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Forte J, Maurizi L, Fabiano MG, Conte AL, Conte MP, Ammendolia MG, D'Intino E, Catizone A, Gesualdi L, Rinaldi F, Carafa M, Marianecci C, Longhi C. Gentamicin loaded niosomes against intracellular uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10196. [PMID: 38702355 PMCID: PMC11068731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59144-x] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the main etiological agent of UTIs. UPEC can persist in bladder cells protected by immunological defenses and antibiotics and intracellular behavior leads to difficulty in eradicating the infection. The aim of this paper is to design, prepare and characterize surfactant-based nanocarriers (niosomes) able to entrap antimicrobial drug and potentially to delivery and release antibiotics into UPEC-infected cells. In order to validate the proposed drug delivery system, gentamicin, was chosen as "active model drug" due to its poor cellular penetration. The niosomes physical-chemical characterization was performed combining different techniques: Dynamic Light Scattering Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy. Empty and loaded niosomes were characterized in terms of size, ζ-potential, bilayer features and stability. Moreover, Gentamicin entrapped amount was evaluated, and the release study was also carried out. In addition, the effect of empty and loaded niosomes was studied on the invasion ability of UPEC strains in T24 bladder cell monolayers by Gentamicin Protection Assay and Confocal Microscopy. The observed decrease in UPEC invasion rate leads us to hypothesize a release of antibiotic from niosomes inside the cells. The optimization of the proposed drug delivery system could represent a promising strategy to significatively enhance the internalization of antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Forte
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Maurizi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gioia Fabiano
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Lucia Conte
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- Centro Nazionale Tecnologie Innovative in Sanità Pubblica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora D'Intino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Dipartimento Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e Dell'Apparato Locomotore, Sapienza Università di Roma, Via Scarpa, 16, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Dipartimento Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e Dell'Apparato Locomotore, Sapienza Università di Roma, Via Scarpa, 16, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Carafa
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Marianecci
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Longhi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Berardini M, Gesualdi L, Morabito C, Ferranti F, Reale A, Zampieri M, Karpach K, Tinari A, Bertuccini L, Guarnieri S, Catizone A, Mariggiò MA, Ricci G. Simulated Microgravity Exposure Induces Antioxidant Barrier Deregulation and Mitochondria Enlargement in TCam-2 Cell Spheroids. Cells 2023; 12:2106. [PMID: 37626916 PMCID: PMC10453291 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162106] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of microgravity-induced effects in several cellular models is represented by the alteration of oxidative balance with the consequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is well known that male germ cells are sensitive to oxidative stress and to changes in gravitational force, even though published data on germ cell models are scarce. We previously studied the effects of simulated microgravity (s-microgravity) on a 2D cultured TCam-2 seminoma-derived cell line, considered the only human cell line available to study in vitro mitotically active human male germ cells. In this study, we used a corresponding TCam-2 3D cell culture model that mimics cell-cell contacts in organ tissue to test the possible effects induced by s-microgravity exposure. TCam-2 cell spheroids were cultured for 24 h under unitary gravity (Ctr) or s-microgravity conditions, the latter obtained using a random positioning machine (RPM). A significant increase in intracellular ROS and mitochondria superoxide anion levels was observed after RPM exposure. In line with these results, a trend of protein and lipid oxidation increase and increased pCAMKII expression levels were observed after RPM exposure. The ultrastructural analysis via transmission electron microscopy revealed that RPM-exposed mitochondria appeared enlarged and, even if seldom, disrupted. Notably, even the expression of the main enzymes involved in the redox homeostasis appears modulated by RPM exposure in a compensatory way, with GPX1, NCF1, and CYBB being downregulated, whereas NOX4 and HMOX1 are upregulated. Interestingly, HMOX1 is involved in the heme catabolism of mitochondria cytochromes, and therefore the positive modulation of this marker can be associated with the observed mitochondria alteration. Altogether, these data demonstrate TCam-2 spheroid sensitivity to acute s-microgravity exposure and indicate the capability of these cells to trigger compensatory mechanisms that allow them to overcome the exposure to altered gravitational force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Berardini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Caterina Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences-CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Katsiaryna Karpach
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Antonella Tinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Gender Prevention and Health Section, ISS Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucia Bertuccini
- Core Facilities, ISS Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Simone Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences-CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria A. Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences-CAST, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (S.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Gesualdi L, Berardini M, Scicchitano BM, Castaldo C, Bizzarri M, Filippini A, Riccioli A, Schiraldi C, Ferranti F, Liguoro D, Mancini R, Ricci G, Catizone A. ERK Signaling Pathway Is Constitutively Active in NT2D1 Non-Seminoma Cells and Its Inhibition Impairs Basal and HGF-Activated Cell Proliferation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1894. [PMID: 37509533 PMCID: PMC10377482 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
c-MET/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system deregulation is a well-known feature of malignancy in several solid tumors, and for this reason this system and its pathway have been considered as potential targets for therapeutic purposes. In previous manuscripts we reported c-MET/HGF expression and the role in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) derived cell lines. We demonstrated the key role of c-Src and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT adaptors in the HGF-dependent malignant behavior of the embryonal carcinoma cell line NT2D1, finding that the inhibition of these onco-adaptor proteins abrogates HGF triggered responses such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. Expanding on these previous studies, herein we investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathways in the HGF-dependent and HGF-independent NT2D1 cells biological responses. To inhibit MAPK/ERK pathways we chose a pharmacological approach, by using U0126 inhibitor, and we analyzed cell proliferation, collective migration, and chemotaxis. The administration of U0126 together with HGF reverts the HGF-dependent activation of cell proliferation but, surprisingly, does not exert the same effect on NT2D1 cell migration. In addition, we found that the use of U0126 alone significantly promotes the acquisition of NT2D1 «migrating phenotype», while collective migration of NT2D1 cells was stimulated. Notably, the inhibition of ERK activation in the absence of HGF stimulation resulted in the activation of the AKT-mediated pathway, and this let us speculate that the paradoxical effects obtained by using U0126, which are the increase of collective migration and the acquisition of partial epithelium-mesenchyme transition (pEMT), are the result of compensatory pathways activation. These data highlight how the specific response to pathway inhibitors, should be investigated in depth before setting up therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gesualdi
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Berardini
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Section of Histology, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Clotilde Castaldo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Riccioli
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Human Spaceflight and Scientific Research Unit, Italian Space Agency, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Liguoro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Monti N, Dinicola S, Querqui A, Fabrizi G, Fedeli V, Gesualdi L, Catizone A, Unfer V, Bizzarri M. Myo-Inositol Reverses TGF-β1-Induced EMT in MCF-10A Non-Tumorigenic Breast Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082317. [PMID: 37190245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), triggered by external and internal cues in several physiological and pathological conditions, elicits the transformation of epithelial cells into a mesenchymal-like phenotype. During EMT, epithelial cells lose cell-to-cell contact and acquire unusual motility/invasive capabilities. The associated architectural and functional changes destabilize the epithelial layer consistency, allowing cells to migrate and invade the surrounding tissues. EMT is a critical step in the progression of inflammation and cancer, often sustained by a main driving factor as the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Antagonizing EMT has recently gained momentum as an attractive issue in cancer treatment and metastasis prevention. Herein, we demonstrate the capability of myo-inositol (myo-Ins) to revert the EMT process induced by TGF-β1 on MCF-10A breast cells. Upon TGF-β1 addition, cells underwent a dramatic phenotypic transformation, as witnessed by structural (disappearance of the E-cadherin-β-catenin complexes and the emergence of a mesenchymal shape) and molecular modifications (increase in N-cadherin, Snai1, and vimentin), including the release of increased collagen and fibronectin. However, following myo-Ins, those changes were almost completely reverted. Inositol promotes the reconstitution of E-cadherin-β-catenin complexes, decreasing the expression of genes involved in EMT, while promoting the re-expression of epithelial genes (keratin-18 and E-cadherin). Noticeably, myo-Ins efficiently inhibits the invasiveness and migrating capability of TGF-β1 treated cells, also reducing the release of metalloproteinase (MMP-9) altogether with collagen synthesis, allowing for the re-establishment of appropriate cell-to-cell junctions, ultimately leading the cell layer back towards a more compact state. Inositol effects were nullified by previous treatment with an siRNA construct to inhibit CDH1 transcripts and, hence, E-cadherin synthesis. This finding suggests that the reconstitution of E-cadherin complexes is an irreplaceable step in the inositol-induced reversion of EMT. Overall, such a result advocates for the useful role of myo-Ins in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Monti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Dinicola
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Querqui
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Fabrizi
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Fedeli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Gynecology Department, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy
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Fedeli V, Catizone A, Querqui A, Unfer V, Bizzarri M. The Role of Inositols in the Hyperandrogenic Phenotypes of PCOS: A Re-Reading of Larner’s Results. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076296. [PMID: 37047265 PMCID: PMC10093919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disorder in women, in which, besides chronic anovulation/oligomenorrhea and ovarian cysts, hyperandrogenism plays a critical role in a large fraction of subjects. Inositol isomers—myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol—have recently been pharmacologically effective in managing many PCOS symptoms while rescuing ovarian fertility. However, some disappointing clinical results prompted the reconsideration of their specific biological functions. Surprisingly, D-Chiro-Ins stimulates androgen synthesis and decreases the ovarian estrogen pathway; on the contrary, myo-Ins activates FSH response and aromatase activity, finally mitigating ovarian hyperandrogenism. However, when the two isomers are given in association—according to the physiological ratio of 40:1—patients could benefit from myo-Ins enhanced FSH and estrogen responsiveness, while taking advantage of the insulin-sensitizing effects displayed mostly by D-Chiro-Ins. We need not postulate insulin resistance to explain PCOS pathogenesis, given that insulin hypersensitivity is likely a shared feature of PCOS ovaries. Indeed, even in the presence of physiological insulin stimulation, the PCOS ovary synthesizes D-Chiro-Ins four times more than that measured in control theca cells. The increased D-Chiro-Ins within the ovary is detrimental in preserving steroidogenic control, and this failure can easily explain why treatment strategies based upon high D-Chiro-Ins have been recognized as poorly effective. Within this perspective, two factors emerge as major determinants in PCOS: hyperandrogenism and reduced aromatase expression. Therefore, PCOS could no longer be considered a disease only due to increased androgen synthesis without considering the contemporary downregulation of aromatase and FSH receptors. Furthermore, these findings suggest that inositols can be specifically effective only for those PCOS phenotypes featured by hyperandrogenism.
