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Mierzejewska P, Di Marzo N, Zabielska-Kaczorowska MA, Walczak I, Slominska EM, Lavitrano M, Giovannoni R, Kutryb-Zajac B, Smolenski RT. Endothelial Effects of Simultaneous Expression of Human HO-1, E5NT, and ENTPD1 in a Mouse. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1409. [PMID: 37895880 PMCID: PMC10610121 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is key target for immune and thrombotic responses that has to be controlled in successful xenotransplantation. Several genes were identified that, if induced or overexpressed, help to regulate the inflammatory response and preserve the transplanted organ function and metabolism. However, few studies addressed combined expression of such genes. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vivo the effects of the simultaneous expression of three human genes in a mouse generated using the multi-cistronic F2A technology. Male 3-month-old mice that express human heme oxygenase 1 (hHO-1), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (hE5NT), and ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (hENTPD1) (Transgenic) were compared to wild-type FVB mice (Control). Background analysis include extracellular nucleotide catabolism enzymes profile on the aortic surface, blood nucleotide concentration, and serum L-arginine metabolites. Furthermore, inflammatory stress induced by LPS in transgenic and control mice was used to characterize interleukin 6 (IL-6) and adhesion molecules endothelium permeability responses. Transgenic mice had significantly higher rates of extracellular adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate hydrolysis on the aortic surface in comparison to control. Increased levels of blood AMP and adenosine were also noticed in transgenics. Moreover, transgenic animals demonstrated the decrease in serum monomethyl-L-arginine level and a higher L-arginine/monomethyl-L-arginine ratio. Importantly, significantly decreased serum IL-6, and adhesion molecule levels were observed in transgenic mice in comparison to control after LPS treatment. Furthermore, reduced endothelial permeability in the LPS-treated transgenic mice was noted as compared to LPS-treated control. The human enzymes (hHO-1, hE5NT, hENTPD1) simultaneously encoded in transgenic mice demonstrated benefits in several biochemical and functional aspects of endothelium. This is consistent in use of this approach in the context of xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Mierzejewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (P.M.); (M.A.Z.-K.); (I.W.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Noemi Di Marzo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.D.M.); (M.L.); (R.G.)
| | - Magdalena A. Zabielska-Kaczorowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (P.M.); (M.A.Z.-K.); (I.W.); (E.M.S.)
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Iga Walczak
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (P.M.); (M.A.Z.-K.); (I.W.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Ewa M. Slominska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (P.M.); (M.A.Z.-K.); (I.W.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.D.M.); (M.L.); (R.G.)
| | - Roberto Giovannoni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.D.M.); (M.L.); (R.G.)
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56026 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Kutryb-Zajac
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (P.M.); (M.A.Z.-K.); (I.W.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Ryszard T. Smolenski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 St., 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (P.M.); (M.A.Z.-K.); (I.W.); (E.M.S.)
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Jiang Z, Fu M, Zhu D, Wang X, Li N, Ren L, He J, Yang G. Genetically modified immunomodulatory cell-based biomaterials in tissue regeneration and engineering. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 66:53-73. [PMID: 35690567 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To date, the wide application of cell-based biomaterials in tissue engineering and regeneration is remarkably hampered by immune rejection. Reducing the immunogenicity of cell-based biomaterials has become the latest direction in biomaterial research. Recently, genetically modified cell-based biomaterials with immunomodulatory genes have become a feasible solution to the immunogenicity problem. In this review, recent advances and future challenges of genetically modified immunomodulatory cell-based biomaterials are elaborated, including fabrication approaches, mechanisms of common immunomodulatory genes, application and, more importantly, current preclinical and clinical advances. The fabrication approaches can be categorized into commonly used (e.g., virus transfection) and newly developed approaches. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of representative genes involve complicated cell signaling pathways and metabolic activities. Wide application in curing multiple end-term diseases and replacing lifelong immunosuppressive therapy in multiple cell and organ transplantation models is demonstrated. Most significantly, practices of genetically modified organ transplantation have been conducted on brain-dead human decedent and even on living patients after a series of experiments on nonhuman primates. Nevertheless, uncertain biosecurity, nonspecific effects and overlooked personalization of current genetically modified immunomodulatory cell-based biomaterials are shortcomings that remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Jiang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Mengdie Fu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Danji Zhu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xueting Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Na Li
