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Matsubara S, Iguchi R, Ogasawara M, Nakamura H, Kataoka TR, Shiraishi A, Osugi T, Kawada T, Satake H. A Novel Hemocyte-Derived Peptide and Its Possible Roles in Immune Response of Ciona intestinalis Type A. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1979. [PMID: 38396656 PMCID: PMC10888236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041979] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of bioactive peptides have been identified in the central nervous system and several peripheral tissues in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta). However, hemocyte endocrine peptides have yet to be explored. Here, we report a novel 14-amino-acid peptide, CiEMa, that is predominant in the granular hemocytes and unilocular refractile granulocytes of Ciona. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR revealed the high CiEma expression in the adult pharynx and stomach. Immunohistochemistry further revealed the highly concentrated CiEMa in the hemolymph of the pharynx and epithelial cells of the stomach, suggesting biological roles in the immune response. Notably, bacterial lipopolysaccharide stimulation of isolated hemocytes for 1-4 h resulted in 1.9- to 2.4-fold increased CiEMa secretion. Furthermore, CiEMa-stimulated pharynx exhibited mRNA upregulation of the growth factor (Fgf3/7/10/22), vanadium binding proteins (CiVanabin1 and CiVanabin3), and forkhead and homeobox transcription factors (Foxl2, Hox3, and Dbx) but not antimicrobial peptides (CrPap-a and CrMam-a) or immune-related genes (Tgfbtun3, Tnfa, and Il17-2). Collectively, these results suggest that CiEMa plays roles in signal transduction involving tissue development or repair in the immune response, rather than in the direct regulation of immune response genes. The present study identified a novel Ciona hemocyte peptide, CiEMa, which paves the way for research on the biological roles of hemocyte peptides in chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun 619-0284, Kyoto, Japan (H.S.)
| | - Rin Iguchi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku 263-8522, Chiba, Japan
| | - Michio Ogasawara
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku 263-8522, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroya Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Iwate Medical University, 2-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun 028-3695, Iwate, Japan (T.R.K.)
| | - Tatsuki R. Kataoka
- Department of Pathology, Iwate Medical University, 2-1-1 Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun 028-3695, Iwate, Japan (T.R.K.)
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun 619-0284, Kyoto, Japan (H.S.)
| | - Tomohiro Osugi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun 619-0284, Kyoto, Japan (H.S.)
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawada
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun 619-0284, Kyoto, Japan (H.S.)
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, 8-1-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun 619-0284, Kyoto, Japan (H.S.)
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La Paglia L, Vazzana M, Mauro M, Urso A, Arizza V, Vizzini A. Bioactive Molecules from the Innate Immunity of Ascidians and Innovative Methods of Drug Discovery: A Computational Approach Based on Artificial Intelligence. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:6. [PMID: 38276644 PMCID: PMC10817596 DOI: 10.3390/md22010006] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of bioactive molecules of marine origin has created an important bridge between biological knowledge and its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Current studies in different research fields, such as biomedicine, aim to discover marine molecules characterized by biological activities that can be used to produce potential drugs for human use. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to a particular group of marine invertebrates, the Ascidians, as they are a source of bioactive products. We describe omics data and computational methods relevant to identifying the mechanisms and processes of innate immunity underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, focusing on innovative computational approaches based on Artificial Intelligence. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of marine invertebrates' innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.U.)
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Manuela Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.U.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
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Dumas F, Mauro M, Vazzana M, Arizza V, Vizzini A. Ciona robusta macrophage migration inhibitory factor (Mif1 and Mif2) genes are differentially regulated in the lipopolysaccharide-challenged pharynx. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 103:727-730. [PMID: 37148434 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Mif (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) gene expression in the pharynx (haemapoetic tissue) of Ciona robusta were investigated using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridisation (ISH). To verify the induction of an inflammatory response in the pharynx, a qRT-PCR analysis was performed to evaluate the change in the expression of proinflammatory marker genes such as Mbl, Ptx-like, Tnf-α and Nf-kb, which were shown to be upregulated 1 h post LPS challenge. The change in the expression of the two Mif paralogs in the pharynx was assessed before and after stimulation, and qRT-PCR and ISH results showed that, although Mif2 and Mif2 were expressed in clusters of haemocytes in pharynx vessels, only Mif1 expression increased after LPS stimulation. This indicates that the Mif genes are differently regulated and respond to different ambient inputs that need further analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dumas
