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Lospinoso Severini L, Loricchio E, Navacci S, Basili I, Alfonsi R, Bernardi F, Moretti M, Conenna M, Cucinotta A, Coni S, Petroni M, De Smaele E, Giannini G, Maroder M, Canettieri G, Mastronuzzi A, Guardavaccaro D, Ayrault O, Infante P, Bufalieri F, Di Marcotullio L. SALL4 is a CRL3 REN/KCTD11 substrate that drives Sonic Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:170-187. [PMID: 38062245 PMCID: PMC10850099 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is crucial regulator of embryonic development and stemness. Its alteration leads to medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The SHH-MB subgroup is the best genetically characterized, however the molecular mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis are not fully understood and therapeutic benefits are still limited. Here, we show that the pro-oncogenic stemness regulator Spalt-like transcriptional factor 4 (SALL4) is re-expressed in mouse SHH-MB models, and its high levels correlate with worse overall survival in SHH-MB patients. Proteomic analysis revealed that SALL4 interacts with REN/KCTD11 (here REN), a substrate receptor subunit of the Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL3REN) and a tumor suppressor lost in ~30% of human SHH-MBs. We demonstrate that CRL3REN induces polyubiquitylation and degradation of wild type SALL4, but not of a SALL4 mutant lacking zinc finger cluster 1 domain (ΔZFC1). Interestingly, SALL4 binds GLI1 and cooperates with HDAC1 to potentiate GLI1 deacetylation and transcriptional activity. Notably, inhibition of SALL4 suppresses SHH-MB growth both in murine and patient-derived xenograft models. Our findings identify SALL4 as a CRL3REN substrate and a promising therapeutic target in SHH-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Loricchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Shirin Navacci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Basili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR, INSERM, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Centro Nazionale per il Controllo e la Valutazione dei Farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Bernardi
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR, INSERM, 91401, Orsay, France
- Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR, INSERM U, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Conenna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cucinotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Ayrault
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR, INSERM, 91401, Orsay, France
- Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR, INSERM U, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Paola Infante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Arena A, Romeo MA, Po A, Benedetti R, Gilardini Montani MS, Gonnella R, Santarelli R, Gaeta A, De Smaele E, Cirone M. The inhibition of IRE1alpha/XBP1 axis prevents EBV-driven lymphomagenesis in NSG mice. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0263623. [PMID: 37882554 PMCID: PMC10715178 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02636-23] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it shows that IRE1 alpha endoribonuclease inhibition by 4μ8C was able to counteract Epstein-Barr virus-driven lymphomagenesis in NOD SCID gamma mice and prevent B-cell immortalization in vitro, unveiling that this drug may be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) onset in immune-deficient patients. This hypothesis is further supported by the fact that 4μ8C impaired the survival of PTLD-like cells derived from mice, meaning that it could be helpful also in the case in which there is the possibility that these malignancies have begun to arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Gonnella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Santarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelia Gaeta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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3
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Molfetta R, Lecce M, Milito ND, Putro E, Pietropaolo G, Marangio C, Scarno G, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Santini T, Bernardini G, Sciumè G, Santoni A, Paolini R. SCF and IL-33 regulate mouse mast cell phenotypic and functional plasticity supporting a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:616. [PMID: 37730723 PMCID: PMC10511458 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are multifaceted innate immune cells often present in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Several recent findings support their contribution to the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer. However, MC-derived mediators can either favor tumor progression, inducing the spread of the tumor, or exert anti-tumorigenic functions, limiting tumor growth. This apparent controversial role likely depends on the plastic nature of MCs that under different microenvironmental stimuli can rapidly change their phenotype and functions. Thus, the exact effect of unique MC subset(s) during tumor progression is far from being understood. Using a murine model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer, we initially characterized the MC population within the TME and in non-lesional colonic areas, by multicolor flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrated that tumor-associated MCs harbor a main connective tissue phenotype and release high amounts of Interleukin (IL)-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α. This MC phenotype correlates with the presence of high levels of Stem Cell Factor (SCF) and IL-33 inside the tumor. Thus, we investigated the effect of SCF and IL-33 on primary MC cultures and underscored their ability to shape MC phenotype eliciting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings support the conclusion that during colonic transformation a sustained stimulation by SCF and IL-33 promotes the accumulation of a prevalent connective tissue-like MC subset that through the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α maintains a pro-inflammatory microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mario Lecce
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy-Division of functional immune cell modulation, Franz-Josef-Strausse, D-93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nadia D Milito
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Erisa Putro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pietropaolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Marangio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Scarno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernardini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciumè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, 86077, Isernia, Italy
| | - Rossella Paolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Coni S, Bordone R, Ivy DM, Yurtsever ZN, Di Magno L, D'Amico R, Cesaro B, Fatica A, Belardinilli F, Bufalieri F, Maroder M, De Smaele E, Di Marcotullio L, Giannini G, Agostinelli E, Canettieri G. Combined inhibition of polyamine metabolism and eIF5A hypusination suppresses colorectal cancer growth through a converging effect on MYC translation. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216120. [PMID: 36893894 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
A key mechanism driving colorectal cancer (CRC) development is the upregulation of MYC and its targets, including ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a master regulator of polyamine metabolism. Elevated polyamines promote tumorigenesis in part by activating DHPS-mediated hypusination of the translation factor eIF5A, thereby inducing MYC biosynthesis. Thus, MYC, ODC and eIF5A orchestrate a positive feedback loop that represents an attractive therapeutic target for CRC therapy. Here we show that combined inhibition of ODC and eIF5A induces a synergistic antitumor response in CRC cells, leading to MYC suppression. We found that genes of the polyamine biosynthesis and hypusination pathways are significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer patients and that inhibition of ODC or DHPS alone limits CRC cell proliferation through a cytostatic mechanism, while combined ODC and DHPS/eIF5A blockade induces a synergistic inhibition, accompanied to apoptotic cell death in vitro and in mouse models of CRC and FAP. Mechanistically, we found that this dual treatment causes complete inhibition of MYC biosynthesis in a bimodal fashion, by preventing translational elongation and initiation. Together, these data illustrate a novel strategy for CRC treatment, based on the combined suppression of ODC and eIF5A, which holds promise for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Devon Michael Ivy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rodrigo D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Cesaro
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Belardinilli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159, Rome, Italy; Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00155, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.
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5
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Abballe L, Alfano V, Antonacci C, Cefalo MG, Cacchione A, Del Baldo G, Pezzullo M, Po A, Moretti M, Mastronuzzi A, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Locatelli F, Miele E. β-arrestin1-E2F1-ac axis regulates physiological apoptosis and cell cycle exit in cellular models of early postnatal cerebellum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:990711. [PMID: 36923256 PMCID: PMC10010392 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.990711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the cerebellum is characterized by rapid proliferation of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) induced by paracrine stimulation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling from Purkinje cells, in the external granular layer (EGL). Then, granule cell precursors differentiate and migrate into the inner granular layer (IGL) of the cerebellum to form a terminally differentiated cell compartment. Aberrant activation of Sonic hedgehog signaling leads to granule cell precursors hyperproliferation and the onset of Sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma (MB), the most common embryonal brain tumor. β-arrestin1 (ARRB1) protein plays an important role downstream of Smoothened, a component of the Sonic hedgehog pathway. In the medulloblastoma context, β-arrestin1 is involved in a regulatory axis in association with the acetyltransferase P300, leading to the acetylated form of the transcription factor E2F1 (E2F1-ac) and redirecting its activity toward pro-apoptotic gene targets. This axis in the granule cell precursors physiological context has not been investigated yet. In this study, we demonstrate that β-arrestin1 has antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic functions in cerebellar development. β-arrestin1 silencing increases proliferation of Sonic hedgehog treated-cerebellar precursor cells while decreases the transcription of E2F1-ac pro-apoptotic targets genes, thus impairing apoptosis. Indeed, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show a direct interaction between β-arrestin1 and the promoter regions of the pro-apoptotic E2F1 target gene and P27, indicating the double role of β-arrestin1 in controlling apoptosis and cell cycle exit in a physiological context. Our data elucidate the role of β-arrestin1 in the early postnatal stages of cerebellar development, in those cell compartments that give rise to medulloblastoma. This series of experiments suggests that the physiological function of β-arrestin1 in neuronal progenitors is to directly control, cooperating with E2F1 acetylated form, transcription of pro-apoptotic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Abballe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Celeste Antonacci
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Cefalo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cacchione
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Pathology Unit, Core Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Paediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
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6