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De Vitis C, D’Ascanio M, Sacconi A, Pizzirusso D, Salvati V, Mancini M, Scafetta G, Cirombella R, Ascenzi F, Bruschini S, Esposito A, Castelli S, Salvucci C, Teodonio L, Sposato B, Catizone A, Di Napoli A, Vecchione A, Ciliberto G, Sciacchitano S, Ricci A, Mancini R. B4GALT1 as a New Biomarker of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315040. [PMID: 36499368 PMCID: PMC9738382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease characterized by progressive scarring of the lung that involves the pulmonary interstitium. The disease may rapidly progress, leading to respiratory failure, and the long-term survival is poor. There are no accurate biomarkers available so far. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of the B4GALT1 in patients with IPF. Analysis of B4GALT1 gene expression was performed in silico on two gene sets, retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Expression of B4GALT1 was then evaluated, both at the mRNA and protein levels, on lung specimens obtained from lung biopsies of 4 IPF patients, on one IPF-derived human primary cell and on 11 cases of IPF associated with cancer. In silico re-analysis demonstrated that the B4GALT1 gene was overexpressed in patients and human cell cultures with IPF (p = 0.03). Network analysis demonstrated that B4GALT1 upregulation was correlated with genes belonging to the EMT pathway (p = 0.01). The overexpression of B4GALT1 was observed, both at mRNA and protein levels, in lung biopsies of our four IPF patients and in the IPF-derived human primary cell, in other fibrotic non-lung tissues, and in IPF associated with cancer. In conclusion, our results indicate that B4GALT1 is overexpressed in IPF and could represent a novel marker of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sacconi
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Pizzirusso
- UOC Respiratory Disease, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mancini
- Morphologic and Molecular Pathology Unit, S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scafetta
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirombella
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ascenzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Bruschini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Esposito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Castelli
- UOC Respiratory Disease, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Salvucci
- UOC Respiratory Disease, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Teodonio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Sposato
- Pneumology Department, Azienda USL Toscana Sud-Est, “Misericordia” Hospital, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Napoli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sciacchitano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Ricci G, Guillou F, Catizone A, Mele VG, Moggio M, Chioccarelli T, Diano N, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. KISS1R and ANKRD31 Cooperate to Enhance Leydig Cell Gene Expression via the Cytoskeletal-Nucleoskeletal Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:877270. [PMID: 35813201 PMCID: PMC9260857 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.877270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins are involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, Leydig cell functions, and testosterone secretion, acting as endogenous ligands of the KISS1 receptor. ANKRD31 protein participates in male fertility, regulating meiotic progression, and epididymal sperm maturation. Here, we show that in Leydig cells, KISS1 receptor and ANKRD31 proteins physically interact; the formation of this protein complex is enhanced by Kisspeptin-10 that also modulates F-actin synthesis, favoring histone acetylation in chromatin and gene expression via the cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal pathway. Kp/KISS1R system deregulation, expression impairment of cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal mediators, Leydig gene targets, and the decreased testosterone secretion in Ankrd31−/− testis strongly supported our hypothesis. Furthermore, cytochalasin D treatment subverted the gene expression induction dependent on Kisspeptin-10 action. In conclusion, the current work highlights a novel role for the Kisspeptin-10 in the induction of the cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal route, downstream a physical interaction between KISS1 receptor and ANKRD31, with gene expression activation as final effect, in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ricci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Florian Guillou
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Angela Catizone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e dell’Apparato Locomotore, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Moggio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rosanna Chianese,
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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8
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Fedeli V, Cucina A, Dinicola S, Fabrizi G, Catizone A, Gesualdi L, Ceccarelli S, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Ricci G, Pedata P, Bizzarri M, Monti N. Microgravity Modifies the Phenotype of Fibroblast and Promotes Remodeling of the Fibroblast-Keratinocyte Interaction in a 3D Co-Culture Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042163. [PMID: 35216279 PMCID: PMC8879576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity impairs tissue organization and critical pathways involved in the cell–microenvironment interplay, where fibroblasts have a critical role. We exposed dermal fibroblasts to simulated microgravity by means of a Random Positioning Machine (RPM), a device that reproduces conditions of weightlessness. Molecular and structural changes were analyzed and compared to control samples growing in a normal gravity field. Simulated microgravity impairs fibroblast conversion into myofibroblast and inhibits their migratory properties. Consequently, the normal interplay between fibroblasts and keratinocytes were remarkably altered in 3D co-culture experiments, giving rise to several ultra-structural abnormalities. Such phenotypic changes are associated with down-regulation of α-SMA that translocate in the nucleoplasm, altogether with the concomitant modification of the actin-vinculin apparatus. Noticeably, the stress associated with weightlessness induced oxidative damage, which seemed to concur with such modifications. These findings disclose new opportunities to establish antioxidant strategies that counteract the microgravity-induced disruptive effects on fibroblasts and tissue organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Fedeli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (G.F.)
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Dinicola
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (G.F.)
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gianmarco Fabrizi
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (G.F.)
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angela Catizone
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Saleh H. Alwasel
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Paola Pedata
- Department of Medicine, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (G.F.)
| | - Noemi Monti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
- Systems Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Monti N, Masiello MG, Proietti S, Catizone A, Ricci G, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Cucina A, Bizzarri M. Survival Pathways Are Differently Affected by Microgravity in Normal and Cancerous Breast Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020862. [PMID: 33467082 PMCID: PMC7829699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoan living cells exposed to microgravity undergo dramatic changes in morphological and biological properties, which ultimately lead to apoptosis and phenotype reprogramming. However, apoptosis can occur at very different rates depending on the experimental model, and in some cases, cells seem to be paradoxically protected from programmed cell death during weightlessness. These controversial results can be explained by considering the notion that the behavior of adherent cells dramatically diverges in respect to that of detached cells, organized into organoids-like, floating structures. We investigated both normal (MCF10A) and cancerous (MCF-7) breast cells and found that appreciable apoptosis occurs only after 72 h in MCF-7 cells growing in organoid-like structures, in which major modifications of cytoskeleton components were observed. Indeed, preserving cell attachment to the substrate allows cells to upregulate distinct Akt- and ERK-dependent pathways in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells, respectively. These findings show that survival strategies may differ between cell types but cannot provide sufficient protection against weightlessness-induced apoptosis alone if adhesion to the substrate is perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Monti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.M.); (S.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.M.); (S.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Saleh H. Alwasel
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.M.); (S.P.); (A.C.)
- Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-4976-6606
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10
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Po A, Giuliani A, Masiello MG, Cucina A, Catizone A, Ricci G, Chiacchiarini M, Tafani M, Ferretti E, Bizzarri M. Phenotypic transitions enacted by simulated microgravity do not alter coherence in gene transcription profile. NPJ Microgravity 2019; 5:27. [PMID: 31799378 PMCID: PMC6872750 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-019-0088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in simulated microgravity undergo a reversible morphology switch, causing the appearance of two distinct phenotypes. Despite the dramatic splitting into an adherent-fusiform and a floating-spherical population, when looking at the gene-expression phase space, cell transition ends up in a largely invariant gene transcription profile characterized by only mild modifications in the respective Pearson's correlation coefficients. Functional changes among the different phenotypes emerging in simulated microgravity using random positioning machine are adaptive modifications-as cells promptly recover their native phenotype when placed again into normal gravity-and do not alter the internal gene coherence. However, biophysical constraints are required to drive phenotypic commitment in an appropriate way, compatible with physiological requirements, given that absence of gravity foster cells to oscillate between different attractor states, thus preventing them to acquire a exclusive phenotype. This is a proof-of-concept of the adaptive properties of gene-expression networks supporting very different phenotypes by coordinated 'profile preserving' modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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11
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Proietti S, Cucina A, Pensotti A, Biava PM, Minini M, Monti N, Catizone A, Ricci G, Leonetti E, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Bizzarri M. Active Fraction from Embryo Fish Extracts Induces Reversion of the Malignant Invasive Phenotype in Breast Cancer through Down-regulation of TCTP and Modulation of E-cadherin/β-catenin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2151. [PMID: 31052313 PMCID: PMC6539734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Some yet unidentified factors released by both oocyte and embryonic microenvironments demonstrated to be non-permissive for tumor development and display the remarkable ability to foster cell/tissue reprogramming, thus ultimately reversing the malignant phenotype. In the present study we observed how molecular factors extracted from Zebrafish embryos during specific developmental phases (20 somites) significantly antagonize proliferation of breast cancer cells, while reversing a number of prominent aspects of malignancy. Embryo extracts reduce cell proliferation, enhance apoptosis, and dramatically inhibit both invasiveness and migrating capabilities of cancer cells. Counteracting the invasive phenotype is a relevant issue in controlling tumor spreading and metastasis. Moreover, such effect is not limited to cancerous cells as embryo extracts were also effective in inhibiting migration and invasiveness displayed by normal breast cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition upon TGF-β1 stimulation. The reversion program involves the modulation of E-cadherin/β-catenin pathway, cytoskeleton remodeling with dramatic reduction in vinculin, as well as downregulation of TCTP and the concomitant increase in p53 levels. Our findings highlight that-contrary to the prevailing current "dogma", which posits that neoplastic cells are irreversibly "committed"-the malignant phenotype can ultimately be "reversed", at least partially, in response to environmental morphogenetic influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
- Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Pier Mario Biava
- Scientific Institute of Research and Health Care (IRCCS) Multimedica, 20099 Milano, Italy.
