1
|
Giannini M, Porrua O. Senataxin: A key actor in RNA metabolism, genome integrity and neurodegeneration. Biochimie 2024; 217:10-19. [PMID: 37558082 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.001] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The RNA/DNA helicase senataxin (SETX) has been involved in multiple crucial processes related to genome expression and integrity such us transcription termination, the regulation of transcription-replication conflicts and the resolution of R-loops. SETX has been the focus of numerous studies since the discovery that mutations in its coding gene are the root cause of two different neurodegenerative diseases: Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia type 2 (AOA2) and a juvenile form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS4). A plethora of cellular phenotypes have been described as the result of SETX deficiency, yet the precise molecular function of SETX as well as the molecular pathways leading from SETX mutations to AOA2 and ALS4 pathologies have remained unclear. However, recent data have shed light onto the biochemical activities and biological roles of SETX, thus providing new clues to understand the molecular consequences of SETX mutation. In this review we summarize near two decades of scientific effort to elucidate SETX function, we discuss strengths and limitations of the approaches and models used thus far to investigate SETX-associated diseases and suggest new possible research avenues for the study of AOA2 and ALS4 pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giannini
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Odil Porrua
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao H, Chen Z, Kang X, Yang B, Luo P, Li H, He Q. The frontline of alternatives to animal testing: novel in vitro skin model application in drug development and evaluation. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:152-169. [PMID: 37702017 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad093] [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] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has brought nonclinical drug evaluation into a new era. In vitro models are widely used and play an important role in modern drug development and evaluation, including early candidate drug screening and preclinical drug efficacy and toxicity assessment. Driven by regulatory steering and facilitated by well-defined physiology, novel in vitro skin models are emerging rapidly, becoming the most advanced area in alternative testing research. The revolutionary technologies bring us many in vitro skin models, either laboratory-developed or commercially available, which were all built to emulate the structure of the natural skin to recapitulate the skin's physiological function and particular skin pathology. During the model development, how to achieve balance among complexity, accessibility, capability, and cost-effectiveness remains the core challenge for researchers. This review attempts to introduce the existing in vitro skin models, align them on different dimensions, such as structural complexity, functional maturity, and screening throughput, and provide an update on their current application in various scenarios within the scope of chemical testing and drug development, including testing in genotoxicity, phototoxicity, skin sensitization, corrosion/irritation. Overall, the review will summarize a general strategy for in vitro skin model to enhance future model invention, application, and translation in drug development and evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Zhao
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaozeng Chen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xingchen Kang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peihua Luo
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Z, Hou P, Fang J, Shao C, Shi Y, Melino G, Peschiaroli A. Hyaluronic acid metabolism and chemotherapy resistance: recent advances and therapeutic potential. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 37953485 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13551] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix, providing essential mechanical scaffolding for cells and, at the same time, mediating essential biochemical signals required for tissue homeostasis. Many solid tumors are characterized by dysregulated HA metabolism, resulting in increased HA levels in cancer tissues. HA interacts with several cell surface receptors, such as cluster of differentiation 44 and receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility, thus co-regulating important signaling pathways in cancer development and progression. In this review, we describe the enzymes controlling HA metabolism and its intracellular effectors emphasizing their impact on cancer chemotherapy resistance. We will also explore the current and future prospects of HA-based therapy, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhong Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China
| | - Pengbo Hou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Y, Giovannini S, Wang T, Fang J, Li P, Shao C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Candi E, Melino G, Bernassola F. p63: a crucial player in epithelial stemness regulation. Oncogene 2023; 42:3371-3384. [PMID: 37848625 PMCID: PMC10638092 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02859-4] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissue homeostasis is closely associated with the self-renewal and differentiation behaviors of epithelial stem cells (ESCs). p63, a well-known marker of ESCs, is an indispensable factor for their biological activities during epithelial development. The diversity of p63 isoforms expressed in distinct tissues allows this transcription factor to have a wide array of effects. p63 coordinates the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, stem cell self-renewal, migration, differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through