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Petroni M, Fabretti F, Giulio SD, Robilant VND, Monica VL, Moretti M, Belardinilli F, Bufalieri F, Anna C, Paci P, Corsi A, Smaele ED, Coni S, Canettieri G, Marcotullio LD, Wang ZQ, Giannini G. A gene dosage-dependent effect unveils NBS1 as both a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor and an essential gene for SHH-medulloblastoma. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2022; 48:e12837. [PMID: 35839783 PMCID: PMC9542137 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12837] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inherited or somatic mutations in the MRE11, RAD50 and NBN genes increase the incidence of tumours, including medulloblastoma (MB). On the other hand, MRE11, RAD50 and NBS1 protein components of the MRN complex are often overexpressed and sometimes essential in cancer. In order to solve the apparent conundrum about the oncosuppressive or oncopromoting role of the MRN complex, we explored the functions of NBS1 in a MB prone animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated and analysed mono- or biallelic deletion of the Nbn gene in the context of the SmoA1 transgenic mouse, a SHH-dependent MB prone animal model. We used normal and tumour tissue from these animal models, primary granule cell progenitors (GCPs) from genetically modified animals, and NBS1-depleted primary MB cells, to uncover the effects of NBS1-depletion by RNA-Seq, by biochemical characterization of the SHH-pathway and the DNA damage response (DDR) as well as on the growth and clonogenic properties of GCPs. RESULTS We found that monoallelic Nbn deletion increases SmoA1-dependent MB incidence. In addition to a defective DDR, Nbn+/- GCPs show increased clonogenicity compared to Nbn+/+ GCPs, dependent on an enhanced Notch signalling. In contrast, full NbnKO impairs MB development both in SmoA1 mice and in a SHH-driven tumour allograft. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that Nbn is haploinsufficient for SHH-MB development while full NbnKO is epistatic on SHH-driven MB development, thus revealing a gene dosage-dependent effect of Nbn inactivation on SHH-MB development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialaura Petroni
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Marta Moretti
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Coppa Anna
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Dep. of Computer Engineering, Automation and Management, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science Antonio Ruberti, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) Beutenbergstrasse 11, Jena, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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7
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Bei R, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Fazi S, Moretti M, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Ciuffa S, Cifaldi L, Carrano R, Palumbo C, Miele MT, Bei R, Barillari G, Manzari V, De Smaele E, Modesti A, Masuelli L. Combined treatment with inhibitors of ErbB Receptors and Hh signaling pathways is more effective than single treatment in reducing the growth of malignant mesothelioma both in vitro and in vivo. Lab Invest 2022; 20:286. [PMID: 35752861 PMCID: PMC9233819 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03490-9] [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: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare orphan aggressive neoplasia with low survival rates. Among the other signaling pathways, ErbB receptors and Hh signaling are deregulated in MM. Thus, molecules involved in these signaling pathways could be used for targeted therapy approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inhibitors of Hh- (GANT-61) and ErbB receptors (Afatinib)-mediated signaling pathways, when used alone or in combination, on growth, cell cycle, cell death and autophagy, modulation of molecules involved in transduction pathways, in three human MM cell lines of different histotypes. The efficacy of the combined treatment was also evaluated in a murine epithelioid MM cell line both in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrated that combined treatment with two inhibitors counteracting the activation of two different signaling pathways involved in neoplastic transformation and progression, such as those activated by ErbB and Hh signaling, is more effective than the single treatments in reducing MM growth in vitro and in vivo. This study may have clinical implications for the development of targeted therapy approaches for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
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8
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Overi D, Carpino G, Moretti M, Franchitto A, Nevi L, Onori P, De Smaele E, Federici L, Santorelli D, Maroder M, Reid LM, Cardinale V, Alvaro D, Gaudio E. Islet Regeneration and Pancreatic Duct Glands in Human and Experimental Diabetes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:814165. [PMID: 35186929 PMCID: PMC8855925 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.814165] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrasting evidence is present regarding the contribution of stem/progenitor cell populations to pancreatic regeneration in diabetes. Interestingly, a cell compartment with stem/progenitor cell features has been identified in the pancreatic duct glands (PDGs). The aims of the present study were to evaluate pancreatic islet injury and regeneration, and the participation of the PDG compartment in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) and in an experimental model of diabetes. Human pancreata were obtained from normal (N = 5) or T2DM (N = 10) cadaveric organ donors. Experimental diabetes was generated in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ, N = 10); N = 10 STZ mice also received daily intraperitoneal injections of 100 µg of human recombinant PDX1 peptide (STZ + PDX1). Samples were examined by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence or RT-qPCR. Serum glucose and c-peptide levels were measured in mice. Islets in T2DM patients showed β-cell loss, signs of injury and proliferation, and a higher proportion of central islets. PDGs in T2DM patients had a higher percentage of proliferating and insulin+ or glucagon+ cells compared to controls; pancreatic islets could be observed within pancreatic duct walls of T2DM patients. STZ mice were characterized by reduced islet area compared to controls. PDX1 treatment increased islet area and the percentage of central islets compared to untreated STZ mice but did not revert diabetes. In conclusion, T2DM patients show signs of pancreatic islet regeneration and involvement of the PDG niche. PDX1 administration could support increased endocrine pancreatic regeneration in STZ. These findings contribute to defining the role and participation of stem/progenitor cell compartments within the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Guido Carpino,
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Federici
- CAST Center for Advanced Studies and Technology and Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Odontoiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniele Santorelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lola M. Reid
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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9
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Abstract
The human family of Potassium (K+) Channel Tetramerization Domain (KCTD) proteins counts 25 members, and a significant number of them are still only partially characterized. While some of the KCTDs have been linked to neurological disorders or obesity, a growing tally of KCTDs are being associated with cancer hallmarks or involved in the modulation of specific oncogenic pathways. Indeed, the potential relevance of the variegate KCTD family in cancer warrants an updated picture of the current knowledge and highlights the need for further research on KCTD members as either putative therapeutic targets, or diagnostic/prognostic markers. Homology between family members, capability to participate in ubiquitination and degradation of different protein targets, ability to heterodimerize between members, role played in the main signalling pathways involved in development and cancer, are all factors that need to be considered in the search for new key players in tumorigenesis. In this review we summarize the recent published evidence on KCTD members' involvement in cancer. Furthermore, by integrating this information with data extrapolated from public databases that suggest new potential associations with cancers, we hypothesize that the number of KCTD family members involved in tumorigenesis (either as positive or negative modulator) may be bigger than so far demonstrated. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annamaria Di Fiore
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Di Murro B, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Letizia C, Lubrano C, Passarelli PC, D’Addona A, Pompa G, Papi P. Microbiological Profiles of Dental Implants in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Case-Control Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040452. [PMID: 33923666 PMCID: PMC8072842 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040452] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge on the possible influence of systemic conditions on peri-implantitis. The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate the difference in terms of oral pathogens' concentrations in the peri-implant sulcus of a group of patients affected by metabolic syndrome (Mets) compared to healthy subjects. For each patient, peri-implant sulcular biofilm samples were obtained by inserting two sterile endodontic paper points in the deepest aspect of the peri-implant sulcus for 30 s. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate total bacterial counts of six pathogens. Patients were screened for peri-implant diseases and clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded. A total of 50 patients was enrolled in the study, 25 affected by Mets and 25 healthy. Significantly higher bacterial counts were discovered for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.0008), Prevotella intermedia (p = 0.0477) and Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.034) in MetS patients compared to healthy subjects. Performing a sub-group analysis, considering peri-implant status and dividing patients by MetS diagnosis, no statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were found. For the first time, a correlation between MetS presence and a greater prevalence of some bacterial species in the peri-implant sulcus was reported, irrespectively from peri-implant status (health vs. disease).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Di Murro
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.D.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Claudio Letizia
- Unit of Secondary Arterial Hypertension, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carla Lubrano
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pier Carmine Passarelli
- Oral Surgery and Implantology Unit, Department of Head and Neck, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.C.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio D’Addona
- Oral Surgery and Implantology Unit, Department of Head and Neck, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.C.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Giorgio Pompa
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.D.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Piero Papi
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.D.M.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3934360087
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11
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De Blasio C, Verma N, Moretti M, Cialfi S, Zonfrilli A, Franchitto M, Truglio F, De Smaele E, Ichijo H, Naguro I, Screpanti I, Talora C. Functional cooperation between ASK1 and p21 Waf1/Cip1 in the balance of cell-cycle arrest, cell death and tumorigenesis of stressed keratinocytes. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:75. [PMID: 33846306 PMCID: PMC8042117 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00459-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Both CDKN1A (p21 Waf1/Cip1) and Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) play important roles in tumorigenesis. The role of p21 Waf1/Cip1 in attenuating ASK1-induced apoptosis by various stress conditions is well established. However, how ASK1 and p21 Waf1/Cip1 functionally interact during tumorigenesis is still unclear. To address this aspect, we crossed ASK1 knockout (ASK1KO) mice with p21 Waf1/Cip1 knockout (p21KO) mice to compare single and double-mutant mice. We observed that deletion of p21 Waf1/Cip1 leads to increased keratinocyte proliferation but also increased cell death. This is mechanistically linked to the ASK1 axis-induced apoptosis, including p38 and PARP. Indeed, deletion of ASK1 does not alter the proliferation but decreases the apoptosis of p21KO keratinocytes. To analyze as this interaction might affect skin carcinogenesis, we investigated the response of ASK1KO and p21KO mice to DMBA/TPA-induced tumorigenesis. Here we show that while endogenous ASK1 is dispensable for skin homeostasis, ASK1KO mice are resistant to DMBA/TPA-induced tumorigenesis. However, we found that epidermis lacking both p21 and ASK1 reacquires increased sensitivity to DMBA/TPA-induced tumorigenesis. We demonstrate that apoptosis and cell-cycle progression in p21KO keratinocytes are uncoupled in the absence of ASK1. These data support the model that a critical event ensuring the balance between cell death, cell-cycle arrest, and successful divisions in keratinocytes during stress conditions is the p21-dependent ASK1 inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo De Blasio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy.,IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nagendra Verma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Samantha Cialfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zonfrilli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Matteo Franchitto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Federica Truglio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Hidenori Ichijo
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isao Naguro
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy.