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuela Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Liberti A, Pollastro C, Pinto G, Illiano A, Marino R, Amoresano A, Spagnuolo A, Sordino P. Transcriptional and proteomic analysis of the innate immune response to microbial stimuli in a model invertebrate chordate. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1217077. [PMID: 37600818 PMCID: PMC10433773 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1217077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory response triggered by innate immunity can act to protect against microorganisms that behave as pathogens, with the aim to restore the homeostatic state between host and beneficial microbes. As a filter-feeder organism, the ascidian Ciona robusta is continuously exposed to external microbes that may be harmful under some conditions. In this work, we used transcriptional and proteomic approaches to investigate the inflammatory response induced by stimuli of bacterial (lipopolysaccharide -LPS- and diacylated lipopeptide - Pam2CSK4) and fungal (zymosan) origin, in Ciona juveniles at stage 4 of metamorphosis. We focused on receptors, co-interactors, transcription factors and cytokines belonging to the TLR and Dectin-1 pathways and on immune factors identified by homology approach (i.e. immunoglobulin (Ig) or C-type lectin domain containing molecules). While LPS did not induce a significant response in juvenile ascidians, Pam2CSK4 and zymosan exposure triggered the activation of specific inflammatory mechanisms. In particular, Pam2CSK4-induced inflammation was characterized by modulation of TLR and Dectin-1 pathway molecules, including receptors, transcription factors, and cytokines, while immune response to zymosan primarily involved C-type lectin receptors, co-interactors, Ig-containing molecules, and cytokines. A targeted proteomic analysis enabled to confirm transcriptional data, also highlighting a temporal delay between transcriptional induction and protein level changes. Finally, a protein-protein interaction network of Ciona immune molecules was rendered to provide a wide visualization and analysis platform of innate immunity. The in vivo inflammatory model described here reveals interconnections of innate immune pathways in specific responses to selected microbial stimuli. It also represents the starting point for studying ontogeny and regulation of inflammatory disorders in different physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Liberti
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Pollastro
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pinto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi-Consorzio Interuniversitario, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi-Consorzio Interuniversitario, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Marino
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi-Consorzio Interuniversitario, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Spagnuolo
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Sordino
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
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Marino R, Melillo D, Italiani P, Boraschi D. Environmental stress and nanoplastics' effects on Ciona robusta: regulation of immune/stress-related genes and induction of innate memory in pharynx and gut. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1176982. [PMID: 37313415 PMCID: PMC10258323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1176982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to circulating haemocytes, the immune system of the solitary ascidian Ciona robusta relies on two organs, the pharynx and the gut, and encompasses a wide array of immune and stress-related genes. How the pharynx and the gut of C. robusta react and adapt to environmental stress was assessed upon short or long exposure to hypoxia/starvation in the absence or in the presence of polystyrene nanoplastics. We show that the immune response to stress is very different between the two organs, suggesting an organ-specific immune adaptation to the environmental changes. Notably, the presence of nanoplastics appears to alter the gene modulation induced by hypoxia/starvation in both organs, resulting in a partial increase in gene up-regulation in the pharynx and a less evident response to stress in the gut. We have also assessed whether the hypoxia/starvation stress could induce innate memory, measured as gene expression in response to a subsequent challenge with the bacterial agent LPS. Exposure to stress one week before challenge induced a substantial change in the response to LPS, with a general decrease of gene expression in the pharynx and a strong increase in the gut. Co-exposure with nanoplastics only partially modulated the stress-induced memory response to LPS, without substantially changing the stress-dependent gene expression profile in either organ. Overall, the presence of nanoplastics in the marine environment seems able to decrease the immune response of C. robusta to stressful conditions, hypothetically implying a reduced capacity to adapt to environmental changes, but only partially affects the stress-dependent induction of innate memory and subsequent responses to infectious challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Marino
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Melillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Italiani
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation (CNR, SZN, SIAT), Shenzhen, China
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation (CNR, SZN, SIAT), Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Vaccines, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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6
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La Paglia L, Vazzana M, Mauro M, Dumas F, Fiannaca A, Urso A, Arizza V, Vizzini A. Transcriptomic and Bioinformatic Analyses Identifying a Central Mif-Cop9-Nf-kB Signaling Network in Innate Immunity Response of Ciona robusta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044112. [PMID: 36835523 PMCID: PMC9960688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ascidian C. robusta is a powerful model for studying innate immunity. LPS induction activates inflammatory-like reactions in the pharynx and the expression of several innate immune genes in granulocyte hemocytes such as cytokines, for instance, macrophage migration inhibitory factors (CrMifs). This leads to intracellular signaling involving the Nf-kB signaling cascade that triggers downstream pro-inflammatory gene expression. In mammals, the COP9 (Constitutive photomorphogenesis 9) signalosome (CSN) complex also results in the activation of the NF-kB pathway. It is a highly conserved complex in vertebrates, mainly engaged in proteasome degradation which is essential for maintaining processes such as cell cycle, DNA repair, and differentiation. In the present study, we used bioinformatics and in-silico analyses combined with an in-vivo LPS exposure strategy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and qRT-PCR to elucidate molecules and the temporal dynamics of Mif cytokines, Csn signaling components, and the Nf-κB signaling pathway in C. robusta. A qRT-PCR analysis of immune genes selected from transcriptome data revealed a biphasic activation of the inflammatory response. A phylogenetic and STRING analysis indicated an evolutionarily conserved functional link between the Mif-Csn-Nf-kB axis in ascidian C. robusta during LPS-mediated inflammation response, finely regulated by non-coding molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuela Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Dumas
