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Palandri L, Urbano T, Pezzuoli C, Miselli F, Caraffi R, Filippini T, Bargellini A, Righi E, Mazzi D, Vigezzi GP, Odone A, Marmiroli S, Boriani G, Vinceti M. The key role of public health in renovating Italian biomedical doctoral programs. Ann Ig 2024; 36:353-362. [PMID: 38236000 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2024.2592] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Background A key renovation of doctoral programs is currently ongoing in Italy. Public health and its competencies may play a pivotal role in high-level training to scientific research, including interdisciplinary and methodological abilities. Methods As a case study, we used the ongoing renovation of the Clinical and Experimental Medicine doctoral program at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. We focused on how the program is designed to meet national requirements as well as students' needs, thus improving educational standards for scientific research in the biomedical field, and on the specific contribution of public health and epidemiology in such an effort. Results The renovation process of doctoral programs in Italy, with specific reference to the biomedical field, focuses on epidemiologic-statistical methodology, ethics, language and communication skills, and open science from an interdisciplinary and international perspective. In the specific context of the doctoral program assessed in the study and from a broader perspective, public health appears to play a key role, taking advantage of most recent methodological advancements, and contributing to the renovation of the learning process and its systematic quality monitoring. Conclusions From a comparative assessment of this case study and Italian legislation, the key role of public health has emerged in the renovation process of doctoral programs in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Palandri
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Teresa Urbano
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Modena, Italy
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Medical School - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carla Pezzuoli
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Miselli
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Caraffi
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Modena, Italy
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Medical School - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Annalisa Bargellini
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Righi
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Mazzi
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Studies on Language and Culture, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Modena, Italy
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Medical School - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Darici S, Jørgensen HG, Huang X, Serafin V, Antolini L, Barozzi P, Luppi M, Forghieri F, Marmiroli S, Zavatti M. Improved efficacy of quizartinib in combination therapy with PI3K inhibition in primary FLT3-ITD AML cells. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100974. [PMID: 37245251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100974] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is a heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy, characterized by uncontrolled clonal proliferation of abnormal myeloid progenitor cells, with poor outcomes. The internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation of the Fms-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) (FLT3-ITD) represents the most common genetic alteration in AML, detected in approximately 30% of AML patients, and is associated with high leukemic burden and poor prognosis. Therefore, this kinase has been regarded as an attractive druggable target for the treatment of FLT3-ITD AML, and selective small molecule inhibitors, such as quizartinib, have been identified and trialled. However, clinical outcomes have been disappointing so far due to poor remission rates, also because of acquired resistance. A strategy to overcome resistance is to combine FLT3 inhibitors with other targeted therapies. In this study, we investigated the preclinical efficacy of the combination of quizartinib with the pan PI3K inhibitor BAY-806946 in FLT3-ITD cell lines and primary cells from AML patients. We show here that BAY-806946 enhanced quizartinib cytotoxicity and, most importantly, that this combination increases the ability of quizartinib to kill CD34+ CD38-leukemia stem cells, whilst sparing normal hematopoietic stem cells. Because constitutively active FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase is known to boost aberrant PI3K signaling, the increased sensitivity of primary cells to the above combination can be the mechanistic results of the disruption of signaling by vertical inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Heather G Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology Oncology and Immunology Section University of Padova, Italy
| | - Ludovica Antolini
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Patrizia Barozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Fabio Forghieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
| | - Manuela Zavatti
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
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Zauli G, Voltan R, Bosco R, Melloni E, Marmiroli S, Rigolin GM, Cuneo A, Secchiero P. Editor's Note: Dasatinib Plus Nutlin-3 Shows Synergistic Antileukemic Activity in Both p53wild-type and p53mutated B Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemias by Inhibiting the Akt Pathway. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2972. [PMID: 35775191 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Rigotto G, Montini B, Mattiolo A, Lazzari N, Piano MA, Remondini D, Marmiroli S, Bertacchini J, Chieco-Bianchi L, Calabrò ML. Mechanisms Involved in the Promoting Activity of Fibroblasts in HTLV-1-Mediated Lymphomagenesis: Insights into the Plasticity of Lymphomatous Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10562. [PMID: 34638901 PMCID: PMC8508730 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the mechanisms leading to progression to Adult T-cell Leukaemia/Lymphoma in Human T-cell Leukaemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected subjects, the contribution of stromal components remains poorly understood. To dissect the role of fibroblasts in HTLV-1-mediated lymphomagenesis, transcriptome studies, cytofluorimetric and qRT-PCR analyses of surface and intracellular markers linked to plasticity and stemness in coculture, and in vivo experiments were performed. A transcriptomic comparison between a more lymphomagenic (C91/III) and the parental (C91/PL) cell line evidenced hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, confirmed by phospho-ELISA and 2-DE and WB analyses. C91/III cells also showed higher expression of mesenchymal and stemness genes. Short-term coculture with human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) induced these features in C91/PL cells, and significantly increased not only the cancer stem cells (CSCs)-supporting CD10+GPR77+ HFF subpopulation, but also the percentage of ALDH1bright C91/PL cells. A non-cytotoxic acetylsalicylic acid treatment decreased HFF-induced ALDH1bright C91/PL cells, downregulated mesenchymal and stemness genes in cocultured cells, and delayed lymphoma growth in immunosuppressed mice, thus hindering the supportive activity of HFF on CSCs. These data suggest that crosstalk with HFF significantly intensifies the aggressiveness and plasticity of C91/PL cells, leading to the enrichment in lymphoma-initiating cells. Additional research is needed to better characterize these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rigotto
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Barbara Montini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Adriana Mattiolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Nayana Lazzari
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Daniel Remondini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, INFN, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neuronal Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neuronal Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Luigi Chieco-Bianchi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
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5
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Darici S, Zavatti M, Braglia L, Accordi B, Serafin V, Horne GA, Manzoli L, Palumbo C, Huang X, Jørgensen HG, Marmiroli S. Synergistic cytotoxicity of dual PI3K/mTOR and FLT3 inhibition in FLT3-ITD AML cells. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 82:100830. [PMID: 34555701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy, characterized by a heterogeneous genetic landscape and complex clonal evolution, with poor outcomes. Mutation at the internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most common somatic alterations in AML, associated with high relapse rates and poor survival due to the constitutive activation of the FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase and its downstream effectors, such as PI3K signaling. Thus, aberrantly activated FLT3-kinase is regarded as an attractive target for therapy for this AML subtype, and a number of small molecule inhibitors of this kinase have been identified, some of which are approved for clinical practice. Nevertheless, acquired resistance to these molecules is often observed, leading to severe clinical outcomes. Therapeutic strategies to tackle resistance include combining FLT3 inhibitors with other antileukemic agents. Here, we report on the preclinical activity of the combination of the FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-04691502 in FLT3-ITD cells. Briefly, we show that the association of these two molecules displays synergistic cytotoxicity in vitro in FLT3-ITD AML cells, triggering 90% cell death at nanomolar concentrations after 48 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Manuela Zavatti
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Luca Braglia
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benedetta Accordi
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Haemato-Oncology Laboratory, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3 and IRP Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Haemato-Oncology Laboratory, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3 and IRP Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Gillian A Horne
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Palumbo
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK.
