1
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Zhu L, Xin YJ, He M, Bian J, Cheng XL, Li R, Li JJ, Wang J, Liu JY, Yang L. Downregulation of miR-337-3p in hypoxia/reoxygenation neuroblastoma cells increases KCTD11 expression. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23685. [PMID: 38495002 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23685] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is linked to the progressive loss of neural function and is associated with several diseases. Hypoxia is a hallmark in many of these diseases, and several therapies have been developed to treat this disease, including gene expression therapies that should be tightly controlled to avoid side effects. Cells experiencing hypoxia undergo a series of physiological responses that are induced by the activation of various transcription factors. Modulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression to alter transcriptional regulation has been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating multiple diseases, and in this study, we therefore explored potential miRNA candidates that could influence hypoxia-induced nerve cell death. Our data suggest that in mouse neuroblasts Neuro-2a cells with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), miR-337-3p is downregulated to increase the expression of Potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 11 (KCTD11) and subsequently promote apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that KCTD11 plays a role in the cellular response to hypoxia, and we also provide a possible regulatory mechanism by identifying the axis of miR-337-3p/KCTD11 as a promising candidate modulator of nerve cell survival after H/R exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Juan Xin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mu He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Affiliated Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Li Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin-Jie Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Yun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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2
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Lospinoso Severini L, Loricchio E, Navacci S, Basili I, Alfonsi R, Bernardi F, Moretti M, Conenna M, Cucinotta A, Coni S, Petroni M, De Smaele E, Giannini G, Maroder M, Canettieri G, Mastronuzzi A, Guardavaccaro D, Ayrault O, Infante P, Bufalieri F, Di Marcotullio L. SALL4 is a CRL3 REN/KCTD11 substrate that drives Sonic Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:170-187. [PMID: 38062245 PMCID: PMC10850099 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is crucial regulator of embryonic development and stemness. Its alteration leads to medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The SHH-MB subgroup is the best genetically characterized, however the molecular mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis are not fully understood and therapeutic benefits are still limited. Here, we show that the pro-oncogenic stemness regulator Spalt-like transcriptional factor 4 (SALL4) is re-expressed in mouse SHH-MB models, and its high levels correlate with worse overall survival in SHH-MB patients. Proteomic analysis revealed that SALL4 interacts with REN/KCTD11 (here REN), a substrate receptor subunit of the Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL3REN) and a tumor suppressor lost in ~30% of human SHH-MBs. We demonstrate that CRL3REN induces polyubiquitylation and degradation of wild type SALL4, but not of a SALL4 mutant lacking zinc finger cluster 1 domain (ΔZFC1). Interestingly, SALL4 binds GLI1 and cooperates with HDAC1 to potentiate GLI1 deacetylation and transcriptional activity. Notably, inhibition of SALL4 suppresses SHH-MB growth both in murine and patient-derived xenograft models. Our findings identify SALL4 as a CRL3REN substrate and a promising therapeutic target in SHH-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Loricchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Shirin Navacci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Basili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR, INSERM, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Centro Nazionale per il Controllo e la Valutazione dei Farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Bernardi
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR, INSERM, 91401, Orsay, France
- Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR, INSERM U, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Conenna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cucinotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Ayrault
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR, INSERM, 91401, Orsay, France
- Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR, INSERM U, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Paola Infante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Abballe L, Alfano V, Antonacci C, Cefalo MG, Cacchione A, Del Baldo G, Pezzullo M, Po A, Moretti M, Mastronuzzi A, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Locatelli F, Miele E. β-arrestin1-E2F1-ac axis regulates physiological apoptosis and cell cycle exit in cellular models of early postnatal cerebellum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:990711. [PMID: 36923256 PMCID: PMC10010392 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.990711] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the cerebellum is characterized by rapid proliferation of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) induced by paracrine stimulation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling from Purkinje cells, in the external granular layer (EGL). Then, granule cell precursors differentiate and migrate into the inner granular layer (IGL) of the cerebellum to form a terminally differentiated cell compartment. Aberrant activation of Sonic hedgehog signaling leads to granule cell precursors hyperproliferation and the onset of Sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma (MB), the most common embryonal brain tumor. β-arrestin1 (ARRB1) protein plays an important role downstream of Smoothened, a component of the Sonic hedgehog pathway. In the medulloblastoma context, β-arrestin1 is involved in a regulatory axis in association with the acetyltransferase P300, leading to the acetylated form of the transcription factor E2F1 (E2F1-ac) and redirecting its activity toward pro-apoptotic gene targets. This axis in the granule cell precursors physiological context has not been investigated yet. In this study, we demonstrate that β-arrestin1 has antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic functions in cerebellar development. β-arrestin1 silencing increases proliferation of Sonic hedgehog treated-cerebellar precursor cells while decreases the transcription of E2F1-ac pro-apoptotic targets genes, thus impairing apoptosis. Indeed, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show a direct interaction between β-arrestin1 and the promoter regions of the pro-apoptotic E2F1 target gene and P27, indicating the double role of β-arrestin1 in controlling apoptosis and cell cycle exit in a physiological context. Our data elucidate the role of β-arrestin1 in the early postnatal stages of cerebellar development, in those cell compartments that give rise to medulloblastoma. This series of experiments suggests that the physiological function of β-arrestin1 in neuronal progenitors is to directly control, cooperating with E2F1 acetylated form, transcription of pro-apoptotic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Abballe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Celeste Antonacci
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Cefalo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cacchione
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Pathology Unit, Core Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Paediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
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4
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Alam MJ, Uppulapu SK, Tiwari V, Varghese B, Mohammed SA, Adela R, Arava SK, Banerjee SK. Pregestational diabetes alters cardiac structure and function of neonatal rats through developmental plasticity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:919293. [PMID: 36176990 PMCID: PMC9514058 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.919293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregestational diabetes (PGDM) leads to developmental impairment, especially cardiac dysfunction, in their offspring. The hyperglycemic microenvironment inside the uterus alters the cardiac plasticity characterized by electrical and structural remodeling of the heart. The altered expression of several transcription factors due to hyperglycemia during fetal development might be responsible for molecular defects and phenotypic changes in the heart. The molecular mechanism of the developmental defects in the heart due to PGDM remains unclear. To understand the molecular defects in the 2-days old neonatal rats, streptozotocin-induced diabetic female rats were bred with healthy male rats. We collected 2-day-old hearts from the neonates and identified the molecular basis for phenotypic changes. Neonates from diabetic mothers showed altered electrocardiography and echocardiography parameters. Transcriptomic profiling of the RNA-seq data revealed that several altered genes were associated with heart development, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac conduction, and cell proliferation. Histopathology data showed the presence of focal cardiac fibrosis and increased cell proliferation in neonates from diabetic mothers. Thus, our results provide a comprehensive map of the cellular events and molecular pathways perturbed in the neonatal heart during PGDM. All of the molecular and structural changes lead to developmental plasticity in neonatal rat hearts and develop cardiac anomalies in their early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jahangir Alam
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
- Non-communicable Diseases Group, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
| | - Shravan Kumar Uppulapu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | - Vikas Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | - Bincy Varghese
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | - Soheb Anwar Mohammed
- Non-communicable Diseases Group, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
| | - Ramu Adela
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
| | - Sudheer Kumar Arava
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay K. Banerjee
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, India
- Non-communicable Diseases Group, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, India
- *Correspondence: Sanjay K. Banerjee,
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5
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Targeting cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma by inhibiting AMBRA1 dual function in autophagy and STAT3 signalling. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:537-564. [PMID: 34302498 PMCID: PMC8357694 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a childhood malignant brain tumour comprising four main subgroups characterized by different genetic alterations and rate of mortality. Among MB subgroups, patients with enhanced levels of the c-MYC oncogene (MBGroup3) have the poorest prognosis. Here we identify a previously unrecognized role of the pro-autophagy factor AMBRA1 in regulating MB. We demonstrate that AMBRA1 expression depends on c-MYC levels and correlates with Group 3 patient poor prognosis; also, knockdown of AMBRA1 reduces MB stem potential, growth and migration of MBGroup3 stem cells. At a molecular level, AMBRA1 mediates these effects by suppressing SOCS3, an inhibitor of STAT3 activation. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy profoundly affects both stem and invasion potential of MBGroup3 stem cells, and a combined anti-autophagy and anti-STAT3 approach impacts the MBGroup3 outcome. Taken together, our data support the c-MYC/AMBRA1/STAT3 axis as a strong oncogenic signalling pathway with significance for both patient stratification strategies and targeted treatments of MBGroup3.