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Fiannaca
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Improvement of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis by Jiedu Huoxue decoction through inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113193. [PMID: 35665666 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNBP) accounts for more than 90 % of clinical prostatitis cases, and there is no specific and effective treatment for CNBP. The regulatory role of Jiedu Huoxue decoction (JDHXD)in CNBP remains unclear. We investigated if JDHXD could improve CNBP METHODS: The animal model of CNBP was established by carrageenan injection with 1 % carrageenan (50 μL). The prostate index, epithelial thickness, lumen area, and pain response time were investigated. The apoptosis levels were measured with TUNEL staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Inflammatory factors in the serum were measured with ELISA method. RESULTS Treatment with JDHXD significantly improve prostate tissues injury in CNBP rats. Some parameters, such as prostate index, and pain response time, reflecting the prostate function were improved by JDHXD. Inhibition of apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory response were achieved by JDHXD in vivo. JDHXD markedly suppressed the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, and activation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway could reverse the improvement of CNBP injury by JDHXD. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of JDHXD were proved. CONCLUSION JDHXD might improve CNBP injury through suppressing inflammation response, ROS, and apoptosis by targeting TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. This research might provide a new thought for the prevention and treatment of CNBP through inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
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Longo V, Parrinello D, Longo A, Parisi MG, Parrinello N, Colombo P, Cammarata M. The conservation and diversity of ascidian cells and molecules involved in the inflammatory reaction: The Ciona robusta model. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 119:384-396. [PMID: 34687879 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ascidians are marine invertebrate chordates belonging to the earliest branch (Tunicata) in the chordate phylum, therefore, they are of interest for studying the evolution of immune systems. Due to the known genome, the non-colonial Ciona robusta, previously considered to be C. intestinalis type A, is a model species for the study of inflammatory response. The internal defense of ascidians mainly relies on hemocytes circulating in the hemolymph and pharynx. Hemocytes can be in vivo challenged by LPS injection and various granulocyte and vacuolated cell populations differentiated to produce and release inflammatory factors. Molecular biology and gene expression studies revealed complex defense mechanisms involving different inflammatory hemocytes. Furthermore, cloning procedures allowed sequence analyses and molecular studies disclose immune-related gene families including TOLL-like receptors, galectins, C-type lectins, collectins, interlectins, pentraxine-like, peroxinectins, complement factors-like, TNFα-like, IL-17-like, TGF-like, MIF-like. These genes are promptly upregulated by the inflammatory stimulus and show a time course of transcription similar to each other. Domains sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationships with the vertebrate counterparts are shedding some light on immune-related gene evolution. Selective bioassays as well as bioinformatic approaches have allowed the characterization of antimicrobial peptides and the identification of post transcriptional molecular mechanisms able of influencing dynamics of gene regulation are described. In synthesis, the purpose of this article is to further explore the topic of hemocyte and molecules related to internal defence of ascidians involved in the inflammatory reaction, as well as to discuss current and future study options through a detailed literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Nicolò Parrinello
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Italy
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, La Paglia L, Fiannaca A, La Rosa M, Urso A, Mauro M, Vazzana M, Arizza V. Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal 2 and 4 Family Members of Cytochromes P450 (CYP) Involved in LPS Inflammatory Response in Pharynx of Ciona robusta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011141. [PMID: 34681801 PMCID: PMC8537429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochromes P450 (CYP) are enzymes responsible for the biotransformation of most endogenous and exogenous agents. The expression of each CYP is influenced by a unique combination of mechanisms and factors including genetic polymorphisms, induction by xenobiotics, and regulation by cytokines and hormones. In recent years, Ciona robusta, one of the closest living relatives of vertebrates, has become a model in various fields of biology, in particular for studying inflammatory response. Using an in vivo LPS exposure strategy, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and qRT-PCR combined with bioinformatics and in silico analyses, compared whole pharynx transcripts from naïve and LPS-exposed C. robusta, and we provide the first view of cytochrome genes expression and miRNA regulation in the inflammatory response induced by LPS in a hematopoietic organ. In C. robusta, cytochromes belonging to 2B,2C, 2J, 2U, 4B and 4F subfamilies were deregulated and miRNA network interactions suggest that different conserved and species-specific miRNAs are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of cytochrome genes and that there could be an interplay between specific miRNAs regulating both inflammation and cytochrome molecules in the inflammatory response in C. robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.M.); (M.V.); (V.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Antonino Fiannaca
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Massimo La Rosa
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Manuela Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.M.); (M.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.M.); (M.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche-Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (M.M.); (M.V.); (V.A.)
