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Tsilimingkra NT, Papaneophytou C. Phytochemicals: Promising Inhibitors of Human Rhinovirus Type 14 3C Protease as a Strategy to Fight the Common Cold. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:CTMC-EPUB-140135. [PMID: 38698747 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266308561240427065854] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human rhinovirus 3C protease (HRV-3Cpro) plays a crucial role in viral proliferation, establishing it as a prime target for antiviral therapy. However, research on identifying HRV-3Cpro inhibitors is still limited. OBJECTIVE This study had two primary objectives: first, to validate the efficacy of an end-point colorimetric assay, previously developed by our team, for identifying potential inhibitors of HRV-3Cpro; and second, to discover phytochemicals in medicinal plants that inhibit the enzyme's activity. METHODS Rupintrivir, a well-known inhibitor of HRV-3Cpro, was used to validate the colorimetric assay. Following this, we conducted a two-step in silico screening of 2532 phytochemicals, which led to the identification of eight active compounds: apigenin, carnosol, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, and rutin. We subsequently evaluated these candidates in vitro. To further investigate the inhibitory potential of the most promising candidates, namely, carnosol and rosmarinic acid, molecular docking studies were performed to analyze their binding interactions with HRV-3Cpro. RESULTS The colorimetric assay we previously developed is effective in identifying compounds that selectively inhibit HRV-3Cpro. Carnosol and rosmarinic acid emerged as potent inhibitors, inhibiting HRV-3Cpro activity in vitro by over 55%. Our analysis indicated that carnosol and rosmarinic acid exert their inhibitory effects through a competitive mechanism. Molecular docking confirmed their competitive binding to the enzyme's active site. CONCLUSION Carnosol and rosmarinic acid warrant additional investigation for their potential in the development of cold treatment. By highlighting these compounds as effective HRV-3Cpro inhibitors, our study presents a promising approach for discovering phytochemical inhibitors against proteases from similar pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
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2
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Sideratou CM, Papaneophytou C. Persisting Shadows: Unraveling the Impact of Long COVID-19 on Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Nervous Systems. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:806-830. [PMID: 38131885 PMCID: PMC10742861 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060072] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), instigated by the zoonotic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly transformed from an outbreak in Wuhan, China, into a widespread global pandemic. A significant post-infection condition, known as 'long- COVID-19' (or simply 'long- COVID'), emerges in a substantial subset of patients, manifesting with a constellation of over 200 reported symptoms that span multiple organ systems. This condition, also known as 'post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection' (PASC), presents a perplexing clinical picture with far-reaching implications, often persisting long after the acute phase. While initial research focused on the immediate pulmonary impact of the virus, the recognition of COVID-19 as a multiorgan disruptor has unveiled a gamut of protracted and severe health issues. This review summarizes the primary effects of long COVID on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. It also delves into the mechanisms underlying these impacts and underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of long COVID's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus;
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3
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Vlasiou M, Nicolaidou V, Papaneophytou C. Targeting Lactate Dehydrogenase-B as a Strategy to Fight Cancer: Identification of Potential Inhibitors by In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Screening. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2411. [PMID: 37896171 PMCID: PMC10609963 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102411] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of lactate to pyruvate while reducing NAD+ to NADH (or oxidizing NADH to NAD+). Due to its central role in the Warburg effect, LDH-A isoform has been considered a promising target for treating several types of cancer. However, research on inhibitors targeting LDH-B isoform is still limited, despite the enzyme's implication in the development of specific cancer types such as breast and lung cancer. This study aimed to identify small-molecule compounds that specifically inhibit LDH-B. Our in silico analysis identified eight commercially available compounds that may affect LDH-B activity. The best five candidates, namely tucatinib, capmatinib, moxidectin, rifampicin, and acetyldigoxin, were evaluated further in vitro. Our results revealed that two compounds, viz., tucatinib and capmatinib, currently used for treating breast and lung cancer, respectively, could also act as inhibitors of LDH-B. Both compounds inhibited LDH-B activity through an uncompetitive mechanism, as observed in in vitro experiments. Molecular dynamics studies further support these findings. Together, our results suggest that two known drugs currently being used to treat specific cancer types may have a dual effect and target more than one enzyme that facilitates the development of these types of cancers. Furthermore, the results of this study could be used as a new starting point for identifying more potent and specific LDH-B inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manos Vlasiou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nicosia School of Veterinary Medicine, 2414 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
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4
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Felekkis K, Pieri M, Papaneophytou C. Exploring the Feasibility of Circulating miRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Osteoarthritis: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13144. [PMID: 37685951 PMCID: PMC10487837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. As the most common aging-related joint disease, OA is marked by inadequate extracellular matrix synthesis and the breakdown of articular cartilage. However, traditional diagnostic methods for OA, relying on clinical assessments and radiographic imaging, often need to catch up in detecting early-stage disease or i accurately predicting its progression. Consequently, there is a growing interest in identifying reliable biomarkers that can facilitate early diagnosis and prognosis of OA. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential candidates due to their involvement in various cellular processes, including cartilage homeostasis and inflammation. This review explores the feasibility of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in OA, focusing on knee OA while shedding light on the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus; (K.F.); (M.P.)