| | - Heather G Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
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Marmiroli S, Huang X, Serafin V, Michie AM. Editorial: Special Issue on Innovative Multi-Disciplinary Approaches for Precision Studies in Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:744009. [PMID: 34485164 PMCID: PMC8416083 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.744009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Xu Huang
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncohematology, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alison M. Michie
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Jansens RJJ, Marmiroli S, Favoreel HW. An Unbiased Approach to Mapping the Signaling Network of the Pseudorabies Virus US3 Protein. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110916. [PMID: 33167340 PMCID: PMC7694389 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110916] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The US3 serine/threonine protein kinase is conserved among the alphaherpesvirus family and represents an important virulence factor. US3 plays a role in viral nuclear egress, induces dramatic alterations of the cytoskeleton, represses apoptosis, enhances gene expression and modulates the immune response. Although several substrates of US3 have been identified, an unbiased screen to identify US3 phosphorylation targets has not yet been described. Here, we perform a shotgun and phosphoproteomics analysis of cells expressing the US3 protein of pseudorabies virus (PRV) to identify US3 phosphorylation targets in an unbiased way. We identified several cellular proteins that are differentially phosphorylated upon US3 expression and validated the phosphorylation of lamin A/C at serine 404, both in US3-transfected and PRV-infected cells. These results provide new insights into the signaling network of the US3 protein kinase and may serve as a basis for future research into the role of the US3 protein in the viral replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. J. Jansens
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry, and Morphology, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Herman W. Favoreel
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
- Correspondence:
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Darici S, Alkhaldi H, Horne G, Jørgensen HG, Marmiroli S, Huang X. Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR in AML: Rationale and Clinical Evidence. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092934. [PMID: 32932888 PMCID: PMC7563273 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy characterized by excessive proliferation and accumulation of immature myeloid blasts in the bone marrow. AML has a very poor 5-year survival rate of just 16% in the UK; hence, more efficacious, tolerable, and targeted therapy is required. Persistent leukemia stem cell (LSC) populations underlie patient relapse and development of resistance to therapy. Identification of critical oncogenic signaling pathways in AML LSC may provide new avenues for novel therapeutic strategies. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, is often hyperactivated in AML, required to sustain the oncogenic potential of LSCs. Growing evidence suggests that targeting key components of this pathway may represent an effective treatment to kill AML LSCs. Despite this, accruing significant body of scientific knowledge, PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have not translated into clinical practice. In this article, we review the laboratory-based evidence of the critical role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in AML, and outcomes from current clinical studies using PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors. Based on these results, we discuss the putative mechanisms of resistance to PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibition, offering rationale for potential candidate combination therapies incorporating PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors for precision medicine in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (X.H.); Tel.: +44-0141-301-7883 (S.D.); +44-0141-301-7884 (X.H.)
| | - Hazem Alkhaldi
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Gillian Horne
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Heather G. Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (X.H.); Tel.: +44-0141-301-7883 (S.D.); +44-0141-301-7884 (X.H.)
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Evangelisti C, Chiarini F, Paganelli F, Marmiroli S, Martelli AM. Crosstalks of GSK3 signaling with the mTOR network and effects on targeted therapy of cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2019; 1867:118635. [PMID: 31884070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of therapeutics targeting specific tumor-promoting oncogenic or non-oncogenic signaling pathways has revolutionized cancer treatment. Mechanistic (previously mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR), a highly conserved Ser/Thr kinase, is a central hub of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR network, one of the most frequently deregulated signaling pathways in cancer, that makes it an attractive target for therapy. Numerous mTOR inhibitors have progressed to clinical trials and two of them have been officially approved as anticancer therapeutics. However, mTOR-targeting drugs have met with a very limited success in cancer patients. Frequently, the primary impediment to a successful targeted therapy in cancer is drug-resistance, either from the very beginning of the therapy (innate resistance) or after an initial response and upon repeated drug treatment (evasive or acquired resistance). Drug-resistance leads to treatment failure and relapse/progression of the disease. Resistance to mTOR inhibitors depends, among other reasons, on activation/deactivation of several signaling pathways, included those regulated by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), a protein that targets a vast number of substrates in its repertoire, thereby orchestrating many processes that include cell proliferation and survival, metabolism, differentiation, and stemness. A detailed knowledge of the rewiring of signaling pathways triggered by exposure to mTOR inhibitors is critical to our understanding of the consequences such perturbations cause in tumors, including the emergence of drug-resistant cells. Here, we provide the reader with an updated overview of intricate circuitries that connect mTOR and GSK3 and we relate them to the efficacy (or lack of efficacy) of mTOR inhibitors in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolical, and Neurological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, MO, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy.
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10
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Casciaro F, Beretti F, Zavatti M, McCubrey JA, Ratti S, Marmiroli S, Follo MY, Maraldi T. Nuclear Nox4 interaction with prelamin A is associated with nuclear redox control of stem cell aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:2911-2934. [PMID: 30362963 PMCID: PMC6224265 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as an important tool that can be used for tissue regeneration thanks to their easy preparation, differentiation potential and immunomodulatory activity. However, an extensive culture of stem cells in vitro prior to clinical use can lead to oxidative stress that can modulate different stem cells properties, such as self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation and senescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the aging process occurring during in vitro expansion of stem cells, obtained from amniotic fluids (AFSC) at similar gestational age. The analysis of 21 AFSC samples allowed to classify them in groups with different levels of stemness properties. In summary, the expression of pluripotency genes and the proliferation rate were inversely correlated with the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage signs and the onset premature aging markers, including accumulation of prelamin A, the lamin A immature form. Interestingly, a specific source of ROS, the NADPH oxidase isoform 4 (Nox4), can localize into PML nuclear bodies (PML-NB), where it associates to prelamin A. Besides, Nox4 post translational modification, involved in PML-NB localization, is linked to its degradation pathway, as it is also for prelamin A, thus possibly modulating the premature aging phenotype occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Casciaro
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41124, Italy.,Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Francesca Beretti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41124, Italy
| | - Manuela Zavatti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41124, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Tullia Maraldi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41124, Italy
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11
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Maraldi T, Beretti F, Anselmi L, Franchin C, Arrigoni G, Braglia L, Mandrioli J, Vinceti M, Marmiroli S. Influence of selenium on the emergence of neuro tubule defects in a neuron-like cell line and its implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurotoxicology 2019; 75:209-220. [PMID: 31585128 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Impairment of the axonal transport system mediated by intracellular microtubules (MTs) is known to be a major drawback in neurodegenerative processes. Due to a growing interest on the neurotoxic effects of selenium in environmental health, our study aimed to assess the relationship between selenium and MTs perturbation, that may favour disease onset over a genetic predisposition to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We treated a neuron-like cell line with sodium selenite, sodium selenate and seleno-methionine and observed that the whole cytoskeleton was affected. We then investigated the protein interactome of cells overexpressing αTubulin-4A (TUBA4A) and found that selenium increases the interaction of TUBA4A with DNA- and RNA-binding proteins. TUBA4A ubiquitination and glutathionylation were also observed, possibly due to a selenium-dependent increase of ROS, leading to perturbation and degradation of MTs. Remarkably, the TUBA4A mutants R320C and A383 T, previously described in ALS patients, showed the same post-translational modifications to a similar extent. In conclusion this study gives insights into a specific mechanism characterizing selenium neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullia Maraldi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Francesca Beretti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Laura Anselmi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Franchin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, via G. Basso 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy; Proteomics Center, University of Padova and Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, via G. Orus 2/B, 35129, Padova, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Arrigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, via G. Basso 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy; Proteomics Center, University of Padova and Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, via G. Orus 2/B, 35129, Padova, Italy.
| | - Luca Braglia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
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12
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Bertacchini J, Mediani L, Beretti F, Guida M, Ghalali A, Brugnoli F, Bertagnolo V, Petricoin E, Poti F, Arioli J, Anselmi L, Bari A, McCubrey J, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Capitani S, Marmiroli S. Clusterin enhances AKT2‐mediated motility of normal and cancer prostate cells through a PTEN and PHLPP1 circuit. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11188-11199. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Laura Mediani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Francesca Beretti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, and Morphology University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Marianna Guida
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Aram Ghalali
- Institute of Environment Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Federica Brugnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Valeria Bertagnolo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Emanuel Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics & Molecular Medicine, GMU Fairfax Virginia
| | - Francesco Poti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery‐Unit of Neurosciences University of Parma Parma Italy
| | - Jessica Arioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Laura Anselmi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Alessia Bari
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical Medicine and Public Health Program of Innovative Therapy in Oncology and Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - James McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville North Carolina
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
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13
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Steelman LS, Fitzgerald T, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Libra M, Candido S, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Fenga C, Drobot L, Rakus D, Gizak A, Laidler P, Dulinska-Litewka J, Basecke J, Mijatovic S, Maksimovic-Ivanic D, Montalto G, Cervello M, Milella M, Tafuri A, Demidenko Z, Abrams SL, McCubrey JA. Critical Roles of EGFR Family Members in Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Targets for Therapy. Curr Pharm Des 2017; 22:2358-88. [PMID: 26947958 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160304151011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The roles of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in various cancers including breast, bladder, brain, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, head and neck, hepatocellular, lung, neuroblastoma, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, renal and other cancers have been keenly investigated since the 1980's. While the receptors and many downstream signaling molecules have been identified and characterized, there is still much to learn about this pathway and how its deregulation can lead to cancer and how it may be differentially regulated in various cell types. Multiple inhibitors to EGFR family members have been developed and many are in clinical use. Current research often focuses on their roles and other associated pathways in cancer stem cells (CSCs), identifying sites where therapeutic resistance may develop and the mechanisms by which microRNAs (miRs) and other RNAs regulate this pathway. This review will focus on recent advances in these fields with a specific focus on breast cancer and breast CSCs. Relatively novel areas of investigation, such as treatments for other diseases (e.g., diabetes, metabolism, and intestinal parasites), have provided new information about therapeutic resistance and CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858 USA.
