvent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Fattibene
- Servizio Grandi Strumentazioni e Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università Roma Tre, 00146 Roma, Italy.
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De Simone G, Coletta A, di Masi A, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. The Balancing of Peroxynitrite Detoxification between Ferric Heme-Proteins and CO2: The Case of Zebrafish Nitrobindin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11101932. [PMID: 36290653 PMCID: PMC9599043 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101932] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrobindins (Nbs) are all-β-barrel heme proteins and are present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Although their function(s) is still obscure, Nbs trap NO and inactivate peroxynitrite. Here, the kinetics of peroxynitrite scavenging by ferric Danio rerio Nb (Dr-Nb(III)) in the absence and presence of CO2 is reported. The Dr-Nb(III)-catalyzed scavenging of peroxynitrite is facilitated by a low pH, indicating that the heme protein interacts preferentially with peroxynitrous acid, leading to the formation of nitrate (~91%) and nitrite (~9%). The physiological levels of CO2 dramatically facilitate the spontaneous decay of peroxynitrite, overwhelming the scavenging activity of Dr-Nb(III). The effect of Dr-Nb(III) on the peroxynitrite-induced nitration of L-tyrosine was also investigated. Dr-Nb(III) inhibits the peroxynitrite-mediated nitration of free L-tyrosine, while, in the presence of CO2, Dr-Nb(III) does not impair nitro-L-tyrosine formation. The comparative analysis of the present results with data reported in the literature indicates that, to act as efficient peroxynitrite scavengers in vivo, i.e., in the presence of physiological levels of CO2, the ferric heme protein concentration must be higher than 10−4 M. Thus, only the circulating ferric hemoglobin levels appear to be high enough to efficiently compete with CO2/HCO3− in peroxynitrite inactivation. The present results are of the utmost importance for tissues, like the eye retina in fish, where blood circulation is critical for adaptation to diving conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Coletta
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, 00146 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Coletta
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, 00146 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.A.)
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di Masi A, Sessa RL, Cerrato Y, Pastore G, Guantario B, Ambra R, Di Gioacchino M, Sodo A, Verri M, Crucitti P, Longo F, Naciu AM, Palermo A, Taffon C, Acconcia F, Bianchi F, Ascenzi P, Ricci MA, Crescenzi A. Unraveling the Effects of Carotenoids Accumulation in Human Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081463. [PMID: 36009182 PMCID: PMC9405418 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081463] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the thyroid cancers, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounts for 90% of the cases. In addition to the necessity to identify new targets for PTC treatment, early diagnosis and management are highly demanded. Previous data indicated that the multivariate statistical analysis of the Raman spectra allows the discrimination of healthy tissues from PTC ones; this is characterized by bands typical of carotenoids. Here, we dissected the molecular effects of carotenoid accumulation in PTC patients by analyzing whether they were required to provide increased retinoic acid (RA) synthesis and signaling and/or to sustain antioxidant functions. HPLC analysis revealed the lack of a significant difference in the overall content of carotenoids. For this reason, we wondered whether the carotenoid accumulation in PTC patients could be related to vitamin A derivative retinoic acid (RA) biosynthesis and, consequently, the RA-related pathway activation. The transcriptomic analysis performed using a dedicated PCR array revealed a significant downregulation of RA-related pathways in PTCs, suggesting that the carotenoid accumulation in PTC could be related to a lower metabolic conversion into RA compared to that of healthy tissues. In addition, the gene expression profile of 474 PTC cases previously published in the framework of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) project was examined by hierarchical clustering and heatmap analyses. This metanalysis study indicated that the RA-related pathways resulted in being significantly downregulated in PTCs and being associated with the follicular variant of PTC (FV-PTC). To assess whether the possible fate of the carotenoids accumulated in PTCs is associated with the oxidative stress response, the expression of enzymes involved in ROS scavenging was checked. An increased oxidative stress status and a reduced antioxidant defense response were observed in PTCs compared to matched healthy thyroids; this was possibly associated with the prooxidant effects of high levels of carotenoids. Finally, the DepMap datasets were used to profile the levels of 225 metabolites in 12 thyroid cancer cell lines. The results obtained suggested that the high carotenoid content in PTCs correlates with tryptophan metabolism. This pilot provided novel possible markers and possible therapeutic targets for PTC diagnosis and therapy. For the future, a larger study including a higher number of PTC patients will be necessary to further validate the molecular data reported here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-57336363
| | - Rosario Luigi Sessa
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Ylenia Cerrato
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Gianni Pastore
- CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.G.); (R.A.)
| | - Barbara Guantario
- CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.G.); (R.A.)
| | - Roberto Ambra
- CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.G.); (R.A.)
| | - Michael Di Gioacchino
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Armida Sodo
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Martina Verri
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Pierfilippo Crucitti
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Filippo Longo
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Anda Mihaela Naciu
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.M.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Palermo
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.M.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Chiara Taffon
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy;
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ricci
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.); (A.C.)
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12
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Vita GM, De Simone G, De Marinis E, Nervi C, Ascenzi P, di Masi A. Serum albumin and nucleic acids biodistribution: from molecular aspects to biotechnological applications. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:866-879. [PMID: 35580148 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Serum albumin (SA) is the most abundant protein in plasma and represents the main carrier of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Several evidence supports the notion that SA binds single and double stranded deoxy- and ribonucleotides at two sites, with values of the dissociation equilibrium constant (i.e., Kd ) ranging from micromolar to nanomolar values. This can be relevant from a physiological and pathological point of view as in human plasma circulate cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs), which are single and double stranded NAs released by different tissues via apoptosis, necrosis, and secretions. Albeit SA shows low hydrolytic reactivity toward DNA and RNA, the high plasma concentration of this protein and the occurrence of several SA receptors may be pivotal for sequestering and hydrolyzing cfNAs. Therefore, pathological conditions like cancer, characterized by altered levels of human SA or by altered SA post-translational modifications, may influence cfNAs distribution and metabolism. Besides, the stability, solubility, biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity make SA a golden share for biotechnological applications related to the delivery of therapeutic NAs (TNAs). Indeed, pre-clinical studies report the therapeutic potential of SA:TNAs complexes in precision cancer therapy. Here, the molecular and biotechnological implications of SA:NAs interaction are discussed, highlighting new perspectives into SA plasmatic functions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Vita
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Marinis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Latina, Italy
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Latina, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy.,Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
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13
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Ascenzi P, Bellelli A, Coletta M. Introductory remarks. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 84:101065. [PMID: 35022137 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Bellelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi-Fanelli", University of Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; IRCCS "Fondazione Bietti", Roma, Italy
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14
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De Simone G, Sbardella D, Oddone F, Pesce A, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Structural and (Pseudo-)Enzymatic Properties of Neuroglobin: Its Possible Role in Neuroprotection. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123366. [PMID: 34943874 PMCID: PMC8699588 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123366] [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: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin (Ngb), the third member of the globin family, was discovered in human and murine brains in 2000. This monomeric globin is structurally similar to myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb) α and β subunits, but it hosts a bis-histidyl six-coordinated heme-Fe atom. Therefore, the heme-based reactivity of Ngb is modulated by the dissociation of the distal HisE7-heme-Fe bond, which reflects in turn the redox state of the cell. The high Ngb levels (~100–200 μM) present in the retinal ganglion cell layer and in the optic nerve facilitate the O2 buffer and delivery. In contrast, the very low levels of Ngb (~1 μM) in most tissues and organs support (pseudo-)enzymatic properties including NO/O2 metabolism, peroxynitrite and free radical scavenging, nitrite, hydroxylamine, hydrogen sulfide reduction, and the nitration of aromatic compounds. Here, structural and (pseudo-)enzymatic properties of Ngb, which are at the root of tissue and organ protection, are reviewed, envisaging a possible role in the protection from neuronal degeneration of the retina and the optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna De Simone
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy;
| | | | | | - Alessandra Pesce
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16100 Genova, Italy;
| | - Massimo Coletta
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Roma, Italy; (D.S.); (F.O.)