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5
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Rinotas V, Liepouri F, Ouzouni MD, Chalkidi N, Papaneophytou C, Lampropoulou M, Vidali VP, Kontopidis G, Couladouros E, Eliopoulos E, Papakyriakou A, Douni E. Structure-Based Discovery of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand (RANKL)-Induced Osteoclastogenesis Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11290. [PMID: 37511048 PMCID: PMC10379842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411290] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) has been actively pursued as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis, given that RANKL is the master mediator of bone resorption as it promotes osteoclast differentiation, activity and survival. We employed a structure-based virtual screening approach comprising two stages of experimental evaluation and identified 11 commercially available compounds that displayed dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Their inhibitory effects were quantified through TRAP activity at the low micromolar range (IC50 < 5 μΜ), but more importantly, 3 compounds displayed very low toxicity (LC50 > 100 μΜ). We also assessed the potential of an N-(1-aryl-1H-indol-5-yl)aryl-sulfonamide scaffold that was based on the structure of a hit compound, through synthesis of 30 derivatives. Their evaluation revealed 4 additional hits that inhibited osteoclastogenesis at low micromolar concentrations; however, cellular toxicity concerns preclude their further development. Taken together with the structure-activity relationships provided by the hit compounds, our study revealed potent inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis of high therapeutic index, which bear diverse scaffolds that can be employed in hit-to-lead optimization for the development of therapeutics against osteolytic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagelis Rinotas
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | | | - Maria-Dimitra Ouzouni
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Chalkidi
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patr. Gregoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Elias Couladouros
- proACTINA SA, 20 Delfon Street, 15125 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patr. Gregoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
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Pieri M, Nicolaidou V, Papaneophytou C. Special Issue: The Impact of Early Life Nutrition on Gut Maturation and Later Life Gut Health. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061498. [PMID: 36986228 PMCID: PMC10058133 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition during early life plays a crucial role in determining a child's long-term health [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
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7
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Pieri M, Vayianos P, Nicolaidou V, Felekkis K, Papaneophytou C. Alterations in Circulating miRNA Levels after Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Could Contribute to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases: What We Know So Far. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032380. [PMID: 36768701 PMCID: PMC9917196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032380] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and poses significant complications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and influence several physiological and pathological processes, including CVD. This critical review aims to expand upon the current literature concerning miRNA deregulation during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on cardio-specific miRNAs and their association with various CVDs, including cardiac remodeling, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the scarcity of research in this area, our findings suggest that changes in the expression levels of particular COVID-19-related miRNAs, including miR-146a, miR-27/miR-27a-5p, miR-451, miR-486-5p, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-133a, may be linked to CVDs. While our analysis did not conclusively determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the profile and/or expression levels of cardiac-specific miRNAs, we proposed a potential mechanism by which the miRNAs mentioned above may contribute to the development of these two pathologies. Further research on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2, CVDs, and microRNAs will significantly enhance our understanding of this connection and may lead to the use of these miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for both pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiotis Vayianos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Felekkis
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Correspondence: (K.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Non-Coding RNA Research Laboratory, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Correspondence: (K.F.); (C.P.)
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8
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Panayi T, Sarigiannis Y, Mourelatou E, Hapeshis E, Papaneophytou C. Anti-Quorum-Sensing Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Aromatic Plants from the Flora of Cyprus. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:plants11192632. [PMID: 36235498 PMCID: PMC9572961 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a form of intra- and inter-species communication system employed by bacteria to regulate their collective behavior in a cell population-dependent manner. QS has been implicated in the virulence of several pathogenic bacteria. This work aimed to investigate the anti-QS potential of ethanolic extracts of eight aromatic plants of Cyprus, namely, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Lavendula spp., Calendula officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Sideritis cypria, and Aloysia citriodora. We initially assessed the effects of the extracts on autoinducer 2 (AI-2) signaling activity, using Vibrio harveyi BB170 as a reported strain. We subsequently assessed the effect of the ethanolic extracts on QS-related processes, including biofilm formation and the swarming and swimming motilities of Escherichia coli MG1655. Of the tested ethanolic extracts, those of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis were the most potent AI-2 signaling inhibitors, while the extracts from the other plants exhibited low to moderate inhibitory activity. These three ethanolic extracts also inhibited the biofilm formation (>60%) of E. coli MG1655, as well as its swimming and swarming motilities, in a concentration-dependent manner. These extracts may be considered true anti-QS inhibitors because they disrupt QS-related activities of E. coli MG1655 without affecting bacterial growth. The results suggest that plants from the unexplored flora of Cyprus could serve as a source for identifying novel anti-QS inhibitors to treat infectious diseases caused by pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics.
