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Truchado-García M, Perry KJ, Cavodeassi F, Kenny NJ, Henry JQ, Grande C. A Small Change With a Twist Ending: A Single Residue in EGF-CFC Drives Bilaterian Asymmetry. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 40:6947033. [PMID: 36537201 PMCID: PMC9907556 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetries are essential for proper organization and function of organ systems. Genetic studies in bilaterians have shown signaling through the Nodal/Smad2 pathway plays a key, conserved role in the establishment of body asymmetries. Although the main molecular players in the network for the establishment of left-right asymmetry (LRA) have been deeply described in deuterostomes, little is known about the regulation of Nodal signaling in spiralians. Here, we identified orthologs of the egf-cfc gene, a master regulator of the Nodal pathway in vertebrates, in several invertebrate species, which includes the first evidence of its presence in non-deuterostomes. Our functional experiments indicate that despite being present, egf-cfc does not play a role in the establishment of LRA in gastropods. However, experiments in zebrafish suggest that a single amino acid mutation in the egf-cfc gene in at least the common ancestor of chordates was the necessary step to induce a gain of function in LRA regulation. This study shows that the egf-cfc gene likely appeared in the ancestors of deuterostomes and "protostomes", before being adopted as a mechanism to regulate the Nodal pathway and the establishment of LRA in some lineages of deuterostomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly J Perry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Florencia Cavodeassi
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan J Kenny
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, United Kingdom,Department of Biochemistry (Te Tari Matū Koiora), University of Otago, Dunedin, (Aotearoa) New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Q Henry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801,The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543
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Structure-based design of small bicyclic peptide inhibitors of Cripto-1 activity. Biochem J 2020; 477:1391-1407. [PMID: 32215602 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bicyclic peptides assembled around small organic scaffolds are gaining an increasing interest as new potent, stable and highly selective therapeutics because of their uncommon ability to specifically recognize protein targets, of their small size that favor tissue penetration and of the versatility and easiness of the synthesis. We have here rationally designed bicyclic peptides assembled around a common tri-bromo-methylbenzene moiety in order to mimic the structure of the CFC domain of the oncogene Cripto-1 and, more specifically, to orient in the most fruitful way the hot spot residues H120 and W123. Through the CFC domain, Cripto-1 binds the ALK4 receptor and other protein partners supporting uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Soluble variants of CFC have the potential to inhibit these interactions suppressing the protein activity. A CFC analog named B3 binds ALK4 in vitro with an affinity in the nanomolar range. Structural analyses in solution via NMR and CD show that B3 has rather flexible conformations, like the parent CFC domain. The functional effects of B3 on the Cripto-1-positive NTERA cancer cell line have been evaluated showing that both CFC and B3 are cytotoxic for the cells and block the Cripto-1 intracellular signaling. Altogether, the data suggest that the administration of the soluble CFC and of the structurally related analog has the potential to inhibit tumor growth.