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6
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Angrisani A, Di Fiore A, De Smaele E, Moretti M. The emerging role of the KCTD proteins in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:56. [PMID: 34001146 PMCID: PMC8127222 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00737-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The human family of Potassium (K+) Channel Tetramerization Domain (KCTD) proteins counts 25 members, and a significant number of them are still only partially characterized. While some of the KCTDs have been linked to neurological disorders or obesity, a growing tally of KCTDs are being associated with cancer hallmarks or involved in the modulation of specific oncogenic pathways. Indeed, the potential relevance of the variegate KCTD family in cancer warrants an updated picture of the current knowledge and highlights the need for further research on KCTD members as either putative therapeutic targets, or diagnostic/prognostic markers. Homology between family members, capability to participate in ubiquitination and degradation of different protein targets, ability to heterodimerize between members, role played in the main signalling pathways involved in development and cancer, are all factors that need to be considered in the search for new key players in tumorigenesis. In this review we summarize the recent published evidence on KCTD members' involvement in cancer. Furthermore, by integrating this information with data extrapolated from public databases that suggest new potential associations with cancers, we hypothesize that the number of KCTD family members involved in tumorigenesis (either as positive or negative modulator) may be bigger than so far demonstrated. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annamaria Di Fiore
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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7
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Miele E, Po A, Mastronuzzi A, Carai A, Besharat ZM, Pediconi N, Abballe L, Catanzaro G, Sabato C, De Smaele E, Canettieri G, Di Marcotullio L, Vacca A, Mai A, Levrero M, Pfister SM, Kool M, Giangaspero F, Locatelli F, Ferretti E. Downregulation of miR-326 and its host gene β-arrestin1 induces pro-survival activity of E2F1 and promotes medulloblastoma growth. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:523-542. [PMID: 32920979 PMCID: PMC7858128 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent mortality rates of medulloblastoma (MB) and severe side effects of the current therapies require the definition of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor progression. Using cultured MB cancer stem cells and xenograft tumors generated in mice, we show that low expression of miR-326 and its host gene β-arrestin1 (ARRB1) promotes tumor growth enhancing the E2F1 pro-survival function. Our models revealed that miR-326 and ARRB1 are controlled by a bivalent domain, since the H3K27me3 repressive mark is found at their regulatory region together with the activation-associated H3K4me3 mark. High levels of EZH2, a feature of MB, are responsible for the presence of H3K27me3. Ectopic expression of miR-326 and ARRB1 provides hints into how their low levels regulate E2F1 activity. MiR-326 targets E2F1 mRNA, thereby reducing its protein levels; ARRB1, triggering E2F1 acetylation, reverses its function into pro-apoptotic activity. Similar to miR-326 and ARRB1 overexpression, we also show that EZH2 inhibition restores miR-326/ARRB1 expression, limiting E2F1 pro-proliferative activity. Our results reveal a new regulatory molecular axis critical for MB progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Natalia Pediconi
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 CNRS 5286 Mixte CLB, Université de Lyon 1 (UCBL1), France.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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8
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Asmar AJ, Beck DB, Werner A. Control of craniofacial and brain development by Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligases: Lessons from human disease genetics. Exp Cell Res 2020; 396:112300. [PMID: 32986984 PMCID: PMC10627151 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metazoan development relies on intricate cell differentiation, communication, and migration pathways, which ensure proper formation of specialized cell types, tissues, and organs. These pathways are crucially controlled by ubiquitylation, a reversible post-translational modification that regulates the stability, activity, localization, or interaction landscape of substrate proteins. Specificity of ubiquitylation is ensured by E3 ligases, which bind substrates and co-operate with E1 and E2 enzymes to mediate ubiquitin transfer. Cullin3-RING ligases (CRL3s) are a large class of multi-subunit E3s that have emerged as important regulators of cell differentiation and development. In particular, recent evidence from human disease genetics, animal models, and mechanistic studies have established their involvement in the control of craniofacial and brain development. Here, we summarize regulatory principles of CRL3 assembly, substrate recruitment, and ubiquitylation that allow this class of E3s to fulfill their manifold functions in development. We further review our current mechanistic understanding of how specific CRL3 complexes orchestrate neuroectodermal differentiation and highlight diseases associated with their dysregulation. Based on evidence from human disease genetics, we propose that other unknown CRL3 complexes must help coordinate craniofacial and brain development and discuss how combining emerging strategies from the field of disease gene discovery with biochemical and human pluripotent stem cell approaches will likely facilitate their identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Asmar
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David B Beck
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA; Metabolic, Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Disease Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Achim Werner
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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9
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Liu Y, Li HR, Yu JJ, Li FX. Induction of tumor suppressor KCTD11 during periovulatory period in rat ovary. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:173-178. [PMID: 31151753 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor gene KCTD11 plays a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation and invasion. The current study investigated the regulation and the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Kctd11 in the rat ovary during the periovulatory period. Ovaries, granulosa cells, or theca-interstitial cells were collected at various times after hCG administration using an established gonadotropin-primed immature rat model that induces follicular development and ovulation. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that mRNA for Kctd11 was significantly induced both in theca-intersititial and granulosa cells after hCG treatment although their temporal expression patterns differed. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that Kctd11 mRNA expression was induced in theca-intersititial cells at 6 h after hCG, and the expression remained elevated until 12 h after hCG. Kctd11 mRNA was stimulated in granulosa cells at 6 h and reached the highest expression at 12 h. There was negligible Kctd11 mRNA signal observed in newly forming corpora lutea. In addition, the data indicate that both the protein kinase A and the protein kinase C pathway regulate the expression of Kctd11 mRNA in granulosa cells. Either forskolin or phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate can mimic hCG induction of Kctd11 expression. Furthermore, the stimulation of Kctd11 by hCG requires new protein synthesis. Inhibition of progesterone action and the EGF pathway blocked Kctd11 mRNA expression, whereas inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis had no effect. Our finding suggest that the induction of the Kctd11 may be important for theca and granulosa cell differentiation into luteal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Ran Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Yu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei-Xue Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Raleigh DR, Reiter JF. Misactivation of Hedgehog signaling causes inherited and sporadic cancers. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:465-475. [PMID: 30707108 DOI: 10.1172/jci120850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway is critical for the development of diverse organs. Misactivation of the Hedgehog pathway can cause developmental abnormalities and cancers, including medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain tumor, and basal cell carcinoma, the most common cancer in the United States. Here, we review how basic, translational, and clinical studies of the Hedgehog pathway have helped reveal how cells communicate, how intercellular communication controls development, how signaling goes awry to cause cancer, and how to use targeted molecular agents to treat both inherited and sporadic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology.,Department of Neurological Surgery, and
| | - Jeremy F Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Tong R, Yang B, Xiao H, Peng C, Hu W, Weng X, Cheng S, Du C, Lv Z, Ding C, Zhou L, Xie H, Wu J, Zheng S. KCTD11 inhibits growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through activating Hippo signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 8:37717-37729. [PMID: 28465479 PMCID: PMC5514943 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of effective prognostic biomarkers and molecular targets is a serious problem in hepatocellular carcinoma. KCTD11, reported as a tumor suppressor, are still not well understood. In this study, KCTD11 was found low-expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. The HCC patients with low expression of KCTD11 suggested shorter overall survival. We found KCTD11 inhibiting cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, by activating p21 and repressing cycle related proteins. KCTD11 also inhibited cell adhesion by decreasing CTGF and CLDN1. We found CTGF binding COL3A1 in HCCLM3, which might lead to reduction of COL3A1 expression. KCTD11 also inhibited cell migration and invasion in HCC, by repressing MMPs and EMT. We found the tumor suppression function of KCTD11 was at least partly through activating Hippo pathway in HCC. Base on the enhanced Hippo pathway, KCTD11 could activate p21 by stabilizing p53 or promoting the MST1/ GSK3β/p21 signaling in HCC. Overall, these results suggest that KCTD11 works as a tumor suppressor and owns prognostic and therapeutic potentials in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongliang Tong
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Beng Yang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Heng Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chuanhui Peng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Wendi Hu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Weng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shaobing Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Chengli Du
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Zhen Lv
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Chaofeng Ding
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Haiyang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310000, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
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12
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Foxm1 controls a pro-stemness microRNA network in neural stem cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3523. [PMID: 29476172 PMCID: PMC5824884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21876-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar neural stem cells (NSCs) require Hedgehog-Gli (Hh-Gli) signalling for their maintenance and Nanog expression for their self-renewal. To identify novel molecular features of this regulatory pathway, we used next-generation sequencing technology to profile mRNA and microRNA expression in cerebellar NSCs, before and after induced differentiation (Diff-NSCs). Genes with higher transcript levels in NSCs (vs. Diff-NSCs) included Foxm1, which proved to be directly regulated by Gli and Nanog. Foxm1 in turn regulated several microRNAs that were overexpressed in NSCs: miR-130b, miR-301a, and members of the miR-15~16 and miR-17~92 clusters and whose knockdown significantly impaired the neurosphere formation ability. Our results reveal a novel Hh-Gli-Nanog-driven Foxm1-microRNA network that controls the self-renewal capacity of NSCs.