- Dipartmento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.A.); Tel.: +39-06-72596365 (M.C.); +39-06-57336321 (P.A.)
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy;
- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Via della Lungara 10, 00165 Roma, Italy
- Unità di Neuroendocrinologia, Metabolismo e Neurofarmacologia, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.A.); Tel.: +39-06-72596365 (M.C.); +39-06-57336321 (P.A.)
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15
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De Simone G, Quattrocchi A, Mancini B, di Masi A, Nervi C, Ascenzi P. Thalassemias: From gene to therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 84:101028. [PMID: 34649720 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101028] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Thalassemias (α, β, γ, δ, δβ, and εγδβ) are the most common genetic disorders worldwide and constitute a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases characterized by the deficient synthesis of one or more hemoglobin (Hb) chain(s). This leads to the accumulation of unstable non-thalassemic Hb chains, which precipitate and cause intramedullary destruction of erythroid precursors and premature lysis of red blood cells (RBC) in the peripheral blood. Non-thalassemic Hbs display high oxygen affinity and no cooperativity. Thalassemias result from many different genetic and molecular defects leading to either severe or clinically silent hematologic phenotypes. Thalassemias α and β are particularly diffused in the regions spanning from the Mediterranean basin through the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Burma, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and the Pacific Islands, whereas δβ-thalassemia is prevalent in some Mediterranean regions including Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Although in the world thalassemia and malaria areas overlap apparently, the RBC protection against malaria parasites is openly debated. Here, we provide an overview of the historical, geographic, genetic, structural, and molecular pathophysiological aspects of thalassemias. Moreover, attention has been paid to molecular and epigenetic pathways regulating globin gene expression and globin switching. Challenges of conventional standard treatments, including RBC transfusions and iron chelation therapy, splenectomy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from normal donors are reported. Finally, the progress made by rapidly evolving fields of gene therapy and gene editing strategies, already in pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, and future challenges as novel curative treatments for thalassemia are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna De Simone
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Quattrocchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Biotecnologie Medico-Chirurgiche, Facoltà di Farmacia e Medicina, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mancini
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Clara Nervi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Biotecnologie Medico-Chirurgiche, Facoltà di Farmacia e Medicina, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Roma, Italy; Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Via della Lungara 10, 00165, Roma, Italy.
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16
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De Simone G, di Masi A, Fattibene P, Ciaccio C, Platas-Iglesias C, Coletta M, Pesce A, Ascenzi P. Oxygen-mediated oxidation of ferrous nitrosylated nitrobindins. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 224:111579. [PMID: 34479003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111579] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The O2-mediated oxidation of all-β-barrel ferrous nitrosylated nitrobindin from Arabidopsis thaliana (At-Nb(II)-NO), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt-Nb(II)-NO), and Homo sapiens (Hs-Nb(II)-NO) to ferric derivative (At-Nb(III), Mt-Nb(III), and Hs-Nb(III), respectively) has been investigated at pH 7.0 and 20.0 °C. Unlike ferrous nitrosylated horse myoglobin, human serum heme-albumin and human hemoglobin, the process in Nb(II)-NO is mono-exponential and linearly dependent on the O2 concentration, displaying a bimolecular behavior, characterized by kon = (6.3 ± 0.8) × 103 M-1 s-1, (1.4 ± 0.2) × 103 M-1 s-1, and (3.9 ± 0.5) × 103 M-1 s-1 for At-Nb(II)-NO, Mt-Nb(II)-NO, and Hs-Nb(II)-NO, respectively. No intermediate is detected, indicating that the O2 reaction with Nb(II)-NO is the rate-limiting step and that the subsequent conversion of the heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO- species (i.e., N-bound peroxynitrite to heme-Fe(III)) to heme-Fe(III) and NO3- is much faster. A similar mechanism can be invoked for ferrous nitrosylated human neuroglobin and rabbit hemopexin, in which the heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO- species is formed as well, although the rate-limiting step seems represented by the reshaping of the six-coordinated heme-Fe(III) complex. Although At-Nb(II)-NO and Mt-Nb(II)-NO are partially (while Hs-Nb(II)-NO is almost completely) penta-coordinated, density functional theory (DFT) calculations rule out that the cleavage of the proximal heme-Fe-His bond in Nb(II)-NO is responsible for the more stable heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO- species. Moreover, the oxidation of the penta-coordinated heme-Fe(II)-NO adduct does not depend on O2 binding at the proximal side of the metal center. These features may instead reflect the peculiarity of Nb folding and of the heme environment, with a reduced steric constraint for the formation of the heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO- complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Fattibene
- Technical Scientific Service and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Carlos Platas-Iglesias
- Centro de Investigatiòns Cientìficas Avanzadas (CIA), Departamento de Quìmica, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidad da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pesce
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16100 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy; Interdepartmental Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
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17
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Costanzo M, Fiocchetti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M, Caterino M, Ruoppolo M. Proteomic and Bioinformatic Investigation of Altered Pathways in Neuroglobin-Deficient Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082397. [PMID: 33924212 PMCID: PMC8074618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin (NGB) is a myoglobin-like monomeric globin that is involved in several processes, displaying a pivotal redox-dependent protective role in neuronal and extra-neuronal cells. NGB remarkably exerts its function upon upregulation by NGB inducers, such as 17β-estradiol (E2) and H2O2. However, the molecular bases of NGB’s functions remain undefined, mainly in non-neuronal cancer cells. Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells with a knocked-out (KO) NGB gene obtained using CRISPR/Cas9 technology were analyzed using shotgun label-free quantitative proteomics in comparison with control cells. The differential proteomics experiments were also performed after treatment with E2, H2O2, and E2 + H2O2. All the runs acquired using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were elaborated within the same MaxQuant analysis, leading to the quantification of 1872 proteins in the global proteomic dataset. Then, a differentially regulated protein dataset was obtained for each specific treatment. After the proteomic study, multiple bioinformatics analyses were performed to highlight unbalanced pathways and processes. Here, we report the proteomic and bioinformatic investigations concerning the effects on cellular processes of NGB deficiency and cell treatments. Globally, the main processes that were affected were related to the response to stress, cytoskeleton dynamics, apoptosis, and mitochondria-driven pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.Ar.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Marianna Caterino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.Ar.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C.Ar.L., 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.R.)
