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Campennì A, Aguennouz M, Siracusa M, Alibrandi A, Polito F, Oteri R, Baldari S, Ruggeri RM, Giovanella L. Thyroid Cancer Persistence in Patients with Unreliable Thyroglobulin Measurement: Circulating microRNA as Candidate Alternative Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225620. [PMID: 36428713 PMCID: PMC9688692 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225620] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the role of circulating miRNAs as a biomarker of the persistence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in patients with an "uninformative" thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 49 consecutive PTC patients with Tg-positive antibodies (TgAb) who had undergone a (near)-total thyroidectomy and 131I therapy (RIT). The serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Tg, and TgAb levels were measured before and at 6 and 12 months after RIT, respectively. The serum miRNA (221, 222, 375, 155, and 146b) levels were measured simultaneously. RESULTS The response to the initial therapy was assessed according to the 2015 ATA criteria. A decrease in 50% or more of serum miRNA over time was observed in 41/49 PTC patients, who showed an excellent response (ER), but six and two patients were classified to have an indeterminate/incomplete biochemical or incomplete structural response to initial therapy. CONCLUSION Serum miRNA kinetics emerge as a promising biomarker for the early detection of a persistent disease in PTC patients with uninformative Tg results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-2217367; Fax: +39-090-2212842
| | - M’hammed Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Lupica A, Oteri R, Volta S, Ghezzi D, Drago SFA, Rodolico C, Musumeci O, Toscano A. Diagnostic Challenges in Late Onset Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Clinical, Morphological, and Genetic Aspects. Front Neurol 2022; 13:815523. [PMID: 35309592 PMCID: PMC8929684 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.815523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation due to deficiency of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain. The late-onset form is characterized by exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, and lipid storage in myofibers. Most MADD patients greatly benefit from riboflavin supplementation. Patients and methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with a diagnosis of vacuolar myopathy with lipid storage followed in our neuromuscular unit in the last 20 years. We selected 10 unrelated patients with the diagnosis of MADD according to clinical, morphological, and biochemical aspects. Clinical features, blood tests including serum acylcarnitines, EMG, and ENG were revised. Muscle biopsy was performed in all, and one individual underwent also a sural nerve biopsy. Gene sequencing of ETFA, ETFB, and ETFDH was performed as a first-tier genetic analysis followed by next-generation sequencing of an hyperCKemia gene panel in patients with undefined genotypes. Results Clinical evaluation at onset in all our patients showed fatigue and muscle weakness; four patients showed difficulties in chewing, three patients complained of dysphagia, two patients had a dropped head, and a patient had an unexpected ataxia with numbness and dysesthesia. Laboratory blood tests revealed a variable increase in serum CK (266–6,500) and LDH levels (500–2,000). Plasma acylcarnitine profile evidenced increased levels of different chains intermediates. EMG was either normal or showed myogenic or neurogenic patterns. NCS demonstrated sensory neuropathy in two patients. Muscle biopsies showed a vacuolar myopathy with a variable increase in lipid content. Nerve biopsy evidenced an axonal degeneration with the loss of myelinated fibers. ETFDH genetic analysis identifies 14 pathogenic variants. Patients were treated with high doses of riboflavin (400 mg/die). All of them showed a rapid muscle strength improvement and normalization of abnormal values in laboratory tests. Neuropathic symptoms did not improve. Conclusion Our data confirmed that clinical features in MADD patients are extremely variable in terms of disease onset and symptoms making diagnosis difficult. Laboratory investigations, such as serum acylcarnitine profile and muscle biopsy evaluation, may strongly address to a correct diagnosis. The favorable response to riboflavin supplementation strengthens the importance of an early diagnosis of these disorders among the spectrum of metabolic myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Lupica
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Volta
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniele Ghezzi
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Selene Francesca Anna Drago
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Olimpia Musumeci
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Olimpia Musumeci
| | - Antonio Toscano