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13
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Quaranta R, Pelullo M, Zema S, Nardozza F, Checquolo S, Lauer DM, Bufalieri F, Palermo R, Felli MP, Vacca A, Talora C, Di Marcotullio L, Screpanti I, Bellavia D. Maml1 acts cooperatively with Gli proteins to regulate sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2942. [PMID: 28726779 PMCID: PMC5550871 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is essential for proliferation of cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) and its misregulation is linked to various disorders, including cerebellar cancer medulloblastoma. The effects of Shh pathway are mediated by the Gli family of transcription factors, which controls the expression of a number of target genes, including Gli1. Here, we identify Mastermind-like 1 (Maml1) as a novel regulator of the Shh signaling since it interacts with Gli proteins, working as a potent transcriptional coactivator. Notably, Maml1 silencing results in a significant reduction of Gli target genes expression, with a negative impact on cell growth of NIH3T3 and Patched1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), bearing a constitutively active Shh signaling. Remarkably, Shh pathway activity results severely compromised both in MEFs and GCPs deriving from Maml1−/− mice with an impairment of GCPs proliferation and cerebellum development. Therefore Maml1−/− phenotype mimics aspects of Shh pathway deficiency, suggesting an intrinsic requirement for Maml1 in cerebellum development. The present study shows a new role for Maml1 as a component of Shh signaling, which plays a crucial role in both development and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Quaranta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Pelullo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zema
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardozza
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy
| | | | | | - Rocco Palermo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy.,Institute Pasteur-Foundation Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy.,Institute Pasteur-Foundation Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
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14
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Infante P, Alfonsi R, Ingallina C, Quaglio D, Ghirga F, D'Acquarica I, Bernardi F, Di Magno L, Canettieri G, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Botta B, Mori M, Di Marcotullio L. Inhibition of Hedgehog-dependent tumors and cancer stem cells by a newly identified naturally occurring chemotype. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2376. [PMID: 27899820 PMCID: PMC5059851 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) inhibitors have emerged as valid tools in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Indeed, aberrant activation of the Hh pathway occurring either by ligand-dependent or -independent mechanisms is a key driver in tumorigenesis. The smoothened (Smo) receptor is one of the main upstream transducers of the Hh signaling and is a validated target for the development of anticancer compounds, as underlined by the FDA-approved Smo antagonist Vismodegib (GDC-0449/Erivedge) for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, Smo mutations that confer constitutive activity and drug resistance have emerged during treatment with Vismodegib. For this reason, the development of new effective Hh inhibitors represents a major challenge for cancer therapy. Natural products have always represented a unique source of lead structures in drug discovery, and in recent years have been used to modulate the Hh pathway at multiple levels. Here, starting from an in house library of natural compounds and their derivatives, we discovered novel chemotypes of Hh inhibitors by mean of virtual screening against the crystallographic structure of Smo. Hh functional based assay identified the chalcone derivative 12 as the most effective Hh inhibitor within the test set. The chalcone 12 binds the Smo receptor and promotes the displacement of Bodipy-Cyclopamine in both Smo WT and drug-resistant Smo mutant. Our molecule stands as a promising Smo antagonist able to specifically impair the growth of Hh-dependent tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and medulloblastoma stem-like cells and potentially overcome the associated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Acquarica
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Bernardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
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15
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Bian X, Zhong H, Li F, Cai Y, Li X, Wang L, Fan X. LXR agonist rescued the deficit in the proliferation of the cerebellar granule cells induced by dexamethasone. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 477:826-833. [PMID: 27369072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.06.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) exposure during early postnatal life produces permanent neuromotor and intellectual deficits and stunts cerebellar growth. The liver X receptor (LXR) plays important roles in CNS development. However, the effects of LXR on the DEX-mediated impairment of cerebellar development remain undetermined. Thus, mice were pretreated with LXR agonist TO901317 (TO) and were later exposed to DEX to evaluate its protective effects on DEX-mediated deficit during cerebellar development. The results showed that an acute exposure of DEX on postnatal day 7 resulted in a significant impairment in cerebellar development and decreased the proliferation of granule neuron precursors in the external granule layer of cerebellum. This effect was attenuated by pretreatment with TO. We further found that the decrease in the proliferation caused by DEX occurred via up-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor and p27kip1, which could be partially prevented by LXR agonist pretreatment. Overall, our results suggest that LXR agonist pretreatment could protect against DEX-induced deficits in cerebellar development in postnatal mice and may thus be perspective recruited to counteract such GC side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuting Bian
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hongyu Zhong
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yulong Cai
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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16
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Riccardi S, Bergling S, Sigoillot F, Beibel M, Werner A, Leighton-Davies J, Knehr J, Bouwmeester T, Parker CN, Roma G, Kinzel B. MiR-210 promotes sensory hair cell formation in the organ of corti. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:309. [PMID: 27121005 PMCID: PMC4848794 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing loss is the most common sensory defect afflicting several hundred million people worldwide. In most cases, regardless of the original cause, hearing loss is related to the degeneration and death of hair cells and their associated spiral ganglion neurons. Despite this knowledge, relatively few studies have reported regeneration of the auditory system. Significant gaps remain in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning auditory function, including the factors required for sensory cell regeneration. Recently, the identification of transcriptional activators and repressors of hair cell fate has been augmented by the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with hearing loss. As miRNAs are central players of differentiation and cell fate, identification of miRNAs and their gene targets may reveal new pathways for hair cell regeneration, thereby providing new avenues for the treatment of hearing loss. Results In order to identify new genetic elements enabling regeneration of inner ear sensory hair cells, next-generation miRNA sequencing (miRSeq) was used to identify the most prominent miRNAs expressed in the mouse embryonic inner ear cell line UB/OC-1 during differentiation towards a hair cell like phenotype. Based on these miRSeq results eight most differentially expressed miRNAs were selected for further characterization. In UB/OC-1, miR-210 silencing in vitro resulted in hair cell marker expression, whereas ectopic expression of miR-210 resulted in new hair cell formation in cochlear explants. Using a lineage tracing mouse model, transdifferentiation of supporting epithelial cells was identified as the likely mechanism for this new hair cell formation. Potential miR-210 targets were predicted in silico and validated experimentally using a miR-trap approach. Conclusion MiRSeq followed by ex vivo validation revealed miR-210 as a novel factor driving transdifferentiation of supporting epithelial cells to sensory hair cells suggesting that miR-210 might be a potential new factor for hearing loss therapy. In addition, identification of inner ear pathways regulated by miR-210 identified potential new drug targets for the treatment of hearing loss. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2620-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Riccardi
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Bergling
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Sigoillot
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, USA
| | - Martin Beibel
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annick Werner
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juliet Leighton-Davies
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Judith Knehr
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tewis Bouwmeester
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian N Parker
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guglielmo Roma
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Kinzel
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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17
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Abstract
The hedgehog signaling pathway was first discovered in the 1980s. It is a stem cell-related pathway that plays a crucial role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and organogenesis. Aberrant activation of hedgehog signaling leads to pathological consequences, including a variety of human tumors such as pancreatic cancer. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that blockade of this pathway with several small-molecule inhibitors can inhibit the development of pancreatic neoplasm. In addition, activated hedgehog signaling has been reported to be involved in fibrogenesis in many tissues, including the pancreas. Therefore, new therapeutic targets based on hedgehog signaling have attracted a great deal of attention to alleviate pancreatic diseases. In this review, we briefly discuss the recent advances in hedgehog signaling in pancreatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis and highlight new insights on their potential relationship with respect to the development of novel targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Bai