| | - Mirko Minini
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Noemi Monti
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department. of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Erica Leonetti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 2455, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Saleh H Alwasel
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 2455, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Scheri KC, Leonetti E, Laino L, Gigantino V, Gesualdi L, Grammatico P, Bizzarri M, Franco R, Oosterhuis JW, Stoop H, Looijenga LHJ, Ricci G, Catizone A. Correction: c-MET receptor as potential biomarker and target molecule for malignant testicular germ cell tumors. Oncotarget 2018; 9:36049. [PMID: 30542519 PMCID: PMC6267602 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Leonetti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Laino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gigantino
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori I.R.C.C.S. "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grammatico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Systems Biology Group Lab, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Psychic and Physic health and preventive medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Stoop
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
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Scicchitano BM, Sorrentino S, Proietti G, Lama G, Dobrowolny G, Catizone A, Binda E, Larocca LM, Sica G. Levetiracetam enhances the temozolomide effect on glioblastoma stem cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:136. [PMID: 30214378 PMCID: PMC6131782 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0626-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor in which cancer cells with stem cell-like features, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), were identified. Two CSC populations have been previously identified in GBM, one derived from the GBM area called enhanced lesion (GCSCs) and the other one from the brain area adjacent to the tumor margin (PCSCs) that greatly differ in their growth properties and tumor-initiating ability. To date the most effective chemotherapy to treat GBM is represented by alkylating agents such as temozolomide (TMZ), whose activity can be regulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors through the modulation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression. Levetiracetam (LEV), a relatively new antiepileptic drug, modulates HDAC levels ultimately silencing MGMT, thus increasing TMZ effectiveness. However, an improvement in the therapeutic efficacy of TMZ is needed. Methods Cell proliferation was investigated by BrdU cell proliferation assay and by Western Blot analysis of PCNA expression. Apoptosis was evaluated by Western Blot and Immunofluorescence analysis of the cleaved Caspase-3 expression. MGMT and HDAC4 expression was analyzed by Western Blotting and Immunofluorescence. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test. Results Here we evaluated the effect of TMZ on the proliferation rate of the IDH-wildtype GCSCs and PCSCs derived from six patients, in comparison with the effects of other drugs such as etoposide, irinotecan and carboplatin. Our results demonstrated that TMZ was less effective compared to the other agents; hence, we verified the possibility to increase the effect of TMZ by combining it with LEV. Here we show that LEV enhances the effect of TMZ on GCSCs proliferation (being less effective on PCSCs) by decreasing MGMT expression, promoting HDAC4 nuclear translocation and activating apoptotic pathway. Conclusions Although further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism by which LEV makes GBM stem cells more sensitive to TMZ, these results suggest that the clinical therapeutic efficacy of TMZ in GBM might be enhanced by the combined treatment with LEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Silvia Sorrentino
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gabriella Proietti
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gina Lama
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- 2DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- 2DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Binda
- 3ISBReMIT-Cancer Stem Cells Unit, IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Padre Pio 7, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Larocca
- 4Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Gigliola Sica
- 1Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
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14
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Scheri KC, Leonetti E, Laino L, Gigantino V, Gesualdi L, Grammatico P, Bizzari M, Franco R, Oosterhuis JW, Stoop H, Looijenga LHJ, Ricci G, Catizone A. c-MET receptor as potential biomarker and target molecule for malignant testicular germ cell tumors. Oncotarget 2018; 9:31842-31860. [PMID: 30159127 PMCID: PMC6112764 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Type II testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20–40 years). Even if diagnosed with disseminated disease, >80% of patients are cured; however, a small percentage of cases progress and result in death. It is commonly accepted that these cancers arise from a disturbed testicular embryonic niche that leads to the block of gonocyte differentiation. The subsequent development of the invasive seminomas and non-seminomas is due to a combination of genetic, epigenetic and microenvironment-based alterations (genvironment). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is present in the testicular microenvironment, together with its receptor c-MET, from early embryonic development to an adult stage. In addition, c-MET is a well-known proto-oncogene involved in the onset and progression of various human cancers. Herein, we have investigated the expression and availability of HGF and c-MET in TCam-2, NCCIT and NT2D1 cells, which are type II (T)GCT representative cell lines, and the effect of c-MET activation/repression on the regulation of cancerous biological processes. We found that NT2D1 cells increase their proliferation, polarized migration, and invasion in response to HGF administration. NCCIT cells respond to HGF stimulation only partially, whereas TCam-2 cells do not respond to HGF, at least according to the investigated parameters. Interestingly, the immunohistochemical study of c-MET distribution in TGCTs confirm its presence in both seminoma and non-seminoma lesions with different patterns. Notably, we found the highest c-MET immunoreactivity in the epithelial elements of the various components of TGCTs: teratoma, yolk sac tumor and choriocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Leonetti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Laino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gigantino
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori I.R.C.C.S. "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grammatico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Systems Biology Group Lab, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Psychic and Physic health and preventive medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Stoop
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
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15
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Proietti S, Catizone A, Masiello MG, Dinicola S, Fabrizi G, Minini M, Ricci G, Verna R, Reiter RJ, Cucina A, Bizzarri M. Increase in motility and invasiveness of MCF7 cancer cells induced by nicotine is abolished by melatonin through inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. J Pineal Res 2018; 64:e12467. [PMID: 29338098 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Through activation of the ERK pathway, nicotine, in both normal MCF-10A and low-malignant breast cancer cells (MCF7), promotes increased motility and invasiveness. Melatonin antagonizes both these effects by inhibiting almost completely ERK phosphorylation. As melatonin has no effect on nonstimulated cells, it is likely that melatonin can counteract ERK activation only downstream of nicotine-induced activation. This finding suggests that melatonin hampers ERK phosphorylation presumably by targeting a still unknown intermediate factor that connects nicotine stimulation to ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, downstream of ERK activation, melatonin significantly reduces fascin and calpain activation while restoring normal vinculin levels. Melatonin also counteracts nicotine effects by reshaping the overall cytoskeleton architecture and abolishing invasive membrane protrusion. In addition, melatonin decreases nicotine-dependent ROCK1/ROCK2 activation, thus further inhibiting cell contractility and motility. Melatonin actions are most likely attributable to ERK inhibition, although melatonin could display other ERK-independent effects, namely through a direct modulation of additional molecular and structural factors, including coronin, cofilin, and cytoskeleton components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Dinicola
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Fabrizi
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Minini
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Verna
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
- Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Systems Biology Group, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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16
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Dobrowolny G, Martini M, Scicchitano BM, Romanello V, Boncompagni S, Nicoletti C, Pietrangelo L, De Panfilis S, Catizone A, Bouchè M, Sandri M, Rudolf R, Protasi F, Musarò A. Muscle Expression of SOD1 G93A Triggers the Dismantlement of Neuromuscular Junction via PKC-Theta. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:1105-1119. [PMID: 28931313 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) represents the morphofunctional interface between muscle and nerve. Several chronic pathologies such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, display altered NMJ and functional denervation. However, the triggers and the molecular mechanisms underlying the dismantlement of NMJ remain unclear. RESULTS Here we provide evidence that perturbation in redox signaling cascades, induced by muscle-specific accumulation of mutant SOD1G93A in transgenic MLC/SOD1G93A mice, is causally linked to morphological alterations of the neuromuscular presynaptic terminals, high turnover rate of acetylcholine receptor, and NMJ dismantlement. The analysis of potential molecular mechanisms that mediate the toxic activity of SOD1G93A revealed a causal link between protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) activation and NMJ disintegration. INNOVATION The study discloses the molecular mechanism that triggers functional denervation associated with the toxic activity of muscle SOD1G93A expression and suggests the possibility of developing a new strategy to counteract age- and pathology-associated denervation based on pharmacological inhibition of PKCθ activity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data indicate that muscle-specific accumulation of oxidative damage can affect neuromuscular communication and induce NMJ dismantlement through a PKCθ-dependent mechanism. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1105-1119.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- 1 Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy .,2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Martini
