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Acuto S, Lo Iacono M, Baiamonte E, Lo Re R, Maggio A, Cavalieri V. An optimized procedure for preparation of conditioned medium from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from umbilical cord. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1273814. [PMID: 37854039 PMCID: PMC10580810 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1273814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free therapy based on conditioned medium derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has gained attention in the field of protective and regenerative medicine. However, the exact composition and properties of MSC-derived conditioned media can vary greatly depending on multiple parameters, which hamper standardization. In this study, we have optimized a procedure for preparation of conditioned medium starting from efficient isolation, propagation and characterization of MSCs from human umbilical cord, using a culture medium supplemented with human platelet lysate as an alternative source to fetal bovine serum. Our procedure successfully maximizes the yield of viable MSCs that maintain canonical key features. Importantly, under these conditions, the compositional profile and biological effects elicited by the conditioned medium preparations derived from these MSC populations do not depend on donor individuality. Moreover, approximately 120 L of conditioned medium could be obtained from a single umbilical cord, which provides a suitable framework to produce industrial amounts of toxic-free conditioned medium with predictable composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santina Acuto
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Baiamonte
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Lo Re
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Insulin and Its Key Role for Mitochondrial Function/Dysfunction and Quality Control: A Shared Link between Dysmetabolism and Neurodegeneration. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060943. [PMID: 35741464 PMCID: PMC9220302 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Insulin was discovered and isolated from the beta cells of pancreatic islets of dogs and is associated with the regulation of peripheral glucose homeostasis. Insulin produced in the brain is related to synaptic plasticity and memory. Defective insulin signaling plays a role in brain dysfunction, such as neurodegenerative disease. Growing evidence suggests a link between metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). This association is due to a common state of insulin resistance (IR) and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review takes a journey into the past to summarize what was known about the physiological and pathological role of insulin in peripheral tissues and the brain. Then, it will land in the present to analyze the insulin role on mitochondrial health and the effects on insulin resistance and neurodegenerative diseases that are IR-dependent. Specifically, we will focus our attention on the quality control of mitochondria (MQC), such as mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial biogenesis, and selective autophagy (mitophagy), in healthy and altered cases. Finally, this review will be projected toward the future by examining the most promising treatments that target the mitochondria to cure neurodegenerative diseases associated with metabolic disorders.
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3
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Cavalieri V. The Expanding Constellation of Histone Post-Translational Modifications in the Epigenetic Landscape. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101596. [PMID: 34680990 PMCID: PMC8535662 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a nucleosome-based chromatin structure accompanied the evolutionary transition from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. In this scenario, histones became the heart of the complex and precisely timed coordination between chromatin architecture and functions during adaptive responses to environmental influence by means of epigenetic mechanisms. Notably, such an epigenetic machinery involves an overwhelming number of post-translational modifications at multiple residues of core and linker histones. This review aims to comprehensively describe old and recent evidence in this exciting field of research. In particular, histone post-translational modification establishing/removal mechanisms, their genomic locations and implication in nucleosome dynamics and chromatin-based processes, as well as their harmonious combination and interdependence will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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4
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Faddetta T, Ardizzone F, Faillaci F, Reina C, Palazzotto E, Strati F, De Filippo C, Spinelli G, Puglia AM, Gallo G, Cavalieri V. Composition and geographic variation of the bacterial microbiota associated with the coelomic fluid of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21443. [PMID: 33293569 PMCID: PMC7723044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, culture-based and culture-independent investigations were performed to determine the microbiota structure of the coelomic fluid of Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus individuals collected from two distinct geographical sites neighboring a high-density population bay and a nature reserve, respectively. Next Generation Sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) showed that members of the Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria phyla, which have been previously reported to be commonly retrieved from marine invertebrates, dominate the overall population of microorganisms colonizing this liquid tissue, with minority bacterial genera exhibiting remarkable differences among individuals. Our results showed that there is a correlation between microbiota structure and geographical location of the echinoderm collection site, highlighting over-representation of metagenomic functions related to amino acid and bioactive peptides metabolism in specimens inhabiting the nature reserve. Finally, we also described the developmental delay and aberrations exhibited by sea urchin embryos exposed to distinct bacterial isolates, and showed that these defects rely upon hydrophilic compound(s) synthesized by the bacterial strains assayed. Altogether, our findings lay the groundwork to decipher the relationships of bacteria with sea urchins in their aquatic environment, also providing an additional layer of information to understand the biological roles of the coelomic fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Faddetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Ardizzone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Faillaci
