26
|
Pecina A, Rosa-Gastaldo D, Riccardi L, Franco-Ulloa S, Milan E, Scrimin P, Mancin F, De Vivo M. On the Metal-Aided Catalytic Mechanism for Phosphodiester Bond Cleavage Performed by Nanozymes. ACS Catal 2021; 11:8736-8748. [PMID: 34476110 PMCID: PMC8397296 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Recent studies have
shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized
with Zn(II) complexes can cleave phosphate esters and nucleic acids.
Remarkably, such synthetic nanonucleases appear to catalyze metal
(Zn)-aided hydrolytic reactions of nucleic acids similar to metallonuclease
enzymes. To clarify the reaction mechanism of these nanocatalysts,
here we have comparatively analyzed two nanonucleases with a >10-fold
difference in the catalytic efficiency for the hydrolysis of the 2-hydroxypropyl-4-nitrophenylphosphate
(HPNP, a typical RNA model substrate). We have used microsecond-long
atomistic simulations, integrated with NMR experiments, to investigate
the structure and dynamics of the outer coating monolayer of these
nanoparticles, either alone or in complex with HPNP, in solution.
We show that the most efficient one is characterized by coating ligands
that promote a well-organized monolayer structure, with the formation
of solvated bimetallic catalytic sites. Importantly, we have found
that these nanoparticles can mimic two-metal-ion enzymes for nucleic
acid processing, with Zn ions that promote HPNP binding at the reaction
center. Thus, the two-metal-ion-aided hydrolytic strategy of such
nanonucleases helps in explaining their catalytic efficiency for substrate
hydrolysis, in accordance with the experimental evidence. These mechanistic
insights reinforce the parallelism between such functionalized AuNPs
and proteins toward the rational design of more efficient catalysts.
Collapse
|
27
|
Franco-Ulloa S, Guarnieri D, Riccardi L, Pompa PP, De Vivo M. Association Mechanism of Peptide-Coated Metal Nanoparticles with Model Membranes: A Coarse-Grained Study. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:4512-4523. [PMID: 34077229 PMCID: PMC8280734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Functionalized metal nanoparticles (NPs) hold great promise as innovative tools in nanomedicine. However, one of the main challenges is how to optimize their association with the cell membrane, which is critical for their effective delivery. Recent findings show high cellular uptake rates for NPs coated with the polycationic cell-penetrating peptide gH625-644 (gH), although the underlying internalization mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we use extended coarse-grained simulations and free energy calculations to study systems that simultaneously include metal NPs, peptides, lipids, and sterols. In particular, we investigate the first encounter between multicomponent model membranes and 2.5 nm metal NPs coated with gH (gHNPs), based on the evidence from scanning transmission electron microscopy. By comparing multiple membrane and (membranotropic) NP models, we found that gHNP internalization occurs by forming an intermediate state characterized by specific stabilizing interactions formed by peptide-coated nanoparticles with multicomponent model membranes. This association mechanism is mainly characterized by interactions of gH with the extracellular solvent and the polar membrane surface. At the same time, the NP core interacts with the transmembrane (cholesterol-rich) fatty phase.
Collapse
|
28
|
Riccardi L, Decherchi S, Rocchia W, Zanoni G, Cavalli A, Mancin F, De Vivo M. Molecular Recognition by Gold Nanoparticle-Based Receptors as Defined through Surface Morphology and Pockets Fingerprint. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:5616-5622. [PMID: 34110174 PMCID: PMC8280747 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ligand shell-protected gold nanoparticles can form nanoreceptors that recognize and bind to specific molecules in solution, with numerous potential innovative applications in science and industry. At this stage, the challenge is to rationally design such nanoreceptors to optimize their performance and boost their further development. Toward this aim, we have developed a new computational tool, Nanotron. This allows the analysis of molecular dynamics simulations of ligand shell-protected nanoparticles to define their exact surface morphology and pocket fingerprints of binding cavities in the coating monolayer. Importantly, from dissecting the well-characterized pairing formed by the guest salicylate molecule and specific host nanoreceptors, our work reveals that guest binding at such nanoreceptors occurs via preformed deep pockets in the host. Upon the interaction with the guest, such pockets undergo an induced-fit-like structural optimization for best host-guest fitting. Our findings and methodological advancement will accelerate the rational design of new-generation nanoreceptors.