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Lingfei Ren
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jin He
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guoli Yang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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Production and Application of Multicistronic Constructs for Various Human Disease Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11110580. [PMID: 31698727 PMCID: PMC6920891 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11110580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of multicistronic vectors has opened up new opportunities to address the fundamental issues of molecular and cellular biology related to the need for the simultaneous delivery and joint expression of several genes. To date, the examples of the successful use of multicistronic vectors have been described for the development of new methods of treatment of various human diseases, including cardiovascular, oncological, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disorders. The safety and effectiveness of the joint delivery of therapeutic genes in multicistronic vectors based on the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and self-cleaving 2A peptides have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as in clinical trials. Co-expression of several genes in one vector has also been used to create animal models of various inherited diseases which are caused by mutations in several genes. Multicistronic vectors provide expression of all mutant genes, which allows the most complete mimicking disease pathogenesis. This review comprehensively discusses multicistronic vectors based on IRES nucleotide sequence and self-cleaving 2A peptides, including its features and possible application for the treatment and modeling of various human diseases.
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Villa C, Colombo G, Meneghini S, Gotti C, Moretti M, Ferini-Strambi L, Chisci E, Giovannoni R, Becchetti A, Combi R. CHRNA2 and Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: Identification and Characterization of a Novel Loss of Function Mutation. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:17. [PMID: 30809122 PMCID: PMC6379349 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes coding for subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) have been involved in familial sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (also named autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, ADNFLE). Most of these mutations reside in CHRNA4 and CHRNB2 genes, coding for the α4 and β2 nAChR subunits, respectively. Two mutations with contrasting functional effects were also identified in the CHRNA2 gene coding for the α2 subunit. Here, we report the third mutation in the CHRNA2, found in a patient showing ADNFLE. The patient was examined by scalp EEG, contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nocturnal video-polysomnographic recording. All exons and the exon-intron boundaries of CHRNA2, CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CRH, KCNT1 were amplified and Sanger sequenced. In the proband, we found a c.754T>C (p.Tyr252His) missense mutation located in the N-terminal ligand-binding domain and inherited from the mother. Functional studies were performed by transient co-expression of α2 and α2Tyr252His, with either β2 or β4, in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Equimolar amounts of subunits expression were obtained by using F2A-based multi-cistronic constructs encoding for the genes relative to the nAChR subunits of interest and for the enhanced green fluorescent protein. The mutation reduced the maximal currents by approximately 80% in response to saturating concentrations of nicotine in homo- and heterozygous form, in both the α2β4 and α2β2 nAChR subtypes. The effect was accompanied by a strong right-shift of the concentration-response to nicotine. Similar effects were observed using ACh. Negligible effects were produced by α2Tyr252His on the current reversal potential. Moreover, binding of (±)-[3H]Epibatidine revealed an approximately 10-fold decrease of both Kd and Bmax (bound ligand in saturating conditions), in cells expressing α2Tyr252His. The reduced Bmax and whole-cell currents were not caused by a decrease in mutant receptor expression, as minor effects were produced by α2Tyr252His on the level of transcripts and the membrane expression of α2β4 nAChR. Overall, these results suggest that α2Tyr252His strongly reduced the number of channels bound to the agonist, without significantly altering the overall channel expression. We conclude that mutations in CHRNA2 are more commonly linked to ADNFLE than previously thought, and may cause a loss-of-function phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Colombo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Meneghini
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Milena Moretti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Sleep Disorders Center, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Chisci
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Giovannoni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Romina Combi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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5