the regulation of these biological processes, p63 contributes to, not only normal epithelial development, but also epithelium-derived cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of p63 in epithelial stemness regulation, including self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. We describe the differential expression of TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and their distinct functional activities in normal epithelial tissues and in epithelium-derived tumors. Furthermore, we summarize the signaling cascades modulating the TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms as well as their downstream pathways in stemness regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fierro C, Gatti V, La Banca V, De Domenico S, Scalera S, Corleone G, Fanciulli M, De Nicola F, Mauriello A, Montanaro M, Calin GA, Melino G, Peschiaroli A. The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 is a ΔNp63 target gene modulating epidermal differentiation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3795. [PMID: 37365156 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor ΔNp63 regulates epithelial stem cell function and maintains the integrity of stratified epithelial tissues by acting as transcriptional repressor or activator towards a distinct subset of protein-coding genes and microRNAs. However, our knowledge of the functional link between ∆Np63 transcriptional activity and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression is quite limited. Here, we show that in proliferating human keratinocytes ∆Np63 represses the expression of the lncRNA NEAT1 by recruiting the histone deacetylase HDAC1 to the proximal promoter of NEAT1 genomic locus. Upon induction of differentiation, ∆Np63 down-regulation is associated by a marked increase of NEAT1 RNA levels, resulting in an increased assembly of paraspeckles foci both in vitro and in human skin tissues. RNA-seq analysis associated with global DNA binding profile (ChIRP-seq) revealed that NEAT1 associates with the promoter of key epithelial transcription factors sustaining their expression during epidermal differentiation. These molecular events might explain the inability of NEAT1-depleted keratinocytes to undergo the proper formation of epidermal layers. Collectively, these data uncover the lncRNA NEAT1 as an additional player of the intricate network orchestrating epidermal morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fierro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio, 4, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Gatti
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica La Banca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara De Domenico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Scalera
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Corleone
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gatti V, De Domenico S, Melino G, Peschiaroli A. Senataxin and R-loops homeostasis: multifaced implications in carcinogenesis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:145. [PMID: 37147318 PMCID: PMC10163015 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are inherent byproducts of transcription consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA. These structures are of key importance in controlling numerous physiological processes and their homeostasis is tightly controlled by the activities of several enzymes deputed to process R-loops and prevent their unproper accumulation. Senataxin (SETX) is an RNA/DNA helicase which catalyzes the unwinding of RNA:DNA hybrid portion of the R-loops, promoting thus their resolution. The key importance of SETX in R-loops homeostasis and its relevance with pathophysiological events is highlighted by the evidence that gain or loss of function SETX mutations underlie the pathogenesis of two distinct neurological disorders. Here, we aim to describe the potential impact of SETX on tumor onset and progression, trying to emphasize how dysregulation of this enzyme observed in human tumors might impact tumorigenesis. To this aim, we will describe the functional relevance of SETX in regulating gene expression, genome integrity, and inflammation response and discuss how cancer-associated SETX mutations might affect these pathways, contributing thus to tumor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gatti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara De Domenico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Montanaro M, Agostini M, Anemona L, Bonanno E, Servadei F, Finazzi Agrò E, Asimakopoulos AD, Ganini C, Cipriani C, Signoretti M, Bove P, Rugolo F, Imperiali B, Melino G, Mauriello A, Scimeca M. ZNF750: A Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076519. [PMID: 37047491 PMCID: PMC10095592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men in 2020. The clinical decision making for prostate cancer patients is based on the stratification of the patients according to both clinical and pathological parameters such as Gleason score and prostate-specific antigen levels. However, these tools still do not adequately predict patient outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ZNF750 could have a role in better stratifying patients, identifying those with a higher risk of metastasis and with the poorest prognosis. The data reported here revealed that ZNF750 protein levels are reduced in human prostate cancer samples, and this reduction is even higher in metastatic samples. Interestingly, nuclear positivity is significantly reduced in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, regardless of both Gleason score and grade group. More importantly, the bioinformatics analysis indicates that ZNF750 expression is positively correlated with better prognosis. Overall, our findings suggest that nuclear expression of ZNF750 may be a reliable prognostic biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer, which lays the foundation for the development of new biological therapies.
