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Longo V, Longo A, Martorana A, Lauria A, Augello G, Azzolina A, Cervello M, Colombo P. Identification of an LPS-Induced Chemo-Attractive Peptide from Ciona robusta. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18040209. [PMID: 32290587 PMCID: PMC7230320 DOI: 10.3390/md18040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previously published work has demonstrated that the LPS injection of Ciona robusta leads to the overexpression of a truncated form of an immune-related mRNA (C8short) by means of Ciona robusta (CR) alternative polyadenylation (APA) (CR-APA). Methods: The 3D structure of the C8short-derived Ciona robusta chemo-attractive peptide (CrCP) was evaluated by homology modeling. The biological activity of the CrCP was studied in vitro using a primary human dermal cell line (HuDe). Real-Time PCR was used to investigate the expression levels of genes involved in cell motility. NF-κB signaling was studied by western blotting. Results: In silico modeling showed that CrCP displayed structural characteristics already reported for a short domain of the vertebrate CRK gene, suggesting its possible involvement in cell migration mechanisms. In vitro assays demonstrated that CrCP was capable of inducing the motility of HuDe cells in both wound healing and chemo-attractive experiments. qPCR demonstrated the capability of CrCP to modulate the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and E-cadherin genes. Finally, western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with CrCP induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our results describe the characterization of the 3D structure and chemo-attractive activity of an LPS-induced CrCP peptide from Ciona robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-91-6809535
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, Longo V, Sanfratello MA, Parrinello D, Cammarata M, Colombo P. LPS injection reprograms the expression and the 3' UTR of a CAP gene by alternative polyadenylation and the formation of a GAIT element in Ciona intestinalis. Mol Immunol 2016; 77:174-83. [PMID: 27514009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The diversification of cellular functions is one of the major characteristics of multicellular organisms which allow cells to modulate their gene expression, leading to the formation of transcripts and proteins with different functions and concentrations in response to different stimuli. CAP genes represent a widespread family of proteins belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 superfamily which, it has been proposed, play key roles in the infection process and the modulation of immune responses in host animals. The ascidian Ciona intestinalis represents a group of proto-chordates with an exclusively innate immune system that has been widely studied in the field of comparative and developmental immunology. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of a novel APA mechanism by which an intronic polyadenylation signal is activated by LPS injection, leading to the formation of a shorter CAP mRNA capable of expressing the first CAP exon plus 19 amino acid residues whose sequence is contained within the first intron of the annotated gene. Furthermore, such an APA event causes the expression of a translational controlling cis-acting GAIT element which is not present in the previously isolated CAP isoform and identified in the 3'-UTR of other immune-related genes, suggesting an intriguing scenario in which both transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the activation of the CAP gene during inflammatory response in C. intestinalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Parrinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy.
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Vizzini A, Di Falco F, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Cammarata M. Transforming growth factor β (CiTGF-β) gene expression is induced in the inflammatory reaction of Ciona intestinalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 55:102-110. [PMID: 26493014 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) is a well-known component of a regulatory cytokines superfamily that has pleiotropic functions in a broad range of cell types and is involved, in vertebrates, in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In the current study, we report on Ciona intestinalis molecular characterisation and expression of a transforming growth factor β homologue (CiTGF-β). The gene organisation, phylogenetic tree and modelling supported the close relationship with the mammalian TGF suggesting that the C. intestinalis TGF-β gene shares a common ancestor in the chordate lineages. Functionally, real-time PCR analysis showed that CiTGF-β was transcriptionally upregulated in the inflammatory process induced by LPS inoculation, suggesting that is involved in the first phase and significant in the secondary phase of the inflammatory response in which cell differentiation occurs. In situ hybridisation assays revealed that the genes transcription was upregulated in the pharynx, the main organ of the ascidian immune system, and expressed by cluster of hemocytes inside the pharynx vessels. These data supported the view that CiTGF-β is a potential molecule in immune defence systems against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sanfratello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, Longo V, Sanfratello MA, Parrinello D, Cammarata M, Colombo P. Isolation of a novel LPS-induced component of the ML superfamily in Ciona intestinalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 53:70-78. [PMID: 26159403 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ML superfamily represents a group of proteins playing important roles in lipid metabolism and innate immune response. In this study, we report the identification of the first component of the ML superfamily in the invertebrate Ciona intestinalis by means of a subtractive hybridization strategy. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that this protein forms a specific clade with vertebrate components of the Niemann-Pick type C2 protein and, for this reason, it has been named Ci-NPC2. The putative Ci-NPC2 is a 150 amino acids long protein with a short signal peptide, seven cysteine residues, three putative lipid binding site and a three-dimensional model showing a characteristic β-strand structure. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the Ci-NPC2 protein is positively upregulated after LPS inoculum with a peak of expression 1 h after challenge. Finally, in-situ hybridization demonstrated that the Ci-NPC2 protein is preferentially expressed in hemocytes inside the vessel lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Parrinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy.