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12
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Angrisani A, Di Fiore A, Di Trani CA, Fonte S, Petroni M, Lospinoso Severini L, Bordin F, Belloni L, Ferretti E, Canettieri G, Moretti M, De Smaele E. Specific Protein 1 and p53 Interplay Modulates the Expression of the KCTD-Containing Cullin3 Adaptor Suppressor of Hedgehog 2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:638508. [PMID: 33898425 PMCID: PMC8060498 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.638508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in normal embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. On the other end, dysregulated Hh signaling triggers a prolonged mitogenic response that may prompt abnormal cell proliferation, favoring tumorigenesis. Indeed, about 30% of medulloblastomas (MBs), the most common malignant childhood cerebellar tumors, exhibit improper activation of the Hh signaling. The oncosuppressor KCASH2 has been described as a suppressor of the Hh signaling pathway, and low KCASH2 expression was observed in Hh-dependent MB tumor. Therefore, the study of the modulation of KCASH2 expression may provide fundamental information for the development of new therapeutic approaches, aimed to restore physiological KCASH2 levels and Hh inhibition. To this end, we have analyzed the TATA-less KCASH2 proximal promoter and identified key transcriptional regulators of this gene: Sp1, a TF frequently overexpressed in tumors, and the tumor suppressor p53. Here, we show that in WT cells, Sp1 binds KCASH2 promoter on several putative binding sites, leading to increase in KCASH2 expression. On the other hand, p53 is involved in negative regulation of KCASH2. In this context, the balance between p53 and Sp1 expression, and the interplay between these two proteins determine whether Sp1 acts as an activator or a repressor of KCASH2 transcription. Indeed, in p53–/– MEF and p53 mutated tumor cells, we hypothesize that Sp1 drives promoter methylation through increased expression of the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and reduces KCASH2 transcription, which can be reversed by Sp1 inhibition or use of demethylating agents. We suggest therefore that downregulation of KCASH2 expression in tumors could be mediated by gain of Sp1 activity and epigenetic silencing events in cells where p53 functionality is lost. This work may open new venues for novel therapeutic multidrug approaches in the treatment of Hh-dependent tumors carrying p53 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simone Fonte
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Bordin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Belloni
- Department of Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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13
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Di Magno L, Manni S, Di Pastena F, Coni S, Macone A, Cairoli S, Sambucci M, Infante P, Moretti M, Petroni M, Nicoletti C, Capalbo C, De Smaele E, Di Marcotullio L, Giannini G, Battistini L, Goffredo BM, Iorio E, Agostinelli E, Maroder M, Canettieri G. Phenformin Inhibits Hedgehog-Dependent Tumor Growth through a Complex I-Independent Redox/Corepressor Module. Cell Rep 2021; 30:1735-1752.e7. [PMID: 32049007 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug phenformin displays potent anticancer activity in different tumors, but its mechanism of action remains elusive. Using Shh medulloblastoma as model, we show here that at clinically relevant concentrations, phenformin elicits a significant therapeutic effect through a redox-dependent but complex I-independent mechanism. Phenformin inhibits mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD), a component of the glycerophosphate shuttle, and causes elevations of intracellular NADH content. Inhibition of mGPD mimics phenformin action and promotes an association between corepressor CtBP2 and Gli1, thereby inhibiting Hh transcriptional output and tumor growth. Because ablation of CtBP2 abrogates the therapeutic effect of phenformin in mice, these data illustrate a biguanide-mediated redox/corepressor interplay, which may represent a relevant target for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Manni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cairoli
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of metabolic Biochemistry, Children's Hospital and Research Institute Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Manolo Sambucci
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Neuroimmunology Unit, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Neuroimmunology Unit, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Goffredo
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of metabolic Biochemistry, Children's Hospital and Research Institute Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Iorio
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, 00159 Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, 00159 Rome, Italy.
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14
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Akman M, Belisario DC, Salaroglio IC, Kopecka J, Donadelli M, De Smaele E, Riganti C. Hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress and chemoresistance: dangerous liaisons. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:28. [PMID: 33423689 PMCID: PMC7798239 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumors often grow in a micro-environment characterized by < 2% O2 tension. This condition, together with the aberrant activation of specific oncogenic patwhays, increases the amount and activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a transcription factor that controls up to 200 genes involved in neoangiogenesis, metabolic rewiring, invasion and drug resistance. Hypoxia also induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a condition that triggers cell death, if cells are irreversibly damaged, or cell survival, if the stress is mild.Hypoxia and chronic ER stress both induce chemoresistance. In this review we discuss the multiple and interconnected circuitries that link hypoxic environment, chronic ER stress and chemoresistance. We suggest that hypoxia and ER stress train and select the cells more adapted to survive in unfavorable conditions, by activating pleiotropic mechanisms including apoptosis inhibition, metabolic rewiring, anti-oxidant defences, drugs efflux. This adaptative process unequivocally expands clones that acquire resistance to chemotherapy.We believe that pharmacological inhibitors of HIF-1α and modulators of ER stress, although characterized by low specificty and anti-cancer efficacy when used as single agents, may be repurposed as chemosensitizers against hypoxic and chemorefractory tumors in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhlis Akman
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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15
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Miele E, Po A, Mastronuzzi A, Carai A, Besharat ZM, Pediconi N, Abballe L, Catanzaro G, Sabato C, De Smaele E, Canettieri G, Di Marcotullio L, Vacca A, Mai A, Levrero M, Pfister SM, Kool M, Giangaspero F, Locatelli F, Ferretti E. Downregulation of miR-326 and its host gene β-arrestin1 induces pro-survival activity of E2F1 and promotes medulloblastoma growth. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:523-542. [PMID: 32920979 PMCID: PMC7858128 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent mortality rates of medulloblastoma (MB) and severe side effects of the current therapies require the definition of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor progression. Using cultured MB cancer stem cells and xenograft tumors generated in mice, we show that low expression of miR-326 and its host gene β-arrestin1 (ARRB1) promotes tumor growth enhancing the E2F1 pro-survival function. Our models revealed that miR-326 and ARRB1 are controlled by a bivalent domain, since the H3K27me3 repressive mark is found at their regulatory region together with the activation-associated H3K4me3 mark. High levels of EZH2, a feature of MB, are responsible for the presence of H3K27me3. Ectopic expression of miR-326 and ARRB1 provides hints into how their low levels regulate E2F1 activity. MiR-326 targets E2F1 mRNA, thereby reducing its protein levels; ARRB1, triggering E2F1 acetylation, reverses its function into pro-apoptotic activity. Similar to miR-326 and ARRB1 overexpression, we also show that EZH2 inhibition restores miR-326/ARRB1 expression, limiting E2F1 pro-proliferative activity. Our results reveal a new regulatory molecular axis critical for MB progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Natalia Pediconi
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 CNRS 5286 Mixte CLB, Université de Lyon 1 (UCBL1), France.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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16
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Coni S, Serrao SM, Yurtsever ZN, Di Magno L, Bordone R, Bertani C, Licursi V, Ianniello Z, Infante P, Moretti M, Petroni M, Guerrieri F, Fatica A, Macone A, De Smaele E, Di Marcotullio L, Giannini G, Maroder M, Agostinelli E, Canettieri G. Blockade of EIF5A hypusination limits colorectal cancer growth by inhibiting MYC elongation. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1045. [PMID: 33303756 PMCID: PMC7729396 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5A (EIF5A) is a translation factor regulated by hypusination, a unique posttranslational modification catalyzed by deoxyhypusine synthetase (DHPS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH) starting from the polyamine spermidine. Emerging data are showing that hypusinated EIF5A regulates key cellular processes such as autophagy, senescence, polyamine homeostasis, energy metabolism, and plays a role in cancer. However, the effects of EIF5A inhibition in preclinical cancer models, the mechanism of action, and specific translational targets are still poorly understood. We show here that hypusinated EIF5A promotes growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by directly regulating MYC biosynthesis at specific pausing motifs. Inhibition of EIF5A hypusination with the DHPS inhibitor GC7 or through lentiviral-mediated knockdown of DHPS or EIF5A reduces the growth of various CRC cells. Multiplex gene expression analysis reveals that inhibition of hypusination impairs the expression of transcripts regulated by MYC, suggesting the involvement of this oncogene in the observed effect. Indeed, we demonstrate that EIF5A regulates MYC elongation without affecting its mRNA content or protein stability, by alleviating ribosome stalling at five distinct pausing motifs in MYC CDS. Of note, we show that blockade of the hypusination axis elicits a remarkable growth inhibitory effect in preclinical models of CRC and significantly reduces the size of polyps in APCMin/+ mice, a model of human familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Together, these data illustrate an unprecedented mechanism, whereby the tumor-promoting properties of hypusinated EIF5A are linked to its ability to regulate MYC elongation and provide a rationale for the use of DHPS/EIF5A inhibitors in CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Serrao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Bertani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Zaira Ianniello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Guerrieri
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159, Rome, Italy
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Belisario DC, Kopecka J, Pasino M, Akman M, De Smaele E, Donadelli M, Riganti C. Hypoxia Dictates Metabolic Rewiring of Tumors: Implications for Chemoresistance. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122598. [PMID: 33291643 PMCID: PMC7761956 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a condition commonly observed in the core of solid tumors. The hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) act as hypoxia sensors that orchestrate a coordinated response increasing the pro-survival and pro-invasive phenotype of cancer cells, and determine a broad metabolic rewiring. These events favor tumor progression and chemoresistance. The increase in glucose and amino acid uptake, glycolytic flux, and lactate production; the alterations in glutamine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation; the high levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species; the modulation of both fatty acid synthesis and oxidation are hallmarks of the metabolic rewiring induced by hypoxia. This review discusses how metabolic-dependent factors (e.g., increased acidification of tumor microenvironment coupled with intracellular alkalinization, and reduced mitochondrial metabolism), and metabolic-independent factors (e.g., increased expression of drug efflux transporters, stemness maintenance, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition) cooperate in determining chemoresistance in hypoxia. Specific metabolic modifiers, however, can reverse the metabolic phenotype of hypoxic tumor areas that are more chemoresistant into the phenotype typical of chemosensitive cells. We propose these metabolic modifiers, able to reverse the hypoxia-induced metabolic rewiring, as potential chemosensitizer agents against hypoxic and refractory tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimas Carolina Belisario
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (D.C.B.); (J.K.); (M.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (D.C.B.); (J.K.); (M.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Martina Pasino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (D.C.B.); (J.K.); (M.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Muhlis Akman
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (D.C.B.); (J.K.); (M.P.); (M.A.)