- From the Wenzhou Medical University (Yongyu Bai, JD, QL, YJ, MZ); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery (Yongheng Bai, BC), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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18
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Petroni M, Sardina F, Heil C, Sahún-Roncero M, Colicchia V, Veschi V, Albini S, Fruci D, Ricci B, Soriani A, Di Marcotullio L, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Giannini G. The MRN complex is transcriptionally regulated by MYCN during neural cell proliferation to control replication stress. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:197-206. [PMID: 26068589 PMCID: PMC4716299 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 (MRN) complex is a major sensor of DNA double strand breaks, whose role in controlling faithful DNA replication and preventing replication stress is also emerging. Inactivation of the MRN complex invariably leads to developmental and/or degenerative neuronal defects, the pathogenesis of which still remains poorly understood. In particular, NBS1 gene mutations are associated with microcephaly and strongly impaired cerebellar development, both in humans and in the mouse model. These phenotypes strikingly overlap those induced by inactivation of MYCN, an essential promoter of the expansion of neuronal stem and progenitor cells, suggesting that MYCN and the MRN complex might be connected on a unique pathway essential for the safe expansion of neuronal cells. Here, we show that MYCN transcriptionally controls the expression of each component of the MRN complex. By genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the MRN complex in a MYCN overexpression model and in the more physiological context of the Hedgehog-dependent expansion of primary cerebellar granule progenitor cells, we also show that the MRN complex is required for MYCN-dependent proliferation. Indeed, its inhibition resulted in DNA damage, activation of a DNA damage response, and cell death in a MYCN- and replication-dependent manner. Our data indicate the MRN complex is essential to restrain MYCN-induced replication stress during neural cell proliferation and support the hypothesis that replication-born DNA damage is responsible for the neuronal defects associated with MRN dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Petroni
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F Sardina
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Heil
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M Sahún-Roncero
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Colicchia
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Veschi
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - S Albini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - D Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - B Ricci
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A Soriani
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L Di Marcotullio
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - I Screpanti
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A Gulino
- Department Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - G Giannini
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Deptartment of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
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19
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A novel function of the human oncogene Stil: Regulation of PC12 cell toxic susceptibility through the Shh pathway. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16513. [PMID: 26549353 PMCID: PMC4637888 DOI: 10.1038/srep16513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The human oncogene SCL/TAL1 interrupting locus (Stil) is highly conserved in vertebrate species. Here, we report new findings of Stil in the regulation of toxic susceptibility in mammalian dopaminergic (DA)-like PC12 cells. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Stil expression did not affect the survival of proliferating PC12 cells but caused a significant amount of cell death in differentiated neurons after toxic drug treatment. In contrast, overexpression of Stil increased toxic susceptibility only in proliferating cells but produced no effect in mature neurons. Exogenetic inactivation or activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling transduction mimicked the effect of Stil knockdown or overexpression in regulation of PC12 cell toxic susceptibility, suggesting that Stil exerts its role through the Shh pathway. Together, the data provide evidence for novel functions of the human oncogene Stil in neural toxic susceptibility.
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20
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Swartling FJ, Čančer M, Frantz A, Weishaupt H, Persson AI. Deregulated proliferation and differentiation in brain tumors. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 359:225-54. [PMID: 25416506 PMCID: PMC4286433 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenesis, the generation of new neurons, is deregulated in neural stem cell (NSC)- and progenitor-derived murine models of malignant medulloblastoma and glioma, the most common brain tumors of children and adults, respectively. Molecular characterization of human malignant brain tumors, and in particular brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs), has identified neurodevelopmental transcription factors, microRNAs, and epigenetic factors known to inhibit neuronal and glial differentiation. We are starting to understand how these factors are regulated by the major oncogenic drivers in malignant brain tumors. In this review, we will focus on the molecular switches that block normal neuronal differentiation and induce brain tumor formation. Genetic or pharmacological manipulation of these switches in BTSCs has been shown to restore the ability of tumor cells to differentiate. We will discuss potential brain tumor therapies that will promote differentiation in order to reduce treatment resistance, suppress tumor growth, and prevent recurrence in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Matko Čančer
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Aaron Frantz
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Holger Weishaupt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Anders I Persson
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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A marked paucity of granule cells in the developing cerebellum of the Npc1(-/-) mouse is corrected by a single injection of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 70:117-26. [PMID: 24969023 PMCID: PMC4148175 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we show that postnatal development of cerebellar granule neurons (GNs) is defective in Npc1−/− mice. Compared to age-matched wild-type littermates, there is an accelerated disappearance of the external granule layer (EGL) in these mice. This is due to a premature exit from the cell cycle of GN precursors residing at the level of the EGL. As a consequence, the size of cerebellar lobules of these mice displays a 20%–25% reduction compared to that of age-matched wild-type mice. This size reduction is detectable at post-natal day 28 (PN28), when cerebellar GN development is completed while signs of neuronal atrophy are not yet apparent. Based on the analysis of EGL thickness and the determination of proliferating GN fractions at increasing developmental times (PN8–PN14), we trace the onset of this GN developmental defect during the second postnatal week. We also show that during this developmental time Shh transcripts undergo a significant reduction in Npc1−/− mice compared to age-matched wild-type mice. In light of the mitogenic activity of Shh on GNs, this observation further supports the presence of defective GN proliferation in Npc1−/− mice. A single injection of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin at PN7 rescues this defect, restoring the normal patterns of granule neuron proliferation and cerebellar lobule size. To our knowledge, these findings identify a novel developmental defect that was underappreciated in previous studies. This defect was probably overlooked because Npc1 loss-of-function does not affect cerebellar foliation and causes the internal granule layer and molecular layer to decrease proportionally, giving rise to a normally appearing, yet harmoniously smaller, cerebellum. Cerebellar lobules of adult Npc1−/− mice display a 20–25% reduction in size compared to wild-type age-matched mice. The proliferation of granule neuron (GN) precursors in the developing cerebellum of Npc1−/− mice is defective. Npc1−/− GN precursors of the external granule layer (EGL) undergo a premature exit from the cell cycle. The EGL of Npc1−/− mice is thinner and persists for a shorter time. A single injection of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin at PN7 rescues these defects.
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22
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KCTD11 tumor suppressor gene expression is reduced in prostate adenocarcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:380398. [PMID: 25045667 PMCID: PMC4090506 DOI: 10.1155/2014/380398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer among men in the United States. A genetic contribution to prostate cancer risk has been documented, but knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in prostate cancer initiation is still not well understood. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosomal regions is crucial in tumor progression. In human prostate cancer, several chromosomal regions demonstrating a high frequency of LOH have been previously identified. KCTD11 (REN) is a tumor suppressor gene mapping on human chromosome 17p13.2, whose expression is frequently lost in human medulloblastoma and in several other cancer types. KCTD11 acts as a negative regulator of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Here, we demonstrated that KCTD11 LOH is a common genetic lesion in human prostate adenocarcinoma. Indeed, nuclear KCTD11 protein expression is strongly reduced in primary prostate cancer, and this event correlated with overexpression of proteins acting into the Hedgehog pathway. Low levels of KCTD11 mRNA have been also observed in prostatic cancer cells, and ectopic overexpression of KCTD11 led to growth arrest. Our study demonstrates and supports that KCTD11, as well as negatively regulated downstream effectors belonging to Hh signaling, plays a role in prostate cancer pathogenesis. This could be suitable to characterize new diagnostic and therapeutic markers.