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Reina
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza Delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emilia Palazzotto
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Strati
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Carlotta De Filippo
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Spinelli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Puglia
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gallo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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5
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Nuzzo D, Contardi M, Kossyvaki D, Picone P, Cristaldi L, Galizzi G, Bosco G, Scoglio S, Athanassiou A, Di Carlo M. Heat-Resistant Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Extract (Klamin®) as a Functional Ingredient in Food Strategy for Prevention of Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:9481390. [PMID: 31827711 PMCID: PMC6885278 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9481390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are generally considered an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive molecules that make them suitable to be introduced in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), an edible microalga, contains numerous biomolecules potentially able to prevent some pathologies including age-related disorders. With the aim to include an AFA extract (Klamin®) as a functional ingredient in baked products, we investigated if its bioactive molecules are destroyed or inactivated after standard cooking temperature. The AFA extract was exposed to heat stress (AFA-HS), and no significant decrease in pigment, polyphenol, and carotenoid content was detected by spectroscopic analysis. Thermal stability of AFA-HS extract was demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and no change in the morphology of the granules of the powder was noticed by SEM microscopic observation. By Folin-Ciocalteu, ORAC, and ABTS assays, no change in the antioxidant activity and polyphenol contents was found after high-temperature exposition. When added in cell culture, solubilized AFA-HS lost neither its scavenging ability against ROS generation nor its protective role against Abeta, the main peptide involved in Alzheimer's disease. Prebiotic and antioxidant activities of AFA extract that are not lost after thermal stress were verified on E. coli bacteria. Finally, AFA-HS cookies, containing the extract as one of their ingredients, showed increased polyphenols. Here, we evaluate the possibility to use the AFA extract to produce functional food and prevent metabolic and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Nuzzo
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - M. Contardi
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - D. Kossyvaki
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - P. Picone
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - L. Cristaldi
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche (Di.Bi.Med.), Università di Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - G. Galizzi
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - G. Bosco
- Le Farine dei Nostri Sacchi S.M.E., Via Ugo La Malfa 135, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - S. Scoglio
- Nutrigea-Nutritherapy Research Center, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - A. Athanassiou
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - M. Di Carlo
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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Turturici G, La Fiora V, Terenzi A, Barone G, Cavalieri V. Perturbation of Developmental Regulatory Gene Expression by a G-Quadruplex DNA Inducer in the Sea Urchin Embryo. Biochemistry 2018; 57:4391-4394. [PMID: 30011196 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex (G4) is a four-stranded DNA structure identified in vivo in guanine-rich regions located in the promoter of a number of genes. Intriguing evidence suggested that small molecules acting as G4-targeting ligands could potentially regulate multiple cellular processes via either stabilizing or disruptive effects on G4 motifs. Research in this field aims to prove the direct role of G4 ligands and/or structures on a specific biological process in a complex living organism. In this study, we evaluate in vivo the effects of a nickel(II)-salnaphen-like complex, named Nisaln, a potent G4 binder and stabilizer, during embryogenesis of the sea urchin embryo. We describe developmental defects inflicted by Nisaln and correlate them with variation in the expression of several regulatory genes. It is worth mentioning that we show that Nisaln binds a G4 structure in the promoter of hbox12-a, a gene lying at the top of the developmental regulatory hierarchy, inducing overexpression of this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Turturici
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) , University of Palermo , Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16 , 90128 Palermo , Italy
| | - Veronica La Fiora
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) , University of Palermo , Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16 , 90128 Palermo , Italy
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) , University of Palermo , Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16 , 90128 Palermo , Italy
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) , University of Palermo , Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16 , 90128 Palermo , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF) , University of Palermo , Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16 , 90128 Palermo , Italy
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Anello L, Cavalieri V, Di Bernardo M. Developmental effects of the protein kinase inhibitor kenpaullone on the sea urchin embryo. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 204:36-44. [PMID: 29128602 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The selection and validation of bioactive compounds require multiple approaches, including in-depth analyses of their biological activity in a whole-animal context. We exploited the sea urchin embryo in a rapid, medium-scale range screening to test the effects of the small synthetic kinase inhibitor kenpaullone. We show that sea urchin embryos specifically respond to this molecule depending on both dose and timing of administration. Phenotypic effects of kenpaullone are not immediately visible, since this molecule affects neither the fertilization nor the spatial arrangement of blastomeres at early developmental stages. Nevertheless, kenpaullone exposure from the beginning of embryogenesis profoundly perturbs specification, detachment from the epithelium, and migration of the primary mesenchyme cells, thus affecting the whole embryonic epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Our results reaffirm the sea urchin embryo as an excellent and sensitive in vivo system, which provides straightforward and rapid response to external stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Anello
- Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "A. Monroy", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Di Bernardo
- Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "A. Monroy", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
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8
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Picone P, Sabatino MA, Ditta LA, Amato A, San Biagio PL, Mulè F, Giacomazza D, Dispenza C, Di Carlo M. Nose-to-brain delivery of insulin enhanced by a nanogel carrier. J Control Release 2017; 270:23-36. [PMID: 29196041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidences suggest that insulin delivery to the brain can be an important pharmacological therapy for some neurodegenerative pathologies, including Alzheimer disease (AD). Due to the presence of the Blood Brain Barrier, a suitable carrier and an appropriate route of administration are required to increase the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Here, poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)-based nanogels (NG), synthetized by e-beam irradiation, alone and with covalently attached insulin (NG-In) were characterized for biocompatibility and brain delivery features in a mouse model. Preliminarily, the biodistribution of the "empty" nanocarrier after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection was investigated by using a fluorescent-labeled NG. By fluorescence spectroscopy, SEM and dynamic light scattering analyses we established that urine clearance occurs in 24h. Histological liver and kidneys inspections indicated that no morphological alterations of tissues occurred and no immunological response was activated after NG injection. Furthermore, after administration of the insulin-conjugated nanogels (NG-In) through the intranasal route (i.n.) no alteration or immunogenic response of the nasal mucosa was observed, suggesting that the formulation is well tolerated in mouse. Moreover, an enhancement of NG-In delivery to the different brain areas and of its biological activity, measured as Akt activation levels, with reference to free insulin administration was demonstrated. Taken together, these results indicate that the synthesized NG-In enhances brain insulin delivery upon i.n. administration and strongly encourage its further evaluation as therapeutic agent against some neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Picone
- Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare (IBIM), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sabatino
- Dipartimento dell'Innovazione Industriale e Digitale (DIID), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorena Anna Ditta
- Dipartimento dell'Innovazione Industriale e Digitale (DIID), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Amato
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi San Biagio
- Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Flavia Mulè
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Giacomazza
- Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Clelia Dispenza
- Dipartimento dell'Innovazione Industriale e Digitale (DIID), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Marta Di Carlo
- Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare (IBIM), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
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Nuzzo D, Inguglia L, Walters J, Picone P, Di Carlo M. A Shotgun Proteomics Approach Reveals a New Toxic Role for Alzheimer's Disease Aβ Peptide: Spliceosome Impairment. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:1526-1541. [PMID: 28157316 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic changes have been described in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the early events in the onset of the pathology are yet to be fully elucidated. A cell model system in which LAN5 neuroblastoma cells were incubated for a short time with a recombinant form of Aβ42 was utilized. Proteins extracted from these cells were subjected to shotgun proteomics analysis by LTQ-Orbitrap-MS followed by label-free quantitation. By bioinformatics tools we found that the most significant of those found to be up-regulated were related to cytoskeletal dynamics (Rho related) and membrane-related processes. The most significant of the down-regulated proteins were hnRNP-related. In particular, hnRNPs involved in ribosomal biogenesis and in splicing were down-regulated. The latter of these processes stood out as it was highlighted ubiquitously and with the highest significance in the results of every analysis. Furthermore, our findings revealed down-regulation at every stage of the splicing process through down-regulation of every subunit of the spliceosome. Dysregulation of the spliceosome was also confirmed using a Western blot. In conclusion, these data suggest dysregulation of the proteins and processes identified as early events in pathogenesis of AD following Aβ accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Nuzzo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "A. Monroy" (IBIM) , Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Inguglia
- Istituto di Biofisica (IBF) , Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.,Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology , 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Jessica Walters
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "A. Monroy" (IBIM) , Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pasquale Picone
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "A. Monroy" (IBIM) , Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Di Carlo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "A. Monroy" (IBIM) , Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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10