- 1 Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy .,2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- 3 Institute of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Rome, Italy
| | - Vanina Romanello
- 4 Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova , Padova, Italy
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- 5 CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine and DNICS-Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti , Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- 6 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- 5 CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine and DNICS-Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti , Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone De Panfilis
- 2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- 6 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Bouchè
- 6 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sandri
- 4 Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova , Padova, Italy
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- 7 Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany .,8 Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences , Mannheim, Germany .,9 Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- 5 CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine and DNICS-Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti , Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- 1 Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy .,2 DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome , Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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17
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Dinicola S, Masiello MG, Proietti S, Coluccia P, Fabrizi G, Catizone A, Ricci G, de Toma G, Bizzarri M, Cucina A. Nicotine increases colon cancer cell migration and invasion through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT): COX-2 involvement. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4935-4948. [PMID: 29215713 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is a recognized risk factor for colon cancer and nicotine, the principal active component of tobacco, plays a pivotal role in increasing colon cancer cell growth and survival. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nicotine on cellular Caco-2 and HCT-8 migration and invasion, focusing on epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, and COX-2 pathway involvement. In both these cell lines, treatment with nicotine increased COX-2 expression and the release of its enzymatic product PGE2 . Moreover, nicotine-stimulated cells showed increased migratory and invasive behavior, mesenchymal markers up-regulation and epithelial markers down-regulation, nuclear translocation of the β-catenin, increase of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, and enhanced NF-κB expression. Noticeably, all these effects are largely mediated by COX-2 activity, as simultaneous treatment of both cell lines with nicotine and NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, greatly reduced the number of migrating and invading cells and reverted nicotine-induced EMT. These findings emphasize that nicotine triggers EMT, leading hence to increased migration and invasiveness of colon cancer cells. Thereby, the use of COX-2 inhibitor drugs might likely counteract nicotine-mediated EMT effects on colon cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dinicola
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Masiello
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coluccia
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Fabrizi
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio de Toma
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
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18
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Morabito C, Guarnieri S, Catizone A, Schiraldi C, Ricci G, Mariggiò MA. Transient increases in intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species levels in TCam-2 cells exposed to microgravity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15648. [PMID: 29142208 PMCID: PMC5688167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15935-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of microgravity on functions of the human body are well described, including alterations in the male and female reproductive systems. In the present study, TCam-2 cells, which are considered a good model of mitotically active male germ cells, were used to investigate intracellular signalling and cell metabolism during exposure to simulated microgravity, a condition that affects cell shape and cytoskeletal architecture. After a 24 hour exposure to simulated microgravity, TCam-2 cells showed 1) a decreased proliferation rate and a delay in cell cycle progression, 2) increased anaerobic metabolism accompanied by increased levels of intracellular Ca2+, reactive oxygen species and superoxide anion and modifications in mitochondrial morphology. Interestingly, all these events were transient and were no longer evident after 48 hours of exposure. The presence of antioxidants prevented not only the effects described above but also the modifications in cytoskeletal architecture and the activation of the autophagy process induced by simulated microgravity. In conclusion, in the TCam-2 cell model, simulated microgravity activated the oxidative machinery, triggering transient macroscopic cell events, such as a reduction in the proliferation rate, changes in cytoskeleton-driven shape and autophagy activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Catizone
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic and Orthopaedic Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - M A Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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19
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Borroni E, Miola M, Ferraris S, Ricci G, Žužek Rožman K, Kostevšek N, Catizone A, Rimondini L, Prat M, Verné E, Follenzi A. Tumor targeting by lentiviral vectors combined with magnetic nanoparticles in mice. Acta Biomater 2017; 59:303-316. [PMID: 28688987 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials conjugated or complexed with biological moieties such as antibodies, polymers or peptides appear to be suitable not only for drug delivery but also for specific cancer treatment. Here, biocompatible iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with or without a silica shell coupled with lentiviral vectors (LVs) are proposed as a combined therapeutic approach to specifically target gene expression in a cancer mouse model. Initially, four different MNPs were synthesized and their physical properties were characterized to establish and discriminate their behaviors. MNPs and LVs strictly interacted and transduced cells in vitro as well as in vivo, with no toxicity or inflammatory responses. By injecting LV-MNPs complexes intravenously, green fluorescent protein (GFP) resulted in a sustained long-term expression. Furthermore, by applying a magnetic field on the abdomen of intravenous injected mice, GFP positive cells increased in livers and spleens. In liver, LV-MNPs were able to target both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells, while in a mouse model with a grafted tumor, intra-tumor LV-MNPs injection and magnetic plaque application next to the tumor demonstrated the efficient uptake of LV-MNPs complexes with high number of transduced cells and iron accumulation in the tumor site. More important, LV-MNPs with the application of the magnetic plaque spread in all the tumor parenchyma and dissemination through the body was prevented confirming the efficient uptake of LV-MNPs complexes in the tumor. Thus, these LV-MNPs complexes could be used as multifunctional and efficient tools to selectively induce transgene expression in solid tumor for therapeutic purposes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Our study describes a novel approach of combining magnetic properties of nanomaterials with gene therapy. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with or without a silica shell coupled with lentiviral vectors (LVs) were used as vehicle to target biological active molecules in a mouse cancer model. After in situ injection, the presence of MNP under the magnetic field improve the vector distribution in the tumor mass and after systemic administration, the application of the magnetic field favor targeting of specific organs for LV transduction and specifically can direct LV in specific cells (or avoiding them). Thus, our findings suggest that LV-MNPs complexes could be used as multifunctional and efficient tools to selectively induce transgene expression in solid tumor for therapeutic purposes.
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20
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Dinicola S, Fabrizi G, Masiello MG, Proietti S, Palombo A, Minini M, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Ricci G, Catizone A, Cucina A, Bizzarri M. Inositol induces mesenchymal-epithelial reversion in breast cancer cells through cytoskeleton rearrangement. Exp Cell Res 2016; 345:37-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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21
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De Matteis G, Grandoni F, Scatà MC, Catizone A, Reale A, Crisà A, Moioli B. Evaluation of leptin receptor expression on buffalo leukocytes. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2016; 177:16-23. [PMID: 27436440 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidences support a direct role for leptin in immunity. Besides controlling food intake and energy expenditure, leptin was reported to be involved in the regulation of the immune system in ruminants. The aim of this work was to highlight the expression of leptin receptor (LEPR) on Bubalus bubalis immune cells using a multi-approach assessment: flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and gene expression analysis. Flow cytometric analysis of LEPR expression showed that peripheral blood monocytes were the predominant cells expressing LEPR. This result was corroborated by confocal microscopy and RT-PCR analysis. Moreover, among lymphocytes, LEPR was mainly expressed by B lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells. Evidence of LEPR expression on buffalo blood leukocytes showed to be a good indicator of the responsivity of these cells to leptin, so confirming the involvement of leptin in buffalo immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna De Matteis
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Animal Production Research Centre, Monterotondo, Italy.
