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Garzia I, Nocchi L, Avalle L, Troise F, Leoni G, Seclì L, Antonucci L, Cotugno G, Allocca S, Romano G, Conti L, Caiazza C, Mallardo M, Poli V, Scarselli E, D'Alise AM. Tumor Burden Dictates the Neoantigen Features Required to Generate an Effective Cancer Vaccine. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:440-452. [PMID: 38331413 PMCID: PMC10985473 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Tumor neoantigens (nAg) represent a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. The identification of nAgs that can generate T-cell responses and have therapeutic activity has been challenging. Here, we sought to unravel the features of nAgs required to induce tumor rejection. We selected clinically validated Great Ape-derived adenoviral vectors (GAd) as a nAg delivery system for differing numbers and combinations of nAgs. We assessed their immunogenicity and efficacy in murine models of low to high disease burden, comparing multi-epitope versus mono-epitope vaccines. We demonstrated that the breadth of immune response is critical for vaccine efficacy and having multiple immunogenic nAgs encoded in a single vaccine improves efficacy. The contribution of each single neoantigen was examined, leading to the identification of 2 nAgs able to induce CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor rejection. They were both active as individual nAgs in a setting of prophylactic vaccination, although to different extents. However, the efficacy of these single nAgs was lost in a setting of therapeutic vaccination in tumor-bearing mice. The presence of CD4+ T-cell help restored the efficacy for only the most expressed of the two nAgs, demonstrating a key role for CD4+ T cells in sustaining CD8+ T-cell responses and the necessity of an efficient recognition of the targeted epitopes on cancer cells by CD8+ T cells for an effective antitumor response. This study provides insight into understanding the determinants of nAgs relevant for effective treatment and highlights features that could contribute to more effective antitumor vaccines. See related Spotlight by Slingluff Jr, p. 382.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carmen Caiazza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mallardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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2
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Seclì L, Leoni G, Ruzza V, Siani L, Cotugno G, Scarselli E, D’Alise AM. Personalized Cancer Vaccines Go Viral: Viral Vectors in the Era of Personalized Immunotherapy of Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16591. [PMID: 38068911 PMCID: PMC10706435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of personalized cancer vaccines is to elicit potent and tumor-specific immune responses against neoantigens specific to each patient and to establish durable immunity, while minimizing the adverse events. Over recent years, there has been a renewed interest in personalized cancer vaccines, primarily due to the advancement of innovative technologies for the identification of neoantigens and novel vaccine delivery platforms. Here, we review the emerging field of personalized cancer vaccination, with a focus on the use of viral vectors as a vaccine platform. The recent advancements in viral vector technology have led to the development of efficient production processes, positioning personalized viral vaccines as one of the preferred technologies. Many clinical trials have shown the feasibility, safety, immunogenicity and, more recently, preliminary evidence of the anti-tumor activity of personalized vaccination, fostering active research in the field, including further clinical trials for different tumor types and in different clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Morena D’Alise
- Nouscom, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.L.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (G.C.); (E.S.)
