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Cai DL, Chan Y, Kong YM, Liu YZ, Guo Y, Cai AQ, Zhu BS. Ginsenoside Rg1 promotes fetal hemoglobin production in vitro: A potential therapeutic avenue for β-thalassemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176404. [PMID: 38382804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
β-thalassemia, a globally prevalent genetic disorder, urgently requires innovative treatment options. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction stands as a key therapeutic approach. This investigation focused on Ginsenoside Rg1 from the Panax genus for HbF induction. Employing K562 cells and human erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) derived from neonatal cord blood, the study tested Rg1 at different concentrations. We measured its effects on γ-globin mRNA levels and HbF expression, alongside assessments of cell proliferation and differentiation. In K562 cells, Rg1 at 400 μM significantly increased γ-globin mRNA expression by 4.24 ± 1.08-fold compared to the control. In ErPCs, the 800 μM concentration was most effective, leading to an over 80% increase in F-cells and a marked upregulation in HbF expression. Notably, Rg1 did not adversely affect cell proliferation or differentiation, with the 200 μM concentration showing an increase in γ-globin mRNA by 2.33 ± 0.58-fold, and the 800 μM concentration enhancing HbF expression by 2.59 ± 0.03-fold in K562 cells. Our results underscore Rg1's potential as an effective and safer alternative for β-thalassemia treatment. By significantly enhancing HbF levels without cytotoxicity, Rg1 offers a notable advantage over traditional treatments like Hydroxyurea. While promising, these in vitro findings warrant further in vivo exploration to confirm Rg1's therapeutic efficacy and to unravel its underlying mechanistic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ling Cai
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ying Chan
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Department of Medical Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Ya-Min Kong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Department of Medical Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yi-Ze Liu
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ai-Qi Cai
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Department of Medical Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Bao-Sheng Zhu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China; Department of Medical Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Preconception Health Birth in Western China, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China.
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Cosenza LC, Marzaro G, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Zuccato C, Finotti A, Gambari R. Inhibitory effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and BNT162b2 vaccine on erythropoietin-induced globin gene expression in erythroid precursor cells from patients with β-thalassemia. Exp Hematol 2024; 129:104128. [PMID: 37939833 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
During the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic several patients with β-thalassemia have been infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), and most patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies demonstrate an impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the hematopoietic system. The main objective of this study was to verify the effects of exposure of erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) from patients with β-thalassemia to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) and the BNT162b2 vaccine. Erythropoietin (EPO)-cultured ErPCs have been either untreated or treated with S-protein or BNT162b2 vaccine. The employed ErPCs were from a β-thalassemia cellular Biobank developed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The genotypes were β+-IVSI-110/β+-IVSI-110 (one patient), β039/β+-IVSI-110 (3 patients), and β039/ β039 (2 patients). After treatment with S-protein or BNT162b2 for 5 days, lysates were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), for hemoglobin production, and isolated RNA was assayed by RT-qPCR, for detection of globin gene expression. The main conclusions of the results obtained are that SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and BNT162b2 vaccine (a) inhibit fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production by β-thalassemic ErPCs and (b) inhibit γ-globin mRNA accumulation. In addition, we have performed in silico studies suggesting a high affinity of S-protein to HbF. Remarkably, the binding interaction energy of fetal hemoglobin to S-protein was comparable with that of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of a relevant impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination on the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Finotti A, Gasparello J, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Fabbri E, Bianchi N, Gambari R. Effects of Mithramycin on BCL11A Gene Expression and on the Interaction of the BCL11A Transcriptional Complex to γ-Globin Gene Promoter Sequences. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1927. [PMID: 37895276 PMCID: PMC10606601 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The anticancer drug mithramycin (MTH), has been proposed for drug repurposing after the finding that it is a potent inducer of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production in erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) from β-thalassemia patients. In this respect, previously published studies indicate that MTH is very active in inducing increased expression of γ-globin genes in erythroid cells. This is clinically relevant, as it is firmly established that HbF induction is a valuable approach for the therapy of β-thalassemia and for ameliorating the clinical parameters of sickle-cell disease (SCD). Therefore, the identification of MTH biochemical/molecular targets is of great interest. This study is inspired by recent robust evidence indicating that the expression of γ-globin genes is controlled in adult erythroid cells by different transcriptional repressors, including Oct4, MYB, BCL11A, Sp1, KLF3 and others. Among these, BCL11A is very important. In the present paper we report evidence indicating that alterations of BCL11A gene expression and biological functions occur during MTH-mediated erythroid differentiation. Our study demonstrates that one of the mechanisms of action of MTH is a down-regulation of the transcription of the BCL11A gene, while a second mechanism of action is the inhibition of the molecular interactions between the BCL11A complex and specific sequences of the γ-globin gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (E.F.); (N.B.