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy; (D.C.B.); (J.K.); (M.P.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-670-5857
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18
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Sorino C, Catena V, Bruno T, De Nicola F, Scalera S, Bossi G, Fabretti F, Mano M, De Smaele E, Fanciulli M, Iezzi S. Che-1/AATF binds to RNA polymerase I machinery and sustains ribosomal RNA gene transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5891-5906. [PMID: 32421830 PMCID: PMC7293028 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Originally identified as an RNA polymerase II interactor, Che-1/AATF (Che-1) has now been recognized as a multifunctional protein involved in cell-cycle regulation and cancer progression, as well as apoptosis inhibition and response to stress. This protein displays a peculiar nucleolar localization and it has recently been implicated in pre-rRNA processing and ribosome biogenesis. Here, we report the identification of a novel function of Che-1 in the regulation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis, in both cancer and normal cells. We demonstrate that Che-1 interacts with RNA polymerase I and nucleolar upstream binding factor (UBF) and promotes RNA polymerase I-dependent transcription. Furthermore, this protein binds to the rRNA gene (rDNA) promoter and modulates its epigenetic state by contrasting the recruitment of HDAC1. Che-1 downregulation affects RNA polymerase I and UBF recruitment on rDNA and leads to reducing rDNA promoter activity and 47S pre-rRNA production. Interestingly, Che-1 depletion induces abnormal nucleolar morphology associated with re-distribution of nucleolar proteins. Finally, we show that upon DNA damage Che-1 re-localizes from rDNA to TP53 gene promoter to induce cell-cycle arrest. This previously uncharacterized function of Che-1 confirms the important role of this protein in the regulation of ribosome biogenesis, cellular proliferation and response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sorino
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Catena
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bruno
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Scalera
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bossi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fabretti
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany.,CECAD, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Miguel Mano
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3060 197, Portugal
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
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19
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Po A, Citarella A, Catanzaro G, Besharat ZM, Trocchianesi S, Gianno F, Sabato C, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Vacca A, Fiori ME, Ferretti E. Hedgehog-GLI signalling promotes chemoresistance through the regulation of ABC transporters in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13988. [PMID: 32814794 PMCID: PMC7438531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Chemoresistance is a pivotal feature of cancer cells leading to treatment failure and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are responsible for the efflux of several molecules, including anticancer drugs. The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a major signalling in CRC, however its role in chemoresistance has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that the HH-GLI pathway favours resistance to 5-fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in CRC cells. We identified potential GLI1 binding sites in the promoter region of six ABC transporters, namely ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB7, ABCC2 and ABCG1. Next, we investigated the binding of GLI1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and we demonstrate that GLI1 transcriptionally regulates the identified ABC transporters. We show that chemoresistant cells express high levels of GLI1 and of the ABC transporters and that GLI1 inhibition disrupts the transporters up-regulation. Moreover, we report that human CRC tumours express high levels of the ABCG1 transporter and that its expression correlates with worse patients' prognosis. This study identifies a new mechanism where HH-GLI signalling regulates CRC chemoresistance features. Our results indicate that the inhibition of Gli1 regulates the ABC transporters expression and therefore should be considered as a therapeutic option in chemoresistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Citarella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Di Martino MT, Meschini S, Scotlandi K, Riganti C, De Smaele E, Zazzeroni F, Donadelli M, Leonetti C, Caraglia M. From single gene analysis to single cell profiling: a new era for precision medicine. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:48. [PMID: 32138788 PMCID: PMC7059661 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01549-3] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Molecular profiling of DNA and RNA has provided valuable new insights into the genetic basis of non-malignant and malignant disorders, as well as an increased understanding of basic mechanisms that regulate human disease. Recent technological advances have enabled the analyses of alterations in gene-based structure or function in a comprehensive, high-throughput fashion showing that each tumor type typically exhibits distinct constellations of genetic alterations targeting one or more key cellular pathways that regulate cell growth and proliferation, evasion of the immune system, and other aspects of cancer behavior. These advances have important implications for future research and clinical practice in areas as molecular diagnostics, the implementation of gene or pathway-directed targeted therapy, and the use of such information to drive drug discovery. The 1st international and 32nd Annual Conference of Italian Association of Cell Cultures (AICC) conference wanted to offer the opportunity to match technological solutions and clinical needs in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Meschini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Experimental Oncology Lab, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- UOSD SAFU, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples and Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, Ariano Irpino, Italy
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21
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Spiombi E, Angrisani A, Fonte S, De Feudis G, Fabretti F, Cucchi D, Izzo M, Infante P, Miele E, Po A, Di Magno L, Magliozzi R, Guardavaccaro D, Maroder M, Canettieri G, Giannini G, Ferretti E, Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L, Moretti M, De Smaele E. KCTD15 inhibits the Hedgehog pathway in Medulloblastoma cells by increasing protein levels of the oncosuppressor KCASH2. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:64. [PMID: 31685809 PMCID: PMC6828672 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. About 30% of all MBs belong to the I molecular subgroup, characterized by constitutive activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. The Hh pathway is involved in several fundamental processes during embryogenesis and in adult life and its deregulation may lead to cerebellar tumorigenesis. Indeed, Hh activity must be maintained via a complex network of activating and repressor signals. One of these repressor signals is KCASH2, belonging to the KCASH family of protein, which acts as negative regulators of the Hedgehog signaling pathway during cerebellar development and differentiation. KCASH2 leads HDAC1 to degradation, allowing hyperacetylation and inhibition of transcriptional activity of Gli1, the main effector of the Hh pathway. In turn, the KCASH2 loss leads to persistent Hh activity and eventually tumorigenesis. In order to better characterize the physiologic role and modulation mechanisms of KCASH2, we have searched through a proteomic approach for new KCASH2 interactors, identifying Potassium Channel Tetramerization Domain Containing 15 (KCTD15). KCTD15 is able to directly interact with KCASH2, through its BTB/POZ domain. This interaction leads to increase KCASH2 stability which implies a reduction of the Hh pathway activity and a reduction of Hh-dependent MB cells proliferation. Here we report the identification of KCTD15 as a novel player in the complex network of regulatory proteins, which modulate Hh pathway, this could be a promising new target for therapeutic approach against MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Spiombi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20090, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Angrisani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Fonte
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina De Feudis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fabretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Molecular Oncology, John Vane Science Center, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Mariapaola Izzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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22
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Scicchitano S, Giordano M, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Chiarella E, Aloisio A, Codispoti B, Zoppoli P, Melocchi V, Bianchi F, De Smaele E, Mesuraca M, Morrone G, Bond HM. The stem cell-associated transcription co-factor, ZNF521, interacts with GLI1 and GLI2 and enhances the activity of the Sonic hedgehog pathway. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:715. [PMID: 31558698 PMCID: PMC6763495 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
ZNF521 is a transcription co-factor with recognized regulatory functions in haematopoietic, osteo-adipogenic and neural progenitor cells. Among its diverse activities, ZNF521 has been implicated in the regulation of medulloblastoma (MB) cells, where the Hedgehog (HH) pathway, has a key role in the development of normal cerebellum and of a substantial fraction of MBs. Here a functional cross-talk is shown for ZNF521 with the HH pathway, where it interacts with GLI1 and GLI2, the major HH transcriptional effectors and enhances the activity of HH signalling. In particular, ZNF521 cooperates with GLI1 and GLI2 in the transcriptional activation of GLI (glioma-associated transcription factor)-responsive promoters. This synergism is dependent on the presence of the N-terminal, NuRD-binding motif in ZNF521, and is sensitive to HDAC (histone deacetylase) and GLI inhibitors. Taken together, these results highlight the role of ZNF521, and its interaction with the NuRD complex, in determining the HH response at the level of transcription. This may be of particular relevance in HH-driven diseases, especially regarding the MBs belonging to the SHH (sonic HH) subgroup where a high expression of ZNF521 is correlated with that of HH pathway components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Tecnologica Research Institute-Marrelli Hospital, 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Pietro Zoppoli
- Laboratory of Pre-clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS-CROB, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Valentina Melocchi
- Fondazione IRCCS - Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013, (FG), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Fondazione IRCCS - Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013, (FG), Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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23
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Antonucci L, Di Magno L, D'Amico D, Manni S, Serrao SM, Di Pastena F, Bordone R, Yurtsever ZN, Caimano M, Petroni M, Giorgi A, Schininà ME, Yates Iii JR, Di Marcotullio L, De Smaele E, Checquolo S, Capalbo C, Agostinelli E, Maroder M, Coni S, Canettieri G. Mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinase 1 inhibits hedgehog signaling and medulloblastoma growth through GLI1 phosphorylation. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:505-514. [PMID: 30483764 PMCID: PMC6317670 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling is a leading cause of the development of medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum. The FDA-approved HH inhibitor, Vismodegib, which targets the transmembrane transducer SMO, has shown limited efficacy in patients with medulloblastoma, due to compensatory mechanisms that maintain an active HH-GLI signaling status. Thus, the identification of novel actionable mechanisms, directly affecting the activity of the HH-regulated GLI transcription factors is an important goal for these malignancies. In this study, using gene expression and reporter assays, combined with biochemical and cellular analyses, we demonstrate that mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1), the most upstream kinase of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation modules, suppresses HH signaling by associating and phosphorylating GLI1, the most potent HH-regulated transcription factor. Phosphorylation occurred at multiple residues in the C-terminal region of GLI1 and was followed by an increased association with the cytoplasmic proteins 14-3-3. Of note, the enforced expression of MEKK1 or the exposure of medulloblastoma cells to the MEKK1 activator, Nocodazole, resulted in a marked inhibitory effect on GLI1 activity and tumor cell proliferation and viability. Taken together, the results of this study shed light on a novel regulatory mechanism of HH signaling, with potentially relevant implications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Manni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Serrao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Caimano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Schininà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - John R Yates Iii