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Musumeci O, Pugliese A, Oteri R, Volta S, Ciranni A, Moggio M, Rodolico C, Toscano A. A new phenotype of muscle glycogen synthase deficiency (GSD0B) characterized by an adult onset myopathy without cardiomyopathy. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:582-589. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Giuffrida G, D’Argenio V, Ferraù F, Lasorsa VA, Polito F, Aliquò F, Ragonese M, Cotta OR, Alessi Y, Oteri R, Di Maggio F, Asmundo A, Romeo PD, Spagnolo F, Pastore L, Angileri FF, Capasso M, Cannavò S, Aguennouz M. Methylome Analysis in Nonfunctioning and GH-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:841118. [PMID: 35432200 PMCID: PMC9007725 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.841118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas (PAs), usually benign lesions, can sometimes present with "aggressive" features (rapid growth, local invasiveness, scarce response to conventional treatments). Despite the fact that a few genetic alterations have been associated to this clinical behavior, the role of epigenetic modifications, mainly methylation and miRNAs activity, is now opening new frontiers in this field. We evaluated the methylation profile of 21 PA (11 GH-omas, 10 nonfunctioning tumors-NFPAs) samples from TNS surgery and 5 normal pituitaries, collected at our neurosurgery between 2015 and 2017. DNA was extracted and sequenced, selecting 184,841 target regions. Moreover, methylation profiles were correlated with demographic, radiological, and clinicopathological features. NFPAs showed higher methylation levels vs. GH-omas, with 178 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) mainly consisting of noncoding and intronic sequences, and mostly localized in the open sea regions. We also found three hypermethylated genes (C7orf50, GNG7, and BAHCC1) involved in tumorigenesis processes and potentially influencing pituitary tumor pathophysiology. Among the clinicopathological features, only the maximum diameter resulted significantly higher in NFPAs. Our data provide further evidence of the complex epigenetic background of pituitary tumors. In line with the current literature, we confirmed a significant prevalence of hypermethylation in NFPAs vs. GH-omas, whose pathophysiological consequence is yet to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giuffrida
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Valeria D’Argenio
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferraù
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, Messina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesco Ferraù,
| | - Vito Alessandro Lasorsa
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Aliquò
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marta Ragonese
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Ylenia Alessi
- Endocrine Unit, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Di Maggio
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Federica Spagnolo
- Endocrine Unit, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Flavio Angileri
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Capasso
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cannavò
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - M’Hammed Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Bianchi L, Sframeli M, Vantaggiato L, Vita GL, Ciranni A, Polito F, Oteri R, Gitto E, Di Giuseppe F, Angelucci S, Versaci A, Messina S, Vita G, Bini L, Aguennouz M. Nusinersen Modulates Proteomics Profiles of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094329. [PMID: 33919289 PMCID: PMC8122268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 is a severe infantile autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by a survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) mutation and characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Without supportive care, SMA type 1 is rapidly fatal. The antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen has recently improved the natural course of this disease. Here, we investigated, with a functional proteomic approach, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein profiles from SMA type 1 patients who underwent nusinersen administration to clarify the biochemical response to the treatment and to monitor disease progression based on therapy. Six months after starting treatment (12 mg/5 mL × four doses of loading regimen administered at days 0, 14, 28, and 63), we observed a generalized reversion trend of the CSF protein pattern from our patient cohort to that of control donors. Notably, a marked up-regulation of apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein E and a consistent variation in transthyretin proteoform occurrence were detected. Since these multifunctional proteins are critically active in biomolecular processes aberrant in SMA, i.e., synaptogenesis and neurite growth, neuronal survival and plasticity, inflammation, and oxidative stress control, their nusinersen induced modulation may support SMN improved-expression effects. Hence, these lipoproteins and transthyretin could represent valuable biomarkers to assess patient responsiveness and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Sframeli
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (G.L.V.)
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Gian Luca Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (G.L.V.)
| | - Annamaria Ciranni
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (F.P.); (R.O.); (S.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Francesca Polito
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (F.P.); (R.O.); (S.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (F.P.); (R.O.); (S.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Di Giuseppe
- Dentistry and Biotechnology, and Proteomics Unit, Centre of Advanced Studies and Technoloy, Department Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio”, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.G.); (S.A.)
| | - Stefania Angelucci
- Dentistry and Biotechnology, and Proteomics Unit, Centre of Advanced Studies and Technoloy, Department Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio”, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.G.); (S.A.)
| | - Antonio Versaci
- Intensive Care Unit, AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sonia Messina
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (F.P.); (R.O.); (S.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (G.L.V.)