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Kastanos E, Papaneophytou C, Georgiou T, Demoliou C. A simple and fast triplex-PCR for the identification of milk's animal origin in Halloumi cheese and yoghurt. J DAIRY RES 2022; 89:1-4. [PMID: 35983806 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029922000577] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this research communication we describe a straightforward triplex-PCR protocol able to differentiate the origin of milk from three closely related species (goat, sheep and cow) in Halloumi, a cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), and yogurts. Halloumi must contain at least 51% sheep or goat milk, therefore, the fraudulent adulteration of this cheese with excess of cow milk must be routinely tested. The assay employs one universal forward primer and three species-specific reverse primers giving rise to 287 bp (cow), 313 bp (goat), and 336 bp (sheep) amplicons, under the same amplification conditions. This protocol, when used to test a small number of Cyprus commercial products, correctly detected mislabeling in Halloumi (2 out of 6 samples were adulterated) and yogurt brands (1 out of 4 was adulterated). The suggested protocol is a reliable tool for identifying the origin of milk in Halloumi cheeses and yogurts and can be used in any laboratory equipped with a thermocycler and an agarose gel electrophoresis apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evdokia Kastanos
- Department of Biology, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, School of Sciences and Engineering, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Thanasis Georgiou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, School of Sciences and Engineering, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Catherine Demoliou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, School of Sciences and Engineering, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Pieri M, Maniori MA, Shahabian L, Kanaan E, Paphiti-Demetriou I, Pipis S, Felekkis K, Nicolaidou V, Papaneophytou C. Survival of Vaccine-Induced Human Milk SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgA and SIgA Immunoglobulins across Simulated Human Infant Gastrointestinal Digestion. Nutrients 2022; 14:3368. [PMID: 36014873 PMCID: PMC9415426 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163368] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breastfeeding can be a vital way of acquiring passive immunity via the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the breastfeeding infant. Recent evidence points to the fact that human milk contains immunoglobulins (Ig) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, either after natural infection or vaccination, but whether these antibodies can resist enzymatic degradation during digestion in the infant gastrointestinal (GI) tract or indeed protect the consumers remains inconclusive. Herein, we evaluated the levels of IgG, IgA, and secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in 43 lactating mothers who received at least two doses of either an mRNA-based vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna; n = 34) or an adenovirus-based vaccine (AstraZeneca; n = 9). We also accessed the potential persistence of SARS-CoV-2 IgA, IgG, and secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies from vaccinated women in the GI tract of the infants by means of a static in vitro digestion protocol. Our data depict that, although slightly reduced, the IgA antibodies produced after vaccination resist both the gastric and intestinal phases of infant digestion, whereas the IgGs are more prone to degradation in both phases of digestion. Additionally, SIgA antibodies were found to greatly resist the gastric phase of digestion albeit showing some reduction during the intestinal phase. The evaluation of the vaccine induced Ig profile of breastmilk, and the extent to which these antibodies can resist digestion in the infant GI tract provide important information about the potential protective role of this form of passive immunity that could help decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Arsenia Maniori
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | - Lucy Shahabian
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | - Elie Kanaan
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | | | - Spyros Pipis
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia CY-2408, Cyprus
- Aretaeio Hospital, 55-57, Andrea Avraamidi St, Strovolos, Nicosia CY-2024, Cyprus
| | - Kyriakos Felekkis
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, Nicosia CY-1700, Cyprus
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Papaneophytou C, Nicolaou A, Pieri M, Nicolaidou V, Galatou E, Sarigiannis Y, Pantelidou M, Panayi P, Thoma T, Stavraki A, Argyrou X, Kalogiannis T, Yiannoukas K, Petrou CC, Felekkis K. Seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Cyprus. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269885. [PMID: 35696396 PMCID: PMC9191710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the levels of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 is important during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to plan an adequate and evidence-based public health response. After this study we report that the plasma levels of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were higher in individuals with evidence of prior infection who received at least one dose of either an mRNA-based vaccine (Comirnaty BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech or Spikevax mRNA-1273/Moderna) or an adenoviral-based vaccine (Vaxzervia ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 /Oxford-Astra Zeneca) (n = 39) compared to i) unvaccinated individuals with evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 (n = 109) and ii) individuals without evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 who received one or two doses of one of the aforementioned vaccines (n = 342). Our analysis also revealed that regardless of the vaccine technology (mRNA-based and adenoviral vector-based) two doses achieved high anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses. Our results indicate that vaccine-induced responses lead to higher levels of IgG antibodies compared to those produced following infection with the virus. Additionally, in agreement with previous studies, our results suggest that among individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, even a single dose of a vaccine is adequate to elicit high levels of antibody response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andria Nicolaou
- Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories/ Bioiatriki Group, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eleftheria Galatou
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Yiannis Sarigiannis
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Pavlos Panayi
- Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories/ Bioiatriki Group, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Theklios Thoma
- Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories/ Bioiatriki Group, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Stavraki
- Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories/ Bioiatriki Group, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Xenia Argyrou
- Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories/ Bioiatriki Group, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Christos C. Petrou
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Felekkis
- Department of Life and Health Science, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- * E-mail:
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Pieri M, Theori E, Dweep H, Flourentzou M, Kalampalika F, Maniori MA, Papagregoriou G, Papaneophytou C, Felekkis K. A bovine miRNA, bta-miR-154c, withstands in vitro human digestion but does not affect cell viability of colorectal human cell lines after transfection. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:925-936. [PMID: 35318810 PMCID: PMC9063428 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent human cancer with over 1.3 million new cases globally. CRC is a complex disease caused by interactions between genetic and environmental factors; in particular, high consumption of red meat, including beef, is considered a risk factor for CRC initiation and progression. Recent data demonstrate that exogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) entering the body via ingestion could pose an effect on the consumer. In this study, we focused on bovine miRNAs that do not share a seed sequence with humans and mice. We identified bta-miR-154c, a bovine miRNA found in edible parts of beef and predicted via cross-species bioinformatic analysis to affect cancer-related pathways in human cells. When bovine tissue was subjected to cooking and a simulation of human digestion, bta-miR-154c was still detected after all procedures, albeit at reduced concentrations. However, lipofection of bta-miR-154c in three different colorectal human cell lines did not affect their viability as evaluated at various time points and concentrations. These data indicate that bta-miR-154c (a) may affect cancer-related pathways in human cells, (b) can withstand digestion and be detected after all stages of an in vitro digestion protocol, but (c) it does not appear to alter epithelial cell viability after entering human enterocytes, even at supraphysiological amounts. Further experiments will elucidate whether bta-miR-154c exerts a different functional effect on the human gut epithelium, which may cause it to contribute to CRC progression through its consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Elena Theori
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Harsh Dweep
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kyriacos Felekkis
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Cyprus
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13
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Papaneophytou C, Alabajos-Cea A, Viosca-Herrero E, Calvis C, Costa M, Christodoulides AE, Kroushovski A, Lapithis A, Lapithi VM, Papayiannis I, Christou A, Messeguer R, Giannaki C, Felekkis K. Associations between serum biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and serum hyaluronic acid, with risk factors, pain categories, and disease severity in knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:195. [PMID: 35236298 PMCID: PMC8889762 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05133-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific serum biomarkers of cartilage metabolism such as cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) and procollagen type II C-terminal propeptide (sPIICP) as well as hyaluronan (sHA), a biomarker of synovitis, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the associations of these biomarkers with the severity of the disease and OA risk factors, including age and obesity remain inconclusive. This analysis examines the associations between these serum biomarkers and the radiographic severity of OA and knee pain, as wells as obesity, the age and gender of the participants, and other OA risk factors. METHODS From 44 patients with early knee OA and 130 patients with late knee OA we analyzed the radiographic severity of the disease using the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grading system. Moreover, 38 overweight healthy individuals were used as a control group. Specific information was collected from all participants during their recruitment. The levels of the three serum biomarkers were quantified using commercially available ELISA kits. Serum biomarkers were analyzed for associations with the average KL scores and pain in both knees, as well as with specific OA risk factors. RESULTS The levels of sCOMP were elevated in patients with severe late OA and knee pain and correlated weakly with OA severity. A weakly correlation of sHA levels and OA severity OA was observed. We demonstrated that only sPIICP levels were markedly decreased in patients with late knee OA suggesting the alterations of cartilage metabolism in this arthritic disease. Moreover, we found that sPIICP has the strongest correlation with obesity and the severity of OA, as well as with the knee pain at rest and during walking regardless of the severity of the disease. ROC analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.980 (95% CI: 0.945-0.995; p < 0.0001), suggesting high diagnostic accuracy of sPIICP. Interestingly, gender and age had also an effect on the levels of sPIICP. CONCLUSION This study revealed the potential of serum PIICP to be used as a biomarker to monitor the progression of knee OA, however, further studies are warranted to elucidate its clinical implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ana Alabajos-Cea
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, Hospital La Fe, 46026, Valencia, Spain.,Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Carme Calvis
- Drug Development Area, Health & Biomedicine Department, LEITAT Technological Centre, Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Costa
- Drug Development Area, Health & Biomedicine Department, LEITAT Technological Centre, Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alexander Kroushovski
- Apollonion Hospital, 2054, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Medical School, University of Nicosia, 2408, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | - Ramon Messeguer
- Drug Development Area, Health & Biomedicine Department, LEITAT Technological Centre, Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christoforos Giannaki
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Kyriacos Felekkis
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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14
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Demoliou C, Papaneophytou C, Nicolaidou V. SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1: So Different yet so Alike . Immune Response at the Cellular and Molecular Level. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:1787-1795. [PMID: 36313221 PMCID: PMC9608044 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.73134] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past half century, humanity has experienced two devastating pandemics; the HIV-1 pandemic and the recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Both emerged as zoonotic pathogens. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly migrated all over the world in less than two years, much as HIV-1 did almost 40 years ago. Despite these two RNA viruses being different in their mode of transmission as well as the symptoms they generate, recent evidence suggests that they cause similar immune responses. In this mini review, we compare the molecular basis for CD4+ T cell lymphopenia and other effects on the immune system induced by SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 infections. We considered features of the host immune response that are shared with HIV-1 and could account for the lymphopenia and other immune effects observed in COVID-19. The information provided herein, may cast the virus-induced lymphopenia and cytokine storm associated with the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis in a different light for further research on host immune responses. It can also provide opportunities for the identification of novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19. Furthermore, we provide some basic information to enable a comparative framework for considering the overlapping sets of immune responses caused by HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Demoliou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