Collapse
|
8
|
A Kaleidoscope of Keratin Gene Expression and the Mosaic of Its Regulatory Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065603. [PMID: 36982676 PMCID: PMC10052683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratins are a family of intermediate filament-forming proteins highly specific to epithelial cells. A combination of expressed keratin genes is a defining property of the epithelium belonging to a certain type, organ/tissue, cell differentiation potential, and at normal or pathological conditions. In a variety of processes such as differentiation and maturation, as well as during acute or chronic injury and malignant transformation, keratin expression undergoes switching: an initial keratin profile changes accordingly to changed cell functions and location within a tissue as well as other parameters of cellular phenotype and physiology. Tight control of keratin expression implies the presence of complex regulatory landscapes within the keratin gene loci. Here, we highlight patterns of keratin expression in different biological conditions and summarize disparate data on mechanisms controlling keratin expression at the level of genomic regulatory elements, transcription factors (TFs), and chromatin spatial structure.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ran Y, Yan Z, Jiang B, Liang P. N6-methyladenosine functions and its role in skin cancer. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:4-12. [PMID: 36314059 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant mammalian mRNA modification. m6A regulates RNA processing, splicing, nucleation, translation and stability by transferring, removing and recognizing m6A methylation sites, which are critical for cancer initiation, progression, metabolism and metastasis. m6A is involved in pathophysiological tumour development by altering m6A modification and expression levels in tumour oncogenes and suppressor genes. Skin cancers are by far the most common malignancies in humans, with well over a million cases diagnosed each year. Skin cancers are grouped into two main categories: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), based on cell origin and clinical behaviour. In this review, we summarize m6A methylation functions in different skin cancers, and discuss how m6A methylation is involved in disease development and progression. Moreover, we review potential prognostic biomarkers and molecular targets for early skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Ran
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Zhuoxian Yan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Bimei Jiang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Liang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wei S, Li J, Tang M, Zhang K, Gao X, Fang L, Liu W. STAT3 and p63 in the Regulation of Cancer Stemness. Front Genet 2022; 13:909251. [PMID: 36061200 PMCID: PMC9428145 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor with many important functions in normal and transformed cells. STAT3 regulatory activities are highly complex as they are involved in various signaling pathways in different cell types under different conditions. Biologically, STAT3 is a regulative factor for normal and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Tumor protein p63 (p63), a member of the p53 protein family, is involved in these biological processes and is also physically and functionally associated with STAT3. STAT3 activation occurs during various aspects of carcinogenesis, including regulation of CSCs properties. In combination with p63, STAT3 is a possible biological marker of CSCs and a major regulator of maintenance of stemness in CSCs. We summarized the STAT3 functions and regulation and its role in CSC properties and highlight how these are affected by its associations with p63.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mauriello S, Treglia M, Pallocci M, Bonfiglio R, Giacobbi E, Passalacqua P, Cammarano A, D’Ovidio C, Marsella LT, Scimeca M. Antigenicity Preservation Is Related to Tissue Characteristics and the Post-Mortem Interval: Immunohistochemical Study and Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081495. [PMID: 36011152 PMCID: PMC9408092 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate the post-mortem proteolytic degradation process of selected tissue antigens and correlate it to the post-mortem interval. During the autopsy of 12 cadavers (time interval ranging 1 day–2 years after death) samples of skin, liver, kidney, and spleen were collected. All samples were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded. Four µm paraffin sections were used for hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis (Ki67, Vimentin, Pan cytokeratin, and CD20). Data reported here show that immunohistochemical reactivity preservation was related to the characteristics of the tissues. In particular, the most resistant tissue was the skin, where the autolysis phenomena were not appreciable before 5 days. On the contrary, the liver and the spleen underwent early autolysis, while the kidney displayed an early autolysis of the tubules and a late one of the glomeruli. As concerns specific antigens, immunoreactivity was lost earliest for nuclear antigens as compared to cytoplasmic ones. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that immunohistochemical detection of specific antigens may be useful in estimating the post-mortem interval, especially when we need to know whether the post-mortem interval is a few days or more than 7–10 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvestro Mauriello
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Treglia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Pallocci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Passalacqua