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10
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Gong P, Cui D, Guo Y, Wang M, Wang Z, Huang Z, Yang W, Chen F, Chen X. A novel polysaccharide obtained from Siraitia grosvenorii alleviates inflammatory responses in a diabetic nephropathy mouse model via the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Food Funct 2021; 12:9054-9065. [PMID: 34608922 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo01182k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The inflammatory and antioxidant effects of a novel Siraitia grosvenorii polysaccharide (SGP-1-1) were investigated in an inflammation-suppressed diabetic nephropathy (DN) mouse model, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress in SGP-1-1-treated mouse models were elucidated. The results demonstrated that DN mouse models treated with SGP-1-1 (50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 d-1) exhibited good inflammation-modulating activity. In addition, histopathological analysis showed that glomerular atrophy, severe glomerular thylakoid hyperplasia, tubular endothelial detachment, basement membrane exposure, cytoplasmic infiltration with inflammatory cells, and interstitial oedema were all alleviated in DN mice after treatment with SGP-1-1. Metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS revealed that a close relationship between the occurrence of DN and the potential 39 biomarkers, especially, leukotriene E3 and arachidonic acid,of which the main invloved metabolic pathways may beglycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis results demonstrated that SGP-1-1 downregulates mRNA and the protein expression of the G protein-coupled cell membrane receptor TLR4 and its downstream protein kinase (NF-κB p65). This, resulted in the inhibition of the TLR4-NF-κB pathway in the peritoneum of DN mice by regulating inflammation, while stimulating the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing the production of cytokine (IL-6, TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Dandan Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Yuxi Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Mengrao Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Zhineng Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Zihan Huang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
| | - Fuxin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Xuefeng Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi 'an 710021, China.
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11
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Cui L, Qu Y, Cai H, Wang H, Dong J, Li J, Qian C, Li J. Meloxicam Inhibited the Proliferation of LPS-Stimulated Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells Through Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/AKT Pathways. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:637707. [PMID: 34307514 PMCID: PMC8299055 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.637707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and has been used to relieve pain and control inflammation in cows with metritis and endometritis. Meloxicam has been found to be effective in inhibiting tissue or cell growth when it is used as an anti-inflammatory therapy. However, the influence of meloxicam on bovine endometrial regeneration has not been reported. This study was to research the effect of meloxicam (0.5 and 5 μM) on the proliferation of primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) stimulated by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. The cell viability, cell cycle, and cell proliferation were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and cell scratch test, respectively. The mRNA transcriptions of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1) and PTGS2, Toll-like receptor 4, and proliferation factors were detected using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The activations of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were determined using western blot and immunofluorescence. As a result, co-treatment of meloxicam and lipopolysaccharide inhibited (P < 0.05) the cell cycle progression and reduced (P < 0.05) the cell healing rate and the mRNA level of proliferation factors as compared with the cells treated with lipopolysaccharide alone. Meloxicam decreased (P < 0.05) the lipopolysaccharide-induced PTGS2 gene expression. Neither lipopolysaccharide nor meloxicam changed PTGS1 mRNA abundance (P > 0.05). Meloxicam inhibited (P < 0.05) the lipopolysaccharide-activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway by reducing (P < 0.05) the protein levels of β-catenin, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β and prevented the lipopolysaccharide-induced β-catenin from entering the nucleus. Meloxicam suppressed (P < 0.05) the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. In conclusion, meloxicam alone did not influence the cell cycle progression or the cell proliferation in BEEC but caused cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BEEC. This inhibitory effect of meloxicam was probably mediated by Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hele Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chen Qian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianji Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
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12
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Vizzini A, Dumas F, Di Falco F, Arizza V. Evolutionary and transcriptional analyses of a pentraxin-like component family involved in the LPS inflammatory response of Ciona robusta. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 111:94-101. [PMID: 33513439 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pentraxins (PTXs) are a superfamily of conserved proteins which are components of the humoral arm of innate immunity. They are considered to be functional ancestors of antibodies and are classified into short and long types. In this study, we show that a pentraxin-like component (Ptx-like) with a C-terminal PTX domain, highly homologous to the short PTX of H. sapiens CRP, and a long N-terminal domain typical of long PTXs, is involved in the inflammatory response of Ciona robusta under LPS exposure in vivo. Analyses of protein domains as well as 3D modelling and phylogenetic tree supported the close relationship of Ptx-like with mammalian CRP, suggesting that C. robusta Ptx-like shares a common ancestor in the chordate lineages. qRT-PCR analysis showed that Ptx-like was transcriptionally upregulated during the inflammatory process induced by LPS inoculation and that it is involved in the initial phase as well as the secondary phase of the inflammatory response in which matrix remodelling and the achievement of homeostasis occur. In situ hybridisation assays revealed that gene transcription was upregulated in the pharynx post-LPS challenge in vivo, and that Ptx-like was expressed by clusters of haemocytes, mainly granulocytes, inside the pharynx vessels. We also found transcript-expressing granulocytes flowing in the musculature and in the lacunae of the circulatory system. These data supported that Ptx-like is a potential molecule of the acute-phase response in C. robusta immune defence systems against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Francesca Dumas
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