Collapse
|
29
|
Laterza L, Ainora ME, Garcovich M, Galasso L, Poscia A, Di Stasio E, Lupascu A, Riccardi L, Scaldaferri F, Armuzzi A, Rapaccini GL, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M, Zocco MA. Bowel contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging in the evaluation of Crohn's disease patients undergoing anti-TNFα therapy. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:729-737. [PMID: 32900648 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate whether changes in bowel perfusion parameters measured by dynamic-CEUS (D-CEUS) can be used for monitoring response to therapy in active Crohn disease (CD). METHODS Fifty-four CD patients were evaluated with d-CEUS before (T0) and after 2 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) of anti-TNFα therapy. Variations from baseline were calculated for: peak intensity, PI; area under the curve, AUC; slope of wash in, Pw; time to peak, TP; mean transit time, MTT (median percentage values) and were correlated with combined endoscopic/clinical response after 12 weeks and clinical relapse within 6 months. RESULTS 70% of patients achieved combined endoscopic/clinical response (responders). The reduction in PI, AUC, Pw and MTT between T1 and T0 was higher in responders. Relapsers (21%) showed significantly lower reduction in delta PI and Pw at T1 and T2. At T3 they showed a new increase in PI and lower reduction in delta Pw. In relapsers, AUC showed a significantly lower decrease at T2 and T3, TP showed a significant reduction at T3 and MTT showed a progressive increase at the different time-points, reaching the statistical significance at T3. CONCLUSIONS d-CEUS might become a reliable predictor of combined endoscopic/clinical response and clinical relapse in CD.
Collapse
|
30
|
Liguori A, Ainora ME, Riccardi L, DE Matthaeis N, Pizzolante F, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA, Grieco A, Rapaccini G, Miele L. The role of elastography in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2021; 67:164-170. [PMID: 34027933 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.21.02801-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and its prevalence is even higher in patients with risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), particularly for the assessment of fibrosis stage that is a key prognostic factor. Noninvasive methods for assessment of liver fibrosis are a huge need in contemporary hepatology in order to stratify patient's risk of advanced and progressive liver disease. In this perspective different imaging techniques have been developed in last decades and showed high performance in liver fibrosis evaluation. Strengths and weaknesses of all imaging methods are summarized in this review.
Collapse
|
31
|
Czescik J, Zamolo S, Darbre T, Rigo. R, Sissi C, Pecina A, Riccardi L, De Vivo M, Mancin F, Scrimin P. A Gold Nanoparticle Nanonuclease Relying on a Zn(II) Mononuclear Complex. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:1423-1432. [PMID: 32985766 PMCID: PMC7839518 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202012513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Similarly to enzymes, functionalized gold nanoparticles efficiently catalyze chemical reactions, hence the term nanozymes. Herein, we present our results showing how surface-passivated gold nanoparticles behave as synthetic nanonucleases, able to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA with the highest efficiency reported so far for catalysts based on a single metal ion mechanism. Experimental and computational data indicate that we have been successful in creating a catalytic site precisely mimicking that suggested for natural metallonucleases relying on a single metal ion for their activity. It comprises one Zn(II) ion to which a phosphate diester of DNA is coordinated. Importantly, as in nucleic acids-processing enzymes, a positively charged arginine plays a key role by assisting with transition state stabilization and by reducing the pKa of the nucleophilic alcohol of a serine. Our results also show how designing a catalyst for a model substrate (bis-p-nitrophenylphosphate) may provide wrong indications as for its efficiency when it is tested against the real target (plasmid DNA).