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (F.P.); (R.O.); (S.M.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (L.B.)
| | - M’hammed Aguennouz
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (F.P.); (R.O.); (S.M.); (M.A.)
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Allegra A, Innao V, Polito F, Oteri R, Alibrandi A, Allegra AG, Oteri G, Di Giorgio RM, Musolino C, Aguennouz M. SIRT2 and SIRT3 expression correlates with redox imbalance and advanced clinical stage in patients with multiple myeloma. Clin Biochem 2021; 93:42-49. [PMID: 33861984 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.04.002] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sirtuins comprise seven family elements (SIRT1-7) involved in various cell signalling pathways comprising cancer inhibition and tumorigenesis. The present study aims to evaluate SIRT2 and SIRT3 gene expression and potential redox reactions in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) at onset and its correlation with disease status, extent and presence of organ damage secondary to myeloma. DESIGN & METHODS Total RNA was extracted from 17 MM patients and 10 controls to assess gene expression using real-time PCR. The NAD+/NADH ratio as well as the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined using established biochemical assays. RESULTS SIRT2 and SIRT3 expression is reduced in MM patients compared to healthy controls. Correlational analysis demonstrated that SIRT2 reduction is associated with advanced clinical stage and with more advanced bone lesions than in the remaining patients. SIRT3 expression is correlated with lytic bone lesions. Biochemical analysis indicated an imbalance of oxidative stress biomarkers with low concentrations of the antioxidant enzyme GPx, low amounts of NAD + and higher concentrations of pro-oxidant enzyme HP in PBMCs of MM patients compared to controls. Moreover, MM patients with bone lesions had lower concentrations of NAD + and GPx in PBMCs than patients without signs of bone disease. In addition, MM patients had higher quantities of intracellular HP than controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that SIRT2 and SIRT3 are downregulated in MM and that lower concentrations correlate with an advanced stage of disease and redox imbalance. We conclude that SIRT2 and SIRT3 together with oxidative stress biomarkers, may be useful for improved risk stratification of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", Division of Haematology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Innao
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", Division of Haematology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Polito
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaetano Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", Division of Haematology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Oteri
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Giorgio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", Division of Haematology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M'hammed Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Aguennouz M, Polito F, Visalli M, Vita G, Raffa G, Oteri R, Ghazi B, Scalia G, Angileri FF, Barresi V, Caffo M, Cardali S, Conti A, Macaione V, Bartolotta M, Giorgio RD, Germanò A. microRNA-10 and -221 modulate differential expression of Hippo signaling pathway in human astroglial tumors. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2020; 24:100203. [PMID: 32777750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100203] [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: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas represent over 70% of all brain tumors, they are highly invasive and structurally vascular neoplasms. Despite the latest technological advance in neuro-surgery the survival of patients with high-grade glioma remains poor. The lack of robust treatment options has propelled the search for new markers that may able allow the identification of patients who can benefit from molecularly targeted therapies. The Hippo signaling pathway is considered as a key regulator of tissue homeostasis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and alterations of this pathway seem to contribute to tumorigenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP1) is a downstream target of the Hippo pathway which acts as a transcription co-activator. In cancer, YAP1 has been reported to function either as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, depending on the cell context. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of YAP1, Survivin and LATS1 kinase activity in human astroglial tumors with different grades of malignancy. Moreover, we also investigated the expression of miR-221 and miR-10b and their relationship with core molecules of the Hippo pathway. Our results showed the overexpression of YAP1 and Survivin as well as a decreased activity of large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) in high-grade glioblastoma versus anaplastic astrocytoma and low-grade glioma. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that miR-221 and miR-10b are specifically involved in Hippo signaling via LATS1 regulation and that their knockdown significantly decreased glioma cell proliferation. This preliminary data confirmed the crucial role of the Hippo pathway in cancer and suggested that miR-221 and miR-10b could be potential therapeutic targets for glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M'hammed Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy; Department of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Francesca Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Visalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raffa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Bouchra Ghazi