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Dong J, Wei W, Song B, Min H, Yu Y, Lei X, Zhao M, Teng W, Chen J. Developmental hypothyroxinemia and hypothyroidism reduce proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursors in rat offspring by downregulation of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:1143-52. [PMID: 24264724 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Iodine deficiency (ID)-induced hypothyroxinemia and hypothyroidism during development result in dysfunction of the central nervous system, affecting psychomotor and motor function, although the underlying mechanisms causing these alterations are still unclear. Therefore, our aim is to study the effects of developmental hypothyroxinemia, caused by mild ID, and developmental hypothyroidism, caused by severe ID or methimazole (MMZ), on the proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNPs), an excellent experimental model of cerebellar development and function. The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is essential for CGNP proliferation, and as such, its activation is also investigated here. A maternal hypothyroxinemia model was established in Wistar rats by administrating a mild ID diet, and two maternal hypothyroidism models were developed either by administrating a severe ID diet or MMZ water. Our results showed that hypothyroxinemia and hypothyroidism reduced proliferation of CGNPs on postnatal day (PN) 7, PN14, and PN21. Accordingly, the mean intensity of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki67 nuclear antigen immunofluorescence was reduced in the mild ID, severe ID, and MMZ groups. Moreover, maternal hypothyroxinemia and hypothyroidism reduced expression of the Shh signaling pathway on PN7, PN14, and PN21. Our study supports the hypothesis that developmental hypothyroxinemia induced by mild ID, and hypothyroidism induced by severe ID or MMZ, reduce the proliferation of CGNPs, which may be ascribed to the downregulation of the Shh signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, 92 North 2nd Road, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
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24
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Mei F, Xiang J, Han S, He Y, Lu Y, Xu J, Guo D, Xiao G, Tien P, Sun G. Expression, purification, and secondary structure characterization of recombinant KCTD1. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2013; 77:941-5. [PMID: 22860917 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297912080160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 1 (KCTD1) contains a BTB domain, which can facilitate protein-protein interactions that may be involved in the regulation of signaling pathways. Here we describe an expression and purification system that can provide a significant amount of recombinant KCTD1 from Escherichia coli. The cDNA encoding human KCTD1 was amplified and cloned into the expression vector pET-30a(+). The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) cells and subsequently purified using affinity chromatography. To confirm that KCTD1 was correctly expressed and folded, the molecular weight and conformation were analyzed using mass spectroscopy, Western blot, and circular dichroism. Optimizing KCTD1 expression and investigating its secondary structure will provide valuable information for future structural and functional studies of KCTD1 and KCTD family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghua Mei
- The State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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25
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Kousi M, Anttila V, Schulz A, Calafato S, Jakkula E, Riesch E, Myllykangas L, Kalimo H, Topçu M, Gökben S, Alehan F, Lemke JR, Alber M, Palotie A, Kopra O, Lehesjoki AE. Novel mutations consolidate KCTD7 as a progressive myoclonus epilepsy gene. J Med Genet 2013; 49:391-9. [PMID: 22693283 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2012-100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PMEs) comprise a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterised by myoclonus, epilepsy, and neurological deterioration. This study aimed to identify the underlying gene(s) in childhood onset PME patients with unknown molecular genetic background. METHODS Homozygosity mapping was applied on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data of 18 Turkish patients. The potassium channel tetramerisation domain-containing 7 (KCTD7) gene, previously associated with PME in a single inbred family, was screened for mutations. The spatiotemporal expression of KCTD7 was assessed in cellular cultures and mouse brain tissue. RESULTS Overlapping homozygosity in 8/18 patients defined a 1.5 Mb segment on 7q11.21 as the major candidate locus. Screening of the positional candidate gene KCTD7 revealed homozygous missense mutations in two of the eight cases. Screening of KCTD7 in a further 132 PME patients revealed four additional mutations (two missense, one in-frame deletion, and one frameshift-causing) in five families. Eight patients presented with myoclonus and epilepsy and one with ataxia, the mean age of onset being 19 months. Within 2 years after onset, progressive loss of mental and motor skills ensued leading to severe dementia and motor handicap. KCTD7 showed cytosolic localisation and predominant neuronal expression, with widespread expression throughout the brain. None of three polypeptides carrying patient missense mutations affected the subcellular distribution of KCTD7. DISCUSSION These data confirm the causality of KCTD7 defects in PME, and imply that KCTD7 mutation screening should be considered in PME patients with onset around 2 years of age followed by rapid mental and motor deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kousi
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Biomedicum Helsinki, PO Box 63, Haartmaninkatu 8, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Control of stem cells and cancer stem cells by Hedgehog signaling: pharmacologic clues from pathway dissection. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 85:623-628. [PMID: 23148911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog is a key morphogen regulating embryonic development and tissue repair. Remarkably, when misregulated, it leads to tumorigenesis. Hedgehog signaling is triggered by binding of ligands with transmembrane receptor Ptch and is subsequently mediated by transcriptional effectors belonging to the Gli family, whose functions is tuned by a number of molecular interactions and post-synthetic modifications. The complex of these regulatory circuitries provides a tight control of developmental processes, mainly involving the modulation of genes determining the fate of stem cells. Similarly, Hedgehog regulates cancer stem cells fostering tumorigenesis. To this regard, these processes represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies aiming at the control of stemness reactivation and maintenance in cancer.
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27
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Dever DP, Opanashuk LA. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor contributes to the proliferation of human medulloblastoma cells. Mol Pharmacol 2012; 81:669-78. [PMID: 22311706 PMCID: PMC3336804 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.077305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) transcription superfamily, is known to regulate the toxicity of polyaromatic halogenated hydrocarbon environmental chemicals, most notably dioxin. However, the AhR has also been implicated in multiple stages of tumorigenesis. Medulloblastoma (MB), a primary cerebellar brain tumor arising in infants and children, is thought to originate from abnormally proliferating cerebellar granule neuron precursors (GNPs). GNPs express high levels of the AhR in the external germinal layer of the developing cerebellum. Moreover, our laboratory has previously reported that either abnormal activation or deletion of the AhR leads to dysregulation of GNP cell cycle activity and maturation. These observations led to the hypothesis that the AhR promotes the growth of MB. Therefore, this study evaluated whether the AhR serves a pro-proliferative role in an immortalized MB tumor cell line (DAOY). We produced a stable AhR knockdown DAOY cell line [AhR short hairpin RNA (shRNA)], which exhibited a 70% reduction in AhR protein levels. Compared with wild-type DAOY cells, AhR shRNA DAOY cells displayed an impaired G(1)-to-S cell cycle transition, decreased DNA synthesis, and reduced proliferation. Furthermore, these cell cycle perturbations were correlated with decreased levels of the pro-proliferative gene Hes1 and increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27(kip1). Supplementation experiments with human AhR restored the proliferative activity in AhR shRNA DAOY cells. Taken together, our data show that the AhR promotes proliferation of MB cells, suggesting that this pathway should be considered as a potential therapeutic target for MB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Dever
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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28
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Nos2 inactivation promotes the development of medulloblastoma in Ptch1(+/-) mice by deregulation of Gap43-dependent granule cell precursor migration. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002572. [PMID: 22438824 PMCID: PMC3305407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. A subset of medulloblastoma originates from granule cell precursors (GCPs) of the developing cerebellum and demonstrates aberrant hedgehog signaling, typically due to inactivating mutations in the receptor PTCH1, a pathomechanism recapitulated in Ptch1+/− mice. As nitric oxide may regulate GCP proliferation and differentiation, we crossed Ptch1+/− mice with mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2) to investigate a possible influence on tumorigenesis. We observed a two-fold higher medulloblastoma rate in Ptch1+/− Nos2−/− mice compared to Ptch1+/− Nos2+/+ mice. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying this finding, we performed gene expression profiling of medulloblastomas from both genotypes, as well as normal cerebellar tissue samples of different developmental stages and genotypes. Downregulation of hedgehog target genes was observed in postnatal cerebellum from Ptch1+/+ Nos2−/− mice but not from Ptch1+/− Nos2−/− mice. The most consistent effect of Nos2 deficiency was downregulation of growth-associated protein 43 (Gap43). Functional studies in neuronal progenitor cells demonstrated nitric oxide dependence of Gap43 expression and impaired migration upon Gap43 knock-down. Both effects were confirmed in situ by immunofluorescence analyses on tissue sections of the developing cerebellum. Finally, the number of proliferating GCPs at the cerebellar periphery was decreased in Ptch1+/+ Nos2−/− mice but increased in Ptch1+/− Nos2−/− mice relative to Ptch1+/− Nos2+/+ mice. Taken together, these results indicate that Nos2 deficiency promotes medulloblastoma development in Ptch1+/− mice through retention of proliferating GCPs in the external granular layer due to reduced Gap43 expression. This study illustrates a new role of nitric oxide signaling in cerebellar development and demonstrates that the localization of pre-neoplastic cells during morphogenesis is crucial for their malignant progression. Medulloblastoma is a common pediatric brain tumor, a subtype of which is driven by aberrant hedgehog pathway activation in cerebellar granule cell precursors. Although this tumor etiology has been intensively investigated in the well-established Ptch1+/− mouse model, knowledge is still lacking about the molecular interactions between neoplastic transformation and other developmental processes. Nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to be involved in controlling proliferation and differentiation of these cells. Therefore, inactivation of the NO–producing enzyme Nos2 in combination with the mutated Ptch1 gene should provide insight into how developmental regulation influences pathogenesis. Here, we describe a new role for NO in developing neuronal precursors of the cerebellum facilitating physiologically accurate migration via regulation of Gap43. We further demonstrate that disturbance of these processes leads to retention of granule precursor cells to the cerebellar periphery. Together with the sustained proliferation of these cells in combined Ptch1+/− Nos2−/− mice, this effect results in an increased medulloblastoma incidence relative to Ptch1+/− mice and demonstrates a new disease-promoting mechanism in this tumor entity.