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13
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, La Paglia L, Fiannaca A, La Rosa M, Urso A, Arizza V. ceRNA Network Regulation of TGF-β, WNT, FOXO, Hedgehog Pathways in the Pharynx of Ciona robusta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073497. [PMID: 33800649 PMCID: PMC8037537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of cytokines performs a multifunctional signaling, which is integrated and coordinated in a signaling network that involves other pathways, such as Wintless, Forkhead box-O (FOXO) and Hedgehog and regulates pivotal functions related to cell fate in all tissues. In the hematopoietic system, TGF-β signaling controls a wide spectrum of biological processes, from immune system homeostasis to the quiescence and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recently an important role in post-transcription regulation has been attributed to two type of ncRNAs: microRNAs and pseudogenes. Ciona robusta, due to its philogenetic position close to vertebrates, is an excellent model to investigate mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation evolutionarily highly conserved in immune homeostasis. The combined use of NGS and bioinformatic analyses suggests that in the pharynx, the hematopoietic organ of Ciona robusta, the Tgf-β, Wnt, Hedgehog and FoxO pathways are involved in tissue homeostasis, as they are in human. Furthermore, ceRNA network interactions and 3'UTR elements analyses of Tgf-β, Wnt, Hedgehog and FoxO pathways genes suggest that different miRNAs conserved (cin-let-7d, cin-mir-92c, cin-mir-153), species-specific (cin-mir-4187, cin-mir-4011a, cin-mir-4056, cin-mir-4150, cin-mir-4189, cin-mir-4053, cin-mir-4016, cin-mir-4075), pseudogenes (ENSCING00000011392, ENSCING00000018651, ENSCING00000007698) and mRNA 3'UTR elements are involved in post-transcriptional regulation in an integrated way in C. robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto per La Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica–Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90100 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Antonino Fiannaca
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Massimo La Rosa
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.F.); (M.L.R.); (A.U.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy;
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14
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Guo M, Meng M, Zhao J, Wang X, Wang C. Immunomodulatory effects of the polysaccharide from Craterellus cornucopioides via activating the TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway in peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 160:871-879. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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15
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Arizza V, Bonura A, La Paglia L, Urso A, Pinsino A, Vizzini A. Transcriptional and in silico analyses of MIF cytokine and TLR signalling interplay in the LPS inflammatory response of Ciona robusta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11339. [PMID: 32647255 PMCID: PMC7347617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68339-x] [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: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The close phylogenetic relationship between Ciona robusta and vertebrates makes it a powerful model for studying innate immunity and the evolution of immune genes. To elucidate the nature and dynamics of the immune response, the molecular mechanisms by which bacterial infection is detected and translated into inflammation and how potential pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are involved in pathogen recognition in tunicate C. robusta (formerly known as Ciona intestinalis), we applied an approach combining bacterial infections, next-generation sequencing, qRT-PCR, bioinformatics and in silico analyses (criteria of a p-value < 0.05 and FDR < 0.05). A STRING analysis indicated a functional link between components of the Tlr/MyD88-dependent signalling pathway (Tlr2, MyD88, and Irak4) and components of the Nf-κB signalling pathway (Nf-κB, IκBα, and Ikkα) (p-value < 0.05, FDR < 0.05). A qRT-PCR analysis of immune genes selected from transcriptome data revealed Mif as more frequently expressed in the inflammatory response than inflammation mediator or effector molecules (e.g., Il-17s, Tnf-α, Tgf-β, Mmp9, Tlrs, MyD88, Irak4, Nf-κB, and galectins), suggesting close interplay between Mif cytokines and Nf-κB signalling pathway components in the biphasic activation of the inflammatory response. An in silico analyses of the 3′-UTR of Tlr2, MyD88, IκBα, Ikk, and Nf-κB transcripts showed the presence of GAIT elements, which are known to play key roles in the regulation of immune gene-specific translation in humans. These findings provide a new level of understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the C. robusta inflammatory response induced by LPS and suggest that in C. robusta, as in humans, a complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanism is involved in the regulation of several inflammatory genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo la Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo la Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo la Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo la Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
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16
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Zhan Y, Cui D, Xing D, Zhang J, Zhang W, Li Y, Li C, Chang Y. CO 2-driven ocean acidification repressed the growth of adult sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius by impairing intestine function. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110944. [PMID: 32056852 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Strongylocentrotus intermedius cultured in the northern Yellow Sea in China was utilized to evaluate the effects of chronic CO2-driven ocean acidification (OA) on adult sea urchins. Based on the projection of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), present natural seawater conditions (pHNBS = 8.10 ± 0.03) and three laboratory-controlled OA conditions (OA1, ΔpHNBS = - 0.3 units; OA2, ΔpHNBS = - 0.4 units; OA3, ΔpHNBS = - 0.5 units) were employed. After 60-day incubation, our results showed that (1) OA significantly repressed the growth of adult S. intermedius; (2) food consumption tended to be decreased with pH decline; (3) intestinal morphology was changed, and activities of intestinal cellulase and lipase were decreased under acidified conditions; (4) expression levels of two immune-related genes (SiTNF14 and SiTGF-β) were altered; (5) rate-limiting enzyme activities of the glycolytic pathway and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TAC) were changed in all OA treatments compared to those of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, PR China
| | - Dongyao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, PR China
| | - Dongfei Xing
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, PR China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, PR China
| | - Yingying Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, PR China
| | - Cong Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, PR China.
| | - Yaqing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, PR China.