Collapse
|
32
|
Czescik J, Zamolo S, Darbre T, Rigo. R, Sissi C, Pecina A, Riccardi L, De Vivo M, Mancin F, Scrimin P. A Gold Nanoparticle Nanonuclease Relying on a Zn(II) Mononuclear Complex. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202012513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
33
|
Garcovich M, Di Stasio E, Zocco MA, Riccardi L, Ainora ME, Annicchiarico BE, Gibiino G, Santopaolo F, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M. Assessing Baveno VI criteria with liver stiffness measured using a new point-shear wave elastography technique (BAVElastPQ study). Liver Int 2020; 40:1952-1960. [PMID: 32510772 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To date, no study has explored the potential role of ElastPQ, a novel point-SWE technique, in the assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension. The aim of our study was to determine a liver stiffness (LS) cut-off value measured by ElastPQ and laboratory parameters that could help to identify those patients who can safely avoid screening endoscopy. METHODS Data were collected on 1422 patients who underwent ElastPQ measurement from January 2013 to January 2016 in our Department. Inclusion criteria were a LS value of ≥7 kPa, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy within 12 months and a diagnosis of compensated chronic liver disease. Exclusion criteria were history of decompensated liver disease, evidence of porto-spleno-mesenteric vein thrombosis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Varices were graded as low-risk varices (grade <2) or varices needing treatment (VNT, grade ≥2). RESULTS The study included 195 patients (120 [61%] HCV, 171 [88%] Child-Pugh A). Varices were present in 35% cases, with 10% prevalence of VNT. According to ROC curve analysis, LS measurement and platelet count were evaluated as predictors of VNT. Overall, 75/195 (38%) met the 'BAVElastPQ' criteria (that is, LS < 12 kPa and platelet count >150 000/μL). Within this group, 11/75 (15%) had any grade of varices and only 1/75 (1%) had VNT. The BAVElastPQ criteria gave sensitivity of 0.95, specificity of 0.42, positive predictive value of 0.15 and negative predictive value of 0.99. CONCLUSIONS The BAVElastPQ criteria correctly identified 99% of patients without VNT. By applying such criteria, we could have potentially avoided 38% of surveillance endoscopies in our cohort.
Collapse
|
34
|
Vergani E, Bruno C, Raimondo S, Macis G, Vecchio FM, Riccardi L, Ponziani FR, Pompili M, Mancini A. Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and non-classic adreno-genital syndrome. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 24:4172-4179. [PMID: 32373953 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202004_20997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common fatal cancer in the world and androgens are among the possible etiological factors. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited diseases caused by enzyme failure in the steroid biosynthesis of the adrenal cortex, resulting in an augmented 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone production. While the occurrence of testicular adrenal rest tumors and adrenocortical tumors in congenital adrenal hyperplasia is well described in the literature, no data on HCC occurrence are available. CASE PRESENTATION A 35-years-old Italian man of Caucasian origin, affected by non-classic CAH due to partial 21-hydroxylase deficiency came to observation for revaluation of his adrenal picture. Besides common hormonal and biochemical analysis, an abdomen Magnetic Resonance Imaging was performed, resulting in an 18 mm large nodular lesion between liver segments VII and VIII. Radiological reports matched with an increased serum α-fetoprotein level. A surgical removal of the lesion was performed. After that, several recurrences of the lesion, which was consequently treated by radiofrequency ablation, occurred. Every recurrence was accompanied by an increase in testosterone and steroid hormone binding globulin serum levels. CONCLUSIONS Our report suggests the need for screening of liver lesions in males affected by this syndrome.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ainora ME, Iezzi R, Ponziani FR, Garcovich M, Di Stasio E, Riccardi L, Annicchiarico BE, Abbate V, De Gaetano AM, Siciliano M, Grieco A, Rapaccini GL, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M, Zocco MA. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Short-Term Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Locoregional Treatment. Dig Dis 2020; 38:522-533. [PMID: 32053816 DOI: 10.1159/000506455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with second-generation contrast agents performed 1 month after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is almost as sensitive as contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in depicting the residual tumor. However, the efficacy of CEUS performed early after the procedure is still debated. AIM We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy (DA) of CEUS for the assessment of tumor response shortly after locoregional therapy in patients with unresectable HCC. METHODS Ninety-four patients with 104 HCC lesions who were scheduled to receive percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, or combined treatment were enrolled in this study. With CECT at 1-month as the reference standard, the DA of CEUS performed 48-h after the procedure was evaluated. Patients were followed-up to look for tumor or disease progression. RESULTS Based on CECT findings, 43/104 lesions were diagnosed as having residual viability after 1 month. CEUS performed 48 h after treatment detected residual tumor in 34/43 nodules with treatment failure at CECT with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 79.1, 96.7, 94.4, 86.8, and 89%, respectively. There was a high degree of concordance between CEUS and CECT (kappa coefficient = 0.78). A hyperemic halo was detectable in 35 lesions without a statistically significant difference between concordant and discordant cases. In patients with uninodular disease responders according to 48 h CEUS had a significantly longer mean overall survival and time to progression compared to nonresponders. CONCLUSION CEUS performed 48 h after treatment can be considered a reliable modality for the evaluation of the real extent of necrosis and has prognostic value in the assessment of HCC.
Collapse
|
36
|
Vanni S, Riccardi L, Palermo G, De Vivo M. Structure and Dynamics of the Acyl Chains in the Membrane Trafficking and Enzymatic Processing of Lipids. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:3087-3096. [PMID: 31364837 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The regulatory chemical mechanisms of lipid trafficking and degradation are involved in many pathophysiological processes, being implicated in severe pain, inflammation, and cancer. In addition, the processing of lipids is also relevant for industrial and environmental applications. However, there is poor understanding of the chemical features that control lipid membrane trafficking and allow lipid-degrading enzymes to efficiently select and hydrolyze specific fatty acids from a complex cellular milieu of bioactive lipids. This is particularly true for lipid acyl chains, which have diverse structures that can critically affect the many complex reactions needed to elongate, desaturate, or transport fatty acids. Building upon our own contributions in this field, we will discuss how molecular simulations, integrated with experimental evidence, have revealed that the structure and dynamics of the lipid tail are actively involved in modulating membrane trafficking at cellular organelles, and enzymatic reactions at cell membranes. Further evidence comes from recent crystal structures of lipid receptors and remodeling enzymes. Taken together, these recent works have identified those structural features of the lipid acyl chain that are crucial for the regioselectivity and stereospecificity of essential desaturation reactions. In this context, we will first illustrate how atomistic and coarse-grained simulations have elucidated the structure-function relationships between the chemical composition of the lipid's acyl chains and the molecular properties of lipid bilayers. Particular emphasis will be given to the prominent chemical role of the number of double carbon-carbon bonds along the lipid acyl chain, that is, discriminating between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated lipids. Different levels of saturation in fatty acid molecules dramatically influence the biophysical properties of lipid assemblies and their interaction with proteins. We will then discuss the processing of lipids by membrane-bound enzymes. Our focus will be on lipids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. These are the main molecules that act as neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, recent findings indicate a crucial interplay between the level of saturation of the lipid tail, its energetically and sterically favored conformations, and the hydrophobic accessory cavities in lipid-degrading enzymes, which help form catalytically active conformations of the selected substrate. This Account will emphasize how the specific chemical structure of acyl chains affects the molecular mechanisms for modulating membrane trafficking and selective hydrolysis. The results examined here show that, by using molecular simulations to investigate lipid plasticity and substrate flexibility, researchers can enrich their interpretation of experimental results about the structure-function relationships of lipids. This could positively impact chemical and biological studies in the field and ultimately support protein engineering studies and structure-based drug discovery to target lipid-processing enzymes.