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15
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Felekkis K, Pieri M, Papaneophytou C. Variability in the levels of exosomal miRNAs among human subjects could be explained by differential interactions of exosomes with the endothelium. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1400-1405. [PMID: 34779101 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are 30-100 nm endosome-derived membrane vesicles, that contain specific RNA transcripts including mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) and have been implicated in cell-to-cell communication. Exosomal miRNAs in blood circulation have been attracting major interest as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in a variety of diseases including stroke, cancer, and inflammatory disorders. Despite the progress made in the utilization of circulating exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers for various human diseases and conditions, there are still difficulties in functionally utilizing such methods in the clinic due to the high variability observed among subjects. Attempts to use miRNA signatures have improved but have not eliminated the problem. Additionally, standardized laboratory practices may partially reduce variability but there is still an unknown biological factor that hinders the proper use of miRNAs as biomarkers. We hypothesize that this variability might be partially attributed to a differential interaction among circulating exosomes carrying those miRNAs with endothelial surface molecules that themselves may vary among individuals due to secondary conditions, for example, inflammation status. This differential interaction could potentially add variability to the level of the examined miRNA that is not directly attributed to the primary condition under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriacos Felekkis
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Myrtani Pieri
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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16
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Rinotas V, Papakyriakou A, Violitzi F, Papaneophytou C, Ouzouni MD, Alexiou P, Strongilos A, Couladouros E, Kontopidis G, Eliopoulos E, Douni E. Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand with a Superior Therapeutic Index. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12043-12059. [PMID: 32955874 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) constitutes the master mediator of osteoclastogenesis, while its pharmaceutical inhibition by a monoclonal antibody has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. To date, the pursuit of pharmacologically more favorable approaches using low-molecular-weight inhibitors has been hampered by low specificity and high toxicity issues. This study aimed to discover small-molecule inhibitors targeting RANKL trimer formation. Through a systematic screening of 39 analogues of SPD-304, a dual inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and RANKL trimerization, we identified four compounds (1b, 3b, 4a, and 4c) that selectively inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting TNF activity or osteoblast differentiation. Based on structure-activity observations extracted from the most potent and less toxic inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, we synthesized a focused set of compounds that revealed three potent inhibitors (19a, 19b, and 20a) with remarkably low cell-toxicity and improved therapeutic indexes as shown by the LC50 to IC50 ratio. These RANKL-selective inhibitors are an excellent starting point for the development of small-molecule therapeutics against osteolytic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagelis Rinotas
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Foteini Violitzi
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Dimitra Ouzouni
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Alexiou
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Elias Couladouros
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
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17
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Papaneophytou C, Zervou ME, Theofanous A. Optimization of a Colorimetric Assay to Determine Lactate Dehydrogenase B Activity Using Design of Experiments. SLAS Discov 2020; 26:383-399. [PMID: 32935604 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220956589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase B (LDH-B) is overexpressed in lung and breast cancer, and it has been considered as a potential target to treat these types of cancer. Herein, we propose a straightforward incomplete factorial (IF) design composed of 12 combinations of two reaction buffers, three pH values, three salt (NaCl) concentrations, and three incubation times, which we called IF-BPST (Buffer/pH/Salt/Time), for the optimization of a colorimetric LDH-B assay in a final volume of 100 µL using 96-well plates. The assay is based on the absorbance change at ~570 nm and the color change of the reaction mixture due to the release of NADH that reacts with nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and phenazine methosulfate (PMS), resulting in the formation of a blue-purple formazan. The results obtained using the IF-BPST were comparable with those obtained by response surface methodology. Our work revealed that the NBT/PMS assay with some modifications can be used to measure the activity of LDH-B and other dehydrogenases in a high-throughput screening format at the early stages of drug discovery. LDH-B containing lysates cannot be assayed directly, however, due to the sensitivity of the method toward detergents. Thus, we suggest precipitating the proteins in the lysates to remove the interfering detergents, and then to dissolve the protein pellet in a suitable buffer and carry out the assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Elli Zervou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anastasis Theofanous
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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18
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Papaneophytou C. A distance learning enzyme assay and kinetics laboratory in the time of COVID-19. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2020; 48:430-432. [PMID: 32604467 PMCID: PMC7362073 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This article describes a straightforward approach to deliver an enzyme assay and kinetics laboratory via online delivery methods in the time of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health SciencesSchool of Sciences and Engineering, University of NicosiaNicosiaCyprus
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19
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Papaneophytou C, Stavride P, Nicolaou SA. Moving the human biology program from face-to-face to online delivery mode in the time of COVID-19. Biochem Mol Biol Educ 2020; 48:490-491. [PMID: 32681803 PMCID: PMC7404504 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 lockdown, the BSc in Human Biology Program of the University of Nicosia switched from face-to-face to online delivery mode. Herein we describe how we identified and managed the challenges that arose to successfully complete the Semester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and EngineeringUniversity of NicosiaNicosiaCyprus
| | - Phoebe Stavride
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and EngineeringUniversity of NicosiaNicosiaCyprus