- Department of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Gianluca Scalia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Flavio F Angileri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Valeria Barresi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Caffo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cardali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Macaione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Marcello Bartolotta
- Department of Adult and Childhood Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Germanò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
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8
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Vicchio TM, Aliquò F, Ruggeri RM, Ragonese M, Giuffrida G, Cotta OR, Spagnolo F, Torre ML, Alibrandi A, Asmundo A, Angileri FF, Esposito F, Polito F, Oteri R, Aguennouz MH, Cannavò S, Ferraù F. MicroRNAs expression in pituitary tumors: differences related to functional status, pathological features, and clinical behavior. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:947-958. [PMID: 31939196 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level, having a role in many biological processes, such as control of cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell death. Altered miRNA expression has been reported in many neoplasms, including pituitary adenomas (PAs). PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of 20 miRNAs involved in pathways relevant to pituitary pathophysiology, in PAs and normal pituitary tissue and to correlate their expression profile with clinical and pathological features. METHODS Pituitary tumor samples were obtained during transphenoidal surgery from patients with non-functioning (NFPA, n = 12) and functioning (n = 11, 5 GH-, 3 ACTH-, 3 PRL-omas) PAs. The expression of selected miRNAs in PAs and in normal pituitary was analyzed by RT-qPCR. miRNAs expression was correlated with demographic, clinical, and neuroradiological data and with histopathological features including pituitary hormones immunostaining, Ki-67 proliferation index, and p53 immunohistochemistry evaluation. RESULTS All evaluated miRNAs except miR-711 were expressed in both normal and tumor pituitary tissue. Seventeen miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in pituitary tumors compared to normal pituitary. miRNAs were differentially expressed in functioning PAs or in NFPAs, as in the latter group miR-149-3p (p = 0.036), miR-130a-3p (p = 0.014), and miR-370-3p (p = 0.026) were significantly under expressed as compared to functioning tumors. Point-biserial correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between miR-26b-5p and Ki-67 (p = 0.031) and between miR-30a-5p and 'atypical' morphological features (p = 0.038) or cavernous sinus invasion (p = 0.049), while 508-5p was inversely correlated with clinical aggressiveness (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found a significant down-regulation of 17 miRNAs in PAs vs normal pituitary, with differential expression profile related to functional status and tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Vicchio
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
| | - F Aliquò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R M Ruggeri
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Ragonese
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
| | - G Giuffrida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - O R Cotta
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
| | - F Spagnolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
| | - M L Torre
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
| | - A Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - F F Angileri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - F Esposito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - F Polito
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, UOC di Endocrinologia, Pad. H, 4° Piano, AOU Policlinico Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - R Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M H Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - S Cannavò
- Unit of Endocrinology, University Hospital 'G. Martino', Messina, Italy
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, UOC di Endocrinologia, Pad. H, 4° Piano, AOU Policlinico Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - F Ferraù
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, UOC di Endocrinologia, Pad. H, 4° Piano, AOU Policlinico Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy.