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Chisci E, De Giorgi M, Zanfrini E, Testasecca A, Brambilla E, Cinti A, Farina L, Kutryb-Zajac B, Bugarin C, Villa C, Grassilli E, Combi R, Gaipa G, Cerrito MG, Rivolta I, Smolenski RT, Lavitrano M, Giovannoni R. Simultaneous overexpression of human E5NT and ENTPD1 protects porcine endothelial cells against H 2O 2-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in vitro. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 108:320-333. [PMID: 28389406 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and oxidative stress still limit the survival of cells and organs in xenotransplantation models. Ectonucleotidases play an important role in inflammation and IRI in transplantation settings. We tested the potential protective effects derived by the co-expression of the two main vascular ectonucleotidases, ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E5NT) and ecto nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1), in an in vitro model of H2O2-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. We produced a dicistronic plasmid (named pCX-DI-2A) for the co-expression of human E5NT and ENTPD1 by using the F2A technology. pCX-DI-2A-transfected porcine endothelial cells simultaneously overexpressed hE5NT and hENTPD1, which were correctly processed and localized on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, such co-expression system led to the synergistic enzymatic activity of hE5NT and hENTPD1 as shown by the efficient catabolism of pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic extracellular adenine nucleotides along with the enhanced production of the anti-inflammatory molecule adenosine. Interestingly, we found that the hE5NT/hENTPD1 co-expression system conferred protection to cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. pCX-DI-2A-transfected cells showed reduced activation of caspase 3/7 and cytotoxicity than mock-, hE5NT- and hENTPD1-transfected cells. Furthermore, pCX-DI-2A-transfected cells showed decreased H2O2-induced production of ROS as compared to the other control cell lines. The cytoprotective phenotype observed in pCX-DI-2A-transfected cells was associated with higher detoxifying activity of catalase as well as increased activation of the survival signaling molecules Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Our data add new insights to the protective effects of the combination of hE5NT and hENTPD1 against oxidative stress and constitute a proof of concept for testing this new genetic combination in pig-to-non-human primates xenotransplantation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Chisci
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Marco De Giorgi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Elisa Zanfrini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Angela Testasecca
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Brambilla
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cinti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Farina
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Barbara Kutryb-Zajac
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Cristina Bugarin
- M. Tettamanti Research Center, Pediatric Clinic, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Emanuela Grassilli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Romina Combi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gaipa
- M. Tettamanti Research Center, Pediatric Clinic, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cerrito
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rivolta
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Giovannoni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy.
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Li K, Li X, Wu Z, Zheng L, Cui Y, Wang J, Huang Y, Yan Z. Adenovirus encoding XAF-1 and TNF‑α in the same open reading frame efficiently inhibits hepatocellular cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:5169-76. [PMID: 27121136 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
X‑linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)‑associated factor 1 (XAF‑1), a tumor suppressor, is downregulated in most human malignant tumors. However, the tumor suppressive role of XAF‑1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its therapeutic value require further elucidation. The present study examined the expression of XAF‑1 at the mRNA and protein level in the HCC and paired peritumor tissue specimens, as well as in HCC cell lines and a normal liver cell line. A recombinant adenovirus which co‑expressed XAF‑1 and TNF‑α was then constructed, and its effects on the proliferation and colony formation ability of the MHCC97H HCC cell line were assessed using apoptosis induction, flow cytometry, trypan blue staining assay and a clonogenic assay. The results demonstrated that the expression of XAF‑1 was significantly reduced in HCC tissues compared with that in their matched peritumor specimens, and a significant correlation with the tumor size, stage and tumor ‑ nodes ‑ metastasis stage was identified. The reduced levels of XAF‑1 were further confirmed the HCC cell lines MHCC97L, HepG2 and MHCC97H compared with those in the L02 normal liver cell line. The recombinant adenovirus Ad‑XAF‑1&TNF‑α, which co‑expressed XAF‑1 and TNF‑α, was shown to efficiently express the two proteins at the mRNA and protein level. Furthermore, infection with Ad‑XAF‑1&TNF‑α synergistically induced apoptosis, reduced the proliferation and colony formation ability of MHCC97L cells to a significantly greater extent than overexpression of XAF‑1 or TNF‑α individually. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to construct an adenovirus which co‑expressed XAF‑1 and TNF‑α in the same open reading frame and expressed them proportionally. As Ad‑XAF‑1&TNF‑α inhibited HCC cells with enhanced efficiency, it may be applicable for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hepatobiliary Treatment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Xinhong Li
- Department of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hepatobiliary Treatment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Liansheng Zheng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014030, P.R. China