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D’Alise AM, Nocchi L, Garzia I, Seclì L, Infante L, Troise F, Cotugno G, Allocca S, Romano G, Lahm A, Leoni G, Sasso E, Scarselli E, Nicosia A. Adenovirus Encoded Adjuvant (AdEnA) anti-CTLA-4, a novel strategy to improve Adenovirus based vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156714. [PMID: 37180141 PMCID: PMC10169702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Virus vectored genetic vaccines (Vvgv) represent a promising approach for eliciting immune protection against infectious diseases and cancer. However, at variance with classical vaccines to date, no adjuvant has been combined with clinically approved genetic vaccines, possibly due to the detrimental effect of the adjuvant-induced innate response on the expression driven by the genetic vaccine vector. We reasoned that a potential novel approach to develop adjuvants for genetic vaccines would be to "synchronize" in time and space the activity of the adjuvant with that of the vaccine. Methods To this aim, we generated an Adenovirus vector encoding a murine anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (Ad-9D9) as a genetic adjuvant for Adenovirus based vaccines. Results The co-delivery of Ad-9D9 with an Adeno-based COVID-19 vaccine encoding the Spike protein resulted in stronger cellular and humoral immune responses. In contrast, only a modest adjuvant effect was achieved when combining the vaccine with the same anti-CTLA-4 in its proteinaceous form. Importantly, the administration of the adjuvant vector at different sites of the vaccine vector abrogates the immunostimulatory effect. We showed that the adjuvant activity of Ad-α-CTLA-4 is independent from the vaccine antigen as it improved the immune response and efficacy of an Adenovirus based polyepitope vaccine encoding tumor neoantigens. Discussion Our study demonstrated that the combination of Adenovirus Encoded Adjuvant (AdEnA) with an Adeno-encoded antigen vaccine enhances immune responses to viral and tumor antigens, representing a potent approach to develop more effective genetic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigia Infante
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emanuele Sasso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies s.c. a.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies s.c. a.r.l., Naples, Italy
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4
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Seclì L, Infante L, Nocchi L, De Lucia M, Cotugno G, Leoni G, Micarelli E, Garzia I, Avalle L, Sdruscia G, Troise F, Allocca S, Romano G, Scarselli E, D'Alise AM. Vector Aided Microenvironment programming (VAMP): reprogramming the TME with MVA virus expressing IL-12 for effective antitumor activity. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2023-006718. [PMID: 37117006 PMCID: PMC10151998 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006718] [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] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a critical hurdle in cancer immunotherapy, given its ability to suppress antitumor immunity. Several efforts are made to overcome this hostile TME with the development of new therapeutic strategies modifying TME to boost antitumor immunity. Among these, cytokine-based approaches have been pursued for their known immunomodulatory effects on different cell populations within the TME. IL-12 is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that demonstrates striking immune activation and tumor control but causes severe adverse effects when systemically administered. Thus, local administration is considered a potential strategy to achieve high cytokine concentrations at the tumor site while sparing systemic adverse effects. METHODS Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector is a potent inducer of pro-inflammatory response. Here, we cloned IL-12 into the genome of MVA for intratumoral immunotherapy, combining the immunomodulatory properties of both the vector and the cargo. The antitumor activity of MVA-IL-12 and its effect on TME reprogramming were investigated in preclinical tumor models. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was performed to assess changes in the TME in treated and distal tumors and the effect on the intratumoral T-cell receptor repertoire. RESULTS Intratumoral injection of MVA-IL-12 resulted in strong antitumor activity with the complete remission of established tumors in multiple murine models, including those resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. The therapeutic activity of MVA-IL-12 was associated with very low levels of circulating cytokine. Effective TME reprogramming was demonstrated on treatment, with the reduction of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages while increasing pro-inflammatory M1, and recruitment of dendritic cells. TME switch from immunosuppressive into immunostimulatory environment allowed for CD8 T cells priming and expansion leading to tumor attack. CONCLUSIONS Intratumoral administration of MVA-IL-12 turns immunologically 'cold' tumors 'hot' and overcomes resistance to programmed cell death protein-1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigia Infante
- NousCom, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, University of Turin, Torino, Piemonte, Italy
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5
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Carrà G, Avalle L, Seclì L, Brancaccio M, Morotti A. Shedding Light on NF-κB Functions in Cellular Organelles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:841646. [PMID: 35620053 PMCID: PMC9127296 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.841646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB is diffusely recognized as a transcriptional factor able to modulate the expression of various genes involved in a broad spectrum of cellular functions, including proliferation, survival and migration. NF-κB is, however, also acting outside the nucleus and beyond its ability to binds to DNA. NF-κB is indeed found to localize inside different cellular organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and nucleoli, where it acts through different partners in mediating various biological functions. Here, we discuss the relationship linking NF-κB to the cellular organelles, and how this crosstalk between cellular organelles and NF-κB signalling may be evaluated for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Carrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morotti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
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Poggio P, Sorge M, Seclì L, Brancaccio M. Extracellular HSP90 Machineries Build Tumor Microenvironment and Boost Cancer Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735529. [PMID: 34722515 PMCID: PMC8551675 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