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Lampronti I, Borgatti M, Scapoli C, Gambari R, Finotti A. Treatment of Erythroid Precursor Cells from β-Thalassemia Patients with Cinchona Alkaloids: Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13433. [PMID: 34948226 PMCID: PMC8706579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemias are among the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide and are the result of autosomal mutations in the gene encoding β-globin, causing an absence or low-level production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is considered to be of key importance for the development of therapeutic protocols for β-thalassemia and novel HbF inducers need to be proposed for pre-clinical development. The main purpose on this study was to analyze Cinchona alkaloids (cinchonidine, quinidine and cinchonine) as natural HbF-inducing agents in human erythroid cells. The analytical methods employed were Reverse Transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) (for quantification of γ-globin mRNA) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (for analysis of the hemoglobin pattern). After an initial analysis using the K562 cell line as an experimental model system, showing induction of hemoglobin and γ-globin mRNA, we verified whether the two more active compounds, cinchonidine and quinidine, were able to induce HbF in erythroid progenitor cells isolated from β-thalassemia patients. The data obtained demonstrate that cinchonidine and quinidine are potent inducers of γ-globin mRNA and HbF in erythroid progenitor cells isolated from nine β-thalassemia patients. In addition, both compounds were found to synergize with the HbF inducer sirolimus for maximal production of HbF. The data obtained strongly indicate that these compounds deserve consideration in the development of pre-clinical approaches for therapeutic protocols of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zuccato
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Section of Biology and Evolution, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
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Cosenza LC, Gasparello J, Romanini N, Zurlo M, Zuccato C, Gambari R, Finotti A. Efficient CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing of β-globin gene on erythroid cells from homozygous β 039-thalassemia patients. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:507-523. [PMID: 33997100 PMCID: PMC8091488 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene editing by the CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease system technology can be considered among the most promising strategies to correct hereditary mutations in a variety of monogenic diseases. In this paper, we present for the first time the correction, by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, of the β039-thalassemia mutation, one of the most frequent in the Mediterranean area. The results obtained demonstrated the presence of normal β-globin genes after CRISPR-Cas9 correction of the β039-thalassemia mutation performed on erythroid precursor cells from homozygous β039-thalassemia patients. This was demonstrated by allele-specific PCR and sequencing. Accumulation of corrected β-globin mRNA and relevant "de novo" production of β-globin and adult hemoglobin (HbA) were found with high efficiency. The CRISPR-Cas9-forced HbA production levels were associated with a significant reduction of the excess of free α-globin chains. Genomic toxicity of the editing procedure (low indels and no off-targeting) was analyzed. The protocol might be the starting point for the development of an efficient editing of CD34+ cells derived from β039 patients and for the design of combined treatments using, together with the CRISPR-Cas9 editing of the β-globin gene, other therapeutic approaches, such as, for instance, induction of HbA and/or fetal hemoglobin (HbF) using chemical inducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicola Romanini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Trieste, Italy
- Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB), Trieste, Italy
- Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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Breveglieri G, Pacifico S, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Sultan S, D’Aversa E, Gambari R, Preti D, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Borgatti M. Discovery of Novel Fetal Hemoglobin Inducers through Small Chemical Library Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7426. [PMID: 33050052 PMCID: PMC7582302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The screening of chemical libraries based on cellular biosensors is a useful approach to identify new hits for novel therapeutic targets involved in rare genetic pathologies, such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. In particular, pharmacologically mediated stimulation of human γ-globin gene expression, and increase of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production, have been suggested as potential therapeutic strategies for these hemoglobinopathies. In this article, we screened a small chemical library, constituted of 150 compounds, using the cellular biosensor K562.GR, carrying enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and red fluorescence protein (RFP) genes under the control of the human γ-globin and β-globin gene promoters, respectively. Then the identified compounds were analyzed as HbF inducers on primary cell cultures, obtained from β-thalassemia patients, confirming their activity as HbF inducers, and suggesting these molecules as lead compounds for further chemical and biological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (D.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
| | - Shaiq Sultan
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
| | - Elisabetta D’Aversa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (D.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (D.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (D.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (S.S.); (E.D.); (R.G.)