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9
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Vita GL, Aguennouz M, Polito F, Oteri R, Russo M, Gentile L, Barbagallo C, Ragusa M, Rodolico C, Di Giorgio RM, Toscano A, Vita G, Mazzeo A. Circulating microRNAs Profile in Patients With Transthyretin Variant Amyloidosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:102. [PMID: 32655365 PMCID: PMC7325132 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00102] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin variant amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid in many organs, mostly causing a sensory-motor neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and dysautonomia. The aim of the study was to report microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profile identified in the blood of ATTRv patients. Ten ATTRv patients, 10 asymptomatic carriers of transthyretin variant (TTRv), 10 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, and 10 healthy controls were studied. Human Schwann cells cultures were used to study the regulatory effects of miR-150-5p on the expression of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF). ATTRv patients had 33 miRNAs up-regulated and 48 down-regulated versus healthy controls; 9 miRNAs were up-regulated and 30 down-regulated versus CMT patients; 19 miRNAs were up-regulated and 38 down-regulated versus asymptomatic TTRv carriers. Twelve out of the 19 upregulated miRNAs had a fold increase higher than 100. The validation experiment indicated miR-150-5p as a valuable biomarker to differentiate ATTRv patients from asymptomatic TTRv carriers (AUC: 0.9728; p < 0.0001). Schwann cells culture model demonstrated that miR-150-5p is a powerful negative regulator of CREB, BDNF, and NGF genes. Identification of deregulated miRNAs can help in understanding the complex pathomechamism underlying the development of ATTRv and related multisystemic pathology. Further investigations are needed on the role of circulating miR-150-5p to predict the shift of TTRv carriers from an asymptomatic status to symptoms appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy
| | - M'Hammed Aguennouz
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Francesca Polito
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Russo
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Gentile
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Barbagallo
- Molecular, Genome and Complex Systems BioMedicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Molecular, Genome and Complex Systems BioMedicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Giorgio
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Toscano
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy.,Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Mazzeo
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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10
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Polito F, Famà F, Oteri R, Raffa G, Vita G, Conti A, Daniele S, Macaione V, Passalacqua M, Cardali S, Di Giorgio RM, Gioffrè M, Angileri FF, Germanò A, Aguennouz M. Circulating miRNAs expression as potential biomarkers of mild traumatic brain injury. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2941-2949. [PMID: 32219772 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05386-7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
TBI is the main cause of death and disability in individuals aged 1-45 in Western countries. One of the main challenges of TBI at present is the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers, especially for mild TBI (mTBI), which remains currently difficult to value in clinical practice. In this context MiRNAs may be important mediators of the profound molecular and cellular changes that occur after TBI in both the short and the long term. Recently, plasma miRNAs profiling in human TBI, have revealed dynamic temporal regulation of miRNA expression within the cortex. Aim of this study was to select a specific miRNAs panel for mTBI, by focusing the research on the prognostic meaning of miRNAs in the hours following the trauma, in order to be able to use this MIRNAs as potential biomarkers useful for monitoring the follow up of mild TBI. Serum levels of 17 miRNAs were measured by RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 20 patients with mTBI at three different time-points (0 h, 24 h, 48 h) and in 10 controls. For 15 miRNAs we found a significant differences in the comparison among the three time points: for each of these miRNAs the values were greater at baseline and progressively reduced at 24 h and 48 h. These data allow us to consider the miRNAs included in panel as sensitive and specific biomarkers for mTBI, useful in monitoring the post-trauma period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Polito
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fausto Famà
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raffa
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Conti
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sacco Daniele
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Macaione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marcello Passalacqua
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cardali
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Giorgio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Gioffrè
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Unit of Neurosurgery, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Flavio F Angileri
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Germanò
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood 'G. Barresi', University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M'Hammed Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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11