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Investigating the oxidative refolding mechanism of Cripto-1 CFC domain. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 137:1179-1189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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Calvanese L, Nanayakkara M, Aitoro R, Sanseverino M, Tornesello AL, Falcigno L, D'Auria G, Barone MV. Structural insights on P31‐43, a gliadin peptide able to promote an innate but not an adaptive response in celiac disease. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3161. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Merlin Nanayakkara
- Department of Translational Medical Science (section of Pediatrics) and ELFID (European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases)University Federico II 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Rosita Aitoro
- Department of Translational Medical Science (section of Pediatrics) and ELFID (European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases)University Federico II 80131 Naples Italy
| | | | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”—IRCCS Naples Italy
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- CIRPeBUniversity of Naples Federico II 80134 Naples Italy
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Naples Federico II 80134 Naples Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- CIRPeBUniversity of Naples Federico II 80134 Naples Italy
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Naples Federico II 80134 Naples Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Barone
- Department of Translational Medical Science (section of Pediatrics) and ELFID (European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases)University Federico II 80131 Naples Italy
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Focà G, Iaccarino E, Focà A, Sanguigno L, Untiveros G, Cuevas-Nunez M, Strizzi L, Leonardi A, Ruvo M, Sandomenico A. Development of conformational antibodies targeting Cripto-1 with neutralizing effects in vitro. Biochimie 2019; 158:246-256. [PMID: 30703478 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human Cripto-1 (Cripto-1), the founding member of the EGF-CFC superfamily, is a key regulator of many processes during embryonic development and oncogenesis. Cripto-1 is barely present or even absent in normal adult tissues while it is aberrantly re-expressed in various tumors. Blockade of the CFC domain-mediated Cripto-1 functions is acknowledged as a promising therapeutic intervention point to inhibit the tumorigenic activity of the protein. In this work, we report the generation and characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies raised against the synthetic folded CFC [112-150] domain of the human protein. Through subtractive ELISA assays clones were screened for the ability to specifically recognize "hot spot" residues on the CFC domain, which are crucial for the interaction with Activin Type I receptor (ALK4) and GRP78. On selected antibodies, SPR and epitope mapping studies have confirmed their specificity and have revealed that recognition occurs only on a conformational epitope. Furthermore, FACS analyses have confirmed the ability of 1B4 antibody to recognize the membrane-anchored and soluble native Cripto-1 protein in a panel of human cancer cells. Finally, we have evaluated its functional effects through in vitro cellular signaling assays and cell cycle analysis. These findings suggest that the selected anti-CFC mAbs have the potential to neutralize the protein oncogenic activity and may be used as theranostic molecules suitable as tumor homing agents for Cripto-1-overexpressing cancer cells and tissues and to overcome drug-resistance in routine cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gustavo Untiveros
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria Cuevas-Nunez
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA; College of Dental Medicine, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
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Nickel J, Ten Dijke P, Mueller TD. TGF-β family co-receptor function and signaling. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:12-36. [PMID: 29293886 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members, which include TGF-βs, activins and bone morphogenetic proteins, are pleiotropic cytokines that elicit cell type-specific effects in a highly context-dependent manner in many different tissues. These secreted protein ligands signal via single-transmembrane Type I and Type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular SMAD transcription factors. Deregulation in signaling has been implicated in a broad array of diseases, and implicate the need for intricate fine tuning in cellular signaling responses. One important emerging mechanism by which TGF-β family receptor signaling intensity, duration, specificity and diversity are regulated and/or mediated is through cell surface co-receptors. Here, we provide an overview of the co-receptors that have been identified for TGF-β family members. While some appear to be specific to TGF-β family members, others are shared with other pathways and provide possible ways for signal integration. This review focuses on novel functions of TGF-β family co-receptors, which continue to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Nickel