- Center of Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64b, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Sumorek-Wiadro J, Zając A, Maciejczyk A, Jakubowicz-Gil J. Furanocoumarins in anticancer therapy - For and against. Fitoterapia 2020; 142:104492. [PMID: 32032635 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Furanocoumarins are a class of natural compounds produced by several plants, including those consumed by humans. They have been used medicinally in eastern countries for ages. Given the growing body of evidence about their anticancer potential and observations that naturally occurring compounds potentiate the antitumor activity of chemotherapeutics, more attention is paid to elucidation of the nature of furanocoumarins and the possibility of using thereof in practice. The general mechanism by which furanocoumarins eliminate cancer cells is based on cell cycle blockage and initiation of programmed death like apoptosis or autophagy. The precise molecular mechanism of such an action depends on the chemical structure of furanocoumarins, which is based on the furan ring attached to the coumarin backbone in a linear or angular form as well as the type, location, and number of the substituents attached. The review summarizes the current evidence of the antitumor properties of linear and angular furanocoumarins with special emphasis on the molecular mechanism of elimination of cancer cells via apoptosis and autophagy. Negative aspects of the use of coumarins in anticancer therapy will be also discussed especially in the context of their phototoxicity and potential cancerogenic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Sumorek-Wiadro
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Zając
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Maciejczyk
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Jakubowicz-Gil
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Voskou S, Phylactides M, Afantitis A, Melagraki G, Tsoumanis A, Koutentis PA, Mitsidi T, Mirallai SI, Kleanthous M. MS-275 Chemical Analogues Promote Hemoglobin Production and Erythroid Differentiation of K562 Cells. Hemoglobin 2019; 43:116-121. [PMID: 31280628 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2019.1626740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is a hemoglobinopathy characterized by reduced or absent β-globin production. Pharmacological reactivation of the γ-globin gene for the production of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) presents an attractive treatment strategy. In an effort to identify promising therapeutic agents, we evaluated 80 analogues of the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275, a known Hb F inducer. The chemical analogues were identified via molecular modeling and targeted chemical modifications. Nine novel agents exhibited significant hemoglobin (Hb)-inducing and erythroid differentiation activities in the human K562 erythroleukemia cell line. Five of them appeared to be stronger inducers than the lead compound, MS-275, demonstrating the effectiveness of our method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Voskou
- a Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department , The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics , Nicosia , Cyprus.,b Department of Biological Sciences , University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Marios Phylactides
- a Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department , The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Andreas Afantitis
- c Department of Chemoinformatics , NovaMechanics Ltd. , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Georgia Melagraki
- c Department of Chemoinformatics , NovaMechanics Ltd. , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Andreas Tsoumanis
- c Department of Chemoinformatics , NovaMechanics Ltd. , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | | | - Tina Mitsidi
- d Department of Chemistry , University of Cyprus , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | | | - Marina Kleanthous
- a Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department , The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics , Nicosia , Cyprus
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Gasparello J, Fabbri E, Bianchi N, Breveglieri G, Zuccato C, Borgatti M, Gambari R, Finotti A. BCL11A mRNA Targeting by miR-210: A Possible Network Regulating γ-Globin Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122530. [PMID: 29186860 PMCID: PMC5751133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of microRNAs in the control of repressors of human γ-globin gene transcription has been firmly demonstrated, as described for the miR-486-3p mediated down-regulation of BCL11A. On the other hand, we have reported that miR-210 is involved in erythroid differentiation and, possibly, in γ-globin gene up-regulation. In the present study, we have identified the coding sequence of BCL11A as a possible target of miR-210. The following results sustain this hypothesis: (a) interactions between miR-210 and the miR-210 BCL11A site were demonstrated by SPR-based biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA); (b) the miR-210 site of BCL11A is conserved through molecular evolution; (c) forced expression of miR-210 leads to decrease of BCL11A-XL and increase of γ-globin mRNA content in erythroid cells, including erythroid precursors isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Our study suggests that the coding mRNA sequence of BCL11A can be targeted by miR-210. In addition to the theoretical point of view, these data are of interest from the applied point of view, supporting a novel strategy to inhibit BCL11A by mimicking miR-210 functions, accordingly with the concept supported by several papers and patent applications that inhibition of BCL11A is an efficient strategy for fetal hemoglobin induction in the treatment of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (E.F.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (C.Z.); (M.B.)