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Parisi D, Musumeci O, Mondello S, Brizzi T, Oteri R, Migliorato A, Ciranni A, Mongini TE, Rodolico C, Vita G, Toscano A. Vacuolated PAS-Positive Lymphocytes on Blood Smear: An Easy Screening Tool and a Possible Biomarker for Monitoring Therapeutic Responses in Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). Front Neurol 2018; 9:880. [PMID: 30405515 PMCID: PMC6204381 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary aim was to investigate the diagnostic value of PAS-positive vacuolated lymphocytes on blood smear in Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD) patients and, secondly, to evaluate its potential utility in monitoring treatment effects. Methods: We examined blood smear of 26 LOPD patients. We evaluated 10 treated and 16 untreated LOPD patients. Among the latter group, 7 patients later initiated ERT and were tested again 6 months after start. Blood smear was also sampled from 82 controls and 19 patients with other muscle glycogenoses (MGSDs). PAS staining was used to evaluate: (1) presence of lymphocytes with glycogen-filled vacuoles, (2) quantification of vacuolated lymphocytes. Results: We found that PAS-positive lymphocytes were significantly higher in LOPD patients than in controls or other MGSDs (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). ROC curve for discriminating between untreated LOPD patients and controls yielded an AUC of 1.00 (95%CI 1.00–1.00; p < 0.0001). PAS-positive lymphocyte cutoff level of >10 yielded sensitivity of 100% (95%CI 78–100%), specificity of 100% (95%CI 96–100%), and positive predictive value of 100%. Patients studied before and after ERT showed a dramatic decrease of PAS-positive vacuolated lymphocytes number (p = 0.016). In other MGSDs, PAS-positive lymphocytes were significantly lower that untreated LOPD patients but higher than controls. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the Blood Smear Examination (BSE) for PAS-positive lymphocytes quantification could be used as a simple and sensitive test for a quick screening of suspected Pompe disease. The quantification of vacuolated lymphocytes appears to be also a valuable tool for monitoring the efficacy of treatment in LOPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Parisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Olimpia Musumeci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Brizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,DIBIMIS University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alba Migliorato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Annamaria Ciranni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana E Mongini
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Toscano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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12
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Vita GL, Polito F, Oteri R, Arrigo R, Ciranni AM, Musumeci O, Messina S, Rodolico C, Di Giorgio RM, Vita G, Aguennouz M. Hippo signaling pathway is altered in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205514. [PMID: 30304034 PMCID: PMC6179272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippo signaling pathway is considered a key regulator of tissue homeostasis, cell proliferation, apoptosis and it is involved in cancer development. In skeletal muscle, YAP, a downstream target of the Hippo pathway, is an important player in myoblast proliferation, atrophy/hypertrophy regulation, and in mechano-trasduction, transferring mechanical signals into transcriptional responses. We studied components of Hippo pathway in muscle specimens from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A and type 2B and healthy subjects. Only DMD muscles had decreased YAP1 protein expression, increased LATS1/2 kinase activity, low Survivin mRNA expression and high miR-21 expression. In light of our novel results, a schematic model is postulated: low levels of YOD1 caused by increased inhibition by miR-21 lead to an increase of LATS1/2 activity which in turn augments phosphorylation of YAP. Reduced amount of active YAP, which is also a target of increased miR-21, causes decreased nuclear expression of YAP-mediated target genes. Since it is known that YAP has beneficial roles in promoting tissue repair and regeneration after injury so that its activation may be therapeutically useful, our results suggest that some components of Hippo pathway could become novel therapeutic targets for DMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Polito
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberto Arrigo
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ciranni
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Olimpia Musumeci
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sonia Messina
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Giorgio
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - M’Hammed Aguennouz
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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13
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Visalli M, Bartolotta M, Polito F, Oteri R, Barbera A, Arrigo R, Di Giorgio RM, Navarra G, Aguennouz M. miRNA expression profiling regulates necroptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:771-780. [PMID: 29845207 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) has often been reported in HCC, the precise molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs modulate the process of tumorigenesis and the behavior of cancer cells are not yet clearly understood. In this study, we identified a novel three‑miRNA signature, including miR‑371-5p, miR‑373 and miR‑543, that appears to orchestrate programmed cell necrosis in HCC by directly targeting the caspase‑8 gene (Casp‑8). Our results demonstrated that miR‑371-5p, miR‑373 and miR‑543 were overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with paired adjacent normal tissues. The upregulation of these miRNAs specifically and markedly downregulated the expression of Casp‑8, as well as significantly enhanced the Z-VAD/TNF‑α-induced necroptosis of HCC cells. By contrast, the selective knockdown of miRNA expression led to a significant increase in Casp‑8 levels and a marked reduction in programmed cell necrosis. Intriguingly, the sustained overexpression of Casp‑8 reversed the pro‑necroptotic effects exerted by miRNA mimics. Finally, a strong inverse association between the level of miR‑223 and the expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing-3 inflammasome was observed in our HCC specimens. On the whole, the present study revealed a molecular link between the three‑miRNA signature, comprising miR‑371-5p, miR‑373 and miR‑543, and the negative necroptotic regulator Casp‑8, and presents evidence for its employment as a novel potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Visalli
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, UOC Neurologia MNM, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Marcello Bartolotta