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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24
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Masuelli L, Benvenuto M, Di Stefano E, Mattera R, Fantini M, De Feudis G, De Smaele E, Tresoldi I, Giganti MG, Modesti A, Bei R. Curcumin blocks autophagy and activates apoptosis of malignant mesothelioma cell lines and increases the survival of mice intraperitoneally transplanted with a malignant mesothelioma cell line. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34405-34422. [PMID: 28159921 PMCID: PMC5470978 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a primary tumor arising from the serous membranes. The resistance of MM patients to conventional therapies, and the poor patients’ survival, encouraged the identification of molecular targets for MM treatment. Curcumin (CUR) is a “multifunctional drug”. We explored the in vitro effects of CUR on cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, pro-survival signaling pathways, apoptosis, autophagy of human (MM-B1, H-Meso-1, MM-F1), and mouse (#40a) MM cells. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo anti-tumor activities of CUR in C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally transplanted with #40a cells forming ascites. CUR in vitro inhibited MM cells survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner and increased reactive oxygen species’intracellular production and induced DNA damage. CUR triggered autophagic flux, but the process was then blocked and was coincident with caspase 8 activation which activates apoptosis. CUR-mediated apoptosis was supported by the increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, increase of p53 expression, activation of caspase 9, cleavage of PARP-1, increase of the percentage of cells in the sub G1 phase which was reduced (MM-F1 and #40a) or abolished (MM-B1 and H-Meso-1) after MM cells incubation with the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. CUR treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, inhibited that of p54 JNK and AKT, increased c-Jun expression and phosphorylation and prevented NF-κB nuclear translocation. Intraperitoneal administration of CUR increased the median survival of C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally transplanted with #40a cells and reduced the risk of developing tumors. Our findings may have important implications for the design of MM treatment using CUR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tresoldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, (CIMER), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, (CIMER), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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25
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Abballe L, Mastronuzzi A, Miele E, Carai A, Besharat ZM, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Giangaspero F, Locatelli F, Ferretti E, Po A. Numb Isoforms Deregulation in Medulloblastoma and Role of p66 Isoform in Cancer and Neural Stem Cells. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:315. [PMID: 30443541 PMCID: PMC6221942 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numb is an intracellular protein with multiple functions. The two prevalent isoforms, Numb p66 and Numb p72, are regulators of differentiation and proliferation in neuronal development. Additionally, Numb functions as cell fate determinant of stem cells and cancer stem cells and its abnormal expression has been described in several types of cancer. Involvement of deregulated Numb expression has been described in the malignant childhood brain tumor medulloblastoma, while Numb isoforms in these tumors and in cancer stem-like cells derived from them, have not been studied to date. Here we show that medulloblastoma stem-like cells and cerebellar neuronal stem cells (NSCs) express Numb p66 where its expression tampers stemness features. Furthermore, medulloblastoma samples evaluated in this study express decreased levels of Numb p66 while overexpressed Numb p72 compared with normal tissues. Our results uncover different roles for the two major Numb isoforms examined in medulloblastoma and a critical role for Numb p66 in regulating stem-like cells and NSCs maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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26
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Miele E, Po A, Begalli F, Antonucci L, Mastronuzzi A, Marras CE, Carai A, Cucchi D, Abballe L, Besharat ZM, Catanzaro G, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, Canettieri G, De Smaele E, Screpanti I, Locatelli F, Ferretti E. β-arrestin1-mediated acetylation of Gli1 regulates Hedgehog/Gli signaling and modulates self-renewal of SHH medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:488. [PMID: 28716052 PMCID: PMC5512842 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant Sonic Hedgehog/Gli (Hh/Gli) signaling pathway is a critical regulator of Sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma (SHH-MB). Cancer stem cells (CSCs), thought to be largely responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, dissemination and relapse, have been identified in SHH-MB. Since we previously demonstrated that Hh/Gli signaling controls CSCs features in SHH-MB and that in these tumors miR-326 is down regulated, here we investigated whether there is a functional link between Hh/Gli signaling and miR-326. Methods We evaluated β-arrestin1 (Arrb1) and its intragenic miR-326 levels in CSCs derived from SHH-MB. Subsequently, we modulated the expression of Arrb1 and miR-326 in CSCs in order to gain insight into their biological role. We also analyzed the mechanism by which Arrb1 and miR-326 control Hh/Gli signaling and self-renewal, using luciferase and protein immunoprecipitation assays. Results Low levels of Arrb1 and miR-326 represent a feature of CSCs derived from SHH-MB. We observed that re-expression of Arrb1 and miR-326 inhibits Hh/Gli signaling pathway at multiple levels, which cause impaired proliferation and self-renewal, accompanied by down regulation of Nanog levels. In detail, miR-326 negatively regulates two components of the Hh/Gli pathway the receptor Smoothened (Smo) and the transcription factor Gli2, whereas Arrb1 suppresses the transcriptional activity of Gli1, by potentiating its p300-mediated acetylation. Conclusions Our results identify a new molecular mechanism involving miR-326 and Arrb1 as regulators of SHH-MB CSCs. Specifically, low levels of Arrb1 and miR-326 trigger and maintain Hh/Gli signaling and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Begalli
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Efisio Marras
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena, 291 - 00161, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Neuromed Institute, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy.
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27
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Coni S, Mancuso AB, Di Magno L, Sdruscia G, Manni S, Serrao SM, Rotili D, Spiombi E, Bufalieri F, Petroni M, Kusio-Kobialka M, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Capalbo C, Mai A, Niewiadomski P, Screpanti I, Di Marcotullio L, Canettieri G. Corrigendum: Selective targeting of HDAC1/2 elicits anticancer effects through Gli1 acetylation in preclinical models of SHH Medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46645. [PMID: 28429760 PMCID: PMC5399352 DOI: 10.1038/srep46645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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28
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Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, De Smaele E, Fantini M, Mattera R, Cucchi D, Bonanno E, Di Stefano E, Frajese GV, Orlandi A, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Modesti A, Bei R. In vitro and in vivo inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by targeting the Hedgehog/GLI pathway with SMO (GDC-0449) or GLI (GANT-61) inhibitors. Oncotarget 2017; 7:9250-70. [PMID: 26843616 PMCID: PMC4891038 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [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: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) signaling has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we analyzed GLI1, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and NF-κB expression in 51 breast cancer (ductal carcinoma) tissues using immunohistochemistry. We found a positive correlation between nuclear GLI1 expression and tumor grade in ductal carcinoma cases. Cytoplasmic Shh staining significantly correlated with a lower tumor grade. Next, the in vitro effects of two Hh signaling pathway inhibitors on breast cancer cell lines were evaluated using the Smoothened (SMO) antagonist GDC-0449 and the direct GLI1 inhibitor GANT-61. GDC-0449 and GANT-61 exhibited the following effects: a) inhibited breast cancer cell survival; b) induced apoptosis; c) inhibited Hh pathway activity by decreasing the mRNA expression levels of GLI1 and Ptch and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of GLI1; d) increased/decreased EGFR and ErbB2 protein expression, reduced p21-Ras and ERK1/ERK2 MAPK activities and inhibited AKT activation; and e) decreased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. However, GANT-61 exerted these effects more effectively than GDC-0449. The in vivo antitumor activities of GDC-0449 and GANT-61 were analyzed in BALB/c mice that were subcutaneously inoculated with mouse breast cancer (TUBO) cells. GDC-0449 and GANT-61 suppressed tumor growth of TUBO cells in BALB/c mice to different extents. These findings suggest that targeting the Hh pathway using antagonists that act downstream of SMO is a more efficient strategy than using antagonists that act upstream of SMO for interrupting Hh signaling in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vanni Frajese
- Department of Physical Education, Human Sciences and Health, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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29
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Heride C, Rigden DJ, Bertsoulaki E, Cucchi D, De Smaele E, Clague MJ, Urbé S. The centrosomal deubiquitylase USP21 regulates Gli1 transcriptional activity and stability. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:4001-4013. [PMID: 27621083 PMCID: PMC5117204 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.188516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
USP21 is a centrosome-associated deubiquitylase (DUB) that has been implicated in the formation of primary cilia – crucial organelles for the regulation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in vertebrates. Here, we identify KCTD6 – a cullin-3 E3-ligase substrate adapter that has been previously linked to Hh signaling – as well as Gli1, the key transcription factor responsible for Hh signal amplification, as new interacting partners of USP21. We identify a cryptic structured protein interaction domain in KCTD6, which is predicted to have a similar fold to Smr domains. Importantly, we show that both depletion and overexpression of catalytically active USP21 suppress Gli1-dependent transcription. Gli proteins are negatively regulated through protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation. We provide evidence that USP21 recruits and stabilises Gli1 at the centrosome where it promotes its phosphorylation by PKA. By revealing an intriguing functional pairing between a spatially restricted deubiquitylase and a kinase, our study highlights the centrosome as an important hub for signal coordination. Summary: We identify a Hedgehog-pathway-associated ubiquitin ligase adapter as a direct interaction partner of the deubiquitylase USP21 and discover a close interplay between USP21 and protein kinase A in regulating Gli1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Heride
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Daniel J Rigden
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Erithelgi Bertsoulaki
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michael J Clague
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Sylvie Urbé
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
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30
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Po A, Silvano M, Miele E, Eramo A, Todaro M, Capalbo C, Salvati V, Sette G, Cucchi D, Besharat ZM, Canettieri G, Di Marcotullio L, Screpanti I, Stassi G, De Maria R, Zeuner A, De Smaele E, Ferretti E. Abstract 2484: Non-canonical Hedgehog/Gli1 signaling drives lung adenocarcinoma stem cells survival and its targeting inhibits CSC-derived tumors. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-2484] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Lung Adenocarcinoma (AC) is the most frequent lung cancer histological subtype and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hedgehog/Gli (Hh/Gli) signaling pathway regulates lung development and its aberrant activation contributes to tumor pathogenesis and play a role in cancer stem cells (CSC) control.
We investigated oncogenic Hh/Gli signaling in AC-CSC.