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14
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Ruzzene M, Bertacchini J, Toker A, Marmiroli S. Cross-talk between the CK2 and AKT signaling pathways in cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 64:1-8. [PMID: 28373060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CK2 and AKT display a high degree of cross-regulation of their respective functions, both directly, through physical interaction and phosphorylation, and indirectly, through an intense cross-talk of key downstream effectors, ultimately leading to sustained AKT activation. Being CK2 and AKT attractive targets for therapeutic intervention, here we would like to emphasize how AKT and CK2 might influence cell fate through their complex isoform-specific and contextual-dependent cross-talk, to the extent that such functional interplay should be considered when devising therapies that target one or both these key signaling kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ruzzene
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Cell Signaling Unit, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cell Signaling Unit, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy.
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15
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Serafin V, Lissandron V, Buldini B, Bresolin S, Paganin M, Grillo F, Andriano N, Palmi C, Cazzaniga G, Marmiroli S, Conter V, Basso G, Accordi B. Phosphoproteomic analysis reveals hyperactivation of mTOR/STAT3 and LCK/Calcineurin axes in pediatric early T-cell precursor ALL. Leukemia 2017; 31:1007-1011. [PMID: 28082737 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Serafin
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - V Lissandron
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - B Buldini
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - S Bresolin
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Paganin
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - F Grillo
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - N Andriano
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - C Palmi
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - G Cazzaniga
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - S Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - V Conter
- Center of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - G Basso
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - B Accordi
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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16
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Mediani L, Gibellini F, Bertacchini J, Frasson C, Bosco R, Accordi B, Basso G, Bonora M, Calabrò ML, Mattiolo A, Sgarbi G, Baracca A, Pinton P, Riva G, Rampazzo E, Petrizza L, Prodi L, Milani D, Luppi M, Potenza L, De Pol A, Cocco L, Capitani S, Marmiroli S. Reversal of the glycolytic phenotype of primary effusion lymphoma cells by combined targeting of cellular metabolism and PI3K/Akt/ mTOR signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5521-37. [PMID: 26575168 PMCID: PMC4868703 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PEL is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, occurring predominantly as a lymphomatous effusion in body cavities, characterized by aggressive clinical course, with no standard therapy. Based on previous reports that PEL cells display a Warburg phenotype, we hypothesized that the highly hypoxic environment in which they grow in vivo makes them more reliant on glycolysis, and more vulnerable to drugs targeting this pathway. We established here that indeed PEL cells in hypoxia are more sensitive to glycolysis inhibition. Furthermore, since PI3K/Akt/mTOR has been proposed as a drug target in PEL, we ascertained that pathway-specific inhibitors, namely the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor, PF-04691502, and the Akt inhibitor, Akti 1/2, display improved cytotoxicity to PEL cells in hypoxic conditions. Unexpectedly, we found that these drugs reduce lactate production/extracellular acidification rate, and, in combination with the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), they shift PEL cells metabolism from aerobic glycolysis towards oxidative respiration. Moreover, the associations possess strong synergistic cytotoxicity towards PEL cells, and thus may reduce adverse reaction in vivo, while displaying very low toxicity to normal lymphocytes. Finally, we showed that the association of 2-DG and PF-04691502 maintains its cytotoxic and proapoptotic effect also in PEL cells co-cultured with human primary mesothelial cells, a condition known to mimic the in vivo environment and to exert a protective and pro-survival action. All together, these results provide a compelling rationale for the clinical development of new therapies for the treatment of PEL, based on combined targeting of glycolytic metabolism and constitutively activated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mediani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Gibellini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Frasson
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health and Institute of Pediatric Research - Città della Speranza Foundation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Bosco
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Benedetta Accordi
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health and Institute of Pediatric Research - Città della Speranza Foundation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basso
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health and Institute of Pediatric Research - Città della Speranza Foundation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Bonora
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Adriana Mattiolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sgarbi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Baracca
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Riva
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Rampazzo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Petrizza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Prodi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Anto De Pol
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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17
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McCubrey JA, Rakus D, Gizak A, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Torino F, Fenga C, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Cocco L, Martelli AM. Effects of mutations in Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and PI3K pathways on GSK-3 activity-Diverse effects on cell growth, metabolism and cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1863:2942-2976. [PMID: 27612668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in an array of critical cellular processes. GSK-3 was first characterized as an enzyme that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. However, subsequent studies have revealed that this moon-lighting protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that regulate not only metabolism but also have roles in: apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell renewal, differentiation, embryogenesis, migration, regulation of gene transcription, stem cell biology and survival. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in various diseases as well as how this pivotal kinase interacts with multiple signaling pathways such as: PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Wnt/beta-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and TP53. Mutations that occur in these and other pathways can alter the effects that natural GSK-3 activity has on regulating these signaling circuits that can lead to cancer as well as other diseases. The novel roles that microRNAs play in regulation of the effects of GSK-3 will also be evaluated. Targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways may improve therapy and overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section - Policlinico "G. Martino" - University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Cenni V, Capanni C, Mattioli E, Columbaro M, Wehnert M, Ortolani M, Fini M, Novelli G, Bertacchini J, Maraldi NM, Marmiroli S, D'Apice MR, Prencipe S, Squarzoni S, Lattanzi G. Rapamycin treatment of Mandibuloacral dysplasia cells rescues localization of chromatin-associated proteins and cell cycle dynamics. Aging (Albany NY) 2015; 6:755-70. [PMID: 25324471 PMCID: PMC4233654 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lamin A is a key component of the nuclear lamina produced through post-translational processing of its precursor known as prelamin A. LMNA mutations leading to farnesylated prelamin A accumulation are known to cause lipodystrophy, progeroid and developmental diseases, including Mandibuloacral dysplasia, a mild progeroid syndrome with partial lipodystrophy and altered bone turnover. Thus, degradation of prelamin A is expected to improve the disease phenotype. Here, we show different susceptibilities of prelamin A forms to proteolysis and further demonstrate that treatment with rapamycin efficiently and selectively triggers lysosomal degradation of farnesylated prelamin A, the most toxic processing intermediate. Importantly, rapamycin treatment of Mandibuloacral dysplasia cells, which feature very low levels of the NAD-dependent sirtuin SIRT-1 in the nuclear matrix, restores SIRT-1 localization and distribution of chromatin markers, elicits release of the transcription factor Oct-1 and determines shortening of the prolonged S-phase. These findings indicate the drug as a possible treatment for Mandibuloacral dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cenni
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Capanni
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattioli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Columbaro
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manfred Wehnert
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michela Ortolani
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy
| | - Milena Fini
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Preclinical and Surgical Studies and BITTA, RIT, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Laboratory, CEIA, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nadir M Maraldi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Laboratory, CEIA, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria D'Apice
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy. Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabino Prencipe
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Squarzoni
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lattanzi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR-IOR, Bologna, Italy. Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, Bologna, Italy
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Cenni V, Capanni C, Columbaro M, Ortolani M, D'Apice M, Novelli G, Fini M, Marmiroli S, Scarano E, Maraldi N, Squarzoni S, Prencipe S, Lattanzi G. Erratum - Autophagic degradation of farnesylated prelamin A as a therapeutic approach to lamin-linked progeria. Eur J Histochem 2013. [PMCID: PMC3896044 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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20