| | - Francesco Grandoni
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Animal Production Research Centre, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Scatà
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Animal Production Research Centre, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e dell'Apparato Locomotore-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Reale
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Cellulari ed Ematologia-Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Crisà
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Animal Production Research Centre, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Bianca Moioli
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Animal Production Research Centre, Monterotondo, Italy
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22
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Dinicola S, Pasqualato A, Proietti S, Masiello MG, Palombo A, Coluccia P, Canipari R, Catizone A, Ricci G, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Cucina A, Bizzarri M. Paradoxical E-cadherin increase in 5FU-resistant colon cancer is unaffected during mesenchymal-epithelial reversion induced by γ-secretase inhibition. Life Sci 2015; 145:174-83. [PMID: 26746659 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM Presenilin-1 (PS1), the main component of γ-secretase activity support a key role during Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and chemoresistance acquisition by triggering a complex sequence of molecular events, including E-cadherin down-regulation. However, we hypothesize that EMT and chemoresistance should be deemed separate processes in HCT-8 colon cancer cells. MAIN METHODS HCT-8 and HCT-8FUres invasion was evaluated by trans-well assay. uPA activity was detected by zymography. Prostaglandin E2 levels were quantified using an ELISA kit. E-cadherin FL and CTF2, PS1, Notch1, Cyclin D1, COX2, SNAI1 and α-SMA expression were determined using Western blot technique. β-Catenin localization was observed by confocal microscopy. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by cytofluorimetric assay, and measurement of caspase-3 and cl-PARP. γ-Secretase activity was inhibited by DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor. KEY FINDINGS Chemoresistant HCT-8 underwent EMT that can be efficiently reversed by inhibiting PS1 activity, leading thus to a normalization of mostly of the pivotal features showed by the invasive cancer phenotype. Indeed, we observed decreased SNAI1 and Notch 1 activation, altogether with reduced E-cadherin cleavage. Concomitantly, resistant HCT-8 invasiveness was almost completely abolished. However, such reversion was not followed by any increase in apoptotic rate, not by changes in E-cadherin levels. Indeed, despite HCT-8FUres underwent an undeniable EMT, full-length E-cadherin levels were found remarkably higher than those observed in wild HCT-8. SIGNIFICANCE High E-cadherin concentration in presence of enhanced γ-secretase activity is incontestably a paradoxically result, highlighting that E-cadherin loss is not a pre-requisite for EMT. Additionally, EMT and chemoresistance acquisition in HCT-8 should be considered as distinct processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dinicola
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Pasqualato
- Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palombo
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Systems Biology Group Lab, viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coluccia
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Canipari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh H Alwasel
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Systems Biology Group Lab, viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Systems Biology Group Lab, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Pelosi L, Berardinelli MG, Forcina L, Spelta E, Rizzuto E, Nicoletti C, Camilli C, Testa E, Catizone A, De Benedetti F, Musarò A. Increased levels of interleukin-6 exacerbate the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6041-53. [PMID: 26251044 PMCID: PMC4599671 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive lethal muscle degeneration and chronic inflammatory response. The mdx mouse strain has served as the animal model for human DMD. However, while DMD patients undergo extensive necrosis, the affected muscles of adult mdx mice rapidly regenerates and regains structural and functional integrity. The basis for the mild effects observed in mice compared with the lethal consequences in humans remains unknown. In this study, we provide evidence that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is causally linked to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy. We report that forced expression of IL-6, in the adult mdx mice, recapitulates the severe phenotypic characteristics of DMD in humans. Increased levels of IL-6 exacerbate the dystrophic muscle phenotype, sustaining inflammatory response and repeated cycles of muscle degeneration and regeneration, leading to exhaustion of satellite cells. The mdx/IL6 mouse closely approximates the human disease and more faithfully recapitulates the disease progression in humans. This study promises to significantly advance our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pelosi
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and
| | | | - Laura Forcina
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and
| | - Elisa Spelta
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and
| | - Emanuele Rizzuto
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and
| | - Carlotta Camilli
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and
| | - Erika Testa
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and
| | - Angela Catizone
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Musarò
- Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM and Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
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24
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Fabrizi C, Pompili E, De Vito S, Somma F, Catizone A, Ricci G, Lenzi P, Fornai F, Fumagalli L. Impairment of the autophagic flux in astrocytes intoxicated by trimethyltin. Neurotoxicology 2015; 52:12-22. [PMID: 26459185 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a lysosomal catabolic route for protein aggregates and damaged organelles which in different stress conditions, such as starvation, generally improves cell survival. An impairment of this degradation pathway has been reported to occur in many neurodegenerative processes. Trimethyltin (TMT) is a potent neurotoxin present as an environmental contaminant causing tremors, seizures and learning impairment in intoxicated subjects. The present data show that in rat primary astrocytes autophagic vesicles (AVs) appeared after few hours of TMT treatment. The analysis of the autophagic flux in TMT-treated astrocytes was consistent with a block of the late stages of autophagy and was accompanied by a progressive accumulation of the microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and of p62/SQSTM1. Interestingly, an increased immunoreactivity for p62/SQSTM1 was also observed in hippocampal astrocytes detected in brain slices of TMT-intoxicated rats. The time-lapse recordings of AVs in EGFP-mCherry-LC3B transfected astrocytes demonstrated a reduced mobility of autophagosomes after TMT exposure respect to control cells. The observed block of the autophagic flux cannot be overcome by known autophagy inducers such as rapamycin or 0.5mM lithium. Although ineffective when used at 0.5mM, lithium at higher concentrations (2mM) was able to protect astrocyte cultures from TMT toxicity. This effect correlated well with its ability to determine the phosphorylation/inactivation of glycogen kinase synthase-3β (GSK-3β).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Fabrizi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Pompili
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania De Vito
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Somma
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Pisa, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fumagalli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Morabito C, Lanuti P, Caprara GA, Guarnieri S, Verratti V, Ricci G, Catizone A, Marchisio M, Fanò-Illic G, Mariggiò MA. Responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to moderate exercise and hypoxia. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 26:1188-99. [PMID: 26432186 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the physiological features of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy female trekkers before and after physical activity carried out under both normoxia (low altitude, < 2000 m a.s.l.) and hypobaric hypoxia (high altitude, > 3700 m a.s.l.). The experimental design was to differentiate effects induced by exercise and those related to external environmental conditions. PBMCs were isolated from seven female subjects before and after each training period. The PBMCs were phenotypically and functionally characterized using fluorimetric and densitometric analyses, to determine cellular activation, and their intracellular Ca(2+) levels and oxidative status. After a period of normoxic physical exercise, the PBMCs showed an increase in fully activated T lymphocytes (CD3(+) CD69(+) ) and a reduction in intracellular Ca(2+) levels. On the other hand, with physical exercise performed under hypobaric hypoxia, there was a reduction in T lymphocytes and an increase in nonactivated B lymphocytes, accompanied by a reduction in O2 (-) levels in the mitochondria. These outcomes reveal that in women, low- to moderate-intensity aerobic trekking induces CD69 T cell activation and promotes anti-stress effects on the high-altitude-induced impairment of the immune responses and the oxidative balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - P Lanuti
- Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - G A Caprara
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - V Verratti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - G Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - A Catizone
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic and Orthopaedic Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Marchisio
- Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - G Fanò-Illic
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - M A Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy. .,Centre for Aging Sciences (Ce.S.I), "Università Gabriele d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy.
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26
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Dinicola S, Masiello MG, Proietti S, Coluccia P, Fabrizi G, Palombo A, Micciulla F, Bistarelli S, Ricci G, Catizone A, De Toma G, Bizzarri M, Bellucci S, Cucina A. Multiwalled carbon nanotube buckypaper induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines through modulation of AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:1298-308. [PMID: 25998161 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
MWCNT buckypaper (BP) shows physico-chemical and mechanical properties that make it potentially useful as a substrate in nano-bio interface research including in tissue engineering. When used as a scaffold material, BP comes into contact with host cells and surrounding tissues; therefore it is critical to determine its biocompatibility and interaction with living systems. The aim of this study was to investigate BP effects on cell growth, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in three human leukemia cell lines HL-60, U-937 and K-562. BP was able to induce both the reduction of cell proliferation, associated with an arrest in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle and the increase of apoptosis in leukemic cell lines, thus exerting both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects. The growth inhibitory effect was likely mediated by the decrease of cyclins D, E, A, B1 levels and CDK4 expression; meanwhile, the apoptotic effect, not mediated by ROS production, was presumably due to the combined action of the survival and pro-apoptotic AKT and MAPK signal transduction pathways. These results raised the issue of biocompatibility of MWCNT BP for the creation of carbon nanotubes based scaffolds to utilize as prostheses in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dinicola
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coluccia
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Fabrizi
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Systems Biology Group Lab, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palombo
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Systems Biology Group Lab, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Micciulla
- INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi 40, 00044 Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bistarelli
- INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi 40, 00044 Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio De Toma
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Systems Biology Group Lab, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Bellucci
- INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi 40, 00044 Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 14, 00161 Rome, Italy; Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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27
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Caruso M, Ferranti F, Corano Scheri K, Dobrowolny G, Ciccarone F, Grammatico P, Catizone A, Ricci G. R-spondin 1/dickkopf-1/beta-catenin machinery is involved in testicular embryonic angiogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124213. [PMID: 25910078 PMCID: PMC4409372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular vasculogenesis is one of the key processes regulating male gonad morphogenesis. The knowledge of the molecular cues underlining this phenomenon is one of today’s most challenging issues and could represent a major contribution toward a better understanding of the onset of testicular morphogenetic disorders. R-spondin 1 has been clearly established as a candidate for mammalian ovary determination. Conversely, very little information is available on the expression and role of R-spondin 1 during testicular morphogenesis. This study aims to clarify the distribution pattern of R-spondin 1 and other partners of its machinery during the entire period of testicular morphogenesis and to indicate the role of this system in testicular development. Our whole mount immunofluorescence results clearly demonstrate that R-spondin 1 is always detectable in the testicular coelomic partition, where testicular vasculature is organized, while Dickkopf-1 is never detectable in this area. Moreover, organ culture experiments of embryonic male UGRs demonstrated that Dickkopf-1 acted as an inhibitor of testis vasculature formation. Consistent with this observation, real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that DKK1 is able to slightly but significantly decrease the expression level of the endothelial marker Pecam1. The latter experiments allowed us to observe that DKK1 administration also perturbs the expression level of the Pdgf-b chain, which is consistent with some authors’ observations relating this factor with prenatal testicular patterning and angiogenesis. Interestingly, the DKK1 induced inhibition of testicular angiogenesis was rescued by the co-administration of R-spondin 1. In addition, R-spondin 1 alone was sufficient to enhance, in culture, testicular angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caruso
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferranti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Italian Space Agency, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciccarone
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grammatico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine-Histology and Embryology Laboratory, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Pelosi L, Berardinelli MG, De Pasquale L, Nicoletti C, D'Amico A, Carvello F, Moneta GM, Catizone A, Bertini E, De Benedetti F, Musarò A. Functional and Morphological Improvement of Dystrophic Muscle by Interleukin 6 Receptor Blockade. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:285-93. [PMID: 26137572 PMCID: PMC4485902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory agents glucocorticoids (GC) are the only available treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, long-term GC treatment causes muscle atrophy and wasting. Thus, targeting specific mediator of inflammatory response may be more specific, more efficacious, and with fewer side effects. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 6 is overproduced in patients with DMD and in the muscle of mdx, the animal model for human DMD. We tested the ability of inhibition of IL6 activity, using an interleukin-6 receptor (Il6r) neutralizing antibody, to ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype. Blockade of endogenous Il6r conferred on dystrophic muscle resistance to degeneration and alleviated both morphological and functional consequences of the primary genetic defect. Pharmacological inhibition of IL6 activity leaded to changes in the dystrophic muscle environment, favoring anti-inflammatory responses and improvement in muscle repair. This resulted in a functional homeostatic maintenance of dystrophic muscle. These data provide an alternative pharmacological strategy for treatment of DMD and circumvent the major problems associated with conventional therapy. Inhibition of IL6 activity leads to changes in the dystrophic muscle environment. IL6R neutralizing antibody ameliorates the dystrophic phenotype. IL6 blockade counters muscle decline in mdx mice.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Homeostasis
- Inflammation/complications
- Inflammation/pathology
- Interleukin-6/blood
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscles/pathology
- Muscles/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/blood
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/blood
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Necrosis
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pelosi
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Berardinelli
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Francesco Carvello
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Moneta
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome 00100, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Musarò
- Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- Corresponding author at: Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Via A. Scarpa, 14, Rome 00161, Italy.