Methods: human AC-CSC were derived from primary tumors. For in vitro studies AC-CSC were maintained in serum-free medium supplemented with EGF/bFGF. For in vivo experiments, immunocompromised mice were injected with AC-CSC. Gli1 inhibitor GANT61 was used both in vitro and in vivo (IP 40 mg/kg twice/we) treatments.
Results: Using mRNA datasets and tissue microarray of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NCSLC) samples we found that in AC Gli1 is expressed independently of its canonical activator Smoothened (Smo) expression level. Similarly, CSC were Gli1 positive regardless of Smo expression levels. Indeed, we found that SMO regulatory region is highly methylated in AC cells where Smo mRNA and protein are low.
Looking for Smo-independent regulation of GLI activity we found that NRP2/Erk and IGF1R/Erk axes regulate Gli1 in AC-CSC. Suppression of Gli1 with GANT61 in CSC resulted in impairment of cell growth and stemness features. We performed in-vivo experiments: CSC-derived xenograft from GANT61 treated mice showed impaired tumor growth, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. We next highlighted a tumor-stroma crosstalk. A positive autocrine oncogenic feedback loop sustains Gli1 in AC-CSC since we found that the CSC expressed NRP2 and its ligands VEGF-A and VEGF-C. A paracrine positive loop also sustain Hh/Gli signaling in AC where Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) harbor Hh/Gli1 canonical pathway that regulates the expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C and IGF2 ligands of NRP2 and IGF1R respectively.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest a non-canonical activation of Hh/Gli pathway in AC. In this context, GLI1 transcription factor is effectors of NRP2/Erk and/or IGF1R/Erk signaling inputs.
Our results have implications for the understanding of AC development and sustain the inclusion of target therapy acting downstream of Smo level in the design of AC treatment.
Citation Format: Agnese Po, Marianna Silvano, Evelina Miele, Adriana Eramo, Matilde Todaro, Carlo Capalbo, Valentina Salvati, Giovanni Sette, Danilo Cucchi, Zein M. Besharat, Gianluca Canettieri, Lucia Di Marcotullio, Isabella Screpanti, Giorgio Stassi, Ruggero De Maria, Ann Zeuner, Enrico De Smaele, Elisabetta Ferretti. Non-canonical Hedgehog/Gli1 signaling drives lung adenocarcinoma stem cells survival and its targeting inhibits CSC-derived tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2484.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Po
- 1Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ann Zeuner
- 3Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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D'Amico D, Antonucci L, Di Magno L, Coni S, Sdruscia G, Macone A, Miele E, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Ciapponi L, Giangaspero F, Yates JR, Agostinelli E, Cardinali B, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Canettieri G. Non-canonical Hedgehog/AMPK-Mediated Control of Polyamine Metabolism Supports Neuronal and Medulloblastoma Cell Growth. Dev Cell 2016; 35:21-35. [PMID: 26460945 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Developmental Hedgehog signaling controls proliferation of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs), and its aberrant activation is a leading cause of medulloblastoma. We show here that Hedgehog promotes polyamine biosynthesis in GCPs by engaging a non-canonical axis leading to the translation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). This process is governed by AMPK, which phosphorylates threonine 173 of the zinc finger protein CNBP in response to Hedgehog activation. Phosphorylated CNBP increases its association with Sufu, followed by CNBP stabilization, ODC translation, and polyamine biosynthesis. Notably, CNBP, ODC, and polyamines are elevated in Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma, and genetic or pharmacological inhibition of this axis efficiently blocks Hedgehog-dependent proliferation of medulloblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data illustrate an auxiliary mechanism of metabolic control by a morphogenic pathway with relevant implications in development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giulia Sdruscia
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Ciapponi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cardinali
- Cellular Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, Monterotondo 00016, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy.
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Di Magno L, Manzi D, D'Amico D, Coni S, Macone A, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Screpanti I, Agostinelli E, Gulino A, Canettieri G. Druggable glycolytic requirement for Hedgehog-dependent neuronal and medulloblastoma growth. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:3404-13. [PMID: 25485584 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.952973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of SHH pathway is a major cause of medulloblastoma (MB), the most frequent brain malignancy of the childhood. A few Hedgehog inhibitors, all antagonizing the membrane transducer Smo, have been approved or are under clinical trials for the treatment of human MB. However, the efficacy of these drugs is limited by the occurrence of novel mutations or by activation of downstream or non-canonical Hedgehog components. Thus, the identification of novel druggable downstream pathways represents a critical step to overcome this problem. In the present work we demonstrate that aerobic glycolysis is a valuable HH-dependent downstream target, since its inhibition significantly counteracts the HH-mediated growth of normal and tumor cells. Hedgehog activation induces transcription of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), two key gatekeepers of glycolysis. The process is mediated by the canonical activation of the Gli transcription factors and causes a robust increase of extracellular lactate concentration. We show that inhibition of glycolysis at different levels blocks the Hedgehog-induced proliferation of granule cell progenitors (GCPs), the cells from which medulloblastoma arises. Remarkably, we demonstrate that this glycolytic transcriptional program is also upregulated in SHH-dependent tumors and that pharmacological targeting with the pyruvate kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate (DCA) efficiently represses MB growth in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data illustrate a previously uncharacterized pharmacological strategy to target Hedgehog dependent growth, which can be exploited for the treatment of medulloblastoma patients.
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Key Words
- 2DG, 2-deoxy-D-glucose
- 3-BrPA, 3-Bromopyruvate
- ACC, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase
- ATO, arsenic trioxide
- DCA
- DCA, dichloroacetate
- EGL, external granular layer
- GCPs, granule cells progenitors
- HH, Hedgehog
- HK2, Hexokinase 2
- Hedgehog
- IGL, internal granular layer
- MB, Medulloblastoma
- PARP, poly( ADP-ribose) polymerase
- PKM2, Pyruvate Kinase M2
- Ptch1, Patched1
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SHH, Sonic Hedgehog
- Smo, Smoothened
- Sufu, suppressor of fused
- cerebellum
- glycolysis
- medulloblastoma
- metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- a Department of Molecular Medicine ; Sapienza University of Rome
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33
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Infante P, Mori M, Alfonsi R, Ghirga F, Aiello F, Toscano S, Ingallina C, Siler M, Cucchi D, Po A, Miele E, D'Amico D, Canettieri G, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Screpanti I, Uccello Barretta G, Botta M, Botta B, Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L. Gli1/DNA interaction is a druggable target for Hedgehog-dependent tumors. EMBO J 2014; 34:200-17. [PMID: 25476449 PMCID: PMC4298015 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201489213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling is essential for tissue development and stemness, and its deregulation has been observed in many tumors. Aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling is the result of genetic mutations of pathway components or other Smo-dependent or independent mechanisms, all triggering the downstream effector Gli1. For this reason, understanding the poorly elucidated mechanism of Gli1-mediated transcription allows to identify novel molecules blocking the pathway at a downstream level, representing a critical goal in tumor biology. Here, we clarify the structural requirements of the pathway effector Gli1 for binding to DNA and identify Glabrescione B as the first small molecule binding to Gli1 zinc finger and impairing Gli1 activity by interfering with its interaction with DNA. Remarkably, as a consequence of its robust inhibitory effect on Gli1 activity, Glabrescione B inhibited the growth of Hedgehog-dependent tumor cells in vitro and in vivo as well as the self-renewal ability and clonogenicity of tumor-derived stem cells. The identification of the structural requirements of Gli1/DNA interaction highlights their relevance for pharmacologic interference of Gli signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Aiello
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Toscano
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Siler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maurizio Botta
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti - University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Di Marcotullio L, Ferretti E, Greco A, De Smaele E, Screpanti I, Gulino A. Multiple Ubiquitin-Dependent Processing Pathways Regulate Hedgehog/Gli Signaling: Implications for Cell Development and Tumorigenesis. Cell Cycle 2014; 6:390-3. [PMID: 17312394 DOI: 10.4161/cc.6.4.3809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog pathway is crucial for the maintenance and self-renewal of neural stem cells and for tumorigenesis. Hedgehog signaling is limited by multiple E3 ubiquitin ligases that process the downstream transcription factors Gli. Cullin family-based ubiquitination results in either Cullin1-Slimb/betaTrCP- or Cullin3-HIB/Roadkill/SPOP-dependent proteolytic processing or degradation of Drosophila Cubitus interruptus or mammalian Gli proteins. We have recently identified Itch as an additional HECT family E3 ligase, able to ubiquitinate and degrade Gli1. A functional link with the influence of Hedgehog signaling on cell development and tumorigenesis is suggested by the identification of Numb as a promoter of such an Itch-dependent ubiquitination process that leads to Gli1 degradation, thus suppressing its transcriptional function. Numb is an evolutionary conserved developmental protein that, during progenitor division, asymmetrically segregates to daughter cells thereby determining distinct binary cell fates. Numb is downregulated in cerebellar progenitors and their malignant derivatives (i.e. medulloblastoma cells). Furthermore, Numb has anti-proliferative and pro-differentiation effects on both cerebellar progenitors and medulloblastoma cells, due to its suppression of functional Gli1. These findings unveil a novel Numb/Itch-dependent regulatory loop that limits the extent and duration of Hedgehog signaling during neural progenitor differentiation. Its subversion emerges as a relevant event in brain tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
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35
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Garg N, Po A, Miele E, Campese AF, Begalli F, Silvano M, Infante P, Capalbo C, De Smaele E, Canettieri G, Di Marcotullio L, Screpanti I, Ferretti E, Gulino A. microRNA-17-92 cluster is a direct Nanog target and controls neural stem cell through Trp53inp1. EMBO J 2013; 32:2819-32. [PMID: 24076654 PMCID: PMC3817465 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2013.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Nanog plays a critical role in the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells as well as in neural stem cells (NSCs). microRNAs (miRNAs) are also involved in stemness regulation. However, the miRNA network downstream of Nanog is still poorly understood. High-throughput screening of miRNA expression profiles in response to modulated levels of Nanog in postnatal NSCs identifies miR-17-92 cluster as a direct target of Nanog. Nanog controls miR-17-92 cluster by binding to the upstream regulatory region and maintaining high levels of transcription in NSCs, whereas Nanog/promoter association and cluster miRNAs expression are lost alongside differentiation. The two miR-17 family members of miR-17-92 cluster, namely miR-17 and miR-20a, target Trp53inp1, a downstream component of p53 pathway. To support a functional role, the presence of miR-17/20a or the loss of Trp53inp1 is required for the Nanog-induced enhancement of self-renewal of NSCs. We unveil an arm of the Nanog/p53 pathway, which regulates stemness in postnatal NSCs, wherein Nanog counteracts p53 signals through miR-17/20a-mediated repression of Trp53inp1. Direct control of the miRNA-17/92 cluster enables Nanog to restrain p53 activity and thus to maintain pluripotency in neural stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Garg