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Pellegrini C, Zulian A, Gualandi F, Manzati E, Merlini L, Michelini ME, Benassi L, Marmiroli S, Ferlini A, Sabatelli P, Bernardi P, Maraldi NM. Melanocytes--a novel tool to study mitochondrial dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:1323-31. [PMID: 23169061 PMCID: PMC3601437 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin is a subsarcolemmal protein that, by linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix via dystroglycans, is critical for the integrity of muscle fibers. Here, we report that epidermal melanocytes, obtained from conventional skin biopsy, express dystrophin with a restricted localization to the plasma membrane facing the dermal–epidermal junction. In addition the full-length muscle isoform mDp427 was clearly detectable in melanocyte cultures as assessed by immunohistochemistry, RNA, and Western blot analysis. Melanocytes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients did not express dystrophin, and the ultrastructural analysis revealed typical mitochondrial alterations similar to those occurring in myoblasts from the same patients. Mitochondria of melanocytes from DMD patients readily accumulated tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, indicating that they are energized irrespective of the presence of dystrophin but, at variance from mitochondria of control donors, depolarized upon the addition of oligomycin, suggesting that they are affected by a latent dysfunction unmasked by inhibition of the ATP synthase. Pure melanocyte cultures can be readily obtained by conventional skin biopsies and may be a feasible and reliable tool alternative to muscle biopsy for functional studies in dystrophinopathies. The mitochondrial dysfunction occurring in DMD melanocytes could represent a promising cellular biomarker for monitoring dystrophinopathies also in response to pharmacological treatments. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1323–1331, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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21
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Bertacchini J, Beretti F, Cenni V, Guida M, Gibellini F, Mediani L, Marin O, Maraldi NM, de Pol A, Lattanzi G, Cocco L, Marmiroli S. The protein kinase Akt/PKB regulates both prelamin A degradation and Lmna gene expression. FASEB J 2013; 27:2145-55. [PMID: 23430973 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-218214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [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: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB is a major signaling hub integrating metabolic, survival, growth, and cell cycle regulatory signals. The definition of the phospho-motif cipher driving phosphorylation by Akt led to the identification of hundreds of putative substrates, and it is therefore pivotal to identify those whose phosphorylation by Akt is of consequence to biological processes. The Lmna gene products lamin A/C and the lamin A precursor prelamin A are type V intermediate filament proteins forming a filamentous meshwork, the lamina, underneath the inner nuclear membrane, for nuclear envelope structures organization and interphase chromatin anchoring. In our previous work, we reported that A-type lamins are phosphorylated by Akt at S301 and S404 in physiological conditions and are therefore bona fide substrates of Akt. We report here that Akt phosphorylation at S404 targets the precursor prelamin A for degradation. We further demonstrate that Akt also regulates Lmna transcription. Our study unveils a previously unknown function of Akt in the control of prelamin A stability and expression. Moreover, given the large number of diseases related to prelamin A, our findings represent a further important step bridging basic A-type lamin physiology to therapeutic approaches for lamin A-linked disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Bertacchini
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry, and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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22
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Bari A, Tadmor T, Sacchi S, Marcheselli L, Liardo EV, Pozzi S, Luminari S, Baldini L, Marmiroli S, Federico M, Polliack A. Monocytosis has adverse prognostic significance and impacts survival in patients with T-cell lymphomas. Leuk Res 2013; 37:619-23. [PMID: 23395384 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this retrospective study we evaluated the prognostic impact of peripheral blood monocytosis in patients with T-cell non Hodgkin lymphomas with "aggressive-typically nodal presentation". In this dataset monocytes >0.8 × 10(9)/L had a strong and statistically significant negative impact on overall survival (OS). In univariate analysis several parameters, including age >60 years, advanced stage, bone marrow involvement, ECOG PS >1, high LDH level, monocytes >0.8 × 10(9)/L, hemoglobin<120 g/L, albumin<35 g/L) had a negative influence on outcome, but in multivariate analysis, monocytosis alone had a stronger association with poor OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bari
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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23
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Vinceti M, Crespi CM, Bonvicini F, Malagoli C, Ferrante M, Marmiroli S, Stranges S. The need for a reassessment of the safe upper limit of selenium in drinking water. Sci Total Environ 2013; 443:633-42. [PMID: 23220755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Results of recent epidemiologic studies suggest the need to reassess the safe upper limit in drinking water of selenium, a metalloid with both toxicological and nutritional properties. Observational and experimental human studies on health effects of organic selenium compounds consumed through diet or supplements, and of inorganic selenium consumed through drinking water, have shown that human toxicity may occur at much lower levels than previously surmised. Evidence indicates that the chemical form of selenium strongly influences its toxicity, and that its biological activity may differ in different species, emphasizing the importance of the few human studies on health effects of the specific selenium compounds found in drinking water. Epidemiologic studies that investigated the effects of selenate, an inorganic selenium species commonly found in drinking water, together with evidence of toxicity of inorganic selenium at low levels in from in vitro and animal studies, indicate that health risks may occur at exposures below the current European Union and World Health Organization upper limit and guideline of 10 and 40 μg/l, respectively, and suggest reduction to 1 μg/l in order to adequately protect human health. Although few drinking waters are currently known to have selenium concentrations exceeding this level, the public health importance of this issue should not be overlooked, and further epidemiologic research is critically needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Diagnostic and Clinical Medicine and of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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24
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Copat C, Conti GO, Signorelli C, Marmiroli S, Sciacca S, Vinceti M, Ferrante M. Risk Assessment for Metals and PAHs by Mediterranean Seafood. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/fns.2013.47a002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Bulj Z, Duchi S, Bevilacqua A, Gherardi A, Dozza B, Piccinini F, Adalgisa Mariani G, Lucarelli E, Giannini S, Donati D, Marmiroli S. Protein kinase B/AKT isoform 2 drives migration of human mesenchymal stem cells. Int J Oncol 2012; 42:118-26. [PMID: 23165443 PMCID: PMC3583637 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the migratory behavior of adult human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and the underlying mechanism. Cell migration was assessed by transwell, wound healing and time-lapse in vivo motility assays. Pharmacological inhibitors were used to determine the potential mechanism responsible for cell migration and invasion. The tests that were implemented revealed that MSC were fairly migratory. Protein kinase B (AKT) was strongly activated at the basal level. Through our analyses we demonstrated that pharmacological inactivation of AKT2 but not AKT1 significantly decreased cell migration and invasion. Although preliminary, collectively our results indicate that AKT2 activation plays a critical role in enabling MSC migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zrinka Bulj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Bologna, Italy
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26
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Lattanzi G, Marmiroli S, Facchini A, Maraldi NM. Nuclear damages and oxidative stress: new perspectives for laminopathies. Eur J Histochem 2012; 56:e45. [PMID: 23361241 PMCID: PMC3567764 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2012.e45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding nuclear envelope proteins, particularly LMNA encoding the A-type lamins, cause a broad range of diverse diseases, referred to as laminopathies. The astonishing variety of diseased phenotypes suggests that different mechanisms could be involved in the pathogenesis of laminopathies. In this review we will focus mainly on two of these pathogenic mechanisms: the nuclear damages affecting the chromatin organization, and the oxidative stress causing un-repairable DNA damages. Alteration in the nuclear profile and in chromatin organization, which are particularly impressive in systemic laminopathies whose cells undergo premature senescence, are mainly due to accumulation of unprocessed prelamin A. The toxic effect of these molecular species, which interfere with chromatin-associated proteins, transcription factors, and signaling pathways, could be reduced by drugs which reduce their farnesylation and/or stability. In particular, inhibitors of farnesyl transferase (FTIs), have been proved to be active in rescuing the altered cellular phenotype, and statins, also in association with other drugs, have been included into pilot clinical trials. The identification of a mechanism that accounts for accumulation of unrepairable DNA damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in laminopathic cells, similar to that found in other muscular dystrophies (MDs) caused by altered expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, suggests that anti-oxidant therapeutic strategies might prove beneficial to laminopathic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lattanzi
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Cell Biology, IOR, Bologna, Italy
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27
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Follo MY, Marmiroli S, Faenza I, Fiume R, Ramazzotti G, Martelli AM, Gobbi P, McCubrey JA, Finelli C, Manzoli FA, Cocco L. Nuclear phospholipase C β1 signaling, epigenetics and treatments in MDS. Adv Biol Regul 2012; 53:2-7. [PMID: 23058275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), clonal hematopoietic stem-cell disorders mainly affecting older adult patients, show ineffective hematopoiesis in one or more of the lineages of the bone marrow. Most MDS are characterized by anemia, and a number of cases progresses to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Indeed, the molecular mechanisms underlying the MDS evolution to AML are still unclear, even though the nuclear signaling elicited by PI-PLCβ1 has been demonstrated to play an important role in the control of the balance between cell cycle progression and apoptosis in MDS cells. Here we review both the role of epigenetic therapy on PI-PLCβ1 promoter and the changes in PI-PLCβ1 expression in MDS patients treated for anemia.