| | - Stella A. Nicolaou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and EngineeringUniversity of NicosiaNicosiaCyprus
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20
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Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) provide channels for direct cell-to-cell connectivity serving the homeostasis in several organs of vertebrates including the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems. GJs are composed of connexins (Cx), which show a highly distinct cellular and subcellular expression pattern. Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS, are characterized by extensive GJ connectivity with each other as well as with astrocytes. The main oligodendrocyte connexins forming these GJ channels are Cx47 and Cx32. The importance of these channels has been highlighted by the discovery of human diseases caused by mutations in oligodendrocyte connexins, manifesting with leukodystrophy or transient encephalopathy. Experimental models have provided further evidence that oligodendrocyte GJs are essential for CNS myelination and homeostasis, while a strong inflammatory component has been recognized in the absence of oligodendrocyte connexins. Further studies revealed that connexins are also disrupted in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain, and in experimental models of induced inflammatory demyelination. Moreover, induced demyelination was more severe and associated with higher degree of CNS inflammation in models with oligodendrocyte GJ deficiency, suggesting that disrupted connexin expression in oligodendrocytes is not only a consequence but can also drive a pro-inflammatory environment in acquired demyelinating disorders such as MS. In this review, we summarize the current insights from human disorders as well as from genetic and acquired models of demyelination related to oligodendrocyte connexins, with the remaining challenges and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- a Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus.,b Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering , University of Nicosia , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Elena Georgiou
- a Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- a Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus.,c Neurology Clinics , the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, and the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus
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21
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Felekkis K, Papaneophytou C. Challenges in Using Circulating Micro-RNAs as Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020561. [PMID: 31952319 PMCID: PMC7013987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in the development and physiology of the cardiovascular system while they have been associated with multiple cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Several cardiac miRNAs are detectable in circulation (circulating miRNAs; c-miRNAs) and are emerging as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for CVDs. c-miRNAs exhibit numerous essential characteristics of biomarkers while they are extremely stable in circulation, their expression is tissue-/disease-specific, and they can be easily detected using sequence-specific amplification methods. These features of c-miRNAs are helpful in the development of non-invasive assays to monitor the progress of CVDs. Despite significant progress in the detection of c-miRNAs in serum and plasma, there are many contradictory publications on the alterations of cardiac c-miRNAs concentration in circulation. The aim of this review is to examine the pre-analytical and analytical factors affecting the quantification of c-miRNAs and provide general guidelines to increase the accuracy of the diagnostic tests in order to improve future research on cardiac c-miRNAs.
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22
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Onyeogaziri FC, Papaneophytou C. A General Guide for the Optimization of Enzyme Assay Conditions Using the Design of Experiments Approach. SLAS Discov 2019; 24:587-596. [PMID: 30802413 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219830084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Many factors must be considered during the optimization of an enzyme assay. These include the choice of buffer and its composition, the type of enzyme and its concentration, as well as the type of substrate and concentrations, the reaction conditions, and the appropriate assay technology. The process of an enzyme assay optimization, in our experience, can take more than 12 weeks using the traditional one-factor-at-a-time approach. In contrast, the design of experiments (DoE) approaches have the potential to speed up the assay optimization process and provide a more detailed evaluation of tested variables. However, not all researchers are aware of DoE approaches or believe that it is easy to employ a DoE approach for the optimization of an assay. In order to facilitate enzyme assay developers to use DoE methodologies, we present in detail the steps required to identify in less than 3 days (1) the factors that significantly affect the activity of an enzyme and (2) the optimal assay conditions using a fractional factorial approach and response surface methodology. This is exemplified with the optimization of assay conditions for the human rhinovirus-3C protease, and the methodology used could be employed as a basic guide for the speedy identification of the optimum assay conditions for any enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour Chinyere Onyeogaziri
- 1 Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- 1 Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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23
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Roupa Z, Noula M, Farazi E, Stylianides A, Papaneophytou C. Vaccination Coverage and Awareness of Hepatitis B Virus Among Healthcare Students at a University in Cyprus. Mater Sociomed 2019; 31:190-196. [PMID: 31762701 PMCID: PMC6853741 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2019.31.190-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The risk for healthcare students to get infected by transmitting infectious viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), in a hospital setting is extremely high through exposure to blood and/or body secretions. Aim The aim of this work was to evaluate both the vaccination history of healthcare students at a University in Cyprus and their serologic immunity against HBV. In addition, we assessed their knowledge and behaviors towards the transmission and prevention of hepatitis B (HB). Results Total amount of 168 students participated in this study and more than 50% of them provided complete documentation of vaccination history against HBV. Antibodies levels ×10 mIU/mL to HB surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected for the 98.8% of healthcare students while 1.2% of the participants tested positive for HBsAg and antibodies to HB core antigen indicating chronic infection. Our study also revealed significant gaps in the knowledge of healthcare students on the efficiency of the vaccine against HBV and in terms of the HBV transmission. Conclusions More information needs to be provided to healthcare students in Cyprus regarding HBV transmission and vaccination. In addition, there is a need for intervention to provide a safer workplace environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Roupa
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Noula
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Evi Farazi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Antonis Stylianides