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cammarano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian D’Ovidio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. D’Annunzio”, Section of Legal Medicine, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Distinct interactors define the p63 transcriptional signature in epithelial development or cancer. Biochem J 2022; 479:1375-1392. [PMID: 35748701 PMCID: PMC9250260 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The TP63 is an indispensable transcription factor for development and homeostasis of epithelia and its derived glandular tissue. It is also involved in female germline cell quality control, muscle and thymus development. It is expressed as multiple isoforms transcribed by two independent promoters, in addition to alternative splicing occurring at the mRNA 3′-UTR. Expression of the TP63 gene, specifically the amino-deleted p63 isoform, ΔNp63, is required to regulate numerous biological activities, including lineage specification, self-renewal capacity of epithelial stem cells, proliferation/expansion of basal keratinocytes, differentiation of stratified epithelia. In cancer, ΔNp63 is implicated in squamous cancers pathogenesis of different origin including skin, head and neck and lung and in sustaining self-renewal of cancer stem cells. How this transcription factor can control such a diverse set of biological pathways is central to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which p63 acquires oncogenic activity, profoundly changing its down-stream transcriptional signature. Here, we highlight how different proteins interacting with p63 allow it to regulate the transcription of several central genes. The interacting proteins include transcription factors/regulators, epigenetic modifiers, and post-transcriptional modifiers. Moreover, as p63 depends on its interactome, we discuss the hypothesis to target the protein interactors to directly affect p63 oncogenic activities and p63-related diseases.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Due to massive energetic investments in woody support structures, trees are subject to unique physiological, mechanical, and ecological pressures not experienced by herbaceous plants. Despite a wealth of studies exploring trait relationships across the entire plant kingdom, the dominant traits underpinning these unique aspects of tree form and function remain unclear. Here, by considering 18 functional traits, encompassing leaf, seed, bark, wood, crown, and root characteristics, we quantify the multidimensional relationships in tree trait expression. We find that nearly half of trait variation is captured by two axes: one reflecting leaf economics, the other reflecting tree size and competition for light. Yet these orthogonal axes reveal strong environmental convergence, exhibiting correlated responses to temperature, moisture, and elevation. By subsequently exploring multidimensional trait relationships, we show that the full dimensionality of trait space is captured by eight distinct clusters, each reflecting a unique aspect of tree form and function. Collectively, this work identifies a core set of traits needed to quantify global patterns in functional biodiversity, and it contributes to our fundamental understanding of the functioning of forests worldwide. Understanding patterns in woody plant trait relationships and trade-offs is challenging. Here, by applying machine learning and data imputation methods to a global database of georeferenced trait measurements, the authors unravel key relationships in tree functional traits at the global scale.
Collapse
|
14
|
ΔNp63-Senataxin circuit controls keratinocyte differentiation by promoting the transcriptional termination of epidermal genes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2104718119. [PMID: 35235452 PMCID: PMC8915885 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104718119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ΔNp63 is a master regulator of skin homeostasis since it finely controls keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation. Here, we provide cellular and molecular evidence demonstrating the functional role of a ΔNp63 interactor, the R-loop–resolving enzyme Senataxin (SETX), in fine-tuning keratinocyte differentiation. We found that SETX physically binds the p63 DNA–binding motif present in two early epidermal differentiation genes, Keratin 1 (KRT1) and ZNF750, facilitating R-loop removal over their 3′ ends and thus allowing efficient transcriptional termination and gene expression. These molecular events translate into the inability of SETX-depleted keratinocytes to undergo the correct epidermal differentiation program. Remarkably, SETX is dysregulated in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of skin disorders. ΔNp63, a master regulator of epithelial biology, is involved in regulating epithelial stem cell function, maintaining the integrity of stratified epithelial cells, and committing epidermal cells to the differentiation program. To this end, ΔNp63 exploits several direct mechanisms. Here, we elucidated a mechanism whereby ΔNp63 efficiently sustains the expression of epidermal differentiation genes. We show that ΔNp63 interacts with Senataxin (SETX), an RNA/DNA helicase able to resolve the R-loop intermediates over the GC-rich termination sites of coding genes. Notably, we found that SETX and ΔNp63 coregulate a subset of genes involved in the early step of the keratinocyte differentiation program. At the molecular level, SETX physically binds the p63 DNA–binding motifs present in two early epidermal differentiation genes, Keratin 1 (KRT1) and ZNF750, facilitating R-loop removal over their 3′ ends and thus promoting efficient transcriptional termination and gene expression. Remarkably, SETX loss affects the activation of the proper epidermal differentiation program in vitro and impacts epidermal layer stratification in organotypic human skin. Furthermore, we found that SETX is mutated or downmodulated in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and SETX gene mutation is a negative prognostic factor for cutaneous SCC patient survival. Collectively, our results unveil SETX as a molecular player of skin homeostasis potentially involved in hyperproliferative skin disorders.
Collapse
|