- Laboratory for the Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
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An Aγ-globin G->A gene polymorphism associated with β 039 thalassemia globin gene and high fetal hemoglobin production. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 18:93. [PMID: 28851297 PMCID: PMC5575872 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-017-0450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increase of the expression of γ-globin gene and high production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in β-thalassemia patients is widely accepted as associated with a milder or even asymptomatic disease. The search for HbF-associated polymorphisms (such as the XmnI, BCL11A and MYB polymorphisms) has recently gained great attention, in order to stratify β-thalassemia patients with respect to expectancy of the first transfusion, need for annual intake of blood, response to HbF inducers (the most studied of which is hydroxyurea). METHODS Aγ-globin gene sequencing was performed on genomic DNA isolated from a total of 75 β-thalassemia patients, including 31 β039/β039, 33 β039/β+IVSI-110, 9 β+IVSI-110/β+IVSI-110, one β0IVSI-1/β+IVSI-6 and one β039/β+IVSI-6. RESULTS The results show that the rs368698783 polymorphism is present in β-thalassemia patients in the 5'UTR sequence (+25) of the Aγ-globin gene, known to affect the LYAR (human homologue of mouse Ly-1 antibody reactive clone) binding site 5'-GGTTAT-3'. This Aγ(+25 G->A) polymorphism is associated with the Gγ-globin-XmnI polymorphism and both are linked with the β039-globin gene, but not with the β+IVSI-110-globin gene. In agreement with the expectation that this mutation alters the LYAR binding activity, we found that the Aγ(+25 G->A) and Gγ-globin-XmnI polymorphisms are associated with high HbF in erythroid precursor cells isolated from β039/β039 thalassemia patients. CONCLUSIONS As a potential explanation of our findings, we hypothesize that in β-thalassemia the Gγ-globin-XmnI/Aγ-globin-(G->A) genotype is frequently under genetic linkage with β0-thalassemia mutations, but not with the β+-thalassemia mutation here studied (i.e. β+IVSI-110) and that this genetic combination has been selected within the population of β0-thalassemia patients, due to functional association with high HbF. Here we describe the characterization of the rs368698783 (+25 G->A) polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene associated in β039 thalassemia patients with high HbF in erythroid precursor cells.
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Wang F, Li J, Li R, Pan G, Bai M, Huang Q. Angelicin inhibits liver cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:5441-5449. [PMID: 28849216 PMCID: PMC5647089 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that angelicin exerted antiproliferative effects on several types of tumor cell. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of angelicin monotherapy on human liver cancer remain to be investigated. In the present study, the antitumor activity of angelicin was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, and the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects were investigated. The present results revealed that angelicin induced apoptosis in liver cancer cells in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Furthermore, in HepG2 and Huh‑7 cells, angelicin‑induced apoptosis was demonstrated to be mitochondria dependent, involving the phosphatidylinositol‑4,5‑bisphosphate 3‑kinase/RAC‑α serine/threonine-protein kinase signaling pathway. In addition, administration of angelicin to mice bearing liver tumor xenografts inhibited tumor growth, without producing significant secondary adverse effects. These results suggested that angelicin may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengliang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Minda Hospital of Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Minda Hospital of Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Minda Hospital of Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Guohua Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Minda Hospital of Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Mingxia Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Minda Hospital of Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Minda Hospital of Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