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29
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Visentini M, Marrapodi R, Conti V, Mitrevski M, Camponeschi A, Lazzeri C, Carbonari M, Catizone A, Quinti I, Fiorilli M. Dysregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling associated with impaired B-cell receptor endocytosis in patients with common variable immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 134:401-10. [PMID: 24792875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by B-cell dysfunction and, in a subgroup, by expansion of CD21(low) B cells. The CD21(low) B cells display defects in early B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling resembling those of anergic B cells. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate whether B cells from patients with CVID, like anergic B cells, have defects in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and in endocytic trafficking of the BCR. METHODS Using flow cytometry, we evaluated phosphorylated ERK (pERK) expression and internalization of cross-linked BCR in B-cell subsets. The localization of internalized BCR to lysosome-associated membrane protein 1-positive late endosomes was evaluated with confocal microscopy. RESULTS Constitutive pERK levels were increased in naive and IgM(+) memory B cells of patients with CVID compared with those of healthy donors, whereas the pERK increment induced by BCR cross-linking was relatively reduced. Intravenous immunoglobulin administration enhanced these anomalies, but they appeared to be intrinsic to B cells from patients with CVID. Cross-linking-induced BCR endocytosis was decreased in the IgM(+) memory B cells, especially in those with a CD21(low) phenotype, but not in the naive B cells of patients with CVID with CD21(low) expansion. Internalized BCR localized normally to late endosomes. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK phosphorylation suppressed BCR endocytosis in B cells of healthy patients and those with CVID. CONCLUSIONS The B cells of patients with CVID with CD21(low) B-cell expansion resemble anergic B cells based on high constitutive pERK expression. The IgM(+) memory B cells of these patients, especially those that are CD21(low), have a defect in BCR endocytosis seemingly caused by dysregulated ERK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Visentini
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marrapodi
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Conti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Milica Mitrevski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Lazzeri
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Carbonari
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Quinti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fiorilli
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Ricci G, Catizone A. Pleiotropic Activities of HGF/c-Met System in Testicular Physiology: Paracrine and Endocrine Implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:38. [PMID: 24772104 PMCID: PMC3982073 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, a growing body of evidence has been reported concerning the expression and functional role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on different aspects of testicular physiology. This review has the aim to summarize what is currently known regarding this topic. From early embryonic development to adult age, HGF and its receptor c-Met appeared to be clearly detectable in the testis. These molecules acquire different distribution patterns and roles depending on the developmental stage or the post-natal age considered. HGF acts as a paracrine modulator of testicular functions promoting the epithelium-mesenchyme cross-talk as described even in other organs. Interestingly, it has been reported that testicular HGF acts even as an autocrine factor and that its receptor might be modulated by endocrine signals that change at puberty: HGF receptor expressed by Sertoli cells, in fact, is up-regulated by FSH administration. HGF is in turn able to modify endocrine state of the organism being able to increase testosterone secretion of both fetal and adult Leydig cells. Moreover, c-Met is expressed in mitotic and meiotic male germ cells as well as in spermatozoa. The distribution pattern of c-Met on sperm cell membrane changes in the caput and cauda epididymal sperms and HGF is able to maintain epididymal sperm motility in vitro suggesting a physiological role of this growth factor in the acquisition of sperm motility. Noteworthy changes in HGF concentration in seminal plasma have been reported in different andrological diseases. All together these data indicate that HGF has a role in the control of spermatogenesis and sperm quality either directly, acting on male germ cells, or indirectly acting on tubular and interstitial somatic cells of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, School of Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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31
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D’Anselmi F, Masiello MG, Cucina A, Proietti S, Dinicola S, Pasqualato A, Ricci G, Dobrowolny G, Catizone A, Palombo A, Bizzarri M. Microenvironment promotes tumor cell reprogramming in human breast cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83770. [PMID: 24386275 PMCID: PMC3875474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment drives mammary gland development and function, and may influence significantly both malignant behavior and cell growth of mammary cancer cells. By restoring context, and forcing cells to properly interpret native signals from the microenvironment, the cancer cell aberrant behavior can be quelled, and organization re-established. In order to restore functional and morphological differentiation, human mammary MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were allowed to grow in a culture medium filled with a 10% of the albumen (EW, Egg White) from unfertilized chicken egg. That unique microenvironment behaves akin a 3D culture and induces MCF-7 cells to produce acini and branching duct-like structures, distinctive of mammary gland differentiation. EW-treated MDA-MB-231 cells developed buds of acini and duct-like structures. Both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells produced β-casein, a key milk component. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was reactivated in MDA-MB-231 cells, as a consequence of the increased cdh1 expression; meanwhile β-catenin – a key cytoskeleton component – was displaced behind the inner cell membrane. Such modification hinders the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MDA-MB-231 cells. This differentiating pathway is supported by the contemporary down-regulation of canonical pluripotency markers (Klf4, Nanog). Given that egg-conditioned medium behaves as a 3D-medium, it is likely that cancer phenotype reversion could be ascribed to the changed interactions between cells and their microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio D’Anselmi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Dinicola
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Pasqualato
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics-Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palombo
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Italian Space Agency (ASI), Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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32
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Ferranti F, D’Anselmi F, Caruso M, Lei V, Dinicola S, Pasqualato A, Cucina A, Palombo A, Ricci G, Catizone A, Bizzarri M. TCam-2 seminoma cells exposed to egg-derived microenvironment modify their shape, adhesive pattern and migratory behaviour: a molecular and morphometric analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76192. [PMID: 24098438 PMCID: PMC3788130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminoma is one of the most common Testicular Germ Cell Tumours that originates during embryonic development due to an alteration of the local niche that in turn results in a delayed or blocked differentiation of Primordial Germ Cells. The block of differentiation is actually a common way to develop cancer disease as postulated by the "embryonic rest theory of cancer". In agreement with this theory different studies have demonstrated that embryonic cues display the capacity of reprogramming aggressive cancer cells towards a less aggressive phenotype. Herein we investigate the ability of a culture medium added with 10% egg albumen (EW, Egg White) to modulate seminoma cell phenotype and behaviour, by ensuring a proper set of morphogenetic signals. We chose to use the TCam-2 seminoma cell line that has been established as the only available cell line, obtained from a primary testicular seminoma. EW is able to: 1) modify TCam-2 cell spreading rate and cell-substrate adhesion without affecting proliferation and survival indexes; 2) modulate TCam-2 actin distribution pattern increasing cortical localization of actin filaments; 3) increase TCam-2 cell-cell junction capability; 4) decrease both chemo-sensitive and collective TCam-2 migratory behaviour. According to these observations morphometric fractal analysis revealed the ability of EW to increase Circularity and Solidity parameters and, consequently, to decrease Fractal dimension. Prompted by these observations we hypothesize that EW treatment could rescue, at least in part, the neoplastic-metastatic behaviour of seminoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferranti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio D’Anselmi
- Department of Surgery “PietroValdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Caruso
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simona Dinicola
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Pasqualato
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, Section of Physiology and Physiopathology, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “PietroValdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palombo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Dinicola S, Pasqualato A, Cucina A, Coluccia P, Ferranti F, Canipari R, Catizone A, Proietti S, D’Anselmi F, Ricci G, Palombo A, Bizzarri M. Grape seed extract suppresses MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Eur J Nutr 2013; 53:421-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00394-013-0542-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Rizzuto E, Catizone A, Musarò A, Del Prete Z. Dystrophic tendon functionality is recovered by muscle-specific expression of insulin-like growth factor in mdx mice. J Biomech 2013; 46:604-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ricci G, Guglielmo MC, Caruso M, Ferranti F, Canipari R, Galdieri M, Catizone A. Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is a Mouse Fetal Leydig Cell Terminal Differentiation Factor1. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:146. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.104638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Ciccarone F, Klinger FG, Catizone A, Calabrese R, Zampieri M, Bacalini MG, De Felici M, Caiafa P. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation acts in the DNA demethylation of mouse primordial germ cells also with DNA damage-independent roles. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46927. [PMID: 23071665 PMCID: PMC3465317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation regulates chromatin structure and transcription driving epigenetic events. In particular, Parp1 is able to directly influence DNA methylation patterns controlling transcription and activity of Dnmt1. Here, we show that ADP-ribose polymer levels and Parp1 expression are noticeably high in mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) when the bulk of DNA demethylation occurs during germline epigenetic reprogramming in the embryo. Notably, Parp1 activity is stimulated in PGCs even before its participation in the DNA damage response associated with active DNA demethylation. We demonstrate that PARP inhibition impairs both genome-wide and locus-specific DNA methylation erasure in PGCs. Moreover, we evidence that impairment of PARP activity causes a significant reduction of expression of the gene coding for Tet1 hydroxylases involved in active DNA demethylation. Taken together these results demonstrate new and adjuvant roles of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation during germline DNA demethylation and suggest its possible more general involvement in genome reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ciccarone
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Calabrese
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Caiafa