- Oncology Surgery Unit, Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Polito
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, UOC Neurologia MNM, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, UOC Neurologia MNM, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Adalberto Barbera
- Oncology Surgery Unit, Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberto Arrigo
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, UOC Neurologia MNM, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Giorgio
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, UOC Neurologia MNM, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Navarra
- Oncology Surgery Unit, Department of Human Pathology DETEV, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - M'hammed Aguennouz
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, UOC Neurologia MNM, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
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14
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Venza M, Visalli M, Biondo C, Oteri R, Agliano F, Morabito S, Teti D, Venza I. Epigenetic marks responsible for cadmium-induced melanoma cell overgrowth. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:242-50. [PMID: 25448810 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a human carcinogen that likely acts via epigenetic mechanisms. However, the precise role of Cd in melanoma remains to be defined. The goals of this study are to: (i) examine the effect of Cd on the proliferation rate of cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells; (ii) identify the genes affected by Cd exposure; (iii) understand whether epigenetic changes are involved in the response to Cd. The cell growth capacity increased at 48 h after Cd treatment at doses ranging from 0.5 to 10 μM. The research on the key genes regulating proliferation has shown that aberrant methylation is responsible for silencing of p16(INK4A) and caspase 8 in uveal and cutaneous melanoma cells, respectively. The methylation and expression patterns of p14(ARF), death receptors 4/5, and E-cadherin remained unmodified after Cd treatment in all the cell lines analyzed. Ectopic expression of p16(INK4A) abolished the overgrowth of uveal melanoma cells in response to Cd and the overexpression of caspase 8 drastically increased the apoptotic rate of Cd-treated cutaneous melanoma cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that hypermethylation of p16(INK4A) and caspase 8 represents the most common event linked to Cd-induced stimulation of cell growth and inhibition of cell death pathway in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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15
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Venza M, Visalli M, Oteri R, Agliano F, Morabito S, Teti D, Venza I. The overriding of TRAIL resistance by the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 involves c-myc up-regulation in cutaneous, uveal, and mucosal melanoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 28:313-21. [PMID: 26122536 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor which may occur in the skin, eye, and mucous membranes. The prognosis of melanoma remains poor in spite of therapeutic advances, emphasizing the importance of innovative treatment modalities. Currently, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is showing promising clinical responses, however its use is hampered by intrinsic or acquired melanoma resistance to apoptosis. Recently, we showed that the combination of TRAIL with the class I-specific histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) MS-275 was a privileged way to override TRAIL resistance through down-regulation of cellular Fas-associated death domain (FADD)-like interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). Here, we elucidated the underlying mechanism and provided evidence that a crucial step in the c-FLIP downregulation triggered by MS-275 implies the up-regulation of c-myc, a transcriptional repressor of c-FLIP. Notably, MS-275 caused H3 histone acetylation at the promoter of c-myc and increased its binding to the c-FLIP promoter, that in turn led to reduced c-FLIP gene transcription. Knockdown of c-myc prevented the MS-275-mediated downregulation of c-FLIP and hindered TRAIL-plus MS-275-induced apoptosis. Findings reported here provide additional knowledge tools for a more aware and effective molecular therapy of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Visalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Agliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Morabito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Diana Teti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Isabella Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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16
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Venza M, Visalli M, Biondo C, Oteri R, Agliano F, Morabito S, Caruso G, Caffo M, Teti D, Venza I. Epigenetic effects of cadmium in cancer: focus on melanoma. Curr Genomics 2015; 15:420-35. [PMID: 25646071 PMCID: PMC4311387 DOI: 10.2174/138920291506150106145932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal, which has a destroying impact on organs. Exposure to cadmium causes severe health problems to human beings due to its ubiquitous environmental presence and features of the pathologies associated with pro-longed exposure. Cadmium is a well-established carcinogen, although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully under-stood yet. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the impact of this environmental pollutant on the epigenome. Be-cause of the role of epigenetic alterations in regulating gene expression, there is a potential for the integration of cadmium-induced epigenetic alterations as critical elements in the cancer risk assessment process. Here, after a brief review of the ma-jor diseases related to cadmium exposure, we focus our interest on the carcinogenic potential of this heavy metal. Among the several proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, particular attention is given to epigenetic alterations, including changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA expression. We review evidence for a link between cadmium-induced epigenetic changes and cell transformation, with special emphasis on melanoma. DNA methylation, with reduced expression of key genes that regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis, has emerged as a possible cadmium-induced epigenetic mechanism in melanoma. A wider comprehension of mechanisms related to this common environmental contaminant would allow a better cancer risk evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialistic Medical, Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Visalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Biondo