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Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L, Canettieri G, De Smaele E, Screpanti I. Hedgehog/Gli Control by Ubiquitination/Acetylation Interplay. HEDGEHOG SIGNALING 2012; 88:211-27. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394622-5.00009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Identification and characterization of KCASH2 and KCASH3, 2 novel Cullin3 adaptors suppressing histone deacetylase and Hedgehog activity in medulloblastoma. Neoplasia 2011; 13:374-85. [PMID: 21472142 DOI: 10.1593/neo.101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor, arising from aberrant cerebellar precursors' development, a process mainly controlled by Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Histone deacetylase HDAC1 has been recently shown to modulate Hh signaling, deacetylating its effectors Gli1/2 and enhancing their transcriptional activity. Therefore, HDAC may represent a potential therapeutic target for Hh-dependent tumors, but still little information is available on the physiological mechanisms of HDAC regulation. The putative tumor suppressor REN(KCTD11) acts through ubiquitination-dependent degradation of HDAC1, thereby affecting Hh activity and medulloblastoma growth. We identify and characterize here two REN(KCTD11) homologues, defining a new family of proteins named KCASH, as "KCTD containing, Cullin3 adaptor, suppressor of Hedgehog." Indeed, the novel genes (KCASH2(KCTD21) and KCASH3(KCTD6)) share with REN(KCTD11) a number of features, such as a BTB domain required for the formation of a Cullin3 ubiquitin ligase complex and HDAC1 ubiquitination and degradation capability, suppressing the acetylation-dependent Hh/Gli signaling. Expression of KCASH2 and -3 is observed in cerebellum, whereas epigenetic silencing and allelic deletion are observed in human medulloblastoma. Rescuing KCASHs expression reduces the Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma growth, suggesting that loss of members of this novel family of native HDAC inhibitors is crucial in sustaining Hh pathway-mediated tumorigenesis. Accordingly, they might represent a promising class of endogenous "agents" through which this pathway may be targeted.
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Molecular organization of the cullin E3 ligase adaptor KCTD11. Biochimie 2011; 93:715-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Protected from the inside: Endogenous histone deacetylase inhibitors and the road to cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1815:241-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 01/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Di Marcotullio L, Greco A, Mazzà D, Canettieri G, Pietrosanti L, Infante P, Coni S, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Screpanti I, Gulino A. Numb activates the E3 ligase Itch to control Gli1 function through a novel degradation signal. Oncogene 2011; 30:65-76. [PMID: 20818436 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Revised: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog pathway regulates tissue patterning and cell proliferation. Gli1 transcription factor is the major effector of Hedgehog signaling and its deregulation is often associated to medulloblastoma formation. Proteolytic processes represent a critical mechanism by which this pathway is turned off. Here, we characterize the regulation of an ubiquitin-mediated mechanism of Gli1 degradation, promoted by the coordinated action of the E3 ligase Itch and the adaptor protein Numb. We show that Numb activates the catalytic activity of Itch, releasing it from an inhibitory intramolecular interaction between its homologous to E6-AP C-terminus and WW domains. The consequent activation of Itch, together with the recruitment of Gli1 through direct binding with Numb, allows Gli1 to enter into the complex, resulting in Gli1 ubiquitination and degradation. This process is mediated by a novel Itch-dependent degron, composed of a combination of two PPXYs and a phospho-serine/proline motifs, localized in Gli1 C-terminal region, indicating the role of two different WW docking sites in Gli1 ubiquitination. Remarkably, Gli1 protein mutated in these modules is no longer regulated by Itch and Numb, and determines enhanced Gli1-dependent medulloblastoma growth, migration and invasion abilities, as well as in vitro transforming activity. Our data reveal a novel mechanism of regulation of Gli1 stability and function, which influences Hedgehog/Gli1 oncogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
In the last 20 years, it has become clear that developmental genes and their regulators, noncoding RNAs including microRNAs and long-noncoding RNAs, within signaling pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cancer. Many of these pathways were first identified in genetic screens in Drosophila and other lower organisms. Mammalian orthologs were subsequently identified and genes within the pathways cloned and found to regulate cell growth. Genes and pathways expressed during embryonic development, including the Notch, Wnt/β-Catenin, TGF-β/BMP, Shh/Patched, and Hippo pathways are mutated, lost, or aberrantly regulated in a wide variety of human cancers, including skin, breast, blood, and brain cancers, including medulloblastoma. These biochemical pathways affect cell fate determination, axis formation, and patterning during development and regulate tissue homeostasis and regeneration in adults. Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant nervous system tumor in childhood, are thought to arise from disruptions in cerebellar development [reviewed by Marino, S. (2005)]. Defining the extracellular cues and intracellular signaling pathways that control cerebellar neurogenesis, especially granule cell progenitor (GCP) proliferation and differentiation has been useful for developing models to unravel the mechanisms underlying medulloblastoma formation and growth. In this chapter, we will review the development of the cerebellar cortex, highlighting signaling pathways of potential relevance to tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine F Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology and Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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35
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Pizem J, Popovic M, Cör A. Expression of Gli1 and PARP1 in medulloblastoma: an immunohistochemical study of 65 cases. J Neurooncol 2010; 103:459-67. [PMID: 20953661 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-010-0431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signalling pathway, which is involved in the formation of a significant proportion of medulloblastomas, is characterised by up-regulation and nuclear localisation of downstream transcription factor Gli1. Our aim was to analyse Gli1 expression by immunohistochemistry in a large group of medulloblastomas, to assess possible correlations with WNT (wingless) pathway activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) expression, previously shown to be associated with SHH pathway activation in a mouse model of medulloblastoma. We analysed expression and localisation of Gli1, β-catenin and PARP1 by immunohistochemistry in a series of 65 consecutive medulloblastomas. Gli1 was positive in 40 (61.5%) medulloblastomas, as revealed by either strong (21 cases) or mild (19 cases) nuclear reaction in more than 50% of tumour cells. Nuclear positivity for PARP1 was noted in all 65 cases, ranging from 46% to 100% (mean 80%) but was not correlated with Gli1 positivity. Gli1 was positive in 9 of 11 cases with nuclear localisation of β-catenin, signifying concurrent activation of SHH and WNT pathways. Overall survival of patients with strong nuclear reaction to Gli1 was better compared with patients with Gli1-negative medulloblastomas. Immunohistochemical detection of Gli1 could be useful in identifying medulloblastomas with SHH pathway activation. As revealed by nuclear reaction to Gli1, the SHH pathway is activated in approximately 60% of medulloblastomas. In some medulloblastomas, both SHH and WNT appear to be activated. PARP1 is highly expressed in medulloblastomas. It might be useful as a target to increase the effectiveness of current treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joze Pizem
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Mancarelli MM, Zazzeroni F, Ciccocioppo L, Capece D, Po A, Murgo S, Di Camillo R, Rinaldi C, Ferretti E, Gulino A, Alesse E. The tumor suppressor gene KCTD11REN is regulated by Sp1 and methylation and its expression is reduced in tumors. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:172. [PMID: 20591193 PMCID: PMC2913982 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of several human cancers is loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 17p13. The same chromosomal region is also frequently hypermethylated in cancer. Although loss of 17p13 has been often associated with p53 genetic alteration or Hypermethylated in Cancer 1 (HIC1) gene hypermethylation, other tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) located in this region have critical roles in tumorigenesis. A novel TSG mapping on human chromosome 17p13.2 is KCTD11REN (KCTD11). We have recently demonstrated that KCTD11 expression is frequently lost in human medulloblastoma (MB), in part by LOH and in part by uncharacterized epigenetic events. Using a panel of human 177 tumor samples and their normal matching samples representing 18 different types of cancer, we show here that the down-regulation of KCTD11 protein level is a specific and a diffusely common event in tumorigenesis. Additionally, in order to characterize the regulatory regions in KCTD11 promoter, we identified a CpG island and several Sp1 binding sites on this promoter, and demonstrated that Sp1 transcription factor and DNA methylation contribute, at least in part, to regulate KCTD11 expression. Our findings identify KCTD11 as a widely down-regulated gene in human cancers, and provide a basis to understand how its expression might be deregulated in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Michela Mancarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