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Saab AM, Gambari R, Sacchetti G, Guerrini A, Lampronti I, Tacchini M, El Samrani A, Medawar S, Makhlouf H, Tannoury M, Abboud J, Diab-Assaf M, Kijjoa A, Tundis R, Aoun J, Efferth T. Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of essential oils from Cedrus species. Nat Prod Res 2017; 32:1415-1427. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1346648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine M. Saab
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianni Sacchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guerrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Tacchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine El Samrani
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samir Medawar
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassane Makhlouf
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Tannoury
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jihad Abboud
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Diab-Assaf
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Anake Kijjoa
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosa Tundis
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Jawad Aoun
- Faculty of Science II, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Bianchi N, Cosenza LC, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Zuccato C, Fabbri E, Marzaro G, Chilin A, De Angelis G, Borgatti M, Gallucci C, Alfieri C, Ribersani M, Isgrò A, Marziali M, Gaziev J, Morrone A, Sodani P, Lucarelli G, Gambari R, Paciaroni K. Structural and Functional Insights on an Uncharacterized Aγ-Globin-Gene Polymorphism Present in Four β0-Thalassemia Families with High Fetal Hemoglobin Levels. Mol Diagn Ther 2016; 20:161-73. [PMID: 26897028 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-016-0187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several DNA polymorphisms have been associated with high production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), although the molecular basis is not completely understood. In order to identify and characterize novel HbF-associated elements, we focused on five probands and their four families (from Egypt, Iraq and Iran) with thalassemia major (either β(0)-IVSII-1 or β(0)-IVSI-1) and unusual HbF elevation (>98 %), congenital or acquired after rejection of bone marrow transplantation, suggesting an anticipated favorable genetic background to high HbF expression. METHODS Patient recruitment, genomic DNA sequencing, western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biospecific interaction analysis, bioinformatics analyses based on docking experiments. RESULTS A polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene is here studied in four families with β(0)-thalassemia (β(0)-IVSII-1 and β(0)-IVSI-1) and expressing unusual high HbF levels, congenital or acquired after rejection of bone marrow transplantation. This (G→A) polymorphism is present at position +25 of the Aγ-globin genes, corresponding to a 5'-UTR region of the Aγ-globin mRNA and, when present, is physically linked in chromosomes 11 of all the familiar members studied to the XmnI polymorphism and to the β(0)-thalassemia mutations. The region corresponding to the +25(G→A) polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene belongs to a sequence recognized by DNA-binding protein complexes, including LYAR (Ly-1 antibody reactive clone), a zinc-finger transcription factor previously proposed to be involved in down-regulation of the expression of γ-globin genes in erythroid cells. CONCLUSION We found a novel polymorphism of the Aγ-globin gene in four families with β(0)-thalassemia and high levels of HbF expression. Additionally, we report evidence suggesting that the Aγ-globin gene +25(G→A) polymorphism decreases the efficiency of the interaction between this sequence and specific DNA binding protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Adriana Chilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Gioia De Angelis
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristiano Gallucci
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Alfieri
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Ribersani
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Isgrò
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marziali
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Javid Gaziev
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Morrone
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Sodani
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Lucarelli
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.