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18
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Vita GM, De Simone G, Leboffe L, Montagnani F, Mariotti D, Di Bella S, Luzzati R, Gori A, Ascenzi P, di Masi A. Human Serum Albumin Binds Streptolysin O (SLO) Toxin Produced by Group A Streptococcus and Inhibits Its Cytotoxic and Hemolytic Effects. Front Immunol 2020; 11:507092. [PMID: 33363530 PMCID: PMC7752801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.507092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenicity of group A Streptococcus (GAS) is mediated by direct bacterial invasivity and toxin-associated damage. Among the extracellular products, the exotoxin streptolysin O (SLO) is produced by almost all GAS strains. SLO is a pore forming toxin (PFT) hemolitically active and extremely toxic in vivo. Recent evidence suggests that human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in plasma, is a player in the innate immunity "orchestra." We previously demonstrated that HSA acts as a physiological buffer, partially neutralizing Clostridioides difficile toxins that reach the bloodstream after being produced in the colon. Here, we report the in vitro and ex vivo capability of HSA to neutralize the cytotoxic and hemolytic effects of SLO. HSA binds SLO with high affinity at a non-conventional site located in domain II, which was previously reported to interact also with C. difficile toxins. HSA:SLO recognition protects HEp-2 and A549 cells from cytotoxic effects and cell membrane permeabilization induced by SLO. Moreover, HSA inhibits the SLO-dependent hemolytic effect in red blood cells isolated from healthy human donors. The recognition of SLO by HSA may have a significant protective role in human serum and sustains the emerging hypothesis that HSA is an important constituent of the innate immunity system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagnani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Di Bella
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Department of Medical, Siurgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Department of Medical, Siurgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
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19
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Gioia M, Ciaccio C, Calligari P, De Simone G, Sbardella D, Tundo G, Fasciglione GF, Di Masi A, Di Pierro D, Bocedi A, Ascenzi P, Coletta M. Role of proteolytic enzymes in the COVID-19 infection and promising therapeutic approaches. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:114225. [PMID: 32956643 PMCID: PMC7501082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [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: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the Fall of 2019 a sudden and dramatic outbreak of a pulmonary disease (Coronavirus Disease COVID-19), due to a new Coronavirus strain (i.e., SARS-CoV-2), emerged in the continental Chinese area of Wuhan and quickly diffused throughout the world, causing up to now several hundreds of thousand deaths. As for common viral infections, the crucial event for the viral life cycle is the entry of genetic material inside the host cell, realized by the spike protein of the virus through its binding to host receptors and its activation by host proteases; this is followed by translation of the viral RNA into a polyprotein, exploiting the host cell machinery. The production of individual mature viral proteins is pivotal for replication and release of new virions. Several proteolytic enzymes either of the host and of the virus act in a concerted fashion to regulate and coordinate specific steps of the viral replication and assembly, such as (i) the entry of the virus, (ii) the maturation of the polyprotein and (iii) the assembly of the secreted virions for further diffusion. Therefore, proteases involved in these three steps are important targets, envisaging that molecules which interfere with their activity are promising therapeutic compounds. In this review, we will survey what is known up to now on the role of specific proteolytic enzymes in these three steps and of most promising compounds designed to impair this vicious cycle.
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Key Words
- covid-19, coronavirus disease – 19
- sars-cov, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- sars-cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome – 2
- mers-cov, middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- orf, open reading frame
- plpro, papain-like protease
- mpro, main protease
- pp, polyprotein
- nsp, non structural protein
- rdrp, rna dependent rna polymerase
- hel, helicase
- s protein, spike protein
- tmprss2, trans-membrane protease serine protease-2
- tmprss4, trans-membrane protease serine protease-4
- hat, human airway trypsin-like protease
- tgn, trans-golgi network
- ace2, angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor-2
- rbd, receptor binding domain
- pc, pro-protein convertase
- hcov-oc43, human coronavirus-oc43
- mhv-a59, murine hepatitis virus – a59
- hiv, human immunodeficiency virus
- cmk, chloro-methyl-ketone
- dec, decanoyl
- phac, phenyl-acetyl
- ttsp, type ii transmembrane serine proteases family
- hpv, human papillomavirus
- hbv, hepatitis b virus
- evd, ebola virus disease
- zikv, zika virus
- jev, japanese encephalitis virus
- fpv, feline panleukopenia virus
- hpaiv, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
- cdv, canine distemper virus
- rsv, respiratory syncytial virus (rsv)
- a1at, alpha-1-anti trypsin
- aebsf, 4-(2-aminomethyl)-benzene sulphonyl fluoride
- bhh, bromhexine hydrochloride
- pcsk, pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin
- ampk, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase
- hcov-nl63, human coronavirus – nl63
- hcov-229e, human coronavirus – 229e
- hcov-hku1, human coronavirus – hku1
- 3cpro, 3chymotrypsin protease of rhinoviruses
- 3d-qsar, three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships
- fda, food and drug agency
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Gioia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
| | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Calligari
- Department of Chemical and Technological Sciences, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Donato Di Pierro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Department of Chemical and Technological Sciences, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy,Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
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De Simone G, Pasquadibisceglie A, Polticelli F, di Masi A, Ascenzi P. Haptoglobin and the related haptoglobin protein: the N-terminus makes the difference. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:2244-2253. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1837675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Polticelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Roma Tre Section, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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21
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Ascenzi P, De Simone G, Pasquadibisceglie A, Gioia M, Coletta M. Kinetic inequivalence between α and β subunits of ligand dissociation from ferrous nitrosylated human haptoglobin:hemoglobin complexes. A comparison with O 2 and CO dissociation. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 214:111272. [PMID: 33129126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111272] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Haptoglobin (Hp) counterbalances the adverse effects of extra-erythrocytic hemoglobin (Hb) by trapping the αβ dimers of Hb in the bloodstream. In turn, the Hp:Hb complexes display Hb-like reactivity. Here, the kinetics of NO dissociation from ferrous nitrosylated Hp:Hb complexes (i.e., Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO, respectively) are reported at pH 7.0 and 20.0 °C. NO dissociation from Hp:Hb(II)-NO complexes has been followed by replacing NO with CO. Denitrosylation kinetics of Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO are biphasic, the relative amplitude of the fast and slow phase being 0.495 ± 0.015 and 0.485 ± 0.025, respectively. Values of koff(NO)1 and koff(NO)2 (i.e., (6.4 ± 0.8) × 10-5 s-1 and (3.6 ± 0.6) × 10-5 s-1 for Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and (5.8 ± 0.8) × 10-5 s-1 and (3.1 ± 0.6) × 10-5 s-1 for Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO) are unaffected by allosteric effectors and correspond to those reported for the α and β subunits of tetrameric Hb(II)-NO and isolated α(II)-NO and β(II)-NO chains, respectively. This highlights the view that the conformation of the Hb α1β1 and α2β2 dimers matches that of the Hb high affinity conformation. Moreover, the observed functional heterogeneity reflects the variation of energy barriers for the ligand detachment and exit pathway(s) associated to the different structural arrangement of the two subunits in the nitrosylated R-state. Noteworthy, the extent of the inequivalence of α and β chains is closely similar for the O2, NO and CO dissociation in the R-state, suggesting that it is solely determined by the structural difference between the two subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
| | - Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 79, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Magda Gioia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Roma, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, I-70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Roma, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, I-70126, Bari, Italy
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De Simone G, Pasquadibisceglie A, di Masi A, Buzzelli V, Trezza V, Macari G, Polticelli F, Ascenzi P. Binding of direct oral anticoagulants to the FA1 site of human serum albumin. J Mol Recognit 2020; 34:e2877. [PMID: 33034105 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The anticoagulant therapy is widely used to prevent and treat thromboembolic events. Until the last decade, vitamin K antagonists were the only available oral anticoagulants; recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed. Since 55% to 95% of DOACs are bound to plasma proteins, the in silico docking and ligand-binding properties of drugs apixaban, betrixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban and of the prodrug dabigatran etexilate to human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant plasma protein, have been investigated. DOACs bind to the fatty acid (FA) site 1 (FA1) of ligand-free HSA, whereas they bind to the FA8 and FA9 sites of heme-Fe(III)- and myristic acid-bound HSA. DOACs binding to the FA1 site of ligand-free HSA has been validated by competitive inhibition of heme-Fe(III) recognition. Values of the dissociation equilibrium constant for DOACs binding to the FA1 site (ie, calc KDOAC ) derived from in silico docking simulations (ranging between 1.2 × 10-8 M and 1.4 × 10-6 M) agree with those determined experimentally from competitive inhibition of heme-Fe(III) binding (ie, exp KDOAC ; ranging between 2.5 × 10-7 M and 2.2 × 10-6 M). In addition, this study highlights the inequivalence of rivaroxaban binding to mammalian serum albumin. Given the HSA concentration in vivo (~7.5 × 10-4 M), values of KDOAC here determined indicate that the formation of the HSA:DOACs complexes in the absence and presence of FAs and heme-Fe(III) may occur in vivo. Therefore, HSA appears to be an important determinant for DOACs transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- Roma Tre Section, National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Leboffe L, di Masi A, Polticelli F, Trezza V, Ascenzi P. Structural Basis of Drug Recognition by Human Serum Albumin. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4907-4931. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190320105316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in plasma,
is a monomeric multi-domain macromolecule with at least nine binding sites for endogenous
and exogenous ligands. HSA displays an extraordinary ligand binding capacity as a depot and
carrier for many compounds including most acidic drugs. Consequently, HSA has the potential
to influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs.