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Lehrstuhl für Tissue Engineering und Regenerative Medizin und Fraunhofer Institut für Silicatforschung (ISC), Translationszentrum "Regenerative Therapien", Röntgenring 11, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Lehrstuhl für molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie und Biophysik, Julius-von-Sachs Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2, D-97082 Würzburg, Germany
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Caporale A, Doti N, Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Evaluation of combined use of Oxyma and HATU in aggregating peptide sequences. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:272-281. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- IBB-CNR and CIRPeB; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
| | | | - Menotti Ruvo
- IBB-CNR and CIRPeB; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
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Aykul S, Parenti A, Chu KY, Reske J, Floer M, Ralston A, Martinez-Hackert E. Biochemical and Cellular Analysis Reveals Ligand Binding Specificities, a Molecular Basis for Ligand Recognition, and Membrane Association-dependent Activities of Cripto-1 and Cryptic. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:4138-4151. [PMID: 28126904 PMCID: PMC5354514 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.747501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways are key determinants of cell fate in animals. Their basic mechanism of action is simple. However, to produce cell-specific responses, TGF-β pathways are heavily regulated by secondary factors, such as membrane-associated EGF-CFC family proteins. Cellular activities of EGF-CFC proteins have been described, but their molecular functions, including how the mammalian homologs Cripto-1 and Cryptic recognize and regulate TGF-β family ligands, are less clear. Here we use purified human Cripto-1 and mouse Cryptic produced in mammalian cells to show that these two EGF-CFC homologs have distinct, highly specific ligand binding activities. Cripto-1 interacts with BMP-4 in addition to its known partner Nodal, whereas Cryptic interacts only with Activin B. These interactions depend on the integrity of the protein, as truncated or deglycosylated Cripto-1 lacked BMP-4 binding activity. Significantly, Cripto-1 and Cryptic blocked binding of their cognate ligands to type I and type II TGF-β receptors, indicating that Cripto-1 and Cryptic contact ligands at their receptor interaction surfaces and, thus, that they could inhibit their ligands. Indeed, soluble Cripto-1 and Cryptic inhibited ligand signaling in various cell-based assays, including SMAD-mediated luciferase reporter gene expression, and differentiation of a multipotent stem cell line. But in agreement with previous work, the membrane bound form of Cripto-1 potentiated signaling, revealing a critical role of membrane association for its established cellular activity. Thus, our studies provide new insights into the mechanism of ligand recognition by this enigmatic family of membrane-anchored TGF-β family signaling regulators and link membrane association with their signal potentiating activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Anthony Parenti
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Kit Yee Chu
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Jake Reske
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Monique Floer
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Amy Ralston
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
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Human Cerberus prevents nodal-receptor binding, inhibits nodal signaling, and suppresses nodal-mediated phenotypes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0114954. [PMID: 25603319 PMCID: PMC4300205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGFß) family ligand Nodal is an essential embryonic morphogen that is associated with progression of breast and other cancers. It has therefore been suggested that Nodal inhibitors could be used to treat breast cancers where Nodal plays a defined role. As secreted antagonists, such as Cerberus, tightly regulate Nodal signaling during embryonic development, we undertook to produce human Cerberus, characterize its biochemical activities, and determine its effect on human breast cancer cells. Using quantitative methods, we investigated the mechanism of Nodal signaling, we evaluated binding of human Cerberus to Nodal and other TGFß family ligands, and we characterized the mechanism of Nodal inhibition by Cerberus. Using cancer cell assays, we examined the ability of Cerberus to suppress aggressive breast cancer cell phenotypes. We found that human Cerberus binds Nodal with high affinity and specificity, blocks binding of Nodal to its signaling partners, and inhibits Nodal signaling. Moreover, we showed that Cerberus profoundly suppresses migration, invasion, and colony forming ability of Nodal expressing and Nodal supplemented breast cancer cells. Taken together, our studies provide mechanistic insights into Nodal signaling and Nodal inhibition with Cerberus and highlight the potential value of Cerberus as anti-Nodal therapeutic.