| | - Yuqin Cui
- Department of Oncology, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014030, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014030, P.R. China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Oncology, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014030, P.R. China
| | - Zhihong Yan
- Department of Oncology, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014030, P.R. China
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Cinti A, De Giorgi M, Chisci E, Arena C, Galimberti G, Farina L, Bugarin C, Rivolta I, Gaipa G, Smolenski RT, Cerrito MG, Lavitrano M, Giovannoni R. Simultaneous Overexpression of Functional Human HO-1, E5NT and ENTPD1 Protects Murine Fibroblasts against TNF-α-Induced Injury In Vitro. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141933. [PMID: 26513260 PMCID: PMC4626094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several biomedical applications, such as xenotransplantation, require multiple genes simultaneously expressed in eukaryotic cells. Advances in genetic engineering technologies have led to the development of efficient polycistronic vectors based on the use of the 2A self-processing oligopeptide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effects of the simultaneous expression of a novel combination of anti-inflammatory human genes, ENTPD1, E5NT and HO-1, in eukaryotic cells. We produced an F2A system-based multicistronic construct to express three human proteins in NIH3T3 cells exposed to an inflammatory stimulus represented by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine which plays an important role during inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis and in the inflammatory response during ischemia/reperfusion injury in several organ transplantation settings. The protective effects against TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and cell death, mediated by HO-1, ENTPD1 and E5NT genes were better observed in cells expressing the combination of genes as compared to cells expressing each single gene and the effect was further improved by administrating enzymatic substrates of the human genes to the cells. Moreover, a gene expression analyses demonstrated that the expression of the three genes has a role in modulating key regulators of TNF-α signalling pathway, namely Nemo and Tnfaip3, that promoted pro-survival phenotype in TNF-α injured cells. These results could provide new insights in the research of protective mechanisms in transplantation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cinti
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Elisa Chisci
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Arena
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Gloria Galimberti
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Farina
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Bugarin
- M. Tettamanti Research Center, Pediatric Clinic, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rivolta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gaipa
- M. Tettamanti Research Center, Pediatric Clinic, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ryszard Tom Smolenski
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maria Grazia Cerrito
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberto Giovannoni
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- * E-mail:
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8
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Zukowska P, Kutryb-Zajac B, Toczek M, Smolenski RT, Slominska EM. The role of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in endothelial dysfunction and vascular pathologies. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:675-81. [PMID: 26321267 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5NT, CD73) is an enzyme that is highly expressed in endothelium and is involved in the extracellular nucleotide catabolism. CD73 converts AMP to adenosine that via specific subtypes of P1 receptor mediates cytoprotection involving diverse mechanisms such as vasodilatation, suppression of inflammation, inhibition of thrombosis and anti-adrenergic effect. Physiological intravascular concentration of adenosine is in nanomolar range, but could become micromolar in response to various forms of stress. Endothelium is a major site for both CD73 mediated production of adenosine and its cytoprotective effect. Nucleotides (predominantly ATP or ADP) that could be released from different cells via controlled specific of unspecific mechanisms constitute a major source of substrate for adenosine production via CD73. Direct effects of extracellular nucleotides (mediated by P2 receptors) are typically opposite to adenosine P1 mediated activities. Retention of nucleotides and decreased adenosine production due to loss of CD73 function may have negative implications and could be important cause of various pathologies. Protective role of CD73 was indicated in ectopic calcification, atherosclerosis, rejection after xenotransplantation and thrombosis. Reduced activity of CD73 due to lymphocyte contact with endothelium increases its permeability that leads to enhanced leukocyte transmigration. Upregulation of endothelial CD73 may therefore be protective in a number of cardiovascular pathologies. Such effect has been confirmed for some common drugs such as statins and it could be part of its pleiotropic portfolio. Activation of CD73 could be a new target for specific treatment strategy that in particular will enhance endothelial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Zukowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Marta Toczek
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Ewa M Slominska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland.
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