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Gambino G, Iacopetti P, Ippolito C, Salvetti A, Rossi L. Starvation resistance in planarians: multiple strategies to get a thrifty phenotype. FEBS J 2024; 291:965-985. [PMID: 38037534 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17020] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Starvation resistance is a life-saving mechanism for many organisms facing food availability fluctuation in the natural environment. Different strategies have been episodically identified for some model organisms, the first of which was the ability to suppress metabolic rate. Among the identified strategies, the ability of planarians to shrink their body under fasting conditions and revert the process after feeding (the growth-degrowth process) represents a fascinating mechanism to face long periods of fasting. The growth-degrowth process is strictly related to the capability of planarians to continuously maintain tissue homeostasis and body proportions even in challenging conditions, thanks to the presence of a population of pluripotent stem cells. Here, we take advantage of several previous studies describing the growth-degrowth process and of recent progress in the understanding of planarian homeostasis mechanisms, to identify tissue-selective transcriptional downregulation as a driving strategy for the development of a thrifty phenotype, and the p53 transcription factor as a player in adjusting tissue homeostasis in accordance with food availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Iacopetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
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Zhang Y, Zeng M, Li B, Zhang B, Cao B, Wu Y, Ye S, Xu R, Zheng X, Feng W. Ephedra Herb extract ameliorates adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats via the CAMKK2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:371-382. [PMID: 37245875 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of Ephedra Herb (EH) extract on adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS), providing an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of NS. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and kidn injury molecule-1 were used to evaluate the activities of EH extract on renal function. The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress were detected by kits. The levels of reactive oxygen species, immune cells, and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. A network pharmacological approach was used to predict the potential targets and mechanisms of EH extract in the treatment of NS. The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins and CAMKK2, p-CAMKK2, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR and p-mTOR in the kidneys were detected by Western blot. The effective material basis of EH extract was screened by MTT assay. The AMPK pathway inhibitor (compound C, CC) was added to investigate the effect of the potent material basis on adriamycin-induced cell injury. EH extract significantly improved renal injury and relieve inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats. Network pharmacology and Western blot results showed that the effect of EH extract on NS may be associated with the CAMKK2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, methylephedrine significantly ameliorated adriamycin-induced NRK-52e cell injury. Methylephedrine also significantly improved the phosphorylation of AMPK and mTOR, which were blocked by CC. In sum, EH extract may ameliorate renal injury via the CAMKK2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, methylephedrine may be one of the material bases of EH extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Mengnan Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R., Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Benke Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Bing Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Shan Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Ruiqi Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R., Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Weisheng Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Engineering and Technology Center for Chinese Medicine Development of Henan province, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R., Zhengzhou 450000, China.
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Basolo A, Poma AM, Macerola E, Bonuccelli D, Proietti A, Salvetti A, Vignali P, Torregrossa L, Evangelisti L, Sparavelli R, Giannini R, Ugolini C, Basolo F, Santini F, Toniolo A. Autopsy Study of Testicles in COVID-19: Upregulation of Immune-Related Genes and Downregulation of Testis-Specific Genes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:950-961. [PMID: 36260523 PMCID: PMC9620766 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Infection by SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with testicular dysfunction that could affect male fertility. OBJECTIVE Testicles of fatal COVID-19 cases were investigated to detect virus in tissue and to evaluate histopathological and transcriptomic changes. METHODS Three groups were compared: (a) uninfected controls (subjects dying of trauma or sudden cardiac death; n = 10); (b) subjects dying of COVID-19 (virus-negative in testes; n = 15); (c) subjects dying of COVID-19 (virus-positive in testes; n = 9). SARS-CoV-2 genome and nucleocapsid antigen were probed using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Infiltrating leukocytes were typed by IHC. mRNA transcripts of immune-related and testis-specific genes were quantified using the nCounter method. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was detected in testis tissue of 9/24 (37%) COVID-19 cases accompanied by scattered T-cell and macrophage infiltrates. Size of testicles and counts of spermatogenic cells were not significantly different among groups. Analysis of mRNA transcripts showed that in virus-positive testes immune processes were activated (interferon-alpha and -gamma pathways). By contrast, transcription of 12 testis-specific genes was downregulated, independently of virus positivity in tissue. By IHC, expression of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor was enhanced in virus-positive compared to virus-negative testicles, while expression of receptors for androgens and the follicle-stimulating hormone were not significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION In lethal COVID-19 cases, infection of testicular cells is not uncommon. Viral infection associates with activation of interferon pathways and downregulation of testis-specific genes involved in spermatogenesis. Due to the exceedingly high numbers of infected people in the pandemic, the impact of virus on fertility should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Basolo