- Biotechnology Center, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Katia Paciaroni
- International Centre for Transplantation in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, Mediterranean Institute of Haematology, Policlinic of "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
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El Ghorayeb N, Bourdeau I, Lacroix A. Role of ACTH and Other Hormones in the Regulation of Aldosterone Production in Primary Aldosteronism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:72. [PMID: 27445975 PMCID: PMC4921457 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The major physiological regulators of aldosterone production from the adrenal zona glomerulosa are potassium and angiotensin II; other acute regulators include adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and serotonin. Their interactions with G-protein coupled hormone receptors activate cAMP/PKA pathway thereby regulating intracellular calcium flux and CYP11B2 transcription, which is the specific steroidogenic enzyme of aldosterone synthesis. In primary aldosteronism (PA), the increased production of aldosterone and resultant relative hypervolemia inhibits the renin and angiotensin system; aldosterone secretion is mostly independent from the suppressed renin-angiotensin system, but is not autonomous, as it is regulated by a diversity of other ligands of various eutopic or ectopic receptors, in addition to activation of calcium flux resulting from mutations of various ion channels. Among the abnormalities in various hormone receptors, an overexpression of the melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R) could be responsible for aldosterone hypersecretion in aldosteronomas. An exaggerated increase in plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) is found in patients with PA secondary either to unilateral aldosteronomas or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) following acute ACTH administration compared to normal individuals. A diurnal increase in PAC in early morning and its suppression by dexamethasone confirms the increased role of endogenous ACTH as an important aldosterone secretagogue in PA. Screening using a combination of dexamethasone and fludrocortisone test reveals a higher prevalence of PA in hypertensive populations compared to the aldosterone to renin ratio. The variable level of MC2R overexpression in each aldosteronomas or in the adjacent zona glomerulosa hyperplasia may explain the inconsistent results of adrenal vein sampling between basal levels and post ACTH administration in the determination of source of aldosterone excess. In the rare cases of glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism, a chimeric CYP11B2 becomes regulated by ACTH activating its chimeric CYP11B1 promoter of aldosterone synthase in bilateral adrenal fasciculate-like hyperplasia. This review will focus on the role of ACTH on excess aldosterone secretion in PA with particular focus on the aberrant expression of MC2R in comparison with other aberrant ligands and their GPCRs in this frequent pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada El Ghorayeb
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - André Lacroix
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: André Lacroix,
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Finotti A, Breda L, Lederer CW, Bianchi N, Zuccato C, Kleanthous M, Rivella S, Gambari R. Recent trends in the gene therapy of β-thalassemia. J Blood Med 2015; 6:69-85. [PMID: 25737641 PMCID: PMC4342371 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s46256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are a group of hereditary hematological diseases caused by over 300 mutations of the adult β-globin gene. Together with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia syndromes are among the most impactful diseases in developing countries, in which the lack of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to the maintenance of a very high frequency of these genetic diseases in the population. Gene therapy for β-thalassemia has recently seen steadily accelerating progress and has reached a crossroads in its development. Presently, data from past and ongoing clinical trials guide the design of further clinical and preclinical studies based on gene augmentation, while fundamental insights into globin switching and new technology developments have inspired the investigation of novel gene-therapy approaches. Moreover, human erythropoietic stem cells from β-thalassemia patients have been the cellular targets of choice to date whereas future gene-therapy studies might increasingly draw on induced pluripotent stem cells. Herein, we summarize the most significant developments in β-thalassemia gene therapy over the last decade, with a strong emphasis on the most recent findings, for β-thalassemia model systems; for β-, γ-, and anti-sickling β-globin gene addition and combinatorial approaches including the latest results of clinical trials; and for novel approaches, such as transgene-mediated activation of γ-globin and genome editing using designer nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carsten W Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA ; Department of Cell and Development Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
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Finotti A, Bianchi N, Fabbri E, Borgatti M, Breveglieri G, Gasparello J, Gambari R. Erythroid induction of K562 cells treated with mithramycin is associated with inhibition of raptor gene transcription and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) functions. Pharmacol Res 2014; 91:57-68. [PMID: 25478892 PMCID: PMC4309890 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR activity, is a potent inducer of erythroid differentiation and fetal hemoglobin production in β-thalassemic patients. Mithramycin (MTH) was studied to see if this inducer of K562 differentiation also operates through inhibition of mTOR. We can conclude from the study that the mTOR pathway is among the major transcript classes affected by mithramycin-treatment in K562 cells and a sharp decrease of raptor protein production and p70S6 kinase is detectable in mithramycin treated K562 cells. The promoter sequence