Collapse
|
37
|
Faccia M, Ainora ME, Ponziani FR, Riccardi L, Garcovich M, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M, Zocco MA. Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: Why a well-known complication is still matter of debate. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4437-4451. [PMID: 31496623 PMCID: PMC6710174 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i31.4437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) represents a well-known complication during the natural course of liver cirrhosis (LC), ranging from asymptomatic cases to life-threating conditions related to portal hypertension and hepatic decompensation. Portal flow stasis, complex acquired hypercoagulable disorders and exogenous factors leading to endothelial dysfunction have emerged as key factors for PVT development. However, PVT occurrence remains unpredictable and many issues regarding its natural history, prognostic significance and treatment are still elusive. In particular although spontaneous resolution or disease stability occur in most cases of PVT, factors predisposing to disease progression or recurrence after spontaneous recanalization are not clarified as yet. Moreover, PVT impact on LC outcome is still debated, as PVT may represent itself a consequence of liver fibrosis and hepatic dysfunction progression. Anticoagulation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are considered safe and effective in this setting and are recommended in selected cases, even if the safer therapeutic option and the optimal therapy duration are still unknown. Nevertheless, their impact on mortality rates should be addressed more extensively. In this review we present the most debated questions regarding PVT, whose answers should come from prospective cohort studies and large sample-size randomized trials.
Collapse
|
38
|
Riccardi L, De Biasi F, De Vivo M, Bürgi T, Rastrelli F, Salassa G. Dynamic Origin of Chirality Transfer between Chiral Surface and Achiral Ligand in Au 38 Clusters. ACS NANO 2019; 13:7127-7134. [PMID: 31199121 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b02552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The transfer of chirality between nanomolecules is at the core of several applications in chiral technology such as sensing and catalysis. However, the origin of this phenomenon and how exactly nanoscale objects transfer chirality to molecules in their vicinity remain largely obscure. Here, we show that the transfer of chirality for the intrinsically chiral gold cluster Au38(SR)24 is site dependent; that is, it differs depending on the ligand-binding sites. This is closely related to the dynamic nature of the ligands on the cluster surface. Using a combination of NMR techniques and molecular dynamics simulations, we could assign the four symmetry-unique ligands on the cluster. The study reveals largely different conformational dynamics of the bound ligands, explaining the diverse diastereotopicities observed for the CH2 protons of the ligands. Although chirality is a structural property, our study reveals the importance of dynamics for the transfer of chirality.
Collapse
|
39
|
Hjortness MK, Riccardi L, Hongdusit A, Ruppe S, Zhao M, Kim EY, Zwart PH, Sankaran B, Arthanari H, Sousa MC, De Vivo M, Fox JM. Correction to “Abietane-Type Diterpenoids Inhibit Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases by Stabilizing an Inactive Enzyme Conformation”. Biochemistry 2019; 58:2797. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
40
|
Sun X, Riccardi L, De Biasi F, Rastrelli F, De Vivo M, Mancin F. Molecular‐Dynamics‐Simulation‐Directed Rational Design of Nanoreceptors with Targeted Affinity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201902316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
41
|
Sun X, Riccardi L, De Biasi F, Rastrelli F, De Vivo M, Mancin F. Molecular-Dynamics-Simulation-Directed Rational Design of Nanoreceptors with Targeted Affinity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:7702-7707. [PMID: 30964595 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201902316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Here, we demonstrate the possibility of rationally designing nanoparticle receptors with targeted affinity and selectivity for specific small molecules. We used atomistic molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations to gradually mutate and optimize the chemical structure of the molecules forming the coating monolayer of gold nanoparticles (1.7 nm gold-core size). The MD-directed design resulted in nanoreceptors with a 10-fold improvement in affinity for the target analyte (salicylate) and a 100-fold decrease of the detection limit by NMR-chemosensing from the millimolar to the micromolar range. We could define the exact binding mode, which features prolonged contacts and deep penetration of the guest into the monolayer, as well as a distinct shape of the effective binding pockets characterized by exposed interacting points.