Objective:
In this review, the structural determinants of drug binding to the multiple sites of
HSA are analyzed and discussed in detail. Moreover, insight into the allosteric and competitive
mechanisms underpinning drug recognition, delivery, and efficacy are analyzed and discussed.
Conclusion:
As several factors can modulate drug binding to HSA (e.g., concurrent administration
of drugs competing for the same binding site, ligand binding to allosteric-coupled
clefts, genetic inherited diseases, and post-translational modifications), ligand binding to HSA
is relevant not only under physiological conditions, but also in the pharmacological therapy
management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, I- 00146 Roma, Italy
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Giordano D, Pesce A, Vermeylen S, Abbruzzetti S, Nardini M, Marchesani F, Berghmans H, Seira C, Bruno S, Javier Luque F, di Prisco G, Ascenzi P, Dewilde S, Bolognesi M, Viappiani C, Verde C. Structural and functional properties of Antarctic fish cytoglobins-1: Cold-reactivity in multi-ligand reactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2132-2144. [PMID: 32913582 PMCID: PMC7451756 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While the functions of the recently discovered cytoglobin, ubiquitously expressed in vertebrate tissues, remain uncertain, Antarctic fish provide unparalleled models to study novel protein traits that may arise from cold adaptation. We report here the spectral, ligand-binding and enzymatic properties (peroxynitrite isomerization, nitrite-reductase activity) of cytoglobin-1 from two Antarctic fish, Chaenocephalus aceratus and Dissostichus mawsoni, and present the crystal structure of D. mawsoni cytoglobin-1. The Antarctic cytoglobins-1 display high O2 affinity, scarcely compatible with an O2-supply role, a slow rate constant for nitrite-reductase activity, and do not catalyze peroxynitrite isomerization. Compared with mesophilic orthologues, the cold-adapted cytoglobins favor binding of exogenous ligands to the hexa-coordinated bis-histidyl species, a trait related to their higher rate constant for distal-His/heme-Fe dissociation relative to human cytoglobin. At the light of a remarkable 3D-structure conservation, the observed differences in ligand-binding kinetics may reflect Antarctic fish cytoglobin-1 specific features in the dynamics of the heme distal region and of protein matrix cavities, suggesting adaptation to functional requirements posed by the cold environment. Taken together, the biochemical and biophysical data presented suggest that in Antarctic fish, as in humans, cytoglobin-1 unlikely plays a role in O2 transport, rather it may be involved in processes such as NO detoxification.
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Key Words
- C.aceCygb-1*, Mutant of C.aceCygb-1
- C.aceCygb-1, Cytoglobin-1 of C. aceratus
- CO, Carbon monoxide
- CYGB, Human Cygb
- Cold-adaptation
- Cygb, Cytoglobin
- Cygb-1, Cytoglobin 1
- Cygb-2, Cytoglobin 2
- Cygbh, Hexa-coordinated bis-histidyl species
- Cygbp, Penta-coordinated Cygb
- Cytoglobin
- D.mawCygb-1*, Mutant of D.mawCygb-1
- D.mawCygb-1, Cytoglobin-1 of D. mawsoni
- DTT, Dithiothreitol
- Hb, Hemoglobin
- Ligand properties
- MD, Molecular Dynamics
- Mb, Myoglobin
- NGB, Human neuroglobin
- NO dioxygenase
- NO, Nitric oxide
- RNS, Reactive Nitrogen Species
- ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species
- X-ray structure
- p50, O2 partial pressure required to achieve half saturation
- rms, Root-mean square
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giordano
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Napoli, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pesce
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, I-16121 Genova, Italy
| | - Stijn Vermeylen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefania Abbruzzetti
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Nardini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Marchesani
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 23A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Herald Berghmans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Constantí Seira
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Prat de la Riba 171, Santa Coloma de Gramenet E-08921, Spain
| | - Stefano Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 23A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - F Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Prat de la Riba 171, Santa Coloma de Gramenet E-08921, Spain
| | - Guido di Prisco
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiano Viappiani
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Cinzia Verde
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111 80131 Napoli, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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De Simone G, di Masi A, Vita GM, Polticelli F, Pesce A, Nardini M, Bolognesi M, Ciaccio C, Coletta M, Turilli ES, Fasano M, Tognaccini L, Smulevich G, Abbruzzetti S, Viappiani C, Bruno S, Ascenzi P. Mycobacterial and Human Nitrobindins: Structure and Function. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 33:229-246. [PMID: 32295384 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Nitrobindins (Nbs) are evolutionary conserved all-β-barrel heme-proteins displaying a highly solvent-exposed heme-Fe(III) atom. The physiological role(s) of Nbs is almost unknown. Here, the structural and functional properties of ferric Mycobacterium tuberculosis Nb (Mt-Nb(III)) and ferric Homo sapiens Nb (Hs-Nb(III)) have been investigated and compared with those of ferric Arabidopsis thaliana Nb (At-Nb(III), Rhodnius prolixus nitrophorins (Rp-NP(III)s), and mammalian myoglobins. Results: Data here reported demonstrate that Mt-Nb(III), At-Nb(III), and Hs-Nb(III) share with Rp-NP(III)s the capability to bind selectively nitric oxide, but display a very low reactivity, if any, toward histamine. Data obtained overexpressing Hs-Nb in human embryonic kidney 293 cells indicate that Hs-Nb localizes mainly in the cytoplasm and partially in the nucleus, thanks to a nuclear localization sequence encompassing residues Glu124-Leu154. Human Hs-Nb corresponds to the C-terminal domain of the human nuclear protein THAP4 suggesting that Nb may act as a sensor possibly modulating the THAP4 transcriptional activity residing in the N-terminal region. Finally, we provide strong evidence that both Mt-Nb(III) and Hs-Nb(III) are able to scavenge peroxynitrite and to protect free l-tyrosine against peroxynitrite-mediated nitration. Innovation: Data here reported suggest an evolutionarily conserved function of Nbs related to their role as nitric oxide sensors and components of antioxidant systems. Conclusion: Human THAP4 may act as a sensing protein that couples the heme-based Nb(III) reactivity with gene transcription. Mt-Nb(III) seems to be part of the pool of proteins required to scavenge reactive nitrogen and oxygen species produced by the host during the immunity response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fabio Polticelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Marco Nardini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Centro di Ricerche Pediatriche R.E. Invernizzi, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Emily Samuela Turilli
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Mauro Fasano
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tognaccini
- Dipartimento di Chimica Ugo Schiff, Università di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giulietta Smulevich
- Dipartimento di Chimica Ugo Schiff, Università di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Stefania Abbruzzetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cristiano Viappiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruno
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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26
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Ascenzi P, Bettinelli M, Boffi A, Botta M, De Simone G, Luchinat C, Marengo E, Mei H, Aime S. Rare earth elements (REE) in biology and medicine. Rend Fis Acc Lincei 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-020-00930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis survey reports on topics that were presented at the workshop on “Challenges with Rare Earth Elements. The Periodic Table at work for new Science & Technology” hold at the Academia dei Lincei in November 2019. The herein reported materials refer to presentations dealing with studies and applications of rare earth elements (REE) in several areas of Biology and Medicine. All together they show the tremendous impact REE have in relevant fields of living systems and highlight, on one hand, the still existing knowledge gap for an in-depth understanding of their function in natural systems as well as the very important role they already have in providing innovative scientific and technological solutions in a number of bio-medical areas and in fields related to the assessment of the origin of food and on their manufacturing processes. On the basis of the to-date achievements one expects that new initiatives will bring, in a not too far future, to a dramatic increase of our understanding of the REE involvement in living organisms as well as a ramp-up in the exploitation of the peculiar properties of REE for the design of novel applications in diagnostic procedures and in the set-up of powerful medical devices. This scenario calls the governmental authorities for new responsibilities to guarantee a continuous availability of REE to industry and research labs together with providing support to activities devoted to their recovery/recycling.