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Vizzini A, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Trapani MR, Mangano V, Parrinello N, Cammarata M. Upregulated transcription of phenoloxidase genes in the pharynx and endostyle of Ciona intestinalis in response to LPS. J Invertebr Pathol 2015; 126:6-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Vizzini A, Di Falco F, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Mazzarella C, Parrinello N, Cammarata M. Ciona intestinalis interleukin 17-like genes expression is upregulated by LPS challenge. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 48:129-137. [PMID: 25305501 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In humans, IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the clearance of extracellular bacteria promoting cell infiltration and production of several cytokines and chemokines. Here, we report on three Ciona intestinalis IL-17 homologues (CiIL17-1, CiIL17-2, CiIL17-3). The gene organization, phylogenetic tree and modeling supported the close relationship with the mammalian IL-17A and IL-17F suggesting that the C. intestinalis IL-17 genes share a common ancestor in the chordate lineages. Real time PCR analysis showed a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation suggesting that they are involved in the first phase of inflammatory response. In situ hybridization assays disclosed that the genes transcription was upregulated in the pharynx, the main organ of the ascidian immune system, and expressed by hemocytes (granulocytes and univacuolar refractile granulocyte) inside the pharynx vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sanfratello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzarella
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicolò Parrinello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
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Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Vizzini A, Parrinello N, Cammarata M. Ciona intestinalis galectin (CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b) genes are differentially expressed in endostyle zones and challenged by LPS. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 42:171-176. [PMID: 25449708 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assays were performed to answer the question whether the endostyle, that is the initial gastro-intestinal trait of Ciona intestinalis pharynx, is involved in galectin (CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b) production during the pharynx inflammatory response to LPS inoculation. Specific anti-CiLgal-a and anti-CiLgals-b antibodies, and oligonucleotide probes, that mark inflammatory hemocytes inside the pharynx vessels and vessel epithelium as shown by a previous paper, were assayed on endostyle histological sections. For the first time, we show that galectins are produced by endostyle zones, and both CiLgals-a and -b genes are upregulated by LPS. CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b are constitutively expressed in the endostyle zone 2 and 3, respectively, both genes are upregulated by LPS in the zone 2, and CiLgals-b in the zone 3 and 4. The antibody-reacting material contained in intracellular and extracellular large vesicles suggest an unexpected vesicle-dependent transporting mechanism of galectins not provided with signal peptide. Differential expression and gene upregulation in not-treated and LPS-treated specimens, support the role of endostyle galectins both in filter feeding and defense responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Parrinello
- University of Palermo, Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sanfratello
- University of Palermo, Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- University of Palermo, Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicolò Parrinello
- University of Palermo, Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- University of Palermo, Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Via Archirafi, 18, Palermo, Italy.
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Vizzini A, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Mangano V, Parrinello N, Cammarata M. Ciona intestinalis peroxinectin is a novel component of the peroxidase-cyclooxygenase gene superfamily upregulated by LPS. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 41:59-67. [PMID: 23562573 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Peroxinectins function as hemoperoxidase and cell adhesion factor involved in invertebrate immune reaction. In this study, the ascidian (Ciona intestinalis) peroxinectin gene (CiPxt) and its expression during the inflammatory response have been examined. CiPxt is a new member of the peroxidase-cyclooxygenase gene superfamily that contains both the peroxidase domain and the integrin KGD (Lys-Gly-Asp) binding motif. A phylogenetic tree showed that CiPxt is very close to the chordate group and appears to be the outgroup of mammalian MPO, EPO and TPO clades. The CiPxt molecular structure model resulted superimposable to the human myeloperoxidase. The CiPxt mRNA expression is upregulated by LPS inoculation suggesting it is involved in C. intestinalis inflammatory response. The CiPxt was expressed in hemocytes (compartment/morula cells), vessel epithelium, and unilocular refractile granulocytes populating the inflamed tunic matrix and in the zones 7, 8 and 9 of the endostyle, a special pharynx organs homolog to the vertebrate thyroid gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Longo V, Colombo P. LPS challenge regulates gene expression and tissue localization of a Ciona intestinalis gene through an alternative polyadenylation mechanism. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63235. [PMID: 23646203 PMCID: PMC3639994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A subtractive hybridization strategy for the identification of differentially expressed genes was performed between LPS-challenged and naive Ciona intestinalis. This strategy allowed the characterization of two transcripts (Ci8short and Ci8long) generated by the use of two Alternative Polyadenylation sites. The Ci8long transcript contains a protein domain with relevant homology to several components of the Receptor Transporting Protein (RTP) family not present in the Ci8short mRNA. By means of Real Time PCR and Northern Blot, the Ci8short and Ci8long transcripts showed a different pattern of gene expression with the Ci8short mRNA being strongly activated after LPS injection in the pharynx. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that the activation of the APA site also influenced the tissue localization of the Ci8short transcript. This analysis showed that the Ci8long mRNA was expressed in hemocytes meanwhile the Ci8short mRNA was highly transcribed also in vessel endothelial cells and in the epithelium of pharynx. These findings demonstrated that regulation of gene expression based on different polyadenylation sites is an ancestral powerful strategy influencing both the level of expression and tissue distribution of alternative transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare “Alberto Monroy” del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare “Alberto Monroy” del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare “Alberto Monroy” del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Giacomelli S, Melillo D, Lambris JD, Pinto MR. Immune competence of the Ciona intestinalis pharynx: complement system-mediated activity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 33:946-952. [PMID: 22967954 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In the tunicate Ciona intestinalis, the ciliated pharynx, which connects the external environment to a highly developed and compartmentalized gastrointestinal system, represents the natural portal of entry for a vast and diverse, potentially pathogenic microbial community. To address the role of the pharynx in immune surveillance in Ciona, we asked whether C3, the key component of the complement system, was expressed in this organ and whether the encoded protein was functionally active. We found by real-time PCR that C3, constitutively expressed in the pharynx, is up-regulated by LPS injection. Using two specific anti-CiC3 and anti-CiC3a polyclonal antibodies in immunohistochemical staining of pharynx sections, we found that the gene product was localized to hemocytes of the pharyngeal bars (identified as granular amoebocytes) and in stigmata ciliated cells. Use of the same antibodies in Western blot analysis indicated that CiC3 and its activation products CiC3b and CiC3a are present in pharynx homogenates. Our observation that the amount of the bioactive fragment CiC3a increased in the pharynx of LPS-treated animals provides the first molecular and functional evidence for complement-mediated immunological activity in the tunicate pharynx.