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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24
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Melagraki G, Leonis G, Ntougkos E, Rinotas V, Papaneophytou C, Mavromoustakos T, Kontopidis G, Douni E, Kollias G, Afantitis A. Current Status and Future Prospects of Small-molecule Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) Inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). Curr Top Med Chem 2018; 18:661-673. [PMID: 29875003 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666180607084430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The overexpression of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is directly related to the development of several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, refractory asthma, and multiple sclerosis. Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa- B Ligand (RANKL) belongs to the TNF family and is the primary mediator of osteoclast-induced bone resorption through interaction with its receptor RANK. The function of RANKL is physiologically inhibited by the action of osteoprotegerin (OPG), which is a decoy receptor that binds to RANKL and prevents the process of osteoclastogenesis. Malfunction among RANK/RANKL/OPG can also result in bone loss diseases, including postmenopausal osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone metastasis and multiple myeloma. To disrupt the unwanted functions of TNF and RANKL, current attempts focus on blocking TNF and RANKL binding to their receptors. In this review, we present the research efforts toward the development of low-molecular-weight pharmaceuticals that directly block the detrimental actions of TNF and RANKL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evangelos Ntougkos
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.,Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.,Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.,Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- NovaMechanics Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece
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Antoniou G, Papakyriacou I, Papaneophytou C. Optimization of Soluble Expression and Purification of Recombinant Human Rhinovirus Type-14 3C Protease Using Statistically Designed Experiments: Isolation and Characterization of the Enzyme. Mol Biotechnol 2017; 59:407-424. [PMID: 28801725 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-017-0032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease is widely used in recombinant protein production for various applications such as biochemical characterization and structural biology projects to separate recombinant fusion proteins from their affinity tags in order to prevent interference between these tags and the target proteins. Herein, we report the optimization of expression and purification conditions of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged HRV 3C protease by statistically designed experiments. Soluble expression of GST-HRV 3C protease was initially optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and a 5.5-fold increase in enzyme yield was achieved. Subsequently, we developed a new incomplete factorial (IF) design that examines four variables (bacterial strain, expression temperature, induction time, and inducer concentration) in a single experiment. The new design called Incomplete Factorial-Strain/Temperature/Time/Inducer (IF-STTI) was validated using three GST-tagged proteins. In all cases, IF-STTI resulted in only 10% lower expression yields than those obtained by RSM. Purification of GST-HRV 3C was optimized by an IF design that examines simultaneously the effect of the amount of resin, incubation time of cell lysate with resin, and glycerol and DTT concentration in buffers, and a further 15% increase in protease recovery was achieved. Purified GST-HRV 3C protease was active at both 4 and 25 °C in a variety of buffers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Antoniou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Irineos Papakyriacou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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26
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Mettou A, Papaneophytou C, Melagraki G, Maranti A, Liepouri F, Alexiou P, Papakyriakou A, Couladouros E, Eliopoulos E, Afantitis A, Kontopidis G. Aqueous Solubility Enhancement for Bioassays of Insoluble Inhibitors and QSPR Analysis: A TNF-α Study. SLAS Discov 2017; 23:84-93. [PMID: 28586633 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217712507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to improve the aqueous solubility of a group of compounds without interfering with their bioassay as well as to create a relevant prediction model. A series of 55 potential small-molecule inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α; SPD304 and 54 analogues), many of which cannot be bioassayed because of their poor solubility, was used for this purpose. The solubility of many of the compounds was sufficiently improved to allow measurement of their respective dissociation constants (Kd). Parameters such as dissolution time, initial state of the solute (solid/liquid), co-solvent addition (DMSO and PEG3350), and sample filtration were evaluated. Except for filtration, the remaining parameters affected aqueous solubility, and a solubilization protocol was established according to these. The aqueous solubility of the 55 compounds in 5% DMSO was measured with this protocol, and a predictive quantitative structure property relationship model was developed and fully validated based on these data. This classification model separates the insoluble from the soluble compounds and predicts the solubility of potential small-molecule inhibitors of TNF-α in aqueous solution (containing 5% DMSO as co-solvent) with an accuracy of 81.2%. The domain of applicability of the model indicates the type of compounds for which estimation of aqueous solubility can be confidently predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthi Mettou
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,2 Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,2 Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece
| | - Georgia Melagraki
- 3 Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming," Athens, Greece.,4 NovaMechanics Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Polyxeni Alexiou
- 6 Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- 7 Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Couladouros
- 6 Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- 7 Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- 3 Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming," Athens, Greece.,4 NovaMechanics Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George Kontopidis
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,2 Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece
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27