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di Masi A, De Simone G, Ciaccio C, D'Orso S, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Haptoglobin: From hemoglobin scavenging to human health. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 73:100851. [PMID: 32660714 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Haptoglobin (Hp) belongs to the family of acute-phase plasma proteins and represents the most important plasma detoxifier of hemoglobin (Hb). The basic Hp molecule is a tetrameric protein built by two α/β dimers. Each Hp α/β dimer is encoded by a single gene and is synthesized as a single polypeptide. Following post-translational protease-dependent cleavage of the Hp polypeptide, the α and β chains are linked by disulfide bridge(s) to generate the mature Hp protein. As human Hp gene is characterized by two common Hp1 and Hp2 alleles, three major genotypes can result (i.e., Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2). Hp regulates Hb clearance from circulation by the macrophage-specific receptor CD163, thus preventing Hb-mediated severe consequences for health. Indeed, the antioxidant and Hb binding properties of Hp as well as its ability to stimulate cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and to modulate the helper T-cell type 1 and type 2 balance significantly associate with a variety of pathogenic disorders (e.g., infectious diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer). Alternative functions of the variants Hp1 and Hp2 have been reported, particularly in the susceptibility and protection against infectious (e.g., pulmonary tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria) and non-infectious (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity) diseases. Both high and low levels of Hp are indicative of clinical conditions: Hp plasma levels increase during infections, inflammation, and various malignant diseases, and decrease during malnutrition, hemolysis, hepatic disease, allergic reactions, and seizure disorders. Of note, the Hp:Hb complexes display heme-based reactivity; in fact, they bind several ferrous and ferric ligands, including O2, CO, and NO, and display (pseudo-)enzymatic properties (e.g., NO and peroxynitrite detoxification). Here, genetic, biochemical, biomedical, and biotechnological aspects of Hp are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, I-00133, Roma, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, I-70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia D'Orso
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, I-00133, Roma, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, I-70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, I-00146, Roma, Italy.
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Ascenzi P, De Simone G, Tundo GR, Coletta M. Kinetics of cyanide and carbon monoxide dissociation from ferrous human haptoglobin:hemoglobin(II) complexes. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:351-360. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01766-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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di Masi A, Leboffe L, Sodo A, Tabacco G, Cesareo R, Sbroscia M, Giovannoni I, Taffon C, Crucitti P, Longo F, Manfrini S, Ricci MA, Ascenzi P, Crescenzi A, Palermo A. Metabolic profile of human parathyroid adenoma. Endocrine 2020; 67:699-707. [PMID: 31786773 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-02146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently, it has been demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy is able to differentiate between healthy parathyroid tissues and parathyroid adenoma based on the basis of a specific molecular fingerprint. However, to our knowledge, no previous studies have been performed to evaluate the metabolic profile of parathyroid adenoma. Therefore, we designed a proof of concept study aimed to investigate the glucose/fatty acid metabolisms, in addition to the mitochondrial changes, in solitary parathyroid adenoma and in healthy parathyroid glands. METHODS Nine females with primary hyperparathyroidism due to a solitary parathyroid adenoma and formal surgical indication for parathyroidectomy have been enrolled. At the time of surgery, the removed specimens were immediately submitted unfixed and a tissue slice of about 0.5 cm in diameter was obtained from the nodular lesion. The expression of selected metabolic enzymes and proteins has been evaluated by western blot analysis, using human parathyroid whole tissue lysates as control. RESULTS Data obtained highlighted an increase, compared with the healthy group, of: (i) the glucose uptake by the GLUT-1 receptor and its phosphorylation by hexokinase II (HXKII); (ii) the expression of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (3-PGDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD); (iii) lipids biosynthesis; and (iv) cytochrome c expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight for the first time the parathyroid adenoma metabolic hallmarks that could represent potential molecular targets usable for the development of new pharmacological treatments, allowing to reduce surgical parathyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, I-00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Armida Sodo
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, I-00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Gaia Tabacco
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Cesareo
- Unit of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - Marco Sbroscia
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, I-00146, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Taffon
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Longo
- Unit of Neck and Chest Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Manfrini
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, I-00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Palermo
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
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30
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Solar Fernandez V, Cipolletti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M, Fiocchetti M. Neuroglobin As Key Mediator in the 17β-Estradiol-Induced Antioxidant Cell Response to Oxidative Stress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 32:217-227. [PMID: 31686530 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor (NRF-2) is a transcription factor well known to provide an advantage for cancer growth and survival regulating the cellular redox pathway. In breast cancer cells, we recently identified the monomeric heme-globin neuroglobin (NGB) as part of a new mechanism induced by the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) against oxidative stress. While there is mounting evidence suggesting a critical role of NGB as a sensor of oxidative stress, scarce information is available about its involvement in NRF-2 pathway activation in breast cancer cells. Results: Although NGB is not involved in the rapid E2-induced NRF-2 stability, E2 loses the capacity to regulate the expression of NRF-2-dependent genes in NGB-depleted MCF-7 cells. These data strongly sustain a role of NGB as a compensatory protein in the E2-activated intracellular pathway devoted to the increase of cancer cells tolerance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in stressing conditions acting as key regulator of NRF-2 pathway activity in a time-dependent manner. Innovation: In this study, we identified a new role of NGB in the cell response to oxidative stress. Conclusion: Altogether, reported results open new insights on the NGB effect in regulating intracellular pathways related to cell adaptive response to stress and, as consequence, to cell survival, beyond its direct effect as ROS scavenger, opening new prospective in cancer therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, University Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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Fundueanu G, Constantin M, Bucatariu S, Ascenzi P. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) thermoresponsive microspheres: The low drug loading ensures the pulsatile release mechanism. EXPRESS POLYM LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2020.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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32
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Fundueanu G, Constantin M, Bucatariu S, Nicolescu A, Ascenzi P, Moise LG, Tudor L, Trusca VG, Gafencu AV, Ficai D, Ficai A, Andronescu E. Simple and dual cross-linked chitosan millicapsules as a particulate support for cell culture. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 143:200-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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33
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De Simone G, Pasquadibisceglie A, Proietto R, Polticelli F, Aime S, J M Op den Camp H, Ascenzi P. Contaminations in (meta)genome data: An open issue for the scientific community. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:698-705. [PMID: 31869003 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the high throughput and the low cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have led to an increase of the amount of (meta)genomic data, revolutionizing genomic research studies. However, the quality of sequencing data could be affected by experimental errors derived from defective methods and protocols. This represents a serious problem for the scientific community with a negative impact on the correctness of studies that involve genomic sequence analysis. As a countermeasure, several alignment and taxonomic classification tools have been developed to uncover and correct errors. In this critical review some of these integrated software tools and pipelines used to detect contaminations in reference genome databases and sequenced samples are reported. In particular, case studies of bacterial contaminations, contaminations of human origin, mitochondrial contaminations of ancient DNA, and cross contaminations are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Silvio Aime
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Huub J M Op den Camp
- Department of Microbiology, IWWR, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
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Constantin M, Bucatariu S, Ascenzi P, Butnaru M, Fundueanu G. Smart drug delivery system activated by specific biomolecules. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2019; 108:110466. [PMID: 31923948 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Essentially, the human body can release in different disease conditions specific biomolecules such as histamines when the body encounters a toxic substance, antibodies which are part of the body's natural immune response or nitric oxide as a cardiovascular signalling molecule. Design and development of "intelligent" delivery systems able to release the therapeutic agent only in the presence of bioactive compounds was presented here. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide)) (poly(NIPAAm-co-APM)) was synthesized as an exciting pH/temperature sensitive copolymer. Under physiological conditions (pH = 7.4), the APM in copolymer is in the ionized state (pKa = 8.7), highly hydrophilic and therefore the copolymer loses thermosensitive properties. Remarkably, after electrostatic interactions of APM with specific biomolecules, the copolymer restores the thermosensitive property. Thus, the microgels synthesized from this copolymer are in the "inactivated" state at normal physiological pH and temperature (pH = 7.4 and T = 36 °C). In the presence of specific biomolecules, microgels undergo "activation", shrink and expel mechanically a certain amount of drug. It must be mentioned that the pH-sensitive component plays the role of a biosensor, the biomolecule acts as a triggering agent, and the poly(NIPAAm) represents the delivery component (actuator). MTT tests showed that poly(NIPAAm-co-APM) microspheres are completely devoid of toxicity; moreover, the rabbit dermal fibroblasts vastly adhere to the surface of microspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieta Constantin
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iassy, Romania
| | - Sanda Bucatariu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iassy, Romania
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, University Roma Tre, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Butnaru
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iassy, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Fundueanu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iassy, Romania.