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17
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Melillo D, Marino R, Della Camera G, Italiani P, Boraschi D. Assessing Immunological Memory in the Solitary Ascidian Ciona robusta. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1977. [PMID: 31475017 PMCID: PMC6707023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune defensive mechanisms active in the solitary ascidian Ciona robusta include phagocytic and encapsulating activity, largely brought about by phagocytic cells within the haemocyte population, the presence of complement components, which have been molecularly and functionally identified, and expression of a number of immune-related genes and pathways, identified by genome-based homology with vertebrate counterparts. Since C. robusta only displays highly conserved innate immune mechanisms, being devoid of an adaptive immune system, this organism is an excellent model for studying the features of innate memory, i.e., the capacity of the innate immune system to re-programming its responsiveness to potentially dangerous agents upon repeated exposure. In this study, we have developed an in vivo model for assessing the establishment and molecular/functional features of innate memory, by sequentially exposing C. robusta to a priming stimulus (microbial molecules), followed by a period of resting to return to basal conditions, and a challenge with microbial agents in homologous or cross-stimulation. The endpoints of immune activation were a functional activity (phagocytosis) and the molecular profiles of immune-related gene expression. The results show that exposure of C. robusta to microbial agents induces a reaction that primes animals for developing a different (expectedly more protective) response to subsequent challenges, showing the effective establishment of an immune memory. This immune memory relies on the modulation of a number of different mechanisms, some of which are priming-specific, others that are challenge-specific, and others that are non-specific, i.e., are common to all priming/challenge combinations (e.g., up-regulation of the Tnf and Lbp genes). Memory-dependent expression of the humoral immunity-related gene C3ar inversely correlates with memory-dependent variations of phagocytic rate, suggesting that complement activation and phagocytosis are alternative defensive mechanisms in C. robusta. Conversely, memory-dependent expression of the cellular immunity-related gene Cd36 directly correlates with variations of phagocytic rate, suggesting a direct involvement of this gene in the functional regulation of phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Melillo
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Marino
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Camera
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Italiani
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), Naples, Italy
| | - Diana Boraschi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), Naples, Italy.,Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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18
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Guo MZ, Meng M, Feng CC, Wang X, Wang CL. A novel polysaccharide obtained from Craterellus cornucopioides enhances immunomodulatory activity in immunosuppressive mice models via regulation of the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. Food Funct 2019; 10:4792-4801. [PMID: 31314026 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo00201d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The immunoregulatory effect of a novel Craterellus cornucopioides polysaccharide (CCP) with a triple-helix structure on immunosuppressive BALB/c mice models was investigated; moreover, the immune response of BALB/c mice models in the preventive and therapeutic treatment groups treated with CCP was explored, and its molecular mechanism was elucidated. It was found that the BALB/c mice models in the preventive groups treated with CCP (120 and 240 mg kg-1 d-1) had better immunoregulatory activity. The spleen and thymus weight indices of the BALB/c mice models were significantly increased, and the histopathological analysis indicated a protective function of CCP against the immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Moreover, CCP displayed definite and clear synergistic effects on the T- or B-lymphocyte proliferation induced by ConA or LPS, respectively, promoted the natural killer (NK) cell activity and significantly increased phagocytic activity to activate peritoneal macrophages in immunosuppressive mice. The western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results provided comprehensive evidence that CCP could upregulate the protein expression of the G-protein-coupled cell membrane receptor TLR4 and the production of its downstream protein kinases (TRAF6, TK1, p-IKKα/β and NF-κB p50); this, in turn, enhanced the production of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-α) through both preventive and therapeutic treatments via regulation of the TLR4-NFκB pathway in the peritoneal macrophage of immunosuppressive mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-Z Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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19
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Cancemi P, Di Falco F, Feo S, Arizza V, Vizzini A. The gelatinase MMP-9like is involved in regulation of LPS inflammatory response in Ciona robusta. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 86:213-222. [PMID: 30453047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases collectively able to degrade the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with important roles in many biological processes, such as embryogenesis, normal tissue remodelling, angiogenesis and wound healing. New views on the function of MMPs reveal that they regulate inflammatory response and therefore might represent an early step in the evolution of the immune system. MMPs can affect the activity of cytokines involved in inflammation including TGF-β and TNF-α. MMPs are widely distributed in all kingdoms of life and have likely evolved from a single-domain protein which underwent successive rounds of duplications. In this study, we focused on the Ciona robusta (formerly known as Ciona intestinalis) MMP gelatinase homologue. Gene organization, phylogenetic analysis and 3D modeling supported the closest correlation of C. robusta gelatinase with the human MMP-9. Real-time PCR analysis and zymographic assay showed a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation and an upregulation of enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we showed that before of the well-known increase of TGF-β and TNF-α levels, a MMP-9like boost occurred, suggesting a possible involvement of MMP-9like in regulating inflammatory response in C. robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Cancemi
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATeN), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Feo
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATeN), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Identification of CPE and GAIT elements in 3'UTR of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) involved in inflammatory response induced by LPS in Ciona robusta. Mol Immunol 2018; 99:66-74. [PMID: 29702356 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Innate immune responses face infectious microorganisms by inducing inflammatory responses. Multiple genes within distinct functional categories are coordinately and temporally regulated by transcriptional 'on' and 'off' switches that account for the specificity of gene expression in response to external stimuli. Mechanisms that control transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation are important in coordinating the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important cytokine that, in Ciona robusta, is related to inflammatory response. It is well known that in C. robusta, formerly known as Ciona intestinalis, the pharynx is involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in the body wall. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of two C. robusta MIFs (CrMIF1 and CrMIF2). The phylogenetic tree and modeling support a close relationship with vertebrate MIF family members. CrMIF1 and CrMIF2 possess two evolutionally conserved catalytic sites: a tautomerase and an oxidoreductase site with a conserved CXXC motif. Real-time PCR analysis shows a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation in CrMIF1 and a late upregulation of CrMIF2 and in silico analyses of 3'UTR show a cis-acting GAIT element and a CPE element in 3'-UTR, which are not present in the 3'-UTR of CrMIF1, suggesting that different transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the regulation of gene expression of MIF during inflammatory response in C. robusta.