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Cheng YH, Lai SW, Chen PY, Chang JH, Chang NW. PPARα activation attenuates amyloid-β-dependent neurodegeneration by modulating Endo G and AIF translocation. Neurotox Res 2014; 27:55-68. [PMID: 25048111 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-014-9485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of a large amount of amyloid-β (Aβ42) in brain neurons is one of the debilitating characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we determined the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activation on neuronal degeneration using a model of Aβ42-induced cytotoxicity. We found that 0.5 μM Aβ42 induced DNA damage and apoptosis in NT2N cells after 6 h of treatment. Co-treatment of Aβ42-treated cells with Wy14643, a PPARα ligand, significantly increased cell viability after 24 h compared with cells treated with Aβ42 alone. There were no differences in the protein levels of caspase-3, Bcl-2/Bax or p53 between cells treated with Aβ42 alone and those treated with both Aβ42 and Wy14643. However, the addition of Wy14643 significantly suppressed the Aβ42-induced upregulation of Endo G and AIF protein levels. Immunohistochemical analyses further demonstrated that Wy14643 reduced the expression of Endo G and AIF translocated from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, which occurred concomitantly with the decrease in DNA damage in Aβ42-treated cells. Our data clearly show that PPARα activation prevents DNA damage and neuronal cell apoptosis by decreasing the expression and translocation of AIF/Endo G to the nucleus in a caspase-3- and p53-independent pathway in the NT2N cell model. This role of PPARα in promoting neuron survival suggests a possible clinical application in treating Aβ42-associated neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan, ROC
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Cytotoxic Activity of Six Samples of Brazilian Propolis on Sea Urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) Eggs. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:619361. [PMID: 23662146 PMCID: PMC3638611 DOI: 10.1155/2013/619361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The cytotoxic activities of extracts of four samples of propolis from the state of Minas Gerais (Southeast Brazil) and two from the state of Paraná (South Brazil) were evaluated using sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) eggs. Cytotoxic activity was observed, characterized mainly by the inhibition of the first cleavage of newly fertilized eggs. Methanol extracts at 32 µg mL−1 of all samples were highly active (97–100%). Extracts were also prepared by successive treatments of the samples with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. High activity was observed using the ethyl acetate fractions of all samples, but hexane and chloroform fractions of some samples also had high activity. Based on the chemical composition of the extracts and fractions (published previously), it is hypothesized that the cytotoxic activities observed are due mainly to artepillin C, p-coumaric acid, and kaempferide. The results suggest that caffeoylquinic acids have no cytotoxic activity in sea urchin eggs.
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Picone P, Nuzzo D, Di Carlo M. Ferulic acid: a natural antioxidant against oxidative stress induced by oligomeric A-beta on sea urchin embryo. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2013; 224:18-28. [PMID: 23493505 DOI: 10.1086/bblv224n1p18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by loss of memory and impairment of multiple cognitive functions. Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) is the main component of amyloid plaques observed in the brain of individuals affected by AD. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, induced by Aβ, are among the earliest events in AD, triggering neuronal degeneration and cell death. Use of natural molecules with antioxidant properties could be a suitable strategy for inhibiting the cell death cascade. Here, by employing the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus as a model system, and Aβ oligomers, we tested the effectiveness of ferulic acid (FA), a natural antioxidant, as a putative AD neuroprotective compound. By microscopic inspection we observed that FA is able to reverse morphological defects induced by Aβ oligomers in P. lividus embryos. In addition, FA is able to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), recover mitochondrial membrane potential, and block apoptotic pathways. Moreover, this model system has allowed us to obtain information about down- or up-regulation of some key molecules--Foxo3a, ERK, and p53--involved in the antioxidant mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Picone
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare (IBIM)-CNR, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
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Di Carlo M. Simple model systems: a challenge for Alzheimer's disease. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2012; 9:3. [PMID: 22507659 PMCID: PMC3388466 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4933-9-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The success of biomedical researches has led to improvement in human health and increased life expectancy. An unexpected consequence has been an increase of age-related diseases and, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases. These disorders are generally late onset and exhibit complex pathologies including memory loss, cognitive defects, movement disorders and death. Here, it is described as the use of simple animal models such as worms, fishes, flies, Ascidians and sea urchins, have facilitated the understanding of several biochemical mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative pathologies. The discovery of specific genes and proteins associated with AD, and the development of new technologies for the production of transgenic animals, has helped researchers to overcome the lack of natural models. Moreover, simple model systems of AD have been utilized to obtain key information for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions and for testing efficacy of putative neuroprotective compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Carlo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare (IBIM) Alberto Monroy CNR, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
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Abstract
It has been proposed that the apoptosis is an essential requirement for the evolution of all animals, in fact the apoptotic program is highly conserved from nematodes to mammals. Throughout development, apoptosis is employed by multicellular organisms to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells. Here, we will discuss both developmental programmed cell death (PCD) under normal conditions and stress induced apoptosis, in sea urchin embryos. Sea urchin represent an excellent model system for studying embryogenesis and cellular processes involved in metamorphosis. PCD plays an essential role in sculpting and remodelling the embryos and larvae undergoing metamorphosis. Moreover, this marine organism directly interacts with its environment, and is susceptible to effects of several aquatic contaminants. Apoptosis can be adopted as a defence mechanism against any environmental chemical, physical and mechanical stress, for removing irreversibly damaged cells. This review, while not comprehensive in its reporting, aims to provide an overview of current knowledge on mechanisms to regulate physiological and the induced apoptotic program in sea urchin embryos.
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