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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Ferranti F, Muciaccia B, Ricci G, Dovere L, Canipari R, Magliocca F, Stefanini M, Catizone A, Vicini E. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor promotes invasive behaviour in testicular seminoma cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:758-68. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2012.01267.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Catizone A, Ricci G, Caruso M, Ferranti F, Canipari R, Galdieri M. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulates blood-testis barrier (BTB) in adult rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 348:135-46. [PMID: 21843593 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the effects of HGF on BTB dynamics in adult rats. We demonstrate that, at stages VII-VIII of the epithelium wave when germ cells traverse the BTB, HGF reduces the levels of occludin and influences its distribution pattern and assembling. Moreover, we report that, at stages VII-VIII, HGF significantly increases the amount of active TGF-β and the amount of uPA present in the tubules. For the first time we report that, in the same stages, HGF reduces the amount of actin present in the BTB region, in which occludin levels are highest, and modifies the morphology of the actin cytoskeleton network. At the level of maximal intensity of occludin fluorescence, we report that HGF also modifies the colocalization of occludin and actin. Lastly, we demonstrate that HGF is maximally expressed at stages VII-VIII, whereas its levels fall in the subsequent stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catizone
- Dept. of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, School of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Valenti P, Catizone A, Pantanella F, Frioni A, Natalizi T, Tendini M, Berlutti F. Lactoferrin Decreases Inflammatory Response by Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Cells Invaded with Burkholderia Cenocepacia Iron-Modulated Biofilm. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2011; 24:1057-68. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201102400423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF) high iron concentration in airway secretion plays a pivotal role in bacterial multiplication and biofilm formation as well as in inflammatory response. Burkholderia cenocepacia, an opportunistic facultative pathogen responsible for chronic lung infections and cepacia syndrome, recurrently infects CF patients. Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron binding multifunctional glycoprotein synthesized by exocrine glands and neutrophils, has been found at higher concentration in the airway secretions of infected CF patients than in healthy subjects. Here the influence of milk derivative bovine lactoferrin (bLf), an emerging important regulator of iron and inflammatory homeostasis, on invasiveness of B. cenocepacia iron-modulated biofilm, as well as on inflammatory response by infected CF bronchial (IB3-1) cells, is reported, bLf did not significantly affect invasion efficacy by biofilm-forming B. cenocepacia clinical strains. Conversely, the addition of bLf to cell monolayers during infection significantly decreased the pro-inflammatory Interleukin (IL)-1β and increased the antiinflammatory IL-11 expression compared to that observed in cells infected in the absence of bLf. The bLf ability to modulate genes expressed following B. cenocepacia infection seems related to its localization to the nucleus of infected IB3-1 cells. These results provide evidence for a role of bLf in the protection of infected CF cells from inflammation-related damage, thus extending the therapeutic potential of this multifunctional natural protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - A. Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Pantanella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - A. Frioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - T. Natalizi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - M. Tendini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - F. Berlutti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
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Toschi A, Severi A, Coletti D, Catizone A, Musarò A, Molinaro M, Nervi C, Adamo S, Scicchitano BM. Skeletal muscle regeneration in mice is stimulated by local overexpression of V1a-vasopressin receptor. Mol Endocrinol 2011; 25:1661-73. [PMID: 21816902 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after mechanical or pathological injury. We show that the V1a receptor (V1aR) for vasopressin, a potent myogenic-promoting factor that stimulates differentiation and hypertrophy in vitro, is expressed in mouse skeletal muscle and modulated during regeneration after experimental injury. We used gene delivery by electroporation to overexpress the myc-tagged vasopressin V1aR in specific muscles, thus sensitizing them to circulating vasopressin. The correct localization on the surface of the fibers of the recombinant product was demonstrated by confocal immunofluorescence directed against the myc tag. V1aR overexpression dramatically enhanced regeneration. When compared with mock-transfected controls, V1aR overexpressing muscles exhibited significantly accelerated activation of satellite cells and increased expression of differentiation markers. Downstream of V1aR activation, calcineurin was strongly up-regulated and stimulated the expression of IL-4, a potent mediator of myogenic cell fusion. The central role of calcineurin in mediating V1aR-dependent myogenesis was also demonstrated by using its specific inhibitor, cyclosporine A. This study identifies skeletal muscle as a physiological target of hormones of the vasopressin family and reveals a novel in vivo role for vasopressin-dependent pathways. These findings unveil several steps, along a complex signaling pathway, that may be exploited as potential targets for the therapy of diseases characterized by altered muscle homeostasis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Toschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Puddu P, Latorre D, Carollo M, Catizone A, Ricci G, Valenti P, Gessani S. Bovine lactoferrin counteracts Toll-like receptor mediated activation signals in antigen presenting cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22504. [PMID: 21799877 PMCID: PMC3143167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF), a key element in mammalian immune system, plays pivotal roles in host defence against infection and excessive inflammation. Its protective effects range from direct antimicrobial activities against a large panel of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, to antinflammatory and anticancer activities. In this study, we show that monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MD-DCs) generated in the presence of bovine LF (bLF) fail to undergo activation by up-modulating CD83, co-stimulatory and major histocompatibility complex molecules, and cytokine/chemokine secretion. Moreover, these cells are weak activators of T cell proliferation and retain antigen uptake activity. Consistent with an impaired maturation, bLF-MD-DC primed T lymphocytes exhibit a functional unresponsiveness characterized by reduced expression of CD154 and impaired expression of IFN-γ and IL-2. The observed imunosuppressive effects correlate with an increased expression of molecules with negative regulatory functions (i.e. immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 and programmed death ligand 1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3. Interestingly, bLF-MD-DCs produce IL-6 and exhibit constitutive signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation. Conversely, bLF exposure of already differentiated MD-DCs completely fails to induce IL-6, and partially inhibits Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist-induced activation. Cell-specific differences in bLF internalization likely account for the distinct response elicited by bLF in monocytes versus immature DCs, providing a mechanistic base for its multiple effects. These results indicate that bLF exerts a potent anti-inflammatory activity by skewing monocyte differentiation into DCs with impaired capacity to undergo activation and to promote Th1 responses. Overall, these bLF-mediated effects may represent a strategy to block excessive DC activation upon TLR-induced inflammation, adding further evidence for a critical role of bLF in directing host immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Puddu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Latorre
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Carollo
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Gessani
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Bacalini MG, Di Lonardo D, Catizone A, Ciccarone F, Bruno T, Zampieri M, Guastafierro T, Calabrese R, Fanciulli M, Passananti C, Caiafa P, Reale A. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation affects stabilization of Che-1 protein in response to DNA damage. DNA Repair (Amst) 2011; 10:380-9. [PMID: 21317046 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) catalyzes a post-translational modification that plays a crucial role in coordinating the signalling cascade in response to stress stimuli. During the DNA damage response, phosphorylation by ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase and checkpoint kinase Chk2 induces the stabilization of Che-1 protein, which is critical for the maintenance of G2/M arrest. In this study we showed that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, beyond phosphorylation, is involved in the regulation of Che-1 stabilization following DNA damage. We demonstrated that Che-1 accumulation upon doxorubicin treatment is reduced after the inhibition of PARP activity in HCT116 cells and in PARP-1 knock-out or silenced cells. In accordance, impairment in Che-1 accumulation by PARP inhibition reduced Che-1 occupancy at p21 promoter and affected the expression of the corresponding gene. Epistasis experiments showed that the effect of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation on Che-1 stabilization is independent from ATM kinase activity. Indeed we demonstrated that Che-1 protein co-immunoprecipitates with ADP-ribose polymers and that PARP-1 directly interacts with Che-1, promoting its modification in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Haematology, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Guglielmo MC, Ricci G, Catizone A, Barberi M, Galdieri M, Stefanini M, Canipari R. The effect of hepatocyte growth factor on the initial stages of mouse follicle development. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:520-9. [PMID: 20683913 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between theca and granulosa cells of the follicle are critical for the coordination of ovarian follicle development. The cell-cell interactions are mediated through the local production and actions of a variety of factors. The current study is designed to investigate the expression of Hgf and its receptor, c-Met, in the mouse ovary during in vivo folliculogenesis. We found that Hgf and c-Met mRNAs were already expressed in 2-day-old ovaries, and that, while c-Met levels remained constant until 22-day-old, Hgf levels slightly but not significantly increased with age. The expression of Hgf mRNA in theca/interstitial cells was higher than in granulosa cells in 22-day-old ovaries. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the expression pattern demonstrated by RT-PCR. We investigated the role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) at the beginning of mouse folliculogenesis and its possible interaction with kit ligand (KL). Interestingly, both KL and HGF were able to increase the expression of each other, creating a positive feedback loop. In the presence of HGF, we observed an increase of granulosa cell proliferation and an increase in the number of pre-antral and early antral follicles in ovary organ cultures. We also observed a significant increase in the diameters of follicles in individual follicle cultures. Moreover, HGF stimulated the expression of the FSH receptors, both in the whole ovary and in isolated pre-antral follicle cultures. Based on the data presented, we concluded that HGF exerts multiple levels of control over follicular cell functions, which collectively enable the progression of follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Guglielmo