- Corresponding author: Alessio Basolo, MD, Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy, Telephone number: +39-050-997334,
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diana Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Evangelisti
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Rebecca Sparavelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clara Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Toniolo
- Global Virus Network, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Gambino G, Rossi L, Iacopetti P, Ghezzani C, Guidi P, Linsalata S, Ippolito C, Salvetti A. Microtubule-associated protein 1B is implicated in stem cell commitment and nervous system regeneration in planarians. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278966. [PMID: 36508441 PMCID: PMC9744283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated 1B (MAP1B) proteins are expressed at the nervous system level where they control cytoskeleton activity and regulate neurotransmitter release. Here, we report about the identification of a planarian MAP1B factor (DjMap1B) that is enriched in cephalic ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords but not in neoblasts, the plentiful population of adult stem cells present in planarians, thanks to which these animals can continuously cell turnover and regenerate any lost body parts. DjMap1B knockdown induces morphological anomalies in the nervous system and affects neoblast commitment. Our data put forward a correlation between a MAP1B factor and stem cells and suggest a function of the nervous system in non-cell autonomous control of planarian stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Iacopetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Ghezzani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Guidi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Linsalata
- Medical Physics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Gambino G, Iacopetti P, Guidi P, Ippolito C, Linsalata S, Salvetti A, Rossi L. Cell quiescence in planarian stem cells, interplay between p53 and nutritional stimuli. Open Biol 2022; 12:220216. [PMID: 36541101 PMCID: PMC9768645 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220216] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell quiescence appeared early in evolution as an adaptive response to adverse conditions (i.e. nutrient depletion). In metazoans, quiescence has been involved in additional processes like tissue homeostasis, which is made possible by the presence of adult stem cells (ASCs). Cell cycle control machinery is a common hub for quiescence entrance, and evidence indicates a role for p53 in establishing the quiescent state of undamaged cells. Mechanisms responsible for waking up quiescent cells remain elusive, and nutritional stimulus, as a legacy of its original role, still appears to be a player in quiescence exit. Planarians, rich in ASCs, represent a suitable system in which we characterized a quiescent population of ASCs, the dorsal midline cord (DMC) cells, exhibiting unique transcriptional features and maintained quiescent by p53 and awakened upon feeding. The function of DMC cells is puzzling and we speculate that DMC cells, despite retaining ancient properties, might represent a functional drift in which quiescence has been recruited to provide evolutionary advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Iacopetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Guidi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Linsalata
- Medical Physics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Poma AM, Proietti A, Macerola E, Bonuccelli D, Conti M, Salvetti A, Dolo V, Chillà A, Basolo A, Santini F, Toniolo A, Basolo F. Suppression of Pituitary Hormone Genes in Subjects Who Died From COVID-19 Independently of Virus Detection in the Gland. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2243-2253. [PMID: 35567590 PMCID: PMC9129148 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Involvement of the pituitary gland in SARS-CoV-2 infection has been clinically suggested by pituitary hormone deficiency in severe COVID-19 cases, by altered serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in hospitalized patients, and by cases of pituitary apoplexy. However, the direct viral infection of the gland has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 genome and antigens could be present in pituitary glands of lethal cases of COVID-19, and to assess possible changes in the expression of immune-related and pituitary-specific genes. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 genome and antigens were searched in the pituitary gland of 23 patients who died from COVID-19 and, as controls, in 12 subjects who died from trauma or sudden cardiac death. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized. Levels of mRNA transcripts of immune-related and pituitary-specific genes were measured by the nCounter assay. RESULTS The SARS-CoV-2 genome and antigens were detected in 14/23 (61%) pituitary glands of the COVID-19 group, not in controls. In SARS-CoV-2-positive pituitaries, the viral genome was consistently detected by PCR in the adeno- and the neurohypophysis. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the pituitary. Activation of type I interferon signaling and enhanced levels of neutrophil and cytotoxic cell scores were found in virus-positive glands. mRNA transcripts of pituitary hormones and pituitary developmental/regulatory genes were suppressed in all COVID-19 cases irrespective of virus positivity. CONCLUSION Our study supports the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for human pituitary and encourages exploration of pituitary dysfunction after COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diana Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Marco Conti