Collapse
|
42
|
Franco-Ulloa S, Riccardi L, Rimembrana F, Pini M, De Vivo M. NanoModeler: A Webserver for Molecular Simulations and Engineering of Nanoparticles. J Chem Theory Comput 2019; 15:2022-2032. [PMID: 30758952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b01304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) are at the frontier of nanoscience. They hold the promise of innovative applications for human health and technology. In this context, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of NPs are increasingly employed to understand the fundamental structural and dynamical features of NPs. While informative, such simulations demand a laborious two-step process for their setup. In-house scripts are required to (i) construct complex 3D models of the inner metal core and outer layer of organic ligands, and (ii) correctly assign force-field parameters to these composite systems. Here, we present NanoModeler ( www.nanomodeler.it ), the first Webserver designed to automatically generate and parametrize model systems of monolayer-protected gold NPs and gold nanoclusters. The only required input is a structure file of one or two ligand(s) to be grafted onto the gold core, with the option of specifying homogeneous or heterogeneous NP morphologies. NanoModeler then generates 3D models of the nanosystem and the associated topology files. These files are ready for use with the Gromacs MD engine, and they are compatible with the AMBER family of force fields. We illustrate NanoModeler's capabilities with MD simulations of selected representative NP model systems. NanoModeler is the first platform to automate and standardize the construction and parametrization of realistic models for atomistic simulations of gold NPs and gold nanoclusters.
Collapse
|
43
|
Branchini M, Zorz A, Riccardi L, Pivato N, Merlo C, Zucchetta P, Paiusco M. 106. Sensitivity of PET radiomic features to tracer activity reduction in pediatric FDG-PET/MRI examinations. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
44
|
Isoardi P, D’Ercole L, Pini S, Delle Canne S, Del Vecchio A, Di Liberto R, Ghetti C, Gianusso L, Giordano C, Paruccini N, Pasquino M, Quattrocchi M, Riccardi L. 103. Multi-site experiences of radiation dose index monitoring (RDMI) in interventional radiology (IR) and cardiology. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
45
|
Rossetti V, Campoleoni M, Cannatà V, Ciccarone A, Genovese E, Levrero F, Mari A, Pignoli E, Riccardi L, Schwarz M, Strocchi S. Abstract ID: 367 The AIFM paediatric commission: Rationale, purposes and first results. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
46
|
Ponziani FR, Faccia M, Zocco MA, Giannelli V, Pellicelli A, Ettorre GM, De Matthaeis N, Pizzolante F, De Gaetano AM, Riccardi L, Pompili M, Rapaccini GL. Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt: description of four cases and review of the literature. J Ultrasound 2018; 22:349-358. [PMID: 30357760 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS), also known as Abernethy malformation, is a rare condition in which the splenomesenteric blood drains directly into a systemic vein, bypassing the liver through a complete or partial shunt. The diagnosis is frequently made during childhood in the setting of neonatal cholestasis, hypergalactosemia, failure to thrive, mental retardation or other congenital defects. In adulthood, CEPS is usually found incidentally during diagnostic work-up for abdominal pain, liver test abnormalities, liver nodules, portopulmonary hypertension, portopulmonary syndrome or portosystemic encephalopathy. The diagnosis depends on imaging and portal venography, but sometimes only liver biopsy can be resolutive, demonstrating the absence of venules within the portal areas. Here we report four recent cases of Abernethy malformation diagnosed in young adults, in which ultrasound (US) was the initial imaging technique and allowed to suspect the diagnosis. Furthermore, we reviewed clinical presentations, associated anomalies and treatment of the 310 cases of CEPS previously reported in the literature.