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Carbonari M, Mancaniello D, Cibati M, Catizone A, Fiorilli M. Improved procedure for the measurement of telomere length in whole cells by PNA probe and flow cytometry. Cell Prolif 2010; 43:553-61. [PMID: 21039993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2010.00704.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes hybridize to denatured telomeric sequences in cells permeabilized in hot formamide. In reported protocols, the hybridization was conducted in solutions with high formamide concentrations to avoid the DNA renaturation that can hamper binding of the oligo-PNA probe to specific sequences. We postulated that telomeric DNA, confined in the nuclear microvolume, is not able to properly renature after hot formamide denaturation. Therefore, to improve hybridization conditions between the probe and the target sequences, it might be possible to add probe to sample after the complete removal of formamide. MATERIALS AND METHODS After telomeric DNA denaturation in hot formamide solution and several washes to remove the ionic solvent, cells were hybridized overnight at room temperature with human telomere-specific PNA probe conjugated with Cy5 fluorochrome, Cy5-OO-(CCCTAA)(3) . After stringency washes and staining with ethidium bromide, the cells were analysed by flow cytometry and by using a confocal microscope. RESULTS Using three continuous cell lines, different in DNA content and telomere length, and resting human peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes, we demonstrated that the oligo-PNA probe hybridized to telomeric sequences after complete removal of formamide and that in the preserved nucleus, telomeric sequence denaturation is irreversible. CONCLUSION According to our experience, oligo-PNA binding results is efficient, specific and proportional to telomere length. These, our original findings, can form the technological basis of actual in situ hybridization on preserved whole cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carbonari
- Clinical Medicine Department, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Berlutti F, Catizone A, Ricci G, Frioni A, Natalizi T, Valenti P, Polimeni A. Streptococcus Mutans and Streptococcus Sobrinus are Able to Adhere and Invade Human Gingival Fibroblast Cell Line. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2010; 23:1253-60. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, the principal etiologic agents of caries decay of teeth, are generally acquired in oral cavity at the moment of tooth eruption. However, as S. mutans has been detected in oral cavity of predentate children, the eruption of teeth seems not to be a necessary prerequisite, suggesting that this species may be not confined to dental plaque. Here, we evaluate the ability of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in planktonic and biofilm lifestyle to adhere, invade and survive within human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cells. Planktonic and biofilm streptococci adhered and invaded host cells to different extents, showing higher efficiencies of biofilm than planktonic counterparts. Moreover, planktonic and biofilm streptococci showed the same percentage of survival within host cells. Transmission electron and confocal microscopy observations confirmed intracellular localization of planktonic and biofilm bacteria. The adhesion, invasion and survival abilities within human oral cells may be considered S. mutans and S. sobrinus virulence mechanisms to colonize and persist in the oral cavity in the absence of tooth surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Berlutti
- Department of Health Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - A. Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - G. Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems Interuniversity Consortium, Unit of Section of Naples, Naples
| | - A. Frioni
- Department of Health Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - T. Natalizi
- Department of Health Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - P. Valenti
- Department of Health Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - A. Polimeni
- Department of Oral Sciences and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Reproductive dysfunction is a consequence of diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated the histological and molecular alterations in the testes of rats injected with streptozotocin at prepuperal (SPI rats) and adult age (SAI rats) to understand whether diabetes affects testicular tissue with different severity depending on the age in which this pathological condition starts. The testes of diabetic animals showed frequent abnormal histology, and seminiferous epithelium cytoarchitecture appeared altered as well as the occludin distribution pattern. The early occurrence of diabetes increased the percentage of animals with high number of damaged tubules. The interstitial compartment of the testes was clearly hypertrophic in several portions of the organs both in SPI and SAI rats. Interestingly, fully developed Leydig cells were present in all the treated animals although abnormally distributed. Besides the above-described damages, we found a similar decrease in plasma testosterone levels both in SPI and SAI rats. Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the pathogenesis of various diabetic complications, and in our experimental models we found that manganese superoxide dismutase was reduced in diabetic animals. We conclude that in STZ-induced diabetes, the altered spermatogenesis, more severe in SPI animals, is possibly due to the effect of OS on Leydig cell function which could cause the testosterone decrease responsible for the alterations found in the seminiferous epithelium of diabetic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Histology and Embryology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples and National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems Interuniversitary Consortium-Unit of Sections of Naples, Naples, Italy.
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Chevanne M, Zampieri M, Caldini R, Rizzo A, Ciccarone F, Catizone A, D'Angelo C, Guastafierro T, Biroccio A, Reale A, Zupi G, Caiafa P. Inhibition of PARP activity by PJ-34 leads to growth impairment and cell death associated with aberrant mitotic pattern and nucleolar actin accumulation in M14 melanoma cell line. J Cell Physiol 2009; 222:401-10. [PMID: 19890834 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The capability of PARP activity inhibitors to prevent DNA damage recovery suggested the use of these drugs as chemo- and radio-sensitisers for cancer therapy. Our research, carried out on cultured human M14 melanoma cells, was aimed to examine if PJ-34, a potent PARP activity inhibitor of second generation, was per se able to affect the viability of these cancer cells without any DNA damaging agents. Using time-lapse videomicroscopy, we evidenced that 10 microM PJ-34 treatment induced severe mitotic defects leading to dramatic reduction of cell proliferation and to cell death. PJ-34 cytotoxic effect was further confirmed by analysis of cell viability and clonogenic assay. Absence of canonic apoptosis markers allowed us to exclude this kind of cell death. No single and/or double stranded DNA damage was evidenced. Immunofluorescence analysis showed an aberrant mitotic scenario in several cells and subsequent multinucleation suggesting an atypical way for cells to die: the mitotic catastrophe. The detection of aberrant accumulation of polymerised actin inside the nucleolus was noteworthy. Taken together, our results demonstrate that, targeting PARP activity by PJ-34, cancer cell survival is affected independently of DNA damage repair. Two findings are remarkable: (a) cisplatin concentration can be reduced by three quarters if it is followed by treatment with 10 microM PJ-34 for 24 h to obtain the same cytotoxic effect; (b) effects dependent on PJ-34 treatment are reversible. Our data suggest that, to reduce the harm done to non-tumour cells during chemotherapy with cisplatin, the latter could be coupled with PJ-34 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Chevanne
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Catizone A, Ricci G, Tufano MA, Perfetto B, Canipari R, Galdieri M. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) modulates Leydig cell extracellular matrix components. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 31:306-13. [PMID: 19834131 DOI: 10.2164/jandrol.109.007658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic factor that plays multiple roles during mammalian development. We previously demonstrated that in the postnatal testes, the HGF receptor, c-met, is expressed by Leydig cells and HGF increases the steroidogenetic activity of the cells. In the present article, we report that HGF modifies the composition of the extracellular matrix of cultured Leydig cells. We show that HGF increases the metabolic activity of isolated Leydig cells; in particular, the factor increases urokinase plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase 2 secretion. We have also shown that the levels of active transforming growth factor beta are increased by HGF. On the contrary, using the Western blotting technique, a strong reduction in the amount of fibronectin present in the culture medium of cells cultured in the presence of HGF has been detected. The presented data demonstrate that HGF modulates several functional activities of Leydig cells, further supporting the hypothesis that this factor has a relevant role in the regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catizone
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
In mammalian testes Sertoli cells form tight junctions whose function is fundamental for the maintenance of a normal spermatogenesis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a cytokine influencing the cellular tight junctions either in normal or in tumor cells. We have previously demonstrated that HGF is expressed in the rat testis and influences many functional activities of somatic and germ cells. We now report that HGF decreases the levels of testicular occludin and influences the position of the molecule in the tight junctions as demonstrated by confocal microscopy analysis. In fact in the presence of the factor occludin was mainly localized in the suprabasal region of the tubules whereas in its absence occludin was prevalently localized in the basal region. Occludin production is known to be regulated by different cytokines including TGFbeta. We have investigated the role of HGF in the regulation of the levels of TGFbeta and we report that HGF significantly increases the amount of the active fraction of the factor without affecting the amount of the total TGFbeta. Urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) is closely related with the tight junctions and is one of the molecules able to activate the inactive TGF-beta. We found that HGF significantly increases the amount of uPA present in the testis suggesting that HGF regulates the amount of active TGFbeta via uPA levels. In conclusion we report that in the testis HGF regulates Sertoli-Sertoli tight junctions inducing a reduction and redistribution of occludin possibly modulating the levels of uPA and active TGFbeta.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catizone
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Ricci G, Esposito R, Catizone A, Galdieri M. Direct effects of microgravity on testicular function: analysis of hystological, molecular and physiologic parameters. J Endocrinol Invest 2008; 31:229-37. [PMID: 18401205 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight experiments carried out in microgravity environments have revealed that exposure to altered gravity condition results in alteration of several cellular functions and, consequently, of several apparatuses. There is some evidence in the literature indicating that spaceflight affects the physiology of the testis. The data on effects of spaceflight or simulated microgravity on testicular function, however, sometimes appear contradictory. In the present study we used an in vitro experimental model in order to investigate the direct effects of microgravity on testicular tissue. We generated a microgravity environment using the Rotating Wall Vessel and performed experiments on testicular fragments isolated from pre-pubertal rats. In this model we then analyzed several parameters such as histological integrity, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, occludin distribution pattern, and hormonal secretions. The emerging picture shows some alterations of testicular tissue physiology. Interestingly, we also demonstrate for the first time that, in organ culture, Leydig cell survival is severely affected by simulated microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Histology and Embryology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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