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Bonura A, Vizzini A, Vlah S, Gervasi F, Longo A, Melis MR, Schildberg FA, Colombo P. Ci8 short, a novel LPS-induced peptide from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, modulates responses of the human immune system. Immunobiology 2017; 223:210-219. [PMID: 29066254 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2017.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The selective modulation of immunity is an emerging concept driven by the vast advances in our understanding of this crucial host defense system. Invertebrates have raised researchers' interest as potential sources of new bioactive molecules owing to their antibacterial, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. A LipoPolySaccharide (LPS) challenge in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis generates the transcript, Ci8 short, with cis-regulatory elements in the 3' UTR region that are essential for shaping innate immune responses. The derived amino acidic sequence in silico analysis showed specific binding to human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I and Class II alleles. The role of Ci8 short peptide was investigated in a more evolved immune system using human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) as in vitro model. The biological activities of this molecule include the activation of 70kDa TCR ζ chain Associated Protein kinase (ZAP-70) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) Vβ oligo clonal selection on CD4+ T lymphocytes as well as increased proliferation and IFN-γ secretion. Furthermore Ci8 short affects CD4+/CD25high induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) subset selection which co-expressed the functional markers TGF-β1/Latency Associated Protein (LAP) and CD39/CD73. This paper describes a new molecule that modulates important responses of the human adaptive immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina e di Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Vlah
- Istituto di Biomedicina e di Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Gervasi
- U.O.S.D. Laboratorio Specialistico Oncologia, Ematologia e Colture Cellulari per Uso Clinico, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina e di Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario R Melis
- Istituto di Biomedicina e di Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - Frank A Schildberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina e di Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
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Cima F, Peronato A, Ballarin L. The haemocytes of the colonial aplousobranch ascidian Diplosoma listerianum: Structural, cytochemical and functional analyses. Micron 2017; 102:51-64. [PMID: 28889072 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diplosoma listerianum is a colonial aplousobranch ascidian of the family Didemnidae that is native to the northeast Atlantic and exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate waters. It lacks a shared colonial circulation crossing the tunic, and the zooids are connected only by the common tunic. In the present study, the haemocytes of this ascidian were analysed via light and electron microscopy. Their phagocytic and enzymatic activities, staining and immunostaining properties, and lectin affinity were examined with various classical methods reconsidered and modified for small marine invertebrates. Eight morphotypes were identified in reference to corresponding cell types described in other ascidians: undifferentiated cells (haemoblasts), storage cells for nitrogenous catabolites (nephrocytes) and immunocytes. The immunocytes are involved in immune responses, acting as (1) phagocytes, rich in hydrolases and involved in the clearance of both foreign particles and effete cells (hyaline amoebocytes and macrophage-like cells); (2) cytotoxic cells, able to degranulate and induce cytotoxicity through the release of the enzyme phenoloxidase after an immune stimulus (granular amoebocytes and morula cells); and (3) basophilic cells with an affinity for ConA and NPA that contain heparin and histamine and that show sensitivity to the compound 48/80, promoting their degranulation (mast cell-like granulocytes). In addition, a particular cell type showing exceptional development of the Golgi apparatus and large vacuoles containing a filamentous material has been recognised (spherule cell), for which a role in tunic repair and fibrogenesis has been hypothesised.