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Chillà
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Basolo
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Corresponding author: Fulvio Basolo, MD, PhD, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy,
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Salvetti A, Degl'Innocenti A, Gambino G, van Loon JJ, Ippolito C, Ghelardoni S, Ghigo E, Leoncino L, Prato M, Rossi L, Ciofani G. Artificially altered gravity elicits cell homeostasis imbalance in planarian worms, and cerium oxide nanoparticles counteract this effect. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 109:2322-2333. [PMID: 33960131 PMCID: PMC8518838 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Gravity alterations elicit complex and mostly detrimental effects on biological systems. Among these, a prominent role is occupied by oxidative stress, with consequences for tissue homeostasis and development. Studies in altered gravity are relevant for both Earth and space biomedicine, but their implementation using whole organisms is often troublesome. Here we utilize planarians, simple worm model for stem cell and regeneration biology, to characterize the pathogenic mechanisms brought by artificial gravity alterations. In particular, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of molecular responses in intact and regenerating specimens, and demonstrate a protective action from the space-apt for nanotechnological antioxidant cerium oxide nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Salvetti
- Università di Pisa, Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineBiology and Genetics unitPisaItaly
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaCenter for Materials Interfaces, Smart Bio‐InterfacesPisaItaly
| | - Gaetana Gambino
- Università di Pisa, Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineBiology and Genetics unitPisaItaly
| | - Jack J.W.A. van Loon
- Dutch Experiment Support Center (DESC), Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral PathologyAmsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center & Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)AmsterdamThe Netherlands
- TEC‐MMG LIS labEuropean Space Agency (ESA), European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC)NoordwijkThe Netherlands
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Biology and Genetics UnitUniversità di PisaPisaItaly
| | - Sandra Ghelardoni
- Department of Pathology, Biochemistry UnitUniversità di PisaPisaItaly
| | - Eric Ghigo
- Institut Hospitalo‐Universitaire Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- Techno JouvenceMarseilleFrance
| | - Luca Leoncino
- Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaElectron Microscopy FacilityGenoaItaly
| | - Mirko Prato
- Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaMaterials Characterization FacilityGenoaItaly
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Università di Pisa, Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineBiology and Genetics unitPisaItaly
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaCenter for Materials Interfaces, Smart Bio‐InterfacesPisaItaly
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Gambino G, Ippolito C, Evangelista M, Salvetti A, Rossi L. Sub-Lethal 5-Fluorouracil Dose Challenges Planarian Stem Cells Promoting Transcriptional Profile Changes in the Pluripotent Sigma-Class Neoblasts. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070949. [PMID: 34206807 PMCID: PMC8301986 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, the complex planarian neoblast system is a composite of hierarchically organized stem cell sub-populations with sigma-class neoblasts, including clonogenic neoblasts, endowed with larger self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, thus generating all the other sub-populations and dominating the regenerative process. This complex system responds to differentiated tissue demands, ensuring a continuous cell turnover in a way to replace aged specialized cells and maintain tissue functionality. Potency of the neoblast system can be appreciated under challenging conditions in which these stem cells are massively depleted and the few remaining repopulate the entire body, ensuring animal resilience. These challenging conditions offer the possibility to deepen the relationships among different neoblast sub-populations, allowing to expose uncanonical properties that are negligible under physiological conditions. In this paper, we employ short, sub-lethal 5-fluorouracil treatment to specifically affect proliferating cells passing through the S phase and demonstrate that S-phase slowdown triggers a shift in the transcriptional profile of sigma neoblasts, which reduces the expression of their hallmark sox-P1. Later, some cells reactivate sox-P1 expression, suggesting that some neoblasts in the earlier steps of commitment could modulate their expression profile, reacquiring a wider differentiative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (C.I.); (L.R.)
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (C.I.); (L.R.)
| | | | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (C.I.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0502219108
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (C.I.); (L.R.)