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Histone deacetylase and Cullin3-REN(KCTD11) ubiquitin ligase interplay regulates Hedgehog signalling through Gli acetylation. Nat Cell Biol 2010; 12:132-42. [PMID: 20081843 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog signalling is crucial for development and is deregulated in several tumours, including medulloblastoma. Regulation of the transcriptional activity of Gli (glioma-associated oncogene) proteins, effectors of the Hedgehog pathway, is poorly understood. We show here that Gli1 and Gli2 are acetylated proteins and that their HDAC-mediated deacetylation promotes transcriptional activation and sustains a positive autoregulatory loop through Hedgehog-induced upregulation of HDAC1. This mechanism is turned off by HDAC1 degradation through an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex formed by Cullin3 and REN, a Gli antagonist lost in human medulloblastoma. Whereas high HDAC1 and low REN expression in neural progenitors and medulloblastomas correlates with active Hedgehog signalling, loss of HDAC activity suppresses Hedgehog-dependent growth of neural progenitors and tumour cells. Consistent with this, abrogation of Gli1 acetylation enhances cellular proliferation and transformation. These data identify an integrated HDAC- and ubiquitin-mediated circuitry, where acetylation of Gli proteins functions as an unexpected key transcriptional checkpoint of Hedgehog signalling.
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Stecca B, Ruiz i Altaba A. Context-dependent regulation of the GLI code in cancer by HEDGEHOG and non-HEDGEHOG signals. J Mol Cell Biol 2010; 2:84-95. [PMID: 20083481 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjp052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A surprisingly large and unrelated number of human tumors depend on sustained HEDGEHOG-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling for growth. This includes cancers of the skin, brain, colon, lungs, prostate, blood and pancreas among others. The basis of such commonality is not obvious. HH-GLI signaling has also been shown to be active in and required for cancer stem cell survival and expansion in different cancer types, and its activity is essential not only for tumor growth but also for recurrence and metastatic growth, two key medical problems. Here we review recent data on the role of HH-GLI signaling in cancer focusing on the role of the GLI code, the regulated combinatorial and cooperative function of repressive and activating forms of all Gli transcription factors, as a signaling nexus that integrates not only HH signals but also those of multiple tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Recent data support the view that the context-dependent regulation of the GLI code by oncogenes and tumor suppressors constitutes a basis for the widespread involvement of GLI1 in human cancers, representing a perversion of its normal role in the control of stem cell lineages during normal development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stecca
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
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Birerdinc A, Nohelty E, Marakhonov A, Manyam G, Panov I, Coon S, Nikitin E, Skoblov M, Chandhoke V, Baranova A. Pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative activity of human KCNRG, a putative tumor suppressor in 13q14 region. Tumour Biol 2009; 31:33-45. [PMID: 20237900 PMCID: PMC2803748 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-009-0005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletion of 13q14.3 and a candidate gene KCNRG (potassium channel regulating gene) is the most frequent chromosomal abnormality in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is a common finding in multiple myeloma (MM). KCNRG protein may interfere with the normal assembly of the K+ channel proteins causing the suppression of Kv currents. We aimed to examine possible role of KCNRG haploinsufficiency in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and MM cells. We performed detailed genomic analysis of the KCNRG locus; studied effects of the stable overexpression of KCNRG isoforms in RPMI-8226, HL-60, and LnCaP cells; and evaluated relative expression of its transcripts in various human lymphomas. Three MM cell lines and 35 CLL PBL samples were screened for KCNRG mutations. KCNRG exerts growth suppressive and pro-apoptotic effects in HL-60, LnCaP, and RPMI-8226 cells. Direct sequencing of KCNRG exons revealed point mutation delT in RPMI-8226 cell line. Levels of major isoform of KCNRG mRNA are lower in DLBL lymphomas compared to normal PBL samples, while levels of its minor mRNA are decreased across the broad range of the lymphoma types. The haploinsufficiency of KCNRG might be relevant to the progression of CLL and MM at least in a subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aybike Birerdinc
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Elizabeth Nohelty
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Andrey Marakhonov
- Research Center for Medical Genetics, RAMS, Moskvorechie Str., 1, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ganiraju Manyam
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Ivan Panov
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Stephanie Coon
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Eugene Nikitin
- Hematology Research Center of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail Skoblov
- Research Center for Medical Genetics, RAMS, Moskvorechie Str., 1, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vikas Chandhoke
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Ancha Baranova
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology Department, College of Science, George Mason University, David King Hall, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
- Research Center for Medical Genetics, RAMS, Moskvorechie Str., 1, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Mahindroo N, Punchihewa C, Fujii N. Hedgehog-Gli signaling pathway inhibitors as anticancer agents. J Med Chem 2009; 52:3829-45. [PMID: 19309080 DOI: 10.1021/jm801420y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Mahindroo
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
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41
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Vaillant C, Monard D. SHH pathway and cerebellar development. THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 8:291-301. [PMID: 19224309 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-009-0094-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The morphogenetic factor Sonic hedgehog (SHH) has been discovered as one of the masterplayers in cerebellar patterning and was subjected to intensive investigation during the last decade. During early postnatal development, this continuously secreted cholesterol-modified protein drives the expansion of the largest neuronal population of the brain, the granular cells. Moreover, it acts on Bergmann glia differentiation and would potentially affect Purkinje cells homeostasis at adult age. The cerebellar cortex constituted an ideal developmental model to dissect out the upstream mechanisms and downstream targets of this complex pathway. Its deep understanding discloses some of the mechanistic disorders underlying pediatric tumorigenesis, congenital ataxia, and mental retardation. Therapeutical use of its regulators has been consolidated on murine transgenic models and is now considered as a realistic human clinical application. Here, we will review the most recent advances made in the comprehensive understanding of SHH involvement in cerebellar development and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Vaillant
- Developmental Genetics, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
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Sato T, Torashima T, Sugihara K, Hirai H, Asano M, Yoshioka K. The scaffold protein JSAP1 regulates proliferation and differentiation of cerebellar granule cell precursors by modulating JNK signaling. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 39:569-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 08/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Concerted microRNA control of Hedgehog signalling in cerebellar neuronal progenitor and tumour cells. EMBO J 2008; 27:2616-27. [PMID: 18756266 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2008.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and control cell differentiation and proliferation. However, little is known about their targeting of specific developmental pathways. Hedgehog (Hh) signalling controls cerebellar granule cell progenitor development and a subversion of this pathway leads to neoplastic transformation into medulloblastoma (MB). Using a miRNA high-throughput profile screening, we identify here a downregulated miRNA signature in human MBs with high Hh signalling. Specifically, we identify miR-125b and miR-326 as suppressors of the pathway activator Smoothened together with miR-324-5p, which also targets the downstream transcription factor Gli1. Downregulation of these miRNAs allows high levels of Hh-dependent gene expression leading to tumour cell proliferation. Interestingly, the downregulation of miR-324-5p is genetically determined by MB-associated deletion of chromosome 17p. We also report that whereas miRNA expression is downregulated in cerebellar neuronal progenitors, it increases alongside differentiation, thereby allowing cell maturation and growth inhibition. These findings identify a novel regulatory circuitry of the Hh signalling and suggest that misregulation of specific miRNAs, leading to its aberrant activation, sustain cancer development.