Collapse
|
47
|
Garcovich M, Faccia M, Meloni F, Bertolini E, de Sio I, Calabria G, Francica G, Vidili G, Riccardi L, Zocco MA, Ainora ME, Ponziani FR, De Gaetano AM, Gasbarrini A, Rapaccini GL, Pompili M. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound patterns of hepatocellular adenoma: an Italian multicenter experience. J Ultrasound 2018; 22:157-165. [PMID: 30306412 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare benign monoclonal neoplasm, recently categorized on genetic and histopathological basis into four subtypes with different biological behaviors. Since contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is nowadays a well-established technique for liver nodule characterization, the aim of our study was to assess CEUS features of HCAs to identify criteria that correlate with different HCA subtypes as compared to histopathologic examination and other imaging modalities. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data of patients with histology-proven HCA who underwent CEUS, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in seven different Italian ultrasound units. RESULTS The study enrolled 19 patients (16 females; 69% with concomitant/prior use of oral contraceptives): the mean size of all HCAs was 4.2 cm (range 1.6-7.1 cm); 14/19 had inflammatory HCAs (I-HCA), 1/19 β-catenin-activated HCA, and the others unclassified HCAs. On CEUS, during the arterial phase, all but one HCA displayed a rapid enhancement, with 89% of these showing centripetal and 11% centrifugal filling pattern, whereas during the portal and late venous phase 58% of HCA showed washout and the remaining 42% displayed persistent enhancement. In particular, among I-HCAs 7/14 showed no washout, 3/14 and 4/14 showed washout in the portal or late phase, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This dataset represents one of the few published experiences on HCAs and CEUS in Italy and shows that HCAs are hypervascularized in the arterial phase usually with a centripetal flow pattern and have a heterogeneous behavior in portal and late phase. In particular, occurrence of delayed washout on CEUS but not on MRI is frequently observed in the subtype of I-HCA.
Collapse
|
48
|
Hjortness MK, Riccardi L, Hongdusit A, Zwart PH, Sankaran B, De Vivo M, Fox JM. Evolutionarily Conserved Allosteric Communication in Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases. Biochemistry 2018; 57:6443-6451. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
49
|
Siiskonen T, Ciraj-Bjelac O, Dabin J, Diklic A, Domienik-Andrzejewska J, Farah J, Fernandez J, Gallagher A, Hourdakis C, Jurkovic S, Järvinen H, Järvinen J, Knežević Ž, Koukorava C, Maccia C, Majer M, Malchair F, Riccardi L, Rizk C, Sanchez R, Sandborg M, Merce MS, Segota D, Sierpowska J, Simantirakis G, Sukupova L, Thrapsanioti Z, Vano E. Establishing the European diagnostic reference levels for interventional cardiology. Phys Med 2018; 54:42-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
50
|
Hjortness MK, Riccardi L, Hongdusit A, Ruppe A, Zhao M, Kim EY, Zwart PH, Sankaran B, Arthanari H, Sousa MC, De Vivo M, Fox JM. Abietane-Type Diterpenoids Inhibit Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases by Stabilizing an Inactive Enzyme Conformation. Biochemistry 2018; 57:5886-5896. [PMID: 30169954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) contribute to a striking variety of human diseases, yet they remain vexingly difficult to inhibit with uncharged, cell-permeable molecules; no inhibitors of PTPs have been approved for clinical use. This study uses a broad set of biophysical analyses to evaluate the use of abietane-type diterpenoids, a biologically active class of phytometabolites with largely nonpolar structures, for the development of pharmaceutically relevant PTP inhibitors. Results of nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, mutational studies, and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that abietic acid can inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a negative regulator of insulin signaling and an elusive drug target, by binding to its active site in a non-substrate-like manner that stabilizes the catalytically essential WPD loop in an inactive conformation; detailed kinetic studies, in turn, show that minor changes in the structures of abietane-type diterpenoids (e.g., the addition of hydrogens) can improve potency (i.e., lower IC50) by 7-fold. These findings elucidate a previously uncharacterized mechanism of diterpenoid-mediated inhibition and suggest, more broadly, that abietane-type diterpenoids are a promising source of structurally diverse-and, intriguingly, microbially synthesizable-molecules on which to base the design of new PTP-inhibiting therapeutics.
Collapse
|