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Riillo C, Polerà N, Di Martino MT, Juli G, Hokanson CA, Odineca T, Signorelli S, Grillone K, Ascrizzi S, Mancuso A, Staropoli N, Caparello B, Cerra M, Nisticò G, Tagliaferri P, Crea R, Caracciolo D, Tassone P. A Pronectin™ AXL-targeted first-in-class bispecific T cell engager (pAXLxCD3ε) for ovarian cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:301. [PMID: 37143061 PMCID: PMC10161629 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pronectins™ are a new class of fibronectin-3-domain 14th-derived (14Fn3) antibody mimics that can be engineered as bispecific T cell engager (BTCE) to redirect immune effector cells against cancer. We describe here the in vitro and in vivo activity of a Pronectin™ AXL-targeted first-in-class bispecific T cell engager (pAXLxCD3ε) against Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). METHODS pAXLxCD3ε T-cell mediated cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry and bioluminescence. pAXLxCD3ε mediated T-cell infiltration, activation and proliferation were assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy and by flow cytometry. Activity of pAXLxCD3ε was also investigated in combination with poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). In vivo antitumor activity of pAXLxCD3ε was evaluated in immunocompromised (NSG) mice bearing intraperitoneal or subcutaneous EOC xenografts and immunologically reconstituted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). RESULTS pAXLxCD3ε induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity by activation of T lymphocytes against EOC cells, regardless of their histologic origin. The addition of PARPi to cell cultures enhanced pAXLxCD3ε cytotoxicity. Importantly, in vivo, pAXLxCD3ε was highly effective against EOC xenografts in two different NSG mouse models, by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells in ascites and subcutaneous xenografts. This effect translated into a significantly prolonged survival of treated animals. CONCLUSION pAXLxCD3ε is an active therapeutics against EOC cells providing a rational for its development as a novel agent in this still incurable disease. The preclinical validation of a first-in-class agent opens the way to the development of a new 14Fn3-based scaffold platform for the generation of innovative immune therapeutics against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Polerà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Giada Juli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefania Signorelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Serena Ascrizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonia Mancuso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Staropoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cerra
- Giovanni Paolo II General Hospital, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Crea
- Protelica, Inc, Hayward, CA, USA.
- Renato Dulbecco Institute, Lamezia Terme, Italy.
| | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
- S.H.R.O., College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Scionti F, Juli G, Rocca R, Polerà N, Nadai M, Grillone K, Caracciolo D, Riillo C, Altomare E, Ascrizzi S, Caparello B, Cerra M, Arbitrio M, Richter SN, Artese A, Alcaro S, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Di Martino MT. TERRA G-quadruplex stabilization as a new therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:71. [PMID: 36967378 PMCID: PMC10041726 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by high genomic instability, and telomere dysfunction is an important cause of acquired genomic alterations. Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) transcripts are long non-coding RNAs involved in telomere stability through the interaction with shelterin complex. Dysregulation of TERRAs has been reported across several cancer types. We recently identified a small molecule, hit 17, which stabilizes the secondary structure of TERRA. In this study, we investigated in vitro and in vivo anti-MM activities of hit 17. METHODS Anti-proliferative activity of hit 17 was evaluated in different MM cell lines by cell proliferation assay, and the apoptotic process was analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expressions were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Microarray analysis was used to analyze the transcriptome profile. The effect of hit 17 on telomeric structure was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Further evaluation in vivo was proceeded upon NCI-H929 and AMO-1 xenograft models. RESULTS TERRA G4 stabilization induced in vitro dissociation of telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) from telomeres leading to the activation of ATM-dependent DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, proliferation block, and apoptotic death in MM cell lines. In addition, up-regulation of TERRA transcription was observed upon DNA damage and TRF2 loss. Transcriptome analysis followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) confirmed the involvement of the above-mentioned processes and other pathways such as E2F, MYC, oxidative phosphorylation, and DNA repair genes as early events following hit 17-induced TERRA stabilization. Moreover, hit 17 exerted anti-tumor activity against MM xenograft models. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence that targeting TERRA by hit 17 could represent a promising strategy for a novel therapeutic approach to MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giada Juli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Rocca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4science Srl, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia" di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Polerà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Altomare
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Serena Ascrizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Basilio Caparello
- Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Cerra
- Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Council (CNR), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Artese
