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Tinnirello R, Chinnici CM, Miceli V, Busà R, Bulati M, Gallo A, Zito G, Conaldi PG, Iannolo G. Two Sides of The Same Coin: Normal and Tumoral Stem Cells, The Relevance of In Vitro Models and Therapeutic Approaches: The Experience with Zika Virus in Nervous System Development and Glioblastoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13550. [PMID: 37686355 PMCID: PMC10487988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) were described for the first time more than two decades ago for their ability to differentiate into all neural cell lineages. The isolation of NSCs from adults and embryos was carried out by various laboratories and in different species, from mice to humans. Similarly, no more than two decades ago, cancer stem cells were described. Cancer stem cells, previously identified in hematological malignancies, have now been isolated from several solid tumors (breast, brain, and gastrointestinal compartment). Though the origin of these cells is still unknown, there is a wide consensus about their role in tumor onset, propagation and, in particular, resistance to treatments. Normal and neoplastic neural stem cells share common characteristics, and can thus be considered as two sides of the same coin. This is particularly true in the case of the Zika virus (ZIKV), which has been described as an inhibitor of neural development by specifically targeting NSCs. This understanding prompted us and other groups to evaluate ZIKV action in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). The results indicate an oncolytic activity of this virus vs. GSCs, opening potentially new possibilities in glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Tinnirello
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED c/o IRCCS ISMETT, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Rosalia Busà
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Matteo Bulati
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Alessia Gallo
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Via E. Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.T.); (C.M.C.); (V.M.); (R.B.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (G.Z.); (P.G.C.)
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Adami R, Bottai D. NSC Physiological Features in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: SMN Deficiency Effects on Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315209. [PMID: 36499528 PMCID: PMC9736802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency have recently approved new drugs to treat spinal muscular atrophy 1 (SMA1) in young patients, they are mostly ineffective in older patients since many motor neurons have already been lost. Therefore, understanding nervous system (NS) physiology in SMA patients is essential. Consequently, studying neural stem cells (NSCs) from SMA patients is of significant interest in searching for new treatment targets that will enable researchers to identify new pharmacological approaches. However, studying NSCs in these patients is challenging since their isolation damages the NS, making it impossible with living patients. Nevertheless, it is possible to study NSCs from animal models or create them by differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from SMA patient peripheral tissues. On the other hand, therapeutic interventions such as NSCs transplantation could ameliorate SMA condition. This review summarizes current knowledge on the physiological properties of NSCs from animals and human cellular models with an SMA background converging on the molecular and neuronal circuit formation alterations of SMA fetuses and is not focused on the treatment of SMA. By understanding how SMA alters NSC physiology, we can identify new and promising interventions that could help support affected patients.
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