of the raptor gene contains several Sp1 binding sites which may explain its mechanism of action. We hypothesize that the G + C-selective DNA-binding drug mithramycin is able to interact with these sequences and to inhibit the binding of Sp1 to the raptor promoter due to the following results: (a) MTH strongly inhibits the interactions between Sp1 and Sp1-binding sites of the raptor promoter (studied by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, EMSA); (b) MTH strongly reduces the recruitment of Sp1 transcription factor to the raptor promoter in intact K562 cells (studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, ChIP); (c) Sp1 decoy oligonucleotides are able to specifically inhibit raptor mRNA accumulation in K562 cells. In conclusion, raptor gene expression is involved in mithramycin-mediated induction of erythroid differentiation of K562 cells and one of its mechanism of action is the inhibition of Sp1 binding to the raptor promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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Breda L, Rivella S, Zuccato C, Gambari R. Combining gene therapy and fetal hemoglobin induction for treatment of β-thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2013; 6:255-64. [PMID: 23782080 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.13.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
β-thalassemias are caused by nearly 300 mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to a low or absent production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Two major therapeutic approaches have recently been proposed: gene therapy and induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) with the objective of achieving clinically relevant levels of Hbs. The objective of this article is to describe the development of therapeutic strategies based on a combination of gene therapy and induction of HbFs. An increase of β-globin gene expression in β-thalassemia cells can be achieved by gene therapy, although de novo production of clinically relevant levels of adult Hb may be difficult to obtain. On the other hand, an increased production of HbF is beneficial in β-thalassemia. The combination of gene therapy and HbF induction appears to be a pertinent strategy to achieve clinically relevant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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Cho HJ, Jeong SG, Park JE, Han JA, Kang HR, Lee D, Song MJ. Antiviral activity of angelicin against gammaherpesviruses. Antiviral Res 2013; 100:75-83. [PMID: 23892155 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human gammaherpesviruses including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are important pathogens as they persist in the host and cause various malignancies. However, few antiviral drugs are available to efficiently control gammaherpesvirus replication. Here we identified the antiviral activity of angelicin against murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), genetically and biologically related to human gammaherpesviruses. Angelicin, a furocoumarin naturally occurring tricyclic aromatic compound, efficiently inhibited lytic replication of MHV-68 in a dose-dependent manner following the virus entry. The IC50 of angelicin antiviral activity was estimated to be 28.95μM, while the CC50 of angelicin was higher than 2600μM. Furthermore, incubation with angelicin efficiently inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced lytic replication of human gammaherpresviruses in both EBV- and KSHV-infected cells. Taken together, these results suggest that MHV-68 can be a useful tool to screen novel antiviral agents against human gammaherepsviruses and that angelicin may provide a lead structure for the development of antiviral drug against gammaherpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jeong Cho
- Department of Biosystems and Biotechnology, Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-713, Republic of Korea
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Salvador A, Brognara E, Vedaldi D, Castagliuolo I, Brun P, Zuccato C, Lampronti I, Gambari R. Induction of erythroid differentiation and increased globin mRNA production with furocoumarins and their photoproducts. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2013; 121:57-66. [PMID: 23518160 PMCID: PMC3625112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation-therapy is an important approach in the treatment of cancer, as in the case of erythroid induction in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Moreover, an important therapeutic strategy for treating beta-thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia could be the use of drugs able to induce erythroid differentiation and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) accumulation: in fact, the increased production of this type of hemoglobin can reduce the clinical symptoms and the frequency of transfusions. An important class of erythroid differentiating compounds and HbF inducers is composed by DNA-binding chemotherapeutics: however, they are not used in most instances considering their possible devastating side effects. In this contest, we approached the study of erythrodifferentiating properties of furocoumarins. In fact, upon UV-A irradiation, they are able to covalently bind DNA. Thus, the erythrodifferentiation activity of some linear and angular furocoumarins was evaluated in the experimental K562 cellular model system. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction assay was employed to evaluate the accumulation of different globin mRNAs. The results demonstrated that both linear and angular furocoumarins are strong inducers of erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. From a preliminary screening, we selected the most active compounds and investigated the role of DNA photodamage in their erythroid inducing activity and mechanism of action. Moreover, some cytofluorimetric experiments were carried out to better study cell cycle modifications and the mitochondrial involvement. A further development of the work was carried out studying the erythroid differentiation of photolysis products of these molecules. 5,5′-Dimethylpsoralen photoproducts induced an important increase in γ-globin gene transcription in K562 cells.