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Georgiou E, Sidiropoulou K, Richter J, Papaneophytou C, Sargiannidou I, Kagiava A, von Jonquieres G, Christodoulou C, Klugmann M, Kleopa KA. Gene therapy targeting oligodendrocytes provides therapeutic benefit in a leukodystrophy model. Brain 2017; 140:599-616. [PMID: 28100454 PMCID: PMC5837386 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aww351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease or hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2 is an autosomal recessively inherited leukodystrophy with childhood onset resulting from mutations in the gene encoding the gap junction protein connexin 47 (Cx47, encoded by GJC2). Cx47 is expressed specifically in oligodendrocytes and is crucial for gap junctional communication throughout the central nervous system. Previous studies confirmed that a cell autonomous loss-of-function mechanism underlies hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2 and that transgenic oligodendrocyte-specific expression of another connexin, Cx32 (GJB1), can restore gap junctions in oligodendrocytes to achieve correction of the pathology in a disease model. To develop an oligodendrocyte-targeted gene therapy, we cloned the GJC2/Cx47 gene under the myelin basic protein promoter and used an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV.MBP.Cx47myc) to deliver the gene to postnatal Day 10 mice via a single intracerebral injection in the internal capsule area. Lasting Cx47 expression specifically in oligodendrocytes was detected in Cx47 single knockout and Cx32/Cx47 double knockout mice up to 12 weeks post-injection, including the corpus callosum and the internal capsule but also in more distant areas of the cerebrum and in the spinal cord. Application of this oligodendrocyte-targeted somatic gene therapy at postnatal Day 10 in groups of double knockout mice, a well characterized model of hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2, resulted in significant improvement in motor performance and coordination at 1 month of age in treated compared to mock-treated mice, as well as prolonged survival. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and morphological analysis revealed improvement in demyelination, oligodendrocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and astrogliosis, all typical features of this leukodystrophy model in both brain and spinal cord. Functional dye transfer analysis confirmed the re-establishment of oligodendrocyte gap junctional connectivity in treated as opposed to untreated mice. These results provide a significant advance in the development of oligodendrocyte-cell specific gene therapy. Adeno-associated viral vectors can be used to target therapeutic expression of a myelin gene to oligodendrocytes. We show evidence for the first somatic gene therapy approach to treat hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2 preclinically, providing a potential treatment for this and similar forms of leukodystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Georgiou
- 1 Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Jan Richter
- 3 Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- 1 Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- 1 Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexia Kagiava
- 1 Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- 4 Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- 3 Department of Molecular Virology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- 4 Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kleopas A. Kleopa
- 1 Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- 5 Neurology Clinics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
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28
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Papaneophytou C, Kontopidis G. A comparison of statistical approaches used for the optimization of soluble protein expression in Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2015; 120:126-37. [PMID: 26721705 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
During a discovery project of potential inhibitors for three proteins, TNF-α, RANKL and HO-1, implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, significant amounts of purified proteins were required. The application of statistically designed experiments for screening and optimization of induction conditions allows rapid identification of the important factors and interactions between them. We have previously used response surface methodology (RSM) for the optimization of soluble expression of TNF-α and RANKL. In this work, we initially applied RSM for the optimization of recombinant HO-1 and a 91% increase of protein production was achieved. Subsequently, we slightly modified a published incomplete factorial approach (called IF1) in order to evaluate the effect of three expression variables (bacterial strains, induction temperatures and culture media) on soluble expression levels of the three tested proteins. However, soluble expression yields of TNF-α and RANKL obtained by the IF1 method were significantly lower (<50%) than those obtained by RSM. We further modified the IF1 approach by replacing the culture media with induction times and the resulted method called IF-STT (Incomplete Factorial-Stain/Temperature/Time) was validated using the three proteins. Interestingly, soluble expression levels of the three proteins obtained by IF-STT were only 1.2-fold lower than those obtained by RSM. Although RSM is probably the best approach for optimization of biological processes, the IF-STT is faster, it examines the most important factors (bacterial strain, temperature and time) influencing protein soluble expression in a single experiment, and can be used in any recombinant protein expression project as a starting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Trikalon 224, Karditsa 43100, Greece; Institute for Research and Technology of Thessaly (I.RE.TE.TH.), The Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CE.R.TH.), Dimitriados 95 & Paulou Mela, Volos 383 33, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Trikalon 224, Karditsa 43100, Greece; Institute for Research and Technology of Thessaly (I.RE.TE.TH.), The Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CE.R.TH.), Dimitriados 95 & Paulou Mela, Volos 383 33, Greece.
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29
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Papaneophytou C, Alexiou P, Papakyriakou A, Ntougkos E, Tsiliouka K, Maranti A, Liepouri F, Strongilos A, Mettou A, Couladouros E, Eliopoulos E, Douni E, Kollias G, Kontopidis G. Synthesis and biological evaluation of potential small moleculeinhibitors of tumor necrosis factor. Med Chem Commun 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00023h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A series of 39 novel SPD-304 analogs were designed synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Polyxeni Alexiou
- Laboratory of General Chemistry
- Department of Science
- Agricultural University of Athens
- Athens 11855
- Greece
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- Laboratory of Genetics
- Department of Biotechnology
- Agricultural University of Athens
- Athens 11855
- Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anthi Mettou
- Department of Biochemistry
- Veterinary School
- University of Thessaly
- Karditsa 43100
- Greece
| | - Elias Couladouros
- Laboratory of General Chemistry
- Department of Science
- Agricultural University of Athens
- Athens 11855
- Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics
- Department of Biotechnology
- Agricultural University of Athens
- Athens 11855
- Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics
- Department of Biotechnology
- Agricultural University of Athens
- Athens 11855
- Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”
- Vari
- Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Department of Biochemistry
- Veterinary School
- University of Thessaly
- Karditsa 43100
- Greece
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30
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Giannenas I, Papaneophytou C, Tsalie E, Triantafillou E, Tontis D, Kontopidis G. The effects of benzoic acid and essential oil compounds in combination with protease on the performance of chickens. J Anim Feed Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/65719/2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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