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Calce E, Sandomenico A, Saviano M, Ruvo M, De Luca S. Cysteine co-oxidation process driven by native peptide folding: an example on HER2 receptor model system. Amino Acids 2014; 46:1197-206. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ravisankar V, Singh TP, Manoj N. Molecular evolution of the EGF-CFC protein family. Gene 2011; 482:43-50. [PMID: 21640172 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor-Cripto-1/FRL-1/Cryptic (EGF-CFC) proteins, characterized by the highly conserved EGF and CFC domains, are extracellular membrane associated growth factor-like glycoproteins. These proteins are essential components of the Nodal signaling pathway during early vertebrate embryogenesis. Homologs of the EGF-CFC family have also been implicated in tumorigenesis in humans. Yet, little is known about the mode of molecular evolution in this family. Here we investigate the origin, extent of conservation and evolutionary relationships of EGF-CFC proteins across the metazoa. The results suggest that the first appearance of the EGF-CFC gene occurred in the ancestor of the deuterostomes. Phylogenetic analysis supports the classification of the family into distinct subfamilies that appear to have evolved through lineage-specific duplication and divergence. Site-specific analyses of evolutionary rate shifts between the two major mammalian paralogous subfamilies, Cripto and Cryptic, reveal critical amino acid sites that may account for the observed functional divergence. Furthermore, estimates of functional divergence suggest that rapid change of evolutionary rates at sites located mainly in the CFC domain may contribute towards distinct functional properties of the two paralogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ravisankar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
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Ciarmela P, Bloise E, Gray PC, Carrarelli P, Islam MS, De Pascalis F, Severi FM, Vale W, Castellucci M, Petraglia F. Activin-A and myostatin response and steroid regulation in human myometrium: disruption of their signalling in uterine fibroid. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:755-65. [PMID: 21177794 PMCID: PMC3047220 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Investigation of activin-A (A) and myostatin (M) in human myometrium (HM) and leiomyoma (HL) will explain their involvement in human myometrial pathophysiology. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate A and M response and steroid regulation in HM. We also evaluated A and M expression and response in HL. DESIGN Tissues were analyzed and cultured. PATIENTS Patients included fertile (in proliferative phase) and menopausal women undergoing hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS HM explant cultures were treated with A and M (for Smad-7 mRNA quantification) or estrogen and progesterone (for A and M mRNA quantification). A and M expression levels were also evaluated in menopausal (physiological absence of steroids) HM specimens. A and M and their receptors were evaluated in HL (n = 8, diameter 5-8 cm) compared with their matched HM. HL explants cultures were treated with A and M (for Smad7 mRNA quantification), and, to explain the absence of response, the levels of follistatin, follistatin-related gene (FLRG), and Cripto were evaluated. RESULTS A and M increased Smad7 expression in HM explants. A and M mRNAs were both reduced after estradiol treatment, unchanged after progesterone treatment, but were higher in menopausal than fertile (in proliferative phase) specimens. A, M, and FLRG were expressed at higher levels in HL compared with adjacent HM, whereas the receptors, follistatin, and Smad7 mRNAs resulted unchanged. Cripto mRNA was expressed only in HL. CONCLUSIONS A and M act on human HM and are regulated by steroids. In HL there is an increase of A, M, FLRG, and Cripto expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Tronto 10/a, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
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Calvanese L, Marasco D, Doti N, Saporito A, D'Auria G, Paolillo L, Ruvo M, Falcigno L. Structural investigations on the Nodal-Cripto binding: A theoretical and experimental approach. Biopolymers 2010; 93:1011-21. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.21517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Fantini D, Vascotto C, Marasco D, D'Ambrosio C, Romanello M, Vitagliano L, Pedone C, Poletto M, Cesaratto L, Quadrifoglio F, Scaloni A, Radicella JP, Tell G. Critical lysine residues within the overlooked N-terminal domain of human APE1 regulate its biological functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:8239-56. [PMID: 20699270 PMCID: PMC3001066 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), an essential protein in mammals, is involved in base excision DNA repair (BER) and in regulation of gene expression, acting as a redox co-activator of several transcription factors. Recent findings highlight a novel role for APE1 in RNA metabolism, which is modulated by nucleophosmin (NPM1). The results reported in this article show that five lysine residues (K24, K25, K27, K31 and K32), located in the APE1 N-terminal unstructured domain, are involved in the interaction of APE1 with both RNA and NPM1, thus supporting a competitive binding mechanism. Data from kinetic experiments demonstrate that the APE1 N-terminal domain also serves as a device for fine regulation of protein catalytic activity on abasic DNA. Interestingly, some of these critical lysine residues undergo acetylation in vivo. These results suggest that protein–protein interactions and/or post-translational modifications involving APE1 N-terminal domain may play important in vivo roles, in better coordinating and fine-tuning protein BER activity and function on RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Fantini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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