- Department of Pediatric, Gynecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Agliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Morabito
- Department of Experimental Specialistic Medical, Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gerardo Caruso
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Caffo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Diana Teti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Isabella Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialistic Medical, Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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17
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Venza I, Visalli M, Oteri R, Teti D, Venza M. Class I-specific histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 overrides TRAIL-resistance in melanoma cells by downregulating c-FLIP. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:439-46. [PMID: 24946096 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has selective killing effect toward malignant cells; however some human melanomas are intrinsically resistant. In this study, we have shown that class I-specific histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) MS-275 can synergize with TRAIL to induce apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant cell lines and to enhance susceptibility of sensitive cells. Conversely, class II-selective HDACi MC1575 has shown no effect on the resistance of melanoma cells and was able exclusively to increase TRAIL-induced cell death in responsive cells. Both the HDACis variably increased DR4, DR5, and procaspase 8 expression, regardless whether cells were TRAIL-sensitive or TRAIL-resistant. However, only MS-275 markedly decreased the expression levels of both the long and short c-FLIP isoforms. RNAi-mediated c-FLIP silencing resulted in caspase 8-dependent apoptosis in survivor cells which was comparable to that observed following MS-275 treatment. Accordingly, enforced expression of ectopic c-FLIP has abolished the cooperative induction of apoptosis by the combination of MS-275 and TRAIL. These data indicate that c-FLIP is a critical regulator of death ligand sensitivity in melanoma. Inhibition of class I HDAC isoenzymes 1, 2 and 3 has resulted to be functionally important for c-FLIP downregulation by MS-275. In contrast, knockdown of class II HDACs has had no effect on c-FLIP expression, thus explaining the dual incapacity of MC1575 to inhibit c-FLIP expression and sensitize cells resistant to TRAIL. The data reported here suggest that MS-275 represents a promising therapeutic approach in combination with TRAIL for treatment of cutaneous and uveal melanoma due to its ability to reduce c-FLIP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Visalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Diana Teti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Mario Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Venza I, Visalli M, Oteri R, Cucinotta M, Teti D, Venza M. Class II-specific histone deacetylase inhibitors MC1568 and MC1575 suppress IL-8 expression in human melanoma cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2013; 26:193-204. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences; University of Messina; Messina; Italy
| | - M. Visalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Messina; Messina; Italy
| | - R. Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Messina; Messina; Italy
| | - M. Cucinotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Messina; Messina; Italy
| | - D. Teti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Messina; Messina; Italy
| | - M. Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialized Medical and Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences; University of Messina; Messina; Italy
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Venza I, Visalli M, Oteri R, Teti D, Venza M. Combined effects of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on antioxidant/oxidant balance in age-related macular degeneration. Aging Clin Exp Res 2012; 24:530-6. [PMID: 22732472 DOI: 10.3275/8477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To investigate the single and joint effects of chronic cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and catalase (CAT) activities; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; and DNA damage were measured in patients with early ARMD (n=211) and late ARMD (n=205), and control persons (n=262). RESULTS When compared with healthy controls, early- and late-ARMD patients showed significant decreases in the activities of SOD and GSHPx, but not CAT, along with marked enhancements of MDA levels and tail parameters (p<0.01). No notable differences were observed in the early- vs the late-ARMD group for each of the above mentioned dependent variables. Multiple regression analysis revealed that in healthy subjects chronic smoking had the strongest impact on SOD and GSHPx activities, MDA levels, and amount of DNA damage, whereas in ARMD patients, the combination of smoking and drinking habits was the greatest predictor of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS The combination of chronic cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption appears to be an aggravating factor that contribute to serious oxidative imbalance and DNA damage in ARMD. Thus, combined smoking/drinking by persons with this pathological condition should be considered harmful. Identification of factors exacerbating ARMD-associated oxidative stress can facilitate development and adoption of effective preventative measures for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Venza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Sperimentali Medico-Chirurgiche Specialistiche ed Odontostomatologiche, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria G Martino, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
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