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Vizzini A, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Salerno G, Cammarata M, Parrinello N. Inducible galectins are expressed in the inflamed pharynx of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 32:101-109. [PMID: 22085774 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2011.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although ascidians belong to a key group in chordate phylogenesis, amino acid sequences of Ciona intestinalis galectin-CRDs (CiLgals-a and -b) have been retained too divergent from vertebrate galectins. In the present paper, to contribute in disclosing Bi-CRD galectin evolution a novel attempt was carried out on CiLgals-a and -b CRDs phylogenetic analysis, and their involvement in ascidian inflammatory responses was shown. CiLgals resulted aligned with Bi-CRD galectins from vertebrates (Xenopus tropicalis, Gallus gallus, Mus musculus, Homo sapiens), cephalochordates (Branchiostoma floridae), echinoderms (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) and a mono-CRD galectin from the ascidian Clavelina picta. The CiLgals-a N-terminal and C-terminal CRDs contain the signature sequence involved in carbohydrate binding, whereas the CiLgals-b C-CRD presents only three out of seven key aminoacids and it could not be suitable as sugar binding motif. Sequence similarity between clusters suggests an evolutionary model based on CRD domain gene duplication and sequence diversification. In particular CiLgals-b N-CRD and C-CRD were similar to each other and both grouped with the ascidian C. picta mono-CRD. Homology modeling process shows a CiLgals molecular structure superimposed to chicken and mouse galectins. The CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b genes were upregulated by LPS inoculation suggesting that they are inducible and expressed in the inflamed pharynx as revealed by real-time PCR analysis. Finally, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical assays showed their localization in the inflamed tissues, while immunoblotting analysis indicated that CiLgals can form oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Department of Environmental Biology and Biodiversity, Laboratory of Marine Immunobiology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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Arizza V, Parrinello D, Cammarata M, Vazzana M, Vizzini A, Giaramita FT, Parrinello N. A lytic mechanism based on soluble phospholypases A2 (sPLA2) and β-galactoside specific lectins is exerted by Ciona intestinalis (ascidian) unilocular refractile hemocytes against K562 cell line and mammalian erythrocytes. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 30:1014-1023. [PMID: 21288494 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2011.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hemocytes from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis exert in vitro Ca²+-dependent cytotoxic activity toward mammalian erythrocytes and K562 cells. To examine the lytic mechanism, hemocyte populations were separated (B1-B6 bands) through a Percoll discontinuous density gradient, the hemocyte cytotoxic activity (HCA) and the lytic activity of the hemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS) were assayed. In addition the separated hemocytes were cultured and the cell-free culture medium (CFM) assayed after 3 h culture. Results support that unilocular refractile hemocytes (URGs), enriched in B5, are cytotoxic. The B5-HLS contains lysins and the activity of B5-CFM shows that lysins can be released into a culture medium. The B5 activity was blocked by D-galactose, α-lactose, lactulose, LacNAc, thiodigalactoside (TDG), L-fucose, D-mannose, D-glucose, sphingomyelin (SM), and soluble phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitors (dibucain, quinacrine). Accordingly, HLS chemico-physical properties (alkaline medium, high thermostability, Ca²+-dependence, trypsin treatment, protease inhibitors) and SEM observations of the affected targets suggested that sPLA2 could be responsible for changes and large alterations of the target cell membrane. An apoptotic activity, as recorded by a caspase 3, 7 assay, was found by treating K562 cells with very diluted HLS. A lytic mechanism involving sPLA2 and lectins promptly released by URGs and morula cells respectively is suggested, whereas target cell membrane SM could be a modulator of the enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Arizza
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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