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MESH Headings
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Bone Marrow/drug effects
- Bone Marrow/metabolism
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Nucleus/drug effects
- Cell Nucleus/genetics
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Epigenesis, Genetic/drug effects
- Erythropoietin/therapeutic use
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/complications
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/genetics
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology
- Phosphatidylinositols/metabolism
- Phospholipase C beta/genetics
- Phospholipase C beta/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Y Follo
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Human Anatomical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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28
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Cenni V, Capanni C, Columbaro M, Ortolani M, D'Apice MR, Novelli G, Fini M, Marmiroli S, Scarano E, Maraldi NM, Squarzoni S, Prencipe S, Lattanzi G. Autophagic degradation of farnesylated prelamin A as a therapeutic approach to lamin-linked progeria. Eur J Histochem 2011; 55:e36. [PMID: 22297442 PMCID: PMC3284238 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2011.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 08/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesylated prelamin A is a processing intermediate produced in the lamin A maturation pathway. Accumulation of a truncated farnesylated prelamin A form, called progerin, is a hallmark of the severe premature ageing syndrome, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria. Progerin elicits toxic effects in cells, leading to chromatin damage and cellular senescence and ultimately causes skin and endothelial defects, bone resorption, lipodystrophy and accelerated ageing. Knowledge of the mechanism underlying prelamin A turnover is critical for the development of clinically effective protein inhibitors that can avoid accumulation to toxic levels without impairing lamin A/C expression, which is essential for normal biological functions. Little is known about specific molecules that may target farnesylated prelamin A to elicit protein degradation. Here, we report the discovery of rapamycin as a novel inhibitor of progerin, which dramatically and selectively decreases protein levels through a mechanism involving autophagic degradation. Rapamycin treatment of progeria cells lowers progerin, as well as wild-type prelamin A levels, and rescues the chromatin phenotype of cultured fibroblasts, including histone methylation status and BAF and LAP2α distribution patterns. Importantly, rapamycin treatment does not affect lamin C protein levels, but increases the relative expression of the prelamin A endoprotease ZMPSTE24. Thus, rapamycin, an antibiotic belonging to the class of macrolides, previously found to increase longevity in mouse models, can serve as a therapeutic tool, to eliminate progerin, avoid farnesylated prelamin A accumulation, and restore chromatin dynamics in progeroid laminopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cenni
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Molecular Genetics, IGM-CNR, Unit of Bologna IOR, Bologna, Italy
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29
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Cenni V, Bavelloni A, Beretti F, Tagliavini F, Manzoli L, Lattanzi G, Maraldi NM, Cocco L, Marmiroli S. Ankrd2/ARPP is a novel Akt2 specific substrate and regulates myogenic differentiation upon cellular exposure to H(2)O(2). Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:2946-56. [PMID: 21737686 PMCID: PMC3154889 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e10-11-0928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A proteomic-based search for novel substrates of Akt was undertaken in C2C12 murine muscle cells. Our data demonstrate that Akt isoform 2 phosphorylates Ankrd2 at Serine 99 in response to H2O2 stimuli, regulating muscle differentiation rate. Activation of Akt-mediated signaling pathways is crucial for survival, differentiation, and regeneration of muscle cells. A proteomic-based search for novel substrates of Akt was therefore undertaken in C2C12 murine muscle cells exploiting protein characterization databases in combination with an anti–phospho-Akt substrate antibody. A Scansite database search predicted Ankrd2 (Ankyrin repeat domain protein 2, also known as ARPP) as a novel substrate of Akt. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that Akt phosphorylates Ankrd2 at Ser-99. Moreover, by kinase assay with recombinant Akt1 and Akt2, as well as by single-isoform silencing, we demonstrated that Ankrd2 is a specific substrate of Akt2. Ankrd2 is typically found in skeletal muscle cells, where it mediates the transcriptional response to stress conditions. In an attempt to investigate the physiological implications of Ankrd2 phosphorylation by Akt2, we found that oxidative stress induced by H2O2 triggers this phosphorylation. Moreover, the forced expression of a phosphorylation-defective mutant form of Ankrd2 in C2C12 myoblasts promoted a faster differentiation program, implicating Akt-dependent phosphorylation at Ser-99 in the negative regulation of myogenesis in response to stress conditions.
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Maraldi T, Bertacchini J, Benincasa M, Guida M, De Pol A, Liotta LA, Petricoin E, Cocco L, Marmiroli S. Reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPPA) as a diagnostic and therapeutic guide in multidrug resistant leukemia. Int J Oncol 2010; 38:427-35. [PMID: 21132263 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2010.850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse-phase microarray assays using phospho-specific antibodies (RPPA) can directly measure levels of phosphorylated protein isoforms. In the current study, lysates from parental and multidrug resistant (MDR) CEM leukemia cells were spotted onto reverse-phase protein microarrays and probed with a panel of phospho-antibodies to ERK, PCK and Akt pathways. In particular, the Akt pathway is considered to play significant roles in leukemia and Akt inhibitor therapy has been proposed as a potential tool in the treatment of this disease. The RPPA data prompted us to investigate deeper this pathway. Here, we found that whereas total Akt1 protein level is higher in parental CEM cells, the activated isoform content, p-Akt1, increases in doxorubicin-selected CEM cells (MDR-CEM). This was backed up by Western blot analysis, confirming that Akt1 activity/phosphorylation may be up-regulated in MDR-CEM cells. Further exploration of inhibitory therapy in this system was evaluated. The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, TRAIL, has been shown to selectively kill tumor cells. Herein, we describe that in MDR-CEM cells TRAIL responsiveness correlates with a reduced expression of endogenous Akt1, suggesting that the MDR phenotype associated to P-gp sensitizes cells to TRAIL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullia Maraldi
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and CIPro Proteomics Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, I-41100 Modena, Italy
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31
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Zauli G, Voltan R, Bosco R, Melloni E, Marmiroli S, Rigolin GM, Cuneo A, Secchiero P. Dasatinib plus Nutlin-3 shows synergistic antileukemic activity in both p53 wild-type and p53 mutated B chronic lymphocytic leukemias by inhibiting the Akt pathway. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 17:762-70. [PMID: 21106726 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-2572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the effect of the combination of Dasatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, plus Nutlin-3, a nongenotoxic activator of the p53 pathway, in primary B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) patient samples and B leukemic cell line models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The induction of cytotoxicity was evaluated in both primary B-CLL cell samples (n = 20) and in p53(wild-type) (EHEB, JVM-2) and p53(deleted/mutated) (MEC-2, BJAB) B leukemic cell lines. The role of Akt in modulating leukemic cell survival/apoptosis in response to Dasatinib or Dasatinib + Nutlin-3 was documented by functional experiments carried out using specific pharmacological inhibitors and by overexpression of membrane-targeted constitutively active form of Akt. RESULTS The combination of Dasatinib + Nutlin-3 exhibited a synergistic cytotoxicity in the majority (19 out of 20) of B-CLL samples, including patients carrying 17p- (n = 4), and in both p53(wild-type) and p53(deleted/mutated) B leukemic cell lines. At the molecular level, Dasatinib significantly counteracted the Nutlin-3-mediated induction of the p53 transcriptional targets MDM2 and p21 observed in p53(wild-type) leukemic cells. Conversely, Nutlin-3 did not interfere with the ability of Dasatinib to decrease the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, p38/MAPK, and Akt in both p53(wild-type) and p53(deleted/mutated) B leukemic cell lines. A critical role of Akt downregulation in mediating the antileukemic activity of Dasatinib and Dasatinib + Nutlin-3 was demonstrated in experiments carried out by specifically modulating the Akt pathway. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that Dasatinib + Nutlin-3 might represent an innovative therapeutic combination for both p53(wild-type) and p53(deleted/mutated) B-CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Zauli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
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32
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Maraldi NM, Lattanzi G, Cenni V, Bavelloni A, Marmiroli S, Manzoli FA. Laminopathies and A-type lamin-associated signalling pathways. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 50:248-61. [PMID: 19917303 DOI: 10.1016/j.advenzreg.2009.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Marmiroli S, Bertacchini J, Beretti F, Cenni V, Guida M, De Pol A, Maraldi NM, Lattanzi G. A-type lamins and signaling: the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway moves forward. J Cell Physiol 2009; 220:553-61. [PMID: 19479937 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Lamin A/C is a nuclear lamina constituent mutated in a number of human inherited disorders collectively referred to as laminopathies. The occurrence and significance of lamin A/C interplay with signaling molecules is an old question, suggested by pioneer studies performed in vitro. However, this relevant question has remained substantially unanswered, until data obtained in cellular and organismal models of laminopathies have indicated two main aspects of lamin A function. The first aspect is that lamins establish functional interactions with different protein platforms, the second aspect is that lamin A/C activity and altered function may elicit different effects in different cells and tissue types and even in different districts of the same tissue. Both these observations strongly suggest that signaling mechanisms targeting lamin A/C or its binding partners may regulate such a plastic behavior. A number of very recent data show involvement of kinases, as Akt and Erk, or phosphatases, as PP1 and PP2, in lamin A-linked cellular mechanisms. Moreover, altered activation of signaling in laminopathies and rescue of the pathological phenotype in animal models by inhibitors of signaling pathways, strongly suggest that signaling effectors related to lamin A/C may be implicated in the pathogenesis of laminopathies and may represent targets of therapeutic intervention. In face of such an open perspective of basic and applied research, we review current evidence of lamin A/C interplay with signaling molecules, with particular emphasis on the lamin A-Akt interaction and on the biological significance of their relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and CIPro Proteomics Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, I-41100 Modena, I.G.M.-CNR, Unit of Bologna, c/o IOR, via di Barbiano, Bologna I-40136, Italy.