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Behesti H, Marino S. Cerebellar granule cells: insights into proliferation, differentiation, and role in medulloblastoma pathogenesis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 41:435-45. [PMID: 18755286 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2008] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar granule cells originate from precursors located in the dorsal region of rhombomere one within the hindbrain of developing embryos. They undergo proliferation for an extensive period well into postnatal stages of development to form the major cell type of the cerebellum, the most populous structure within the mammalian brain. Granule cell development is highly dependent upon the cerebellar environment and contact with neighbouring cells. In recent years, the molecular basis of these interactions has started to be unravelled. Granule cell precursors and the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling their proliferation have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumour. Here, we review the control of granule cell generation with emphasis on the molecular regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation during normal and malignant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hourinaz Behesti
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, E1 2AT London, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Medulloblastoma and other embronal brain tumors are similar in appearance and differentiation potential to neural stem and progenitor cells. Expression studies performed using human tumor samples, as well as the analysis of murine transgenic models, suggest that both multipotent cerebellar stem cells and lineage-restricted progenitors of the external germinal layer can be transformed into medulloblastoma by genetic alterations. These molecular changes frequently involve constitutive activation of signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch, which play a key role in non-neoplastic neural stem cells. Pharmacologic blockade of the Hedgehog and Notch pathways suppresses the growth of medulloblastoma in culture and in vivo and may prove effective in targeting the small cancer stem-cell subpopulation required for tumor initiation and long-term propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Jozwiak J, Grajkowska W, Wlodarski P. Pathogenesis of medulloblastoma and current treatment outlook. Med Res Rev 2008; 27:869-90. [PMID: 17089411 DOI: 10.1002/med.20088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the cerebellum in children, with a tendency to metastasize via CSF pathway. Survival rate varies depending on several factors, but is rather favorable, with radiotherapy as the treatment of choice. Irradiation of the craniospinal axis results, however, in severe neuropsychological and psychosocial impairments pertaining to memory, attention, motor functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Precise mechanisms underlying the formation of medulloblastoma are still unclear, but implication of at least three signaling molecules is postulated: insulin-like growth factor-I, WNT, and Sonic hedgehog. Thanks to increasing knowledge on the cellular mechanisms contributing to tumor formation, it is possible to propose new therapies that could replace radiotherapy or allow decreasing irradiation doses. The current review presents recent developments in medulloblastoma pathophysiology research and proposed inhibitors that could constitute good candidates for further pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslaw Jozwiak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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Abstract
Stem cells are captivating because they have the potential to make multiple cell types yet maintain their undifferentiated state. Recent studies of Drosophila and mammalian neural stem cells have shed light on how stem cells regulate self-renewal versus differentiation and have revealed the proteins, processes and pathways that all converge to regulate neural progenitor self-renewal. If we can better understand how stem cells balance self-renewal versus differentiation, we will significantly advance our knowledge of embryogenesis, cancer biology and brain evolution, as well as the use of stem cells for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Q Doe
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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Martinez-Chinchilla P, Riobo NA. Purification and bioassay of hedgehog ligands for the study of cell death and survival. Methods Enzymol 2008; 446:189-204. [PMID: 18603123 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(08)01611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted ligands-composed of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Indian Hedgehog (Ihh), and Desert Hedgehog (Dhh)-possesses many roles during embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and cancer. The specific functions of the Hh proteins are intertwined with their requirement as survival factors in Hh-responsive cells. However, studies designed to dissect the anti-apoptotic role of Hhs have been hindered by the lack of simple approaches to purify large quantities of recombinant ligands in the average laboratory setting because of the natural modifications of these proteins with palmitic acid and cholesterol. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive protocol for the expression of Shh, Ihh, and Dhh in Escherichia coli as fusion proteins with calmodulin-binding peptide to allow easy and rapid purification. The ligands are engineered with a new N-terminus containing two isoleucine residues to provide an essential hydrophobic interphase for achieving high biologic activity. The protocol includes a detailed description of a method for determination of the specific activity of the generated proteins by use of a cell culture-based luciferase approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Martinez-Chinchilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University
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Kobune M, Kato J, Kawano Y, Sasaki K, Uchida H, Takada K, Takahashi S, Takimoto R, Niitsu Y. Adenoviral vector-mediated transfer of the Indian hedgehog gene modulates lymphomyelopoiesis in vivo. Stem Cells 2007; 26:534-42. [PMID: 17962696 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-0741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Indian hedgehog (Ihh) plays an essential role in angiogenesis, hematogenesis, and epiphysis formation during embryogenesis. In the present study, we injected an adenoviral vector (Adv) carrying the mock-control (Adv-control) or Ihh (Adv-Ihh) gene into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) or BALB/c mice to evaluate the effects of lhh on the regulation of postnatal hematopoiesis in vivo. After the i.v. injection of Adv-Ihh, the expression of vector-derived Ihh mRNA was detected in the liver. Four weeks after administration of Adv-Ihh to SCID mice, we observed an increase in the number of c-Kit+ cells and clonogenic cells per 10(5) mononuclear cells in the bone marrow compared with Adv-control-administered mice. Moreover, after administration of Adv-Ihh to BALB/c mice, the number of splenic B220+IgM(low)CD23(int)CD21(int) B lymphocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes was strongly increased. Furthermore, the number of thymic double-negative (DN)2, DN3, CD8+ immature single-positive, and CD4+/CD8- cells was significantly elevated relative to the number in mice that received the control Adv vector. Our results suggest that enhanced signaling by Ihh can modulate the proliferation and differentiation of splenic B lymphocytes and thymic T lymphocytes during bone marrow hematopoiesis in vivo. Thus, modulation of the hedgehog signaling pathway may provide a therapeutic strategy to stimulate lymphomyelopoiesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Kobune
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, South-1, West-16 Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan.
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50
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Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L, Ferretti E, De Smaele E, Screpanti I. Hedgehog signaling pathway in neural development and disease. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007; 32 Suppl 1:S52-6. [PMID: 17619088 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2007] [Revised: 03/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A number of developmental cues underlie proper brain morphogenesis and plasticity. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a critical role in determining proper embryonic patterning and cell fate determination in the central nervous system. Embryonic and adult neural progenitor cells are mostly responsive to Hh signaling, thereby sustaining developmental and tissue repair processes. Hh signaling pathway is finely tuned in order to maintain physiological cell functions during the development of the nervous system and afterwards. Its deregulation is responsible for a number of diseases (e.g. cancer, neurodegenerative disorders). Recently identified Hh pathway regulatory signals involved in the maintenance of nervous tissue shape and their relevance in human pathology are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Gulino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, 324 Viale Regina Elena, 00161 Roma, Italy.
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