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Novel mithramycins abrogate the involvement of protein factors in the transcription of cell cycle control genes. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 84:1133-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Gambari R. Alternative options for DNA-based experimental therapy of β-thalassemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:443-62. [PMID: 22413823 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.665047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Beta-thalassemias are caused by more than 200 mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin. Achievements have been made with innovative therapeutic strategies for β-thalassemias, based on research conducted at the levels of gene structure, transcription, mRNA processing and protein synthesis. AREAS COVERED The objective of this review is to describe the development of therapeutic strategies employing viral and non-viral DNA-based approaches for treatment of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Modification of β-globin gene expression in β-thalassemia cells has been achieved by gene therapy, correction of the mutated β-globin gene and RNA repair. In addition, cellular therapy has been proposed for β-thalassemia, including reprogramming of somatic cells to generate induced pluripotent stem cells to be genetically corrected. Based on the concept that increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is beneficial in β-thalassemia, DNA-based approaches to increase HbF production have been optimized, including treatment of target cells with lentiviral vectors carrying γ-globin genes. Finally, DNA-based targeting of α-globin gene expression has been applied to reduce the excess of α-globin production by β-thalassemia cells, one of the major causes of the clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- University of Ferrara, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioPharmaNet and Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Ferrara, Italy.
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Ataur Rahman M, Kim NH, Yang H, Huh SO. Angelicin induces apoptosis through intrinsic caspase-dependent pathway in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 369:95-104. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1372-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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A combined approach for β-thalassemia based on gene therapy-mediated adult hemoglobin (HbA) production and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction. Ann Hematol 2012; 91:1201-13. [PMID: 22460946 PMCID: PMC3389244 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-012-1430-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy might fall short in achieving a complete reversion of the β-thalassemic phenotype due to current limitations in vector design and myeloablative regimen. Following gene transfer, all or a large proportion of erythroid cells might express suboptimal levels of β-globin, impairing the therapeutic potential of the treatment. Our aim was to evaluate whether, in absence of complete reversion of the β-globin phenotype upon gene transfer, it is possible to use fetal hemoglobin induction to eliminate the residual α-globin aggregates and achieve normal levels of hemoglobin. Transgenic K562 cell lines and erythroid precursor cells from β039-thalassemia patients were employed. Gene therapy was performed with the lentiviral vector T9W. Induction of fetal hemoglobin was obtained using mithramycin. Levels of mRNA and hemoglobins were determined by qRT-PCR and HPLC. First, we analyzed the effect of mithramycin on K562 transgenic cell lines harboring different copies of a lentiviral vector carrying the human β-globin gene, showing that γ-globin mRNA expression and HbF production can be induced in the presence of high levels of β-globin gene expression and HbA accumulation. We then treated erythroid progenitor cells from β-thalassemic patients with T9W, which expresses the human β-globin gene and mithramycin separately or in combination. When transduction with our lentiviral vector is insufficient to completely eliminate the unpaired α-globin chains, combination of β-globin gene transfer therapy together with fetal hemoglobin induction might be very efficacious to remove the excess of α-globin proteins in thalassemic erythroid progenitor cells.
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Brognara E, Lampronti I, Breveglieri G, Accetta A, Corradini R, Manicardi A, Borgatti M, Canella A, Multineddu C, Marchelli R, Gambari R. C(5) modified uracil derivatives showing antiproliferative and erythroid differentiation inducing activities on human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 672:30-7. [PMID: 21958870 PMCID: PMC3271358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The K562 cell line has been proposed as a useful experimental system to identify anti-tumor compounds acting by inducing terminal erythroid differentiation. K562 cells exhibit a low proportion of hemoglobin-synthesizing cells under standard cell growth conditions, but are able to undergo terminal erythroid differentiation when treated with a variety of anti-tumor compounds. In this paper we report a screening study on a set of different modified C(5) uracil derivatives for the evaluation of their antiproliferative effect in connection with erythroid differentiation pathways, and for defining a new class of drug candidates for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Activity of the derivatives tested can be classified in two effect: an antiproliferative effect linked to a high level of erythroid differentiation activity and an antiproliferative effect without activation of gamma globin genes The highest antiproliferative effect and erythroid induction was shown by compound 9, a thymine derivative bearing a n-octyl chain on nitrogen N(1), whereas thymine did not show any effect, suggesting the importance of the linear alkyl chain in position N(1). To our knowledge this compound should be considered among the most efficient inducers of erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. This work is the starting point for the quest of more effective and specific drugs for the induction of terminal erythroid differentiation, for leading new insights in the treatment of neoplastic diseases with molecules acting by inducing differentiation rather than by simply exerting cytotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Brognara
- BioPharmaNet, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology Division, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46-44100 Ferrara, Italy
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