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35
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Leboffe L, di Masi A, Trezza V, Pasquadibisceglie A, Macari G, Polticelli F, Ascenzi P. Neonicotinoid trapping by the FA1 site of human serum albumin. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:716-723. [PMID: 31614076 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are a widely used class of insecticides that target the acetylcholine recognition site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system of insects. Although neonicotinoids display a high specificity for insects, their use has been recently debated since several studies led to the hypothesis that they may have adverse ecological effects and potential risks to mammals and even humans. Due to their hydrophobic nature, neonicotinoids need specific carriers to allow their distribution in body fluids. Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant plasma protein, is a key carrier of endogenous and exogenous compounds. The in silico docking and ligand binding properties of acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam to HSA are here reported. Neonicotinoids bind to multiple fatty acid (FA) binding sites, preferentially to the FA1 pocket, with high affinity. Values of the dissociation equilibrium constant for neonicotinoid binding FA1 of HSA (i.e., calc Kn ) derived from in silico docking simulations (ranging between 3.9 × 10-5 and 6.3 × 10-4 M) agree with those determined experimentally from competitive inhibition of heme-Fe(III) binding (i.e., exp Kn ; ranging between 2.1 × 10-5 and 6.9 × 10-5 M). Accounting for the HSA concentration in vivo (~7.5 10-4 M), values of Kn here determined suggest that the formation of the HSA:neonicotinoid complexes may occur in vivo. Therefore, HSA appears to be an important determinant for neonicotinoid transport and distribution to tissues and organs, particularly to the liver where they are metabolized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Roma Tre Section, National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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di Masi A, Leboffe L, Polticelli F, Tonon F, Zennaro C, Caterino M, Stano P, Fischer S, Hägele M, Müller M, Kleger A, Papatheodorou P, Nocca G, Arcovito A, Gori A, Ruoppolo M, Barth H, Petrosillo N, Ascenzi P, Di Bella S. Human Serum Albumin Is an Essential Component of the Host Defense Mechanism Against Clostridium difficile Intoxication. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:1424-1435. [PMID: 29868851 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenic effects of Clostridium difficile are primarily attributable to the production of the large protein toxins (C difficile toxins [Tcd]) A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). These toxins monoglucosylate Rho GTPases in the cytosol of host cells, causing destruction of the actin cytoskeleton with cytotoxic effects. Low human serum albumin (HSA) levels indicate a higher risk of acquiring and developing a severe C difficile infection (CDI) and are associated with recurrent and fatal disease. Methods We used a combined approach based on docking simulation and biochemical analyses that were performed in vitro on purified proteins and in human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), and in vivo on stem cell-derived human intestinal organoids and zebrafish embryos. Results Our results show that HSA specifically binds via its domain II to TcdA and TcdB and thereby induces their autoproteolytic cleavage at physiological concentrations. This process impairs toxin internalization into the host cells and reduces the toxin-dependent glucosylation of Rho proteins. Conclusions Our data provide evidence for a specific HSA-dependent self-defense mechanism against C difficile toxins and provide an explanation for the clinical correlation between CDI severity and hypoalbuminemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy.,National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre Section, Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Zennaro
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marianna Caterino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.,Associazione Culturale DiSciMuS RCF, Casoria, Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Stephan Fischer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marlen Hägele
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm Medical Center, Germany
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm Medical Center, Germany
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm Medical Center, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giuseppina Nocca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.,Institute of Chemistry of Molecular Recognition, CNR, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.,Associazione Culturale DiSciMuS RCF, Casoria, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- 2nd Infectious Diseases Division, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- 2nd Infectious Diseases Division, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", Roma, Italy
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Messina S, De Simone G, Ascenzi P. Cysteine-based regulation of redox-sensitive Ras small GTPases. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101282. [PMID: 31386964 PMCID: PMC6695279 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) activate the redox-sensitive Ras small GTPases. The three canonical genes (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are archetypes of the superfamily of small GTPases and are the most common oncogenes in human cancer. Oncogenic Ras is intimately linked to redox biology, mainly in the context of tumorigenesis. The Ras protein structure is highly conserved, especially in effector-binding regions. Ras small GTPases are redox-sensitive proteins thanks to the presence of the NKCD motif (Asn116-Lys 117-Cys118-Asp119). Notably, the ROS- and RNS-based oxidation of Cys118 affects protein stability, activity, and localization, and protein-protein interactions. Cys residues at positions 80, 181, 184, and 186 may also help modulate these actions. Moreover, oncogenic mutations of Gly12Cys and Gly13Cys may introduce additional oxidative centres and represent actionable drug targets. Here, the pathophysiological involvement of Cys-redox regulation of Ras proteins is reviewed in the context of cancer and heart and brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Messina
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146, Roma, Italy.
| | - Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146, Roma, Italy
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Ascenzi P, De Simone G, Ciaccio C, Santucci R, Coletta M. Hydroxylamine-induced oxidation of ferrous CO-bound carboxymethylated-cytochrome c. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2018. [DOI: 10.1142/s1088424618501055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The hexa-coordinated metal center of horse heart cyt[Formula: see text] (cyt[Formula: see text] is at the root of its low reactivity. In contrast, carboxymethylated cyt[Formula: see text] (CM-cyt[Formula: see text] displays myoglobin-like properties. Herein, kinetics of CO binding to ferrous CM-cyt[Formula: see text] (CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II)) and of the irreversible oxidation of ferrous carbonylated CM-cyt[Formula: see text] (CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II)-CO) by hydroxylamine (HA), at pH 5.8 and 20.0 [Formula: see text]C, are reported. HA irreversibly oxidizes CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II)-CO with the 1:2 stoichiometry leading to the formation of the ferric species (CM-cyt[Formula: see text](III)) without the observation of intermediates. Present data indicate that: (i) the rate of CO dissociation from CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II)-CO represents the rate-limiting step of HA-mediated oxidation of the carbonylated metal center, (ii) the fast oxidation of CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II)-CO from HA reflects the penta-coordination of the transient CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II) species, (iii) the HA-catalyzed conversion of CM-cyt[Formula: see text](II)-CO to CM-cyt[Formula: see text](III) could proceed via the geminate mechanism, (iv) values of the second-order rate constants for the carbonylation and the HA-mediated oxidation of ferrous heme-proteins are linearly correlated reflecting the penta- or hexa-coordination of the metal center, the free energy for the in-plane positioning of the heme-Fe atom in the unliganded species, and the arrangement of the distal portion of the heme pocket that affects ligand and/or electron transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, I-00133 Roma, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, I-70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Santucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, I-00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, I-00133 Roma, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, I-70126 Bari, Italy
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De Simone G, Polticelli F, Aime S, Ascenzi P. No lanthanides-based catalysis in eukaryotes. IUBMB Life 2018; 71:398-399. [PMID: 30548956 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the "Hypothesis" paper entitled "Lanthanides-Based Catalysis in Eukaryotes" (IUBMB Life 2018 Nov;70(11):1067-1075), we analyzed the possibility that Ce3+ -dependent methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs) could be found not only in archaea and bacteria but also in eukaryotic organisms. This hypothesis was based on the observation that MDHs protein sequences carrying the signature of Ce3+ -based active sites could be found in genome-derived proteomes of the eukaryotes Plasmodium yoelii yoelii, Nephila clavipes, Hyalella azteca, Pantholops hodgsonii, and Homo sapiens. Data were analyzed following standard procedures employed in the study of phylogenetic relationships among members of protein families and their occurrence in diverse organisms. Furthermore, the study relied on current annotations of protein sequences in the nonredundant protein sequences database, which we did not have any element to doubt about. After the publication of this hypothesis, following analyses carried out by Prof. Huub Op den Camp (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands), evidence has emerged that the sequences of the putative eukaryotic homologs of bacterial lanthanide-dependent MDHs, identified in our work, either derive from wrong annotation in GenBank or from undetected and pervasive bacterial contamination of the corresponding genomes. Thus, even though our study was technically correct, we were induced to support the initial hypothesis due to annotation errors and undetected bacterial contamination of the relevant genomes in the nucleotide sequences database. Therefore, at present, the hypothesis put forward in our article is not backed up by the currently available data. On a different note, this issue calls for a much higher attention on the integrity/correctness of the data deposited in the sequence databases, a need already highlighted in the literature also for the opposite problem, that is, human contamination of genomic data of other organisms. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):398-399, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy.,Roma Tre Section, National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvio Aime
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
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Cipolletti M, Montalesi E, Nuzzo MT, Fiocchetti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M. Potentiation of paclitaxel effect by resveratrol in human breast cancer cells by counteracting the 17β-estradiol/estrogen receptor α/neuroglobin pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:3147-3157. [PMID: 30421506 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuroglobin (NGB), an antiapoptotic protein upregulated by 17β-estradiol (E2), is part of E2/estrogen receptor α (ERα) pathway pointed to preserve cancer cell survival in presence of microenvironmental stressors including chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, the possibility that resveratrol (Res), an anticancer plant polyphenol, could increase the susceptibility of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel (Pacl) by affecting E2/ERα/NGB pathway has been evaluated. In MCF-7 and T47D (ERα-positive), but not in MDA-MB 231 (ERα-negative) nor in SK-N-BE (ERα and ERβ positive), Res decreases NGB levels interfering with E2/ERα-induced NGB upregulation and with E2-induced ERα and protein kinase B phosphorylation. Although Res treatment does not reduce cell viability by itself, this compound potentiates Pacl proapoptotic effects. Notably, the increase of NGB levels by NGB expression vector transfection prevents Pacl or Res/Pacl effects. Taken together, these findings indicate a new Res-based mechanism that acts on tumor cells impairing the E2/ERα/NGB signaling pathways and increasing cancer cell susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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41
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De Simone G, di Masi A, Polticelli F, Ascenzi P. Human nitrobindin: the first example of an all-β-barrel ferric heme-protein that catalyzes peroxynitrite detoxification. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:2002-2010. [PMID: 30524950 PMCID: PMC6275384 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrobindins (Nbs), constituting a heme‐protein family spanning from bacteria to Homo sapiens, display an all‐β‐barrel structural organization. Human Nb has been described as a domain of the nuclear protein named THAP4, whose physiological function is still unknown. We report the first evidence of the heme‐Fe(III)‐based detoxification of peroxynitrite by the all‐β‐barrel C‐terminal Nb‐like domain of THAP4. Ferric human Nb (Nb(III)) catalyzes the conversion of peroxynitrite to NO3− and impairs the nitration of free l‐tyrosine. The rate of human Nb(III)‐mediated scavenging of peroxynitrite is similar to those of all‐α‐helical horse heart and sperm whale myoglobin and human hemoglobin, generally taken as the prototypes of all‐α‐helical heme‐proteins. The heme‐Fe(III) reactivity of all‐β‐barrel human Nb(III) and all‐α‐helical prototypical heme‐proteins possibly reflects the out‐to‐in‐plane transition of the heme‐Fe(III)‐atom preceding peroxynitrite binding. Human Nb(III) not only catalyzes the detoxification of peroxynitrite but also binds NO, possibly representing a target of reactive nitrogen species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences Roma Tre University Italy.,National Institute of Nuclear Physics Roma Tre Section Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy Roma Tre University Italy
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42
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Pennisi R, Albanesi J, Ascenzi P, Nervi C, di Masi A. Are DNA damage response kinases a target for the differentiation treatment of acute myeloid leukemia? IUBMB Life 2018; 70:1057-1066. [PMID: 30296357 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous malignancy characterized by the expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HPCs) blocked at different stages of maturation/differentiation. The poor outcome of AMLs necessitates therapeutic improvement. In AML, genes encoding for myeloid transcription factors, signaling receptors regulating cell proliferation, and epigenetic modifiers can be mutated by somatically acquired genetic mutations or altered by chromosomal translocations. These mutations modify chromatin organization at genes sites regulating HPCs proliferation, terminal differentiation, and DNA repair, contributing to the development and progression of the disease. The reversibility of the epigenetic modifications by drug treatment makes epigenetic changes attractive targets for AML therapeutic intervention. Recent findings underline increased DNA damage and abnormalities in the DNA damage response (DDR) as a critical feature of AML blasts. The DDR preserves cell integrity and must be tightly coordinated with DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling to ensure the accessibility to the DNA of transcription factors and repair enzymes. A crucial role in these events is played by the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) kinases, which are hyperactive in AML. Based on these findings, we hypothesize the inhibition of DNA damage kinases as an alternative or complementary strategy for the differentiation treatment of AML as it leads to a reduced ability to repair the DNA damage, and to the inhibition of specific epigenetic modifiers whose function is altered in leukemic cells. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1057-1066, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Pennisi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma "La Sapienza", Latina, Italy
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De Simone G, Polticelli F, Aime S, Ascenzi P. Lanthanides-based catalysis in eukaryotes. IUBMB Life 2018; 70:1067-1075. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences; Roma Tre University; Roma Italy
- Roma Tre Section; National Institute of Nuclear Physics; Roma Italy
| | - Silvio Aime
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; University of Torino; Torino Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy; Roma Tre University; Roma Italy