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Maraldi T, Riccio M, Sena P, Marzona L, Nicoli A, La Marca A, Marmiroli S, Bertacchini J, La Sala G, De Pol A. MATER protein as substrate of PKCepsilon in human cumulus cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:499-506. [PMID: 19542546 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High activity of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway in cumulus cells plays an important role in FSH regulation of cell function and Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCepsilon) collaborates with these signalling pathways to regulate cell proliferation. Relevant roles in follicular development are played by Maternal Antigen That Embryos Require (MATER) that is a cumulus cell- and oocyte-specific protein dependent on the maternal genome. We recently demonstrated that human MATER localizes at specific domains of oocytes and, for the first time, also in cumulus cells. MATER contains a carboxy-terminal leucine-rich repeat domain involved in protein-protein interactions regulating different cellular functions. Here we investigated the functional role of MATER. Thus, we performed coimmunoprecipitation experiments using HEK293T cells expressing human MATER; a similar approach was then followed in human cumulus/follicular cells. In MATER(+)HEK293T cells, we observed that this protein acts as a phosphorylation substrate of PKCepsilon. Western blot experiments indicate that, unlike oocytes, human cumulus cells express PKCepsilon. Immunoprecipitation and confocal analysis suggest for the first time that MATER protein interacts with this protein kinase in cumulus cells under physiological conditions. Since PKCepsilon is known to collaborate with antiapoptotic signalling pathways, this suggests a novel mechanism for the function of MATER in follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Maraldi
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
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Neri A, Marmiroli S, Tassone P, Lombardi L, Nobili L, Verdelli D, Civallero M, Cosenza M, Bertacchini J, Federico M, De Pol A, Deliliers GL, Sacchi S. The oral protein-kinase C beta inhibitor enzastaurin (LY317615) suppresses signalling through the AKT pathway, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma cell lines. Leuk Lymphoma 2008; 49:1374-83. [PMID: 18452078 DOI: 10.1080/10428190802078289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of the protein kinase C (PKC) signalling pathway has been implicated in tumor progression. Here we investigated the PKC inhibitor enzastaurin for its activity against multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Enzastaurin suppresses cell proliferation in a large panel of human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs), with IC50 values ranging from 1.3 to 12.5 microM and induces apoptosis, which is prevented by the ZVAD-fmk broad caspase inhibitor. These results are consistent with decreased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3-beta, a downstream target of the AKT pathway and a pharmacodynamic marker for enzastaurin. Furthermore, enzastaurin cytotoxicity is retained when HMCLs were cocultured with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. Enzastaurin has additive or synergistic cytotoxic effects with bortezomib or thalidomide. Considering the strong anti-myeloma activity of enzastaurin in vitro and in animal models and its safe toxicity profile, phase II studies in MM patients of enzastaurin alone or in combination with other drugs are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Neri
- Center of Molecular Genetics and Gene Expression, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Italy
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Cenni V, Bertacchini J, Beretti F, Lattanzi G, Bavelloni A, Riccio M, Ruzzene M, Marin O, Arrigoni G, Parnaik V, Wehnert M, Maraldi NM, de Pol A, Cocco L, Marmiroli S. Lamin A Ser404 is a nuclear target of Akt phosphorylation in C2C12 cells. J Proteome Res 2008; 7:4727-35. [PMID: 18808171 DOI: 10.1021/pr800262g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Akt/PKB is a central activator of multiple signaling pathways coupled with a large number of stimuli. Although both localization and activity of Akt in the nuclear compartment are well-documented, most Akt substrates identified so far are located in the cytoplasm, while nuclear substrates have remained elusive. A proteomic-based search for nuclear substrates of Akt was undertaken, exploiting 2D-electrophoresis/MS in combination with an anti-Akt phosphosubstrate antibody. This analysis indicated lamin A/C as a putative substrate of Akt in C2C12 cells. In vitro phosphorylation of endogenous lamin A/C by recombinant Akt further validated this result. Moreover, by phosphopeptide analysis and point mutation, we established that lamin A/C is phosphorylated by Akt at Ser404, in an evolutionary conserved Akt motif. To delve deeper into this, we raised an antibody against the lamin A Ser404 phosphopeptide which allowed us to determine that phosphorylation of lamin A Ser404 is triggered by the well-known Akt activator insulin, and is therefore to be regarded as a physiological response. Remarkably, expression of S404A lamin A in primary cells from healthy tissue caused the nuclear abnormalities that are a hallmark of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) cells. Indeed, it is known that mutations at several sites in lamin A/C cause autosomal dominant EDMD. Very importantly, we show here that Akt failed to phosphorylate lamin A/C in primary cells from an EDMD-2 patient with lamin A/C mutated in the Akt consensus motif. Together, our data demonstrate that lamin A/C is a novel signaling target of Akt, and implicate Akt phosphorylation of lamin A/C in the correct function of the nuclear lamina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cenni
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and CIPro Proteomics Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, I-41100 Modena, Italy
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Di Maira G, Brustolon F, Bertacchini J, Tosoni K, Marmiroli S, Pinna LA, Ruzzene M. Pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase CK2 reverts the multidrug resistance phenotype of a CEM cell line characterized by high CK2 level. Oncogene 2007; 26:6915-26. [PMID: 17486073 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 is an ubiquitous and constitutively active kinase, which phosphorylates many cellular proteins and is implicated in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation and transformation. We investigated its possible involvement in the multidrug resistance phenotype (MDR) by analysing its level in two variants of CEM cells, namely S-CEM and R-CEM, normally sensitive or resistant to chemical apoptosis, respectively. We found that, while the CK2 regulatory subunit beta was equally expressed in the two cell variants, CK2alpha catalytic subunit was higher in R-CEM and this was accompanied by a higher phosphorylation of endogenous protein substrates. Pharmacological downregulation of CK2 activity by a panel of specific inhibitors, or knockdown of CK2alpha expression by RNA interference, were able to induce cell death in R-CEM. CK2 inhibitors could promote an increased uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs inside the cells and sensitize them to drug-induced apoptosis in a co-operative manner. CK2 blockade was also effective in inducing cell death of a different MDR line (U2OS). We therefore conclude that inhibition of CK2 can be considered as a promising tool to revert the MDR phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Di Maira
- Department of Biological Chemistry and CNR Neuroscience Institute, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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38