HSP90 is released by cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment where it associates with different co-chaperones generating complexes with specific functions, ranging from folding and activation of extracellular clients to the stimulation of cell surface receptors. Emerging data indicate that these functions are essential for tumor growth and progression. The understanding of the exact composition of extracellular HSP90 complexes and the molecular mechanisms at the basis of their functions in the tumor microenvironment may represent the first step to design innovative diagnostic tools and new effective therapies. Here we review the impact of extracellular HSP90 complexes on cancer cell signaling and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Poggio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Sorge
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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7
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Seclì L, Avalle L, Poggio P, Fragale G, Cannata C, Conti L, Iannucci A, Carrà G, Rubinetto C, Miniscalco B, Hirsch E, Poli V, Morotti A, De Andrea M, Turco E, Cavallo F, Fusella F, Brancaccio M. Targeting the extracellular HSP90 co-chaperone Morgana inhibits cancer cell migration and promotes anti-cancer immunity. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4794-4807. [PMID: 34193441 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3150] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is secreted by cancer cells into the extracellular milieu, where it exerts pro-tumoral activities by activating extracellular substrate proteins and triggering autocrine signals through cancer cell surface receptors. Emerging evidence indicates that HSP90 co-chaperones are also secreted and may direct HSP90 extracellular activities. In this study, we found that the HSP90 co-chaperone Morgana is released by cancer cells and, in association with HSP90, induces cancer cell migration through TLR2, TLR4, and LRP1. In syngeneic cancer mouse models, a monoclonal antibody targeting Morgana extracellular activity reduced primary tumor growth via macrophage-dependent recruitment of CD8+ T lymphocytes, blocked cancer cell migration, and inhibited metastatic spreading. Overall, this data defines Morgana as a new player in the HSP90 extracellular interactome and suggests that Morgana may regulate HSP90 activity to promote cancer cell migration and suppress anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seclì
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Pietro Poggio
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Giuseppe Fragale
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | | | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences - Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin
| | - Andrea Iannucci
- CAAD-Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Eastern Piedmont
| | - Giovanna Carrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin
| | | | | | - Emilio Hirsch
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Valeria Poli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | | | - Marco De Andrea
- Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Medical School
| | - Emilia Turco
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Molecular Biotechnology Center
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Federica Fusella
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin
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Seclì L, Fusella F, Avalle L, Brancaccio M. The dark-side of the outside: how extracellular heat shock proteins promote cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4069-4083. [PMID: 33544155 PMCID: PMC8164615 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In addition to exerting several essential house-keeping activities in the cell, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial players in a well-structured molecular program activated in response to stressful challenges. Among the different activities carried out by HSPs during emergency, they reach the extracellular milieu, from where they scout the surroundings, regulate extracellular protein activity and send autocrine and paracrine signals. Cancer cells permanently experience stress conditions due to their altered equilibrium and behaviour, and constantly secrete heat shock proteins as a result. Other than supporting anti-tumour immunity, extracellular heat shock proteins (eHSPs), can also exacerbate cancer cell growth and malignancy by sustaining different cancer hallmarks. eHSPs are implicated in extracellular matrix remodelling, resistance to apoptosis, promotion of cell migration and invasion, induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and activation of stromal cells, supporting ultimately, metastasis dissemination. A broader understanding of eHSP activity and contribution to tumour development and progression is leading to new opportunities in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
| | - Federica Fusella
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
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9
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Gorza L, Sorge M, Seclì L, Brancaccio M. Master Regulators of Muscle Atrophy: Role of Costamere Components. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010061. [PMID: 33401549 PMCID: PMC7823551 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of muscle mass and force characterizes muscle atrophy in several different conditions, which share the expression of atrogenes and the activation of their transcriptional regulators. However, attempts to antagonize muscle atrophy development in different experimental contexts by targeting contributors to the atrogene pathway showed partial effects in most cases. Other master regulators might independently contribute to muscle atrophy, as suggested by our recent evidence about the co-requirement of the muscle-specific chaperone protein melusin to inhibit unloading muscle atrophy development. Furthermore, melusin and other muscle mass regulators, such as nNOS, belong to costameres, the macromolecular complexes that connect sarcolemma to myofibrils and to the extracellular matrix, in correspondence with specific sarcomeric sites. Costameres sense a mechanical load and transduce it both as lateral force and biochemical signals. Recent evidence further broadens this classic view, by revealing the crucial participation of costameres in a sarcolemmal “signaling hub” integrating mechanical and humoral stimuli, where mechanical signals are coupled with insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor stimulation to regulate muscle mass. Therefore, this review aims to enucleate available evidence concerning the early involvement of costamere components and additional putative master regulators in the development of major types of muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gorza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Matteo Sorge
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.B.)