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
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36
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Coni S, Antonucci L, D'Amico D, Di Magno L, Infante P, De Smaele E, Giannini G, Di Marcotullio L, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Canettieri G. Gli2 acetylation at lysine 757 regulates hedgehog-dependent transcriptional output by preventing its promoter occupancy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65718. [PMID: 23762415 PMCID: PMC3675076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphogenic Hedgehog (Hh) signaling regulates postnatal cerebellar development and its aberrant activation leads to medulloblastoma. The transcription factors Gli1 and Gli2 are the activators of Hh pathway and their function is finely controlled by different covalent modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. We show here that Gli2 is endogenously acetylated and that this modification represents a key regulatory step for Hedgehog signaling. The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) coactivator p300, but not other HATs, acetylates Gli2 at the conserved lysine K757 thus inhibiting Hh target gene expression. By generating a specific anti acetyl-Gli2(Lys757) antisera we demonstrated that Gli2 acetylation is readily detectable at endogenous levels and is attenuated by Hh agonists. Moreover, Gli2 K757R mutant activity is higher than wild type Gli2 and is no longer enhanced by Hh agonists, indicating that acetylation represents an additional level of control for signal dependent activation. Consistently, in sections of developing mouse cerebella Gli2 acetylation correlates with the activation status of Hedgehog signaling. Mechanistically, acetylation at K757 prevents Gli2 entry into chromatin. Together, these data illustrate a novel mechanism of regulation of the Hh signaling whereby, in concert with Gli1, Gli2 acetylation functions as a key transcriptional checkpoint in the control of morphogen-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Coni
- CNRS UMR 7277, Inserm 1091, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Centre de Biochimie, Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, ItalyScience@Sapienza
- * E-mail: (AG); (GC)
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, ItalyScience@Sapienza
- * E-mail: (AG); (GC)
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
- * E-mail: (AG); (GC)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (AG); (GC)
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Benvenuto M, Fantini M, Masuelli L, De Smaele E, Zazzeroni F, Tresoldi I, Calabrese G, Galvano F, Modesti A, Bei R. Inhibition of ErbB receptors, Hedgehog and NF-kappaB signaling by polyphenols in cancer. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2013; 18:1290-310. [PMID: 23747884 DOI: 10.2741/4180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process triggered by cumulative genetic alterations, which drive the progressive transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell. Among the signal transduction pathways whose cross-talk plays an important role in neoplastic transformation are those mediated by ErbB receptors, NF-kappaB and the Hedgehog (HH)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) cascade. Polyphenols can be employed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells due to their ability to modulate the activity of multiple targets involved in carcinogenesis through simultaneous direct interaction or modulation of gene expression. This review will describe the cross-talk between ErbB receptors, NF-kappaB and the Hedgehog (HH)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) signaling pathways and the potential role of polyphenols in inhibiting this dialogue and the growth of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common type of cancer and accounts for up to 40% of all cancers in the US, with a growing incidence rate over recent decades in all developed countries. Surgery is curative for most patients, although it leaves unaesthetic scars, but those that develop locally advanced or metastatic BCC require different therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, patients with BCC present a high risk of developing additional tumors. The increasing economic burden and the morbidity of BCC render primary interest in the development of targeted treatments for this disease. Among the molecular signals involved in the development of BCC, the critical role of the morphogenetic Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has become evident. This pathway is found altered and activated in almost all BCCs, both sporadic and inherited. Given the centrality of the Hh pathway in the pathophysiology of BCC, the primary efforts to identify molecular targets for the topical or systemic treatment of this cancer have focused on the Hh components. Several Hh inhibitors have been so far identified - from the first identified natural cyclopamine to the recently Food and Drug Administration-approved synthetic vismodegib - most of which target the Hh receptor Smoothened (either its function or its translocation to the primary cilium). Other molecules await further characterization (bisamide compounds), while drugs currently approved for other diseases such as itraconazole (an antimicotic agent) and vitamin D3 have been tested on BCC with encouraging results. The outcomes of the numerous ongoing clinical trials are expected to expand the field in the very near future. Further research is needed to obtain drugs targeting downstream components of the Hh pathway (eg, Gli) or to exploit combinatorial therapies (eg, with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors or retinoids) in order to overcome potential drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Center of Life NanoScience @ La Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L, Canettieri G, De Smaele E, Screpanti I. Hedgehog/Gli Control by Ubiquitination/Acetylation Interplay. Hedgehog Signaling 2012; 88:211-27. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394622-5.00009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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40
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Miele E, Ferretti E, Po A, De Smaele E, Begalli F, Screpanti I, Gulino A. Abstract 3396: Neural stem cells, cancer stem cells and microRNAs: The medulloblastoma paradigm. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-3396] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the idea of cancer as an aberrant morphogenetic process in which master developmental pathways (e.g. Hedgehog, Hh) are subverted. Stem cells (SC) sustain cell development through proliferation and differentiation events, from cell progenitor transitions until a fully differentiated phenotype. SC with similar properties have been also identified in most cancers. These cancer stem cells (CSC) may represent both the potential “cell of origin” of the tumor and a never ending reservoir responsible for tumor maintenance and progression. A paradigm of altered development as a cause of malignant transformation via aberrant Hh signaling is provided by Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common brain malignancy of childhood, in which also CSC have been described. Besides, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently identified as key molecules in the gene expression regulation both in development and in cancer: an altered expression of miRNAs is involved in neoplastic disorders and CSC behaviour.
The overall aims of our work were to exploit the Hh-dependent tumorigenesis process of cerebellar stem/progenitor cells as a paradigmatic model to understand the link between subverted cell development and neoplastic transformation and tumor maintenance. We performed high-throughput miRNAs expression profiling of both neural and medulloblastoma stem cells (NSC, Mb SC). Of note, a number of miRNAs were found differentially expressed with stemness (both in NSC and in CSC). Moreover, we found different pattern of miRNAs expression in Mb SC samples in comparison with the normal counterpart (NSC). These observations suggest the presence of stemness specific and cancer stemness specific microRNA. Differentially expressed miRNAs will be selected for further testing on regulation of signaling pathways involved in the control of stemness and cell development. This study will provide new insight in miRNAs regulation and role in maintenance of the stem cell-like properties of neuronal tumor cells.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3396. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3396
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Agnese Po
- 1Univ. of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Gulino A. Vismodegib, a small-molecule inhibitor of the hedgehog pathway for the treatment of advanced cancers. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2010; 11:707-718. [PMID: 20496266] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Vismodegib (GDC-0449) is a small, orally administrable molecule, belonging to the 2-arylpyridine class, which was discovered by Genentech Inc under a collaboration with Curis Inc. Vismodegib inhibits the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which is involved in tumorigenesis, thus providing a strong rationale for its use in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Vismodegib suppresses Hh signaling by binding to and interfering with smoothened, a membrane protein that provides positive signals to the Hh signaling pathway. Preclinical studies demonstrated the antitumor activity of vismodegib in mouse models of medulloblastoma (MB) and in xenograft models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Phase I clinical trials in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and MB highlighted an objective response to vismodegib. Reported side effects were minor, with only one grade 4 adverse event. Vismodegib is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials for the treatment of advanced BCC, metastatic colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, MB and other solid tumors. Because of its low toxicity and specificity for the Hh pathway, this drug has potential advantages compared with conventional chemotherapy, and may also be used in combination treatments. Clinical trials with other Hh inhibitors are also ongoing and their therapeutic potential will need to be compared with vismodegib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico De Smaele