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Cenni V, Sabatelli P, Mattioli E, Marmiroli S, Capanni C, Ognibene A, Squarzoni S, Maraldi NM, Bonne G, Columbaro M, Merlini L, Lattanzi G. Lamin A N-terminal phosphorylation is associated with myoblast activation: impairment in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. J Med Genet 2006; 42:214-20. [PMID: 15744034 PMCID: PMC1736020 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2004.026112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle disorders associated with mutations of lamin A/C gene include autosomal Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1B. The pathogenic mechanism underlying these diseases is unknown. Recent data suggest an impairment of signalling mechanisms as a possible cause of muscle malfunction. A molecular complex in muscle cells formed by lamin A/C, emerin, and nuclear actin has been identified. The stability of this protein complex appears to be related to phosphorylation mechanisms. OBJECTIVE To analyse lamin A/C phosphorylation in control and laminopathic muscle cells. METHODS Lamin A/C N-terminal phosphorylation was determined in cultured mouse myoblasts using a specific antibody. Insulin treatment of serum starved myoblast cultures was carried out to evaluate involvement of insulin signalling in the phosphorylation pathway. Screening of four Emery-Dreifuss and one limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1B cases was undertaken to investigate lamin A/C phosphorylation in both cultured myoblasts and mature muscle fibres. RESULTS Phosphorylation of lamin A was observed during myoblast differentiation or proliferation, along with reduced lamin A/C phosphorylation in quiescent myoblasts. Lamin A N-terminus phosphorylation was induced by an insulin stimulus, which conversely did not affect lamin C phosphorylation. Lamin A/C was also hyperphosphorylated in mature muscle, mostly in regenerating fibres. Lamin A/C phosphorylation was strikingly reduced in laminopathic myoblasts and muscle fibres, while it was preserved in interstitial fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Altered lamin A/C interplay with a muscle specific phosphorylation partner might be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1B.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cenni
- ITOI, CNR, Unit of Bologna, c/o IOR, Bologna, Italy
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39
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Mirandola P, Sponzilli I, Gobbi G, Marmiroli S, Rinaldi L, Binazzi R, Piccari GG, Ramazzotti G, Gaboardi GC, Cocco L, Vitale M. Anticancer agents sensitize osteosarcoma cells to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand downmodulating IAP family proteins. Int J Oncol 2006; 28:127-33. [PMID: 16327988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) usually induces cell death in tumor cells, there are some tumor cell types that are resistant to its apoptogenic effects. Some chemotherapeutic drugs, however, can sensitize resistant cancer cells to TRAIL by either upregulating surface TRAIL death receptor expression or by modulating intracellular signalling pathways emanating from TRAIL receptors. U2OS human osteosarcoma cells express TRAIL-R2 but are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. however, the genotoxic drugs, Doxorubicin and Cisplatin, are able to sensitize U2OS cells to TRAIL, without affecting their surface expression of either death or decoy TRAIL receptors. We demonstrate that Doxorubicin and Cisplatin downmodulate X-IAP, while not affecting FLIP levels in U2OS cells. Selective downmodulation of X-IAP protein synthesis by specific small interference RNA transfection induced a sensitization of U2OS cells to TRAIL comparable to that induced by pharmacological treatment with genotoxic drugs. TRAIL-R2 downmodulation by siRNAs completely abolished the TRAIL-induced apoptosis of genotoxin-treated U2OS cells. Our findings demonstrate that Doxorubicin and Cisplatin do not sensitize U2OS osteosarcoma cells to TRAIL by surface receptor modulation but rather by the removal of the intracellular signalling inhibition generated by X-IAP, suggesting a foreseeable relevant advantage to the therapy of these tumors by the combined regimen of genotoxin-based chemotherapy and TRAIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisco Mirandola
- Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Human Anatomy Section, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
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40
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Mirandola P, Sponzilli I, Gobbi G, Marmiroli S, Rinaldi L, Binazzi R, Piccari G, Ramazzotti G, Gaboardi G, Cocco L, Vitale M. Anticancer agents sensitize osteosarcoma cells to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand downmodulating IAP family proteins. Int J Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.28.1.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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41
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Cenni V, Maraldi NM, Ruggeri A, Secchiero P, Del Coco R, De Pol A, Cocco L, Marmiroli S. Sensitization of multidrug resistant human ostesarcoma cells to Apo2 Ligand/TRAIL-induced apoptosis by inhibition of the Akt/PKB kinase. Int J Oncol 2004; 25:1599-608. [PMID: 15547696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents have been used for the treatment of patients with osteosarcoma (OS). However, inherent or acquired resistance to these agents is a serious problem in the management of OS patients. The emergence of the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype in cancer cells is often associated with the overexpression of P-glycoprotein, encoded by the multidrug resistance gene MDR-1. The administration of some of the most common chemotherapeutic agents to these cells becomes ineffective because of their P-gp-driven efflux from the cell. Apo2L/TRAIL is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines that is considered to induce death of cancer cells but not normal cells. Its powerful apoptotic activity is mediated through its cell surface death domain-containing receptors, TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5, which in turn spread the signal in the cytosol through the activation of the caspase cascade. The Akt/PKB kinase is an important cell survival protein which is regulated by D3-phosphoinositides. High Akt expression and activity levels are well documented in many types of tumors, which very often show an altered PI3-K/Akt/PTEN pathway. In this study the U2OS human osteosarcoma cell line and its multidrug resistant (MDR) subline that overexpresses MDR-1 gene, MDR-U2OS, have been analyzed for their responsiveness to TRAIL. In conflict with the presence of active DR4 and DR5 receptors in both clones, U2OS cells exhibited only a low responsiveness to TRAIL, while the MDR-U2OS subline did exhibit a marked TRAIL sensitivity. An analysis of the post-receptor events showed that TRAIL responsiveness correlates with a reduced expression of endogenous Akt. In fact, expression in MDR-U2OS cells of a constitutively active Akt strongly decreased their sensitivity to TRAIL. The identification of Akt as a key modulator of TRAIL responsiveness could help to design TRAIL-based combinations for treatment of osteosarcoma. Moreover, the discovery that multidrug resistant osteosarcomas are highly sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis indicates TRAIL as a new candidate for the treatment of multidrug resistant bone malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cenni
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Via di Barbiano 1/10, I-40136 Bologna, Italy.