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10
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Fusella F, Seclì L, Cannata C, Brancaccio M. The one thousand and one chaperones of the NF-κB pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2275-2288. [PMID: 31811308 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The NF-κB pathway represents a crucial signaling mechanism in sensing and integrating a multitude of environmental and intracellular stimuli and directing a coordinated response that from the cellular level may impact on the entire organism. A plethora of chaperone proteins work at multiple steps of the pathway, from membrane receptor activation to transcription factor binding to DNA. Indeed, chaperones are required to assist protein conformational changes, to assemble supramolecular complexes and to regulate protein ubiquitination, required for pathway activation. Some chaperones acquired a role as integral components of the signaling complexes, needed for signal progression. Here we describe the chaperones involved in the NF-κB pathway and their specific roles in the different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fusella
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiana Cannata
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
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11
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Seclì L, Sorge M, Morotti A, Brancaccio M. Blocking Extracellular Chaperones to Improve Cardiac Regeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:411. [PMID: 32528937 PMCID: PMC7264090 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic or acute insults to the myocardium are responsible for the onset of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Due to the poor regenerative ability of the human adult heart, the survival of cardiomyocytes is a prerequisite to support heart function. Chaperone proteins, by regulating sarcomeric protein folding, function, and turnover in the challenging environment of the beating heart, play a fundamental role in myocardial physiology. Nevertheless, a number of evidences indicate that, under stress conditions or during cell damage, myocardial cells release chaperone proteins that, from the extracellular milieu, play a detrimental function, by perpetuating inflammation and inducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Blocking the activity of extracellular chaperones has been proven to have beneficial effects on heart function in preclinical models of myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy. The application of this approach in combination with tissue engineering strategies may represent a future innovation in cardiac regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Sorge
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morotti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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12
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Seclì L, Fusella F, Fragale G, Rubinetto C, Rocca S, Turco E, Brancaccio M. PO-237 Neutralising extracellular morgana impairs breast tumour growth and migration. ESMO Open 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-eacr25.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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13
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Fusella F, Seclì L, Brancaccio M. Escaping NK cells and recruiting neutrophils: How Morgana/NF-κB signaling promotes metastasis. Mol Cell Oncol 2018; 5:e1432258. [PMID: 30250889 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2018.1432258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells escape immune surveillance and induce immune cell aberrant activation to support tumour growth and progression. We recently reported that Morgana/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signaling in breast cancer cells is responsible for NK (Natural Killer) cell inactivation and neutrophil recruitment in the primary tumour and in the lung pre-metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fusella
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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14
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Abstract
Morgana is a chaperone protein able to bind to ROCK I and II and to inhibit their kinase activity. Rho kinases are multifunctional proteins involved in different cellular processes, including cytoskeleton organization, centrosome duplication, cell survival and proliferation. In human cancer samples Morgana appears to be either downregulated or overexpressed, and experimental evidence indicate that Morgana behaves both as an oncosuppressor and as a proto-oncogene. Our most recent findings demonstrated that if on the one hand low Morgana expression levels, by inducing ROCK II hyperactivation, cause centrosome overduplication and genomic instability, on the other hand, Morgana overexpression induces tumor cell survival and chemoresistance through the ROCK I-PTEN-AKT axis. Therefore, Morgana belongs to a new class of proteins, displaying both oncogenic and oncosuppressor features, depending on the specific cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Rocca
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Seclì
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Busso
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Fusella
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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