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Salvetti A, Gambino G, Rossi L, De Pasquale D, Pucci C, Linsalata S, Degl'Innocenti A, Nitti S, Prato M, Ippolito C, Ciofani G. Stem cell and tissue regeneration analysis in low-dose irradiated planarians treated with cerium oxide nanoparticles. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 115:111113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Gambino G, Ippolito C, Modeo L, Salvetti A, Rossi L. 5-Fluorouracil-treated planarians, a versatile model system for studying stem cell heterogeneity and tissue aging. Biol Cell 2020; 112:335-348. [PMID: 32640042 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Planarians are a sound, well-established model system for molecular studies in the field of stem cells, cell differentiation, developmental biology and translational research. Treated stem cell-less planarians produced by X-ray treatment are commonly used to study stem cell transcriptional profile and their role in planarian biological processes. X-ray induces oxidative and DNA damage to differentiated cells, requires expensive radiation machines that are not available in most of the research centres and demand rigorous risk management and dedicated staff. RESULTS We tested the use of the well-known antimetabolite genotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil which mainly affects proliferating cells in way to demonstrate its use in replacing X-ray treatment. We succeeded in demonstrating ability of high doses of 5-fluorouracil to deplete Dugesia japonica stem cells and in identifying a 5-fluorouracil transiently resistant population of lineage committed stem cells. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Our results encourage the use of 5-fluorouracil-treated planarians as a model system for studying mechanisms of resistance to genotoxicants, planarian stem cell heterogeneity and molecular cascades of tissue aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Letizia Modeo
- CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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Modeo L, Salvetti A, Rossi L, Castelli M, Szokoli F, Krenek S, Serra V, Sabaneyeva E, Di Giuseppe G, Fokin SI, Verni F, Petroni G. "Candidatus Trichorickettsia mobilis", a Rickettsiales bacterium, can be transiently transferred from the unicellular eukaryote Paramecium to the planarian Dugesia japonica. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8977. [PMID: 32351785 PMCID: PMC7183750 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the microorganisms responsible for vector-borne diseases (VBD) have hematophagous arthropods as vector/reservoir. Recently, many new species of microorganisms phylogenetically related to agents of VBD were found in a variety of aquatic eukaryotic hosts; in particular, numerous new bacterial species related to the genus Rickettsia (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales) were discovered in protist ciliates and other unicellular eukaryotes. Although their pathogenicity for humans and terrestrial animals is not known, several indirect indications exist that these bacteria might act as etiological agents of possible VBD of aquatic organisms, with protists as vectors. In the present study, a novel strain of the Rickettsia-Like Organism (RLO) endosymbiont "Candidatus (Ca.) Trichorickettsia mobilis" was identified in the macronucleus of the ciliate Paramecium multimicronucleatum. We performed transfection experiments of this RLO to planarians (Dugesia japonica) per os. Indeed, the latter is a widely used model system for studying bacteria pathogenic to humans and other Metazoa. In transfection experiments, homogenized paramecia were added to food of antibiotic-treated planarians. Treated and non-treated (i.e. control) planarians were investigated at day 1, 3, and 7 after feeding for endosymbiont presence by means of PCR and ultrastructural analyses. Obtained results were fully concordant and suggest that this RLO endosymbiont can be transiently transferred from ciliates to metazoans, being detected up to day 7 in treated planarians' enterocytes. Our findings might offer insights into the potential role of ciliates or other protists as putative vectors for diseases caused by Rickettsiales or other RLOs and occurring in fish farms or in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Modeo
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Centro Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi Ricerca Pediatrica, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Franziska Szokoli
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sascha Krenek
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany.,Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Elena Sabaneyeva
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Sergei I Fokin
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Franco Verni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Petroni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Gambino G, Falleni A, Nigro M, Salvetti A, Cecchettini A, Ippolito C, Guidi P, Rossi L. Dynamics of interaction and effects of microplastics on planarian tissue regeneration and cellular homeostasis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 218:105354. [PMID: 31734615 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105354] [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: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing microplastics pollution of marine and terrestrial water is a concerning issue for ecosystems and human health. Nevertheless, the interaction of microplastics with freshwater biota is still a poorly explored field. In order to achieve information concerning the uptake, distribution and effect of microplastics in planarians, Dugesia japonica specimens have been fed with mixtures of food and differently shaped and sized plastic particles. Feeding activity and food intake were non-altered by the presence of high concentrations of different types of plastic particles. However, the persistence of microplastic within the planarian body was a function of size/shape, being small spheres (<10 μm in diameter) and short fibers (14 μm large and 5/6 μm length) more persisting than larger spheres and longer fibers which were eliminated almost entirely by ejection in a few hours. Transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that at least part of microplastics was phagocytized by the enterocytes. Chronic exposure to small plastic did not alter the regenerative ability but caused a significant reduction of the gut epithelium thickness and lipid content of enterocytes, together with the induction of apoptotic cell death, modulation of Djgata 4/5/6 expression and reduced growth rate. The ability of microplastic to perturb planarian homeostasis is concerning being them extremely resilient against mechanical and chemical insults and suggests possible harmful effects upon other more susceptible species in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Falleni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Nigro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Cecchettini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Guidi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Volta 4, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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13
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Insight into stem cell regulation from sub-lethally irradiated worms. Gene 2018; 662:37-45. [PMID: 29627527 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the significant advances in the comprehension of stem cell control network, the nature of extrinsic signals regulating their dynamic remains to be understood. In this paper, we take advantage of the stem cell repopulation process that follows low-dose X-ray treatment in planarians to identify genes, preferentially enriched in differentiated cells, whose expression is activated during the process. Genetic silencing of some of them impaired the stem cell repopulation, suggesting a tight extrinsic control of stem cell activity.
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