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Franchi N, Ballarin L. Immunity in Protochordates: The Tunicate Perspective. Front Immunol 2017; 8:674. [PMID: 28649250 PMCID: PMC5465252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tunicates are the closest relatives of vertebrates, and their peculiar phylogenetic position explains the increasing interest toward tunicate immunobiology. They are filter-feeding organisms, and this greatly influences their defense strategies. The majority of the studies on tunicate immunity were carried out in ascidians. The tunic acts as a first barrier against pathogens and parasites. In addition, the oral siphon and the pharynx represent two major, highly vascularized, immune organs, where circulating hemocytes can sense non-self material and trigger immune responses that, usually, lead to inflammation and phagocytosis. Inflammation involves the recruitment of circulating cytotoxic, phenoloxidase (PO)-containing cells in the infected area, where they degranulate as a consequence of non-self recognition and release cytokines, complement factors, and the enzyme PO. The latter, acting on polyphenol substrata, produces cytotoxic quinones, which polymerize to melanin, and reactive oxygen species, which induce oxidative stress. Both the alternative and the lectin pathways of complement activation converge to activate C3: C3a and C3b are involved in the recruitment of hemocytes and in the opsonization of foreign materials, respectively. The interaction of circulating professional phagocytes with potentially pathogenic foreign material can be direct or mediated by opsonins, either complement dependent or complement independent. Together with cytotoxic cells, phagocytes are active in the encapsulation of large materials. Cells involved in immune responses, collectively called immunocytes, represent a large fraction of hemocytes, and the presence of a cross talk between cytotoxic cells and phagocytes, mediated by secreted humoral factors, was reported. Lectins play a pivotal role as pattern-recognition receptors and opsonizing agents. In addition, variable region-containing chitin-binding proteins, identified in the solitary ascidian Ciona intestinalis, control the settlement and colonization of bacteria in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Franchi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Recombinant BCG Expressing LTAK63 Adjuvant induces Superior Protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2109. [PMID: 28522873 PMCID: PMC5437048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to develop an improved BCG vaccine against tuberculosis we have taken advantage of the adjuvant properties of a non-toxic derivative of Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin (LT), LTAK63. We have constructed rBCG strains expressing LTAK63 at different expression levels. Mice immunized with BCG expressing low levels of LTAK63 (rBCG-LTAK63lo) showed higher Th1 cytokines and IL-17 in the lungs, and when challenged intratracheally with Mycobacterium tuberculosis displayed a 2.0–3.0 log reduction in CFU as compared to wild type BCG. Histopathological analysis of lung tissues from protected mice revealed a reduced inflammatory response. Immunization with rBCG-LTAK63lo also protected against a 100-fold higher challenge dose. Mice immunized with rBCG-LTAK63lo produced an increase in TGF-β as compared with BCG after challenge, with a corresponding reduction in Th1 and Th17 cytokines, as determined by Real Time RT-PCR. Furthermore, rBCG-LTAK63lo also displays protection against challenge with a highly virulent Beijing isolate. Our findings suggest that BCG with low-level expression of the LTAK63 adjuvant induces a stronger immune response in the lungs conferring higher levels of protection, and a novel mechanism subsequently triggers a regulatory immune response, which then limits the pathology. The rBCG-LTAK63lo strain can be the basis of an improved vaccine against tuberculosis.
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Di Falco F, Cammarata M, Vizzini A. Molecular characterisation, evolution and expression analysis of g-type lysozymes in Ciona intestinalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 67:457-463. [PMID: 27663680 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lysozyme is an important defense molecule of the innate immune system. Known for its bactericidal properties, lysozyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of b-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds between the N-acetyl glucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. In this study, the complete coding sequence of four g-type lysozymes were identified in Ciona intestinalis. Phylogenetic analysis and modelling supported the hypothesis of a close relationship with the vertebrate g-type lysozymes suggesting that the C. intestinalis g-type lysozyme genes (CiLys-g1, Cilys-g2, CiLys-g3, CiLys-g4) share a common ancestor in the chordate lineage. Protein motif searches indicated that C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes contain a GEWL domain with a GXXQ signature, typical of goose lysozymes. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis results showed that transcripts are expressed in various tissues from C. intestinalis. In order to determine the involvement of C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes in immunity, their expression was analyzed in the pharynx, showing that transcripts were significantly up-regulated in response to a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These data support the view that CiLys g-type are molecules with potential for immune defense system against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Di Falco
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, Longo V, Sanfratello MA, Parrinello D, Cammarata M, Colombo P. LPS injection reprograms the expression and the 3' UTR of a CAP gene by alternative polyadenylation and the formation of a GAIT element in Ciona intestinalis. Mol Immunol 2016; 77:174-83. [PMID: 27514009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The diversification of cellular functions is one of the major characteristics of multicellular organisms which allow cells to modulate their gene expression, leading to the formation of transcripts and proteins with different functions and concentrations in response to different stimuli. CAP genes represent a widespread family of proteins belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 superfamily which, it has been proposed, play key roles in the infection process and the modulation of immune responses in host animals. The ascidian Ciona intestinalis represents a group of proto-chordates with an exclusively innate immune system that has been widely studied in the field of comparative and developmental immunology. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of a novel APA mechanism by which an intronic polyadenylation signal is activated by LPS injection, leading to the formation of a shorter CAP mRNA capable of expressing the first CAP exon plus 19 amino acid residues whose sequence is contained within the first intron of the annotated gene. Furthermore, such an APA event causes the expression of a translational controlling cis-acting GAIT element which is not present in the previously isolated CAP isoform and identified in the 3'-UTR of other immune-related genes, suggesting an intriguing scenario in which both transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the activation of the CAP gene during inflammatory response in C. intestinalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Parrinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy.
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