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Experimental Medicine, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Gulino A. MicroRNAs as biomarkers for CNS cancer and other disorders. Brain Res 2010; 1338:100-11. [PMID: 20380821 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.03.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 03/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of miRNAs as biomarkers has gained growing interest in the last few years. Their role in regulating a great variety of targets and, as a consequence, multiple pathways, makes their use in diagnostics a powerful tool to be exploited for early detection of disease, risk assessment and prognosis and for the design of innovative therapeutic strategies. While still not fully validated, profiling of blood cells, exosomes or body fluid miRNAs would represent a tremendous and promising advance in non-invasive diagnostics of CNS disorders. A major challenge is represented by technological aspects of miRNA detection and discovery aiming to genome-wide high throughput, sensitive and accurate analysis. Although there is much to be learned in the field, this review will highlight the potential role of miRNA as a new class of biomarkers in several CNS disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Huntington and Parkinson diseases, schizophrenia and autism as well as different types of cancer (e.g. gliomas and medulloblastomas).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 324 viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The participation of the HH pathway in colon cancer has remained controversial. In this issue, Varnat et al (2009) demonstrate that HH signalling is essential for human colon cancer growth, recurrence, metastases and stem cell expansion. This closeup by Gulino et al discusses the paper and its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Gulino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) play a critical role in neural development; however, their prenatal or neonatal therapeutic use can have detrimental effects on the developing brain. In this issue of the JCI, Heine and Rowitch report that the molecular mechanisms underlying these detrimental effects involve the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, a crucial regulator of brain development and neural stem/progenitor cells (see the related study beginning on page 267). They show that GCs suppress Shh-induced proliferation of cerebellar progenitor cells in postnatal mice and that, conversely, Shh signaling is protective against GC-induced neonatal cerebellar injury by inducing the enzyme 11betaHSD2, which inactivates the GCs corticosterone and prednisolone, but not dexamethasone. The data provide a rationale for the therapeutic use of 11betaHSD2-sensitive GCs, but not dexamethasone, or for the exploitation of the neuroprotective effect of Shh agonists to prevent GC-induced pre- or neonatal brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Gulino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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Ferretti E, De Smaele E, Po A, Di Marcotullio L, Tosi E, Espinola MSB, Di Rocco C, Riccardi R, Giangaspero F, Farcomeni A, Nofroni I, Laneve P, Gioia U, Caffarelli E, Bozzoni I, Screpanti I, Gulino A. MicroRNA profiling in human medulloblastoma. Int J Cancer 2008; 124:568-77. [PMID: 18973228 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is an aggressive brain malignancy with high incidence in childhood. Current treatment approaches have limited efficacy and severe side effects. Therefore, new risk-adapted therapeutic strategies based on molecular classification are required. MicroRNA expression analysis has emerged as a powerful tool to identify candidate molecules playing an important role in a large number of malignancies. However, no data are yet available on human primary medulloblastomas. A high throughput microRNA expression profiles was performed in human primary medulloblastoma specimens to investigate microRNA involvement in medulloblastoma carcinogenesis. We identified specific microRNA expression patterns which distinguish medulloblastoma differing in histotypes (anaplastic, classic and desmoplastic), in molecular features (ErbB2 or c-Myc overexpressing tumors) and in disease-risk stratification. MicroRNAs expression profile clearly differentiates medulloblastoma from either adult or fetal normal cerebellar tissues. Only a few microRNAs displayed upregulated expression, while most of them were downregulated in tumor samples, suggesting a tumor growth-inhibitory function. This property has been addressed for miR-9 and miR-125a, whose rescued expression promoted medulloblastoma cell growth arrest and apoptosis while targeting the proproliferative truncated TrkC isoform. In conclusion, misregulated microRNA expression profiles characterize human medulloblastomas, and may provide potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L, Ferretti E, De Smaele E, Screpanti I. Hedgehog signaling pathway in neural development and disease. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007; 32 Suppl 1:S52-6. [PMID: 17619088 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2007] [Revised: 03/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A number of developmental cues underlie proper brain morphogenesis and plasticity. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a critical role in determining proper embryonic patterning and cell fate determination in the central nervous system. Embryonic and adult neural progenitor cells are mostly responsive to Hh signaling, thereby sustaining developmental and tissue repair processes. Hh signaling pathway is finely tuned in order to maintain physiological cell functions during the development of the nervous system and afterwards. Its deregulation is responsible for a number of diseases (e.g. cancer, neurodegenerative disorders). Recently identified Hh pathway regulatory signals involved in the maintenance of nervous tissue shape and their relevance in human pathology are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Gulino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, 324 Viale Regina Elena, 00161 Roma, Italy.
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Papa S, Monti SM, Vitale RM, Bubici C, Jayawardena S, Alvarez K, De Smaele E, Dathan N, Pedone C, Ruvo M, Franzoso G. Insights into the structural basis of the GADD45beta-mediated inactivation of the JNK kinase, MKK7/JNKK2. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:19029-41. [PMID: 17485467 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m703112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-kappaB/Rel factors control programmed cell death (PCD), and this control is crucial to oncogenesis, cancer chemoresistance, and antagonism of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha-induced killing. With TNFalpha, NF-kappaB-mediated protection involves suppression of the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) cascade, and we have identified Gadd45beta, a member of the Gadd45 family, as a pivotal effector of this activity of NF-kappaB. Inhibition of TNFalpha-induced JNK signaling by Gadd45beta depends on direct targeting of the JNK kinase, MKK7/JNKK2. The mechanism by which Gadd45beta blunts MKK7, however, is unknown. Here we show that Gadd45beta is a structured protein with a predicted four-stranded beta-sheet core, five alpha-helices, and two acidic loops. Association of Gadd45beta with MKK7 involves a network of interactions mediated by its putative helices alpha3 and alpha4 and loops 1 and 2. Whereas alpha3 appears to primarily mediate docking to MKK7, loop 1 and alpha4-loop 2 seemingly afford kinase inactivation by engaging the ATP-binding site and causing conformational changes that impede catalytic function. These data provide a basis for Gadd45beta-mediated blockade of MKK7, and ultimately, TNFalpha-induced PCD. They also have important implications for treatment of widespread diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Papa
- The Ben May Institute for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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Di Marcotullio L, Ferretti E, Greco A, De Smaele E, Po A, Sico MA, Alimandi M, Giannini G, Maroder M, Screpanti I, Gulino A. Numb is a suppressor of Hedgehog signalling and targets Gli1 for Itch-dependent ubiquitination. Nat Cell Biol 2006; 8:1415-23. [PMID: 17115028 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2006] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The developmental protein Numb is a major determinant of binary cell fates. It is also required for the differentiation of cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) at a stage of development responsive to the morphogenic glycoprotein Hedehog. Hedgehog signalling is crucial for the physiological maintenance and self-renewal of neural stem cells and its deregulation is responsible for their progression towards tumorigenesis. The mechanisms that inhibit this pathway during the differentiation stage are poorly understood. Here, we identify Numb as a Hedgehog-pathway inhibitor that is downregulated in early GCPs and GCP-derived cancer cells. We demonstrate that the Hedgehog transcription factor Gli1 is targeted by Numb for Itch-dependent ubiquitination, which suppresses Hedgehog signals, thus arresting growth and promoting cell differentiation. This novel Numb-dependent regulatory loop may limit the extent and duration of Hedgehog signalling during neural-progenitor differentiation, and its subversion may be a relevant event in brain tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Roma, 324 Viale Regina Elena, 00161 Roma, Italy
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Iacovelli L, Arcella A, Battaglia G, Pazzaglia S, Aronica E, Spinsanti P, Caruso A, De Smaele E, Saran A, Gulino A, D’Onofrio M, Giangaspero F, Nicoletti F. Pharmacological activation of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptors inhibits the growth of medulloblastomas. J Neurosci 2006; 26:8388-97. [PMID: 16899734 PMCID: PMC6673797 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2285-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Moving from the evidence that activation of type 4 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu4) receptors inhibits proliferation and promotes differentiation of cerebellar granule cell neuroprogenitors, we examined the expression and function of mGlu4 receptors in medulloblastoma cells. mGlu4 receptors were expressed in 46 of 60 human medulloblastoma samples. Expression varied in relation to the histotype (nodular desmoplastic>classic>>large-cell anaplastic) and was inversely related to tumor severity, spreading, and recurrence. mGlu4 receptors were also found in D283med, D341med, and DAOY medulloblastoma cell lines, where receptor activation with the selective enhancer PHCCC inhibited adenylyl cyclase and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway without affecting the mitogen-activated protein kinase, Sonic Hedgehog, and Wnt pathways. Interestingly, mGlu4 receptor activation reduced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in all three cell lines. This effect was abrogated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one]. In in vivo experiments, repeated subcutaneous injections of N-phenyl-7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide (PHCCC) reduced the growth of D283med and DAOY cell xenografts in nude mice. More remarkably, subcutaneous or intracranial injections of PHCCC during the first week of life prevented the development of medulloblastomas in mice lacking one Patched-1 allele and x-irradiated 1 d after birth. These data suggest that mGlu4 receptor enhancers are promising drugs for the treatment of medulloblastomas.
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Argenti B, Gallo R, Di Marcotullio L, Ferretti E, Napolitano M, Canterini S, De Smaele E, Greco A, Fiorenza MT, Maroder M, Screpanti I, Alesse E, Gulino A. Hedgehog antagonist REN(KCTD11) regulates proliferation and apoptosis of developing granule cell progenitors. J Neurosci 2006; 25:8338-46. [PMID: 16148242 PMCID: PMC6725529 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2438-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
During the early development of the cerebellum, a burst of granule cell progenitor (GCP) proliferation occurs in the outer external granule layer (EGL), which is sustained mainly by Purkinje cell-derived Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). Shh response is interrupted once GCPs move into the inner EGL, where granule progenitors withdraw proliferation and start differentiating and migrating toward the internal granule layer (IGL). Failure to interrupt Shh signals results in uncoordinated proliferation and differentiation of GCPs and eventually leads to malignancy (i.e., medulloblastoma). The Shh inhibitory mechanisms that are responsible for GCP growth arrest and differentiation remain unclear. Here we report that REN, a putative tumor suppressor frequently deleted in human medulloblastoma, is expressed to a higher extent in nonproliferating inner EGL and IGL granule cells than in highly proliferating outer EGL cells. Accordingly, upregulated REN expression occurs along GCP differentiation in vitro, and, in turn, REN overexpression promotes growth arrest and increases the proportion of p27/Kip1+ GCPs. REN also impairs both Gli2-dependent gene transcription and Shh-enhanced expression of the target Gli1 mRNA, thus antagonizing the Shh-induced effects on the proliferation and differentiation of cultured GCPs. Conversely, REN functional knock-down impairs Hedgehog antagonism and differentiation and sustains the proliferation of GCPs. Finally, REN enhances caspase-3 activation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling apoptotic GCP numbers; therefore, the pattern of REN expression, its activity, and its antagonism on the Hedgehog pathway suggest that this gene may represent a restraint of Shh signaling at the outer to inner EGL GCP transitions. Medulloblastoma-associated REN loss of function might withdraw such a limiting signal for immature cell expansion, thus favoring tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Argenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
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