- Net4science Srl, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia" di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Net4science Srl, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia" di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Caracciolo D, Juli G, Riillo C, Coricello A, Vasile F, Pollastri S, Rocca R, Scionti F, Polerà N, Grillone K, Arbitrio M, Staropoli N, Caparello B, Britti D, Loprete G, Costa G, Di Martino MT, Alcaro S, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. Exploiting DNA Ligase III addiction of multiple myeloma by flavonoid Rhamnetin. Lab Invest 2022; 20:482. [PMID: 36273153 PMCID: PMC9588242 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background DNA ligases are crucial for DNA repair and cell replication since they catalyze the final steps in which DNA breaks are joined. DNA Ligase III (LIG3) exerts a pivotal role in Alternative-Non-Homologous End Joining Repair (Alt-NHEJ), an error-prone DNA repair pathway often up-regulated in genomically unstable cancer, such as Multiple Myeloma (MM). Based on the three-dimensional (3D) LIG3 structure, we performed a computational screening to identify LIG3-targeting natural compounds as potential candidates to counteract Alt-NHEJ activity in MM. Methods Virtual screening was conducted by interrogating the Phenol Explorer database. Validation of binding to LIG3 recombinant protein was performed by Saturation Transfer Difference (STD)—nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Cell viability was analyzed by Cell Titer-Glo assay; apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis following Annexin V-7AAD staining. Alt-NHEJ repair modulation was evaluated using plasmid re-joining assay and Cytoscan HD. DNA Damage Response protein levels were analyzed by Western blot of whole and fractionated protein extracts and immunofluorescence analysis. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was determined by qPCR. In vivo activity was evaluated in NOD-SCID mice subcutaneously engrafted with MM cells. Results Here, we provide evidence that a natural flavonoid Rhamnetin (RHM), selected by a computational approach, counteracts LIG3 activity and killed Alt-NHEJ-dependent MM cells. Indeed, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) showed binding of RHM to LIG3 protein and functional experiments revealed that RHM interferes with LIG3-driven nuclear and mitochondrial DNA repair, leading to significant anti-MM activity in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Taken together, our findings provide proof of concept that RHM targets LIG3 addiction in MM and may represent therefore a novel promising anti-tumor natural agent to be investigated in an early clinical setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03705-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giada Juli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adriana Coricello
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Sara Pollastri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Rocca
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Council (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Polerà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Council (CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Basilio Caparello
- Presidio Ospedaliero Giovanni Paolo II Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Loprete
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy. .,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Rinaldi C, Malara NM, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A, Leotta A, Lio S, Caparello B, Ruggeri A, Mollace V, Amato A. Age dependent switching role of cyclin D1 in breast cancer. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2012; 35:179-85. [PMID: 22231956 PMCID: PMC4605686 DOI: 10.3233/acp-2011-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) plays pivotal roles in the development of several human cancers, including breast cancer, functioning as an oncogene. The aim of this study was to better understand the molecular dynamics of ductal carcinomas with regard to proliferation and the ageing process. Methods: 130 cases of ductal breast cancer in postmenopausal women, aged 52–96 in 3 age classes were selected. Tumoral tissues preserved in formaldehyde solution and subsequently embedded in paraffin were subjected to analysis Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH), Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) and immuno-histochemical tests. The molecular variables studied were estimated in relation to the patients’ age. Results: The results obtained suggest that the increment of the levels of cyclin D1 in intra-ductal breast tumors in older woman that we have examined is significantly associated with a lower proliferation rate. Conclusion: Cyclin D1, which characterizes tumor in young women as molecular director involved in strengthening tumoral proliferation mechanisms, may be seen as a potential blocking molecular switch in corresponding tumours in old women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rinaldi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, Division of Biology and Genetics, University of Messina, Italy
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Leotta A, Lio SG, Caparello B, Sorrentino S, Sorrentino U. Carcinoma of eyelid sebaceous glands: a case report. Pathologica 2008; 100:466-469. [PMID: 19475888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors present a case of a rare tumour of the eyelid sebaceous glands with an unfavourable prognosis, and emphasize the importance of carrying out histological examination of all eyelid neoformations to better identify the lesion and obtain an accurate diagnosis. The Authors discuss the histopathologic aspects of this case, and the findings in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leotta
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, Lamezia Terme (CZ), Italy.
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Malara NM, Leotta A, Sidoti A, Lio S, D'Angelo R, Caparello B, Munao F, Pino F, Amato A. Ageing, hormonal behaviour and cyclin D1 in ductal breast carcinomas. Breast 2005; 15:81-9. [PMID: 16473739 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2004.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2004] [Accepted: 12/08/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the gradual modification of breast tissue in postmenopausal women, there can be differential effects on local oestrogen receptor (ER) expression, with potential impingement on the biological behaviour of cancer cells in the ageing. A series of 45 ductal carcinoma (DC) cases were selected in postmenopausal women who were not being treated with HRT. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed for hormone receptors and Ki67 expression. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis was carried out to study CCND1 amplification. The selected population was subdivided into three groups by age and was subjected to statistical studies: linear model analysis, estimation of relative incidence (RI), multivariate analysis, and nonparametric tests were performed to investigate whether there were any links between age and molecular variables in DCs. The results show a low rate of proliferation and high ER expression in the oldest age group. In the same group a close correlation was found between high ER expression and CCN in the older age group D1 amplification (P=0.000), as was a more advanced phenotype in terms of tumour size and presence of positive lymph nodes than in the other age groups considered. The results suggest that ductal breast cancer has a favourable molecular prognosis, especially in extreme old age. In particular, there is an inverse correlation between ageing and proliferation rate despite the presence of an accentuated proliferation stimulus (high ER with CCD1 amplifications) in the oldest group relative to the other groups considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Malara
- Department of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, Division of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Messina, Consolare Valeria Street 1, 98125 Messina, Italy.
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