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Giacobbe DR, di Masi A, Leboffe L, Del Bono V, Rossi M, Cappiello D, Coppo E, Marchese A, Casulli A, Signori A, Novelli A, Perrone K, Principe L, Bandera A, Vender LE, Misin A, Occhilupo P, Melone M, Ascenzi P, Gori A, Luzzati R, Viscoli C, Di Bella S. Hypoalbuminemia as a predictor of acute kidney injury during colistin treatment. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11968. [PMID: 30097635 PMCID: PMC6086859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) during colistin therapy in a cohort of patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) due to colistin-susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, focusing on the role of serum albumin levels. The study consisted of two parts: (1) a multicentre retrospective clinical study to assess the predictors of AKI during colistin therapy, defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria; and (2) bioinformatic and biochemical characterization of the possible interaction between human serum albumin and colistin. Among the 170 patients included in the study, 71 (42%), 35 (21%), and 11 (6%) developed KDIGO stage 1 (K1-AKI), KDIGO stage 2 (K2-AKI), and KDIGO stage 3 (K3-AKI), respectively. In multivariable analyses, serum albumin <2.5 g/dL was independently associated with K1-AKI (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-2.93, p = 0.009) and K2-AKI (sHR 2.37, 95% CI 1.15-4.87, p = 0.019). Bioinformatic and biochemical analyses provided additional information nurturing the discussion on how hypoalbuminemia favors development of AKI during colistin therapy. In conclusion, severe hypoalbuminemia independently predicted AKI during colistin therapy in a large cohort of patients with BSI due to colistin-susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. Further study is needed to clarify the underlying causal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia and Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Del Bono
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Marianna Rossi
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Dario Cappiello
- Città di Lecce Hospital - GVM Care and Research, Lecce, Italy
| | - Erika Coppo
- Microbiology Unit, University of Genoa (DISC) and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Microbiology Unit, University of Genoa (DISC) and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annarita Casulli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia and Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Novelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Katja Perrone
- Città di Lecce Hospital - GVM Care and Research, Lecce, Italy
| | - Luigi Principe
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bandera
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Enrico Vender
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Misin
- Infectious Diseases Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Melone
- Città di Lecce Hospital - GVM Care and Research, Lecce, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- University of Milan and Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Infectious Diseases Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Viscoli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS per l'Oncologia and Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Infectious Diseases Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, I-00133 Roma, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, I-70126 Bari, Italy
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46
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Ascenzi P, Leboffe L, Toti D, Polticelli F, Trezza V. Fipronil recognition by the FA1 site of human serum albumin. J Mol Recognit 2018; 31:e2713. [DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy; Roma Tre University; I-00146 Rome Italy
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Sciences; Roma Tre University; I-00146 Rome Italy
| | - Daniele Toti
- Department of Sciences; Roma Tre University; I-00146 Rome Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences; Roma Tre University; I-00146 Rome Italy
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre Section; I-00146 Rome Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Sciences; Roma Tre University; I-00146 Rome Italy
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Ascenzi P, De Simone G, Polticelli F, Gioia M, Coletta M. Reductive nitrosylation of ferric human hemoglobin bound to human haptoglobin 1-1 and 2-2. J Biol Inorg Chem 2018; 23:437-445. [PMID: 29605886 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-018-1551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Haptoglobin (Hp) sequesters hemoglobin (Hb) preventing the Hb-based damage occurring upon its physiological release into plasma. Here, reductive nitrosylation of ferric human hemoglobin [Hb(III)] bound to human haptoglobin (Hp) 1-1 and 2-2 [Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III), respectively] has been investigated between pH 7.5 and 9.5, at T=20.0 °C. Over the whole pH range explored, only one process is detected reflecting NO binding to Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III). Values of the pseudo-first-order rate constant for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) nitrosylation (k) do not depend linearly on the ligand concentration but tend to level off. The conversion of Hp1-1:Hb(III)-NO to Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and of Hp2-2:Hb(III)-NO to Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO is limited by the OH-- and H2O-based catalysis. In fact, bimolecular NO binding to Hp1-1:Hb(III), Hp2-2:Hb(III), Hp1-1:Hb(II), and Hp2-2:Hb(II) proceeds very rapidly. The analysis of data allowed to determine the values of the dissociation equilibrium constant for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) nitrosylation [K = (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10-4 M], which is pH-independent, and of the first-order rate constant for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) conversion to Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO, respectively (k'). From the dependence of k' on [OH-], values of hOH- [(4.9 ± 0.6) × 103 M-1 s-1 and (6.79 ± 0.7) × 103 M-1 s-1, respectively] and of [Formula: see text] [(2.6 ± 0.3) × 10-3 s-1] were determined. Values of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) reductive nitrosylation match well with those of the Hb R-state, which is typical of the αβ dimers of Hb bound to Hp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ascenzi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Roma Tre University, Via Della Vasca Navale 79, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna De Simone
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.,Roma Tre Section, National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Via Della Vasca Navale 84, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Magda Gioia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Interuniversity Consortium for the Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems, Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
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48
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De Simone G, Ascenzi P, di Masi A, Polticelli F. Nitrophorins and nitrobindins: structure and function. Biomol Concepts 2018; 8:105-118. [PMID: 28574374 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2017-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical all α-helical globins are present in all living organisms and are ordered in three lineages: (i) flavohemoglobins and single domain globins, (ii) protoglobins and globin coupled sensors and (iii) truncated hemoglobins, displaying the 3/3 or the 2/2 all α-helical fold. However, over the last two decades, all β-barrel and mixed α-helical-β-barrel heme-proteins displaying heme-based functional properties (e.g. ligand binding, transport and sensing) closely similar to those of all α-helical globins have been reported. Monomeric nitrophorins (NPs) and α1-microglobulin (α1-m), belonging to the lipocalin superfamily and nitrobindins (Nbs) represent prototypical heme-proteins displaying the all β-barrel and mixed α-helical-β-barrel folds. NPs are confined to the Reduviidae and Cimicidae families of Heteroptera, whereas α1-m and Nbs constitute heme-protein families spanning bacteria to Homo sapiens. The structural organization and the reactivity of the stable ferric solvent-exposed heme-Fe atom suggest that NPs and Nbs are devoted to NO transport, storage and sensing, whereas Hs-α1-m participates in heme metabolism. Here, the structural and functional properties of NPs and Nbs are reviewed in parallel with those of sperm whale myoglobin, which is generally taken as the prototype of monomeric globins.
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Fiocchetti M, Cipolletti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M. Dissecting the 17β-estradiol pathways necessary for neuroglobin anti-apoptotic activity in breast cancer. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5087-5103. [PMID: 29219195 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuroglobin (NGB) is a relatively recent discovered monomeric heme-protein, which behave in neurons as a sensor of injuring stimuli including oxidative stress, hypoxia, and neurotoxicity. In addition, the anti-apoptotic activity of overexpressed NGB has been reported both in neurons and in cancer cell lines. We recently demonstrated that, NGB functions as a compensatory protein of the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) protecting cancer cells against the apoptotic death induced by oxidative stress. However, the E2-induced signaling pathways at the root of NGB over-expression and mitochondrial re-localization in breast cancer cells is still elusive. By using a kinase screening library, here, we report that: i) There is a strong positive correlation between NGB and ERα expression and activity in breast cancer cells; ii) The E2-activated phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways are necessary to modulate the NGB protein levels; iii) The E2-induced persistent activation of AKT drive NGB to mitochondria; iv) Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing compounds activating rapidly and transiently AKT does not affect the NGB mitochondrial level; and v) High level of NGB into mitochondria are necessary for the pro-survival and anti-apoptotic effect of this globin in cancer cells. As a whole, these results underline the E2 triggered pathways in E2-responsive breast cancer cells that involve NGB as a compensatory protein devoted to cancer cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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50
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Servadio M, Manduca A, Melancia F, Leboffe L, Schiavi S, Campolongo P, Palmery M, Ascenzi P, di Masi A, Trezza V. Impaired repair of DNA damage is associated with autistic-like traits in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:85-96. [PMID: 29174949 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic and mood stabilizer valproic acid (VPA) is an environmental risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although recent epidemiological studies show that the public awareness of this association is still limited. Based on the clinical findings, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents is a widely used preclinical model of ASD. However, there is limited information about the precise biochemical mechanisms underlying the link between ASD and VPA. Here, we tested the effects of increasing doses of VPA on behavioral features resembling core and secondary symptoms of ASD in rats. Only when administered prenatally at the dose of 500mg/kg, VPA induced deficits in communication and social discrimination in rat pups, and altered social behavior and emotionality in the adolescent and adult offspring in the absence of gross malformations. This dose of VPA inhibited histone deacetylase in rat embryos and favored the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSB), but impaired their repair. The defective DSB response was no more visible in one-day-old pups, thus supporting the hypothesis that unrepaired VPA-induced DNA damage at the time of neural tube closure may underlie the autistic-like traits displayed in the course of development by rats prenatally exposed to VPA. These experiments help to understand the neurodevelopmental trajectories affected by prenatal VPA exposure and identify a biochemical link between VPA exposure during gestation and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Servadio
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Melancia
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Palmery
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
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