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42
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Cenni V, Maraldi N, Ruggeri A, Secchiero P, Del Coco R, De Pol A, Cocco L, Marmiroli S. Sensitization of multidrug resistant human ostesarcoma cells to Apo2 Ligand/TRAIL-induced apoptosis by inhibition of the Akt/PKB kinase. Int J Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.25.6.1599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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43
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Cenni V, Sirri A, Riccio M, Lattanzi G, Santi S, de Pol A, Maraldi NM, Marmiroli S. Targeting of the Akt/PKB kinase to the actin skeleton. Cell Mol Life Sci 2004; 60:2710-20. [PMID: 14685694 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-003-3349-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB intracellular distribution undergoes rapid changes in response to agonists such as Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or Insulin-like growth factor (IGF). The concept has recently emerged that Akt subcellular movements are facilitated by interaction with nonsubstrate ligands. Here we show that Akt is bound to the actin skeleton in in situ cytoskeletal matrix preparations from PDGF-treated Saos2 cells, suggesting an interaction between the two proteins. Indeed, by immunoprecipitation and subcellular fractioning, we demonstrate that endogenous Akt and actin physically interact. Using recombinant proteins in in vitro binding and overlay assays, we further demonstrate that Akt interacts with actin directly. Expression of Akt mutants strongly indicates that the N-terminal PH domain of Akt mediates this interaction. More important, we show that the partition between actin bound and unbound Akt is not constant, but is modulated by growth factor stimulation. In fact, PDGF treatment of serum-starved cells triggers an increase in the amount of Akt associated with the actin skeleton, concomitant with an increase in Akt phosphorylation. Conversely, expression of an Akt mutant in which both Ser473 and Thr308 have been mutated to alanine completely abrogates PDGF-induced binding. The small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42 seem to facilitate actin binding, possibly increasing Akt phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cenni
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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Maraldi NM, Lattanzi G, Squarzoni S, Sabatelli P, Marmiroli S, Ognibene A, Manzoli FA. At the nucleus of the problem: nuclear proteins and disease. Adv Enzyme Regul 2004; 43:411-43. [PMID: 12791400 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2571(02)00042-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadir M Maraldi
- ITOI-CNR, Unit of Bologna, c/o IOR, Via di Barbiano 1/10, Bologna 40136, Italy
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Cenni V, Sirri A, De Pol A, Maraldi NM, Marmiroli S. Interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase 2 (IRAK2)-mediated interleukin-1-dependent nuclear factor kappaB transactivation in Saos2 cells requires the Akt/protein kinase B kinase. Biochem J 2003; 376:303-11. [PMID: 12906710 PMCID: PMC1223745 DOI: 10.1042/bj20030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2003] [Revised: 07/02/2003] [Accepted: 08/07/2003] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The post-receptor pathway that leads to nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation begins with the assembly of a membrane-proximal complex among the interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptors and the adaptor molecules, myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88), IL-1-receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) and tumour-necrosis-factor-receptor-associated factor 6. Eventually, phosphorylation of the inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB) by the IkappaB kinases releases NF-kappaB, which translocates to the nucleus and modulates gene expression. In this paper, we report that IRAK2 and MyD88, but not IRAK1, interact physically with Akt, as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments. Interestingly, the association of Akt with recombinant IRAK2 is decreased by stimulation with IL-1, and is favoured by pre-treatment with phosphatase. Likewise, Akt association with IRAK2 is increased considerably by overexpression of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10), while it is completely abrogated by overexpression of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1. These data indicate that Akt takes part in the formation of the signalling complex that conveys the signal from the IL-1 receptors to NF-kappaB, a step that is much more membrane-proximal than was reported previously. We also demonstrate that Akt activity is necessary for IL-1-dependent NF-kappaB transactivation, since a kinase-defective mutant of Akt impairs IRAK2- and MyD88-dependent, but not IRAK1-dependent, NF-kappaB activity, as monitored by a gene reporter assay. Accordingly, IRAK2 failed to trigger inducible nitric oxide synthase and IL-1beta production in cells expressing dominant-negative Akt. However, NF-kappaB binding to DNA was not affected by inhibition of Akt, indicating that Akt regulates NF-kappaB at a level distinct from the dissociation of p65 from IkappaBalpha and its translocation to the nucleus, possibly involving phosphorylation of the p65 transactivation domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cenni
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy, Codivilla-Putti Research Institute, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
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47
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Milani D, Zauli G, Rimondi E, Celeghini C, Marmiroli S, Narducci P, Capitani S, Secchiero P. Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand sequentially activates pro-survival and pro-apoptotic pathways in SK-N-MC neuronal cells. J Neurochem 2003; 86:126-35. [PMID: 12807432 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cell line, which expresses surface tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors TRAIL-R2 and TRAIL-R4, was used as a model system to examine the effect of TRAIL on key intracellular pathways involved in the control of neuronal cell survival and apoptosis. TRAIL induced distinct short-term (1-60 min) and long-term (3-24 h) effects on the protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt (Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and caspase pathways. TRAIL rapidly (from 20 min) induced the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, but not of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, TRAIL increased CREB phosphorylation and phospho-CREB DNA binding activity in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3K)/Akt-dependent manner. At later time points (from 3 to 6 h onwards) TRAIL induced a progressive degradation of inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB)beta and IkappaBepsilon, but not IkappaBalpha, coupled to the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and an increase in its DNA binding activity. In the same time frame, TRAIL started to activate caspase-8 and caspase-3, and to induce apoptosis. Remarkably, caspase-dependent cleavage of NF-kappaB family members as well as of Akt and CREB proteins, but not of ERK, became prominent at 24 h, a time point coincident with the peak of caspase-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Milani
- Department of Morphology and Embryology, Human Anatomy Section, University of Ferrara, Italy
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48
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Lattanzi G, Cenni V, Marmiroli S, Capanni C, Mattioli E, Merlini L, Squarzoni S, Maraldi NM. Association of emerin with nuclear and cytoplasmic actin is regulated in differentiating myoblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 303:764-70. [PMID: 12670476 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Emerin is a nuclear envelope protein whose biological function remains to be elucidated. Mutations of emerin gene cause the Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular disorder also linked to mutations of lamin A/C. In this paper, we analyze the interaction between emerin and actin in differentiating mouse myoblasts. We demonstrate that emerin and lamin A/C are bound to actin at the late stages of myotube differentiation and in mature muscle. The interaction involves both nuclear alpha and beta actins and cytoplasmic actin. A serine-threonine phosphatase activity markedly increases emerin-actin binding even in cycling myoblasts. This effect is also observed with purified nuclear fractions in pull-down assay. On the other hand, active protein phosphatase 1, a serine-threonine phosphatase known to associate with lamin A/C, inhibits emerin-actin interaction in myotube extracts. These data provide evidence of a modulation of emerin-actin interaction in muscle cells, possibly through differentiation-related stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Lattanzi
- ITOI-CNR, Unit of Bologna, c/o IOR, Via di Barbiano, 1/10, I-40136 Bologna, Italy.
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Faenza I, Matteucci A, Bavelloni A, Marmiroli S, Martelli AM, Gilmour RS, Suh PG, Manzoli L, Cocco L. Nuclear PLCbeta(1) acts as a negative regulator of p45/NF-E2 expression levels in Friend erythroleukemia cells. Biochim Biophys Acta 2002; 1589:305-10. [PMID: 12031797 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4889(02)00192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that phospholipase C (PLC) beta(1) plays a role in the nuclear compartment and is involved in the signalling pathway that controls the switching of the erythroleukemia cells programming from an undifferentiated to a differentiated state. Constitutive overexpression of nuclear PLCbeta(1) has been previously shown to inhibit Friend cells differentiation. For further characterization, we investigated the localization of PLCbeta(1)a and PLCbeta(1)b in Friend cells by fusing their cDNA to enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP). To investigate the potential target of nuclear PLCbeta(1) in Friend differentiation, we studied the expression of p45/NF-E2 transcription factor, which is an enhancer binding protein for expression of the beta-globin gene and the expression of GATA proteins that are important for the survival and differentiation of erythroid cells. Our data suggest that the overexpression of PLCbeta(1) (both 1a and 1b) only in the nuclear compartment significantly reduces the expression of p45/NF-E2. The effect observed is attributable to the specific action of nuclear PLCbeta(1) signalling given that GATA-1 and GATA-3 are not affected at all. Here we show the existence of a unique target, i.e. the transcription factor p45/NF-E2, whose expression is specifically inhibited by the nuclear signalling evoked by PLCbeta(1) forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Faenza
- Cellular Signaling Laboratory, Department of Anatomical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Italy
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50
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Lucarelli E, Sangiorgi L, Maini V, Lattanzi G, Marmiroli S, Reggiani M, Mordenti M, Alessandra Gobbi G, Scrimieri F, Zambon Bertoja A, Picci P. Troglitazione affects survival of human osteosarcoma cells. Int J Cancer 2002; 98:344-51. [PMID: 11920584 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Activation of PPAR gamma, a transcription factor member of the family of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, induces apoptosis in several normal and tumor cell lines. In our study, we investigated whether treatment with troglitazone (TRO), a known PPAR gamma agonist, induced apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines G292, MG63, SAOS and U2OS that express PPAR gamma. In our experiments, TRO never induced apoptosis of OS cells; on the contrary, TRO increased cell number, based on MTT proliferation assay. Remarkably, the TRO-induced cell number increase depended on a decrease of apoptosis that naturally occurred in the culture and was not due to an increased cell proliferation rate. TRO also prevented staurosporin-induced apoptosis. The TRO-mediated survival effect correlated with the activation of Akt, a well-known mediator of survival stimuli. Our work describes a new function for TRO and indicates that the Akt survival pathway may be a mediator of TRO-induced increase of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lucarelli
- Laboratory of Oncology Research, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy.
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