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Gammaldi N, Doccini S, Bernardi S, Marchese M, Cecchini M, Ceravolo R, Rapposelli S, Ratto GM, Rocchiccioli S, Pezzini F, Santorelli FM. Dem-Aging: autophagy-related pathologies and the "two faces of dementia". Neurogenetics 2024; 25:39-46. [PMID: 38117343 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-023-00739-3] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is an umbrella term referring to the most frequent childhood-onset neurodegenerative diseases, which are also the main cause of childhood dementia. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the NCLs remain elusive, evidence is increasingly pointing to shared disease pathways and common clinical features across the disease forms. The characterization of pathological mechanisms, disease modifiers, and biomarkers might facilitate the development of treatment strategies.The DEM-AGING project aims to define molecular signatures in NCL and expedite biomarker discovery with a view to identifying novel targets for monitoring disease status and progression and accelerating clinical trial readiness in this field. In this study, we fused multiomic assessments in established NCL models with similar data on the more common late-onset neurodegenerative conditions in order to test the hypothesis of shared molecular fingerprints critical to the underlying pathological mechanisms. Our aim, ultimately, is to combine data analysis, cell models, and omic strategies in an effort to trace new routes to therapies that might readily be applied in the most common forms of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gammaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - S Bernardi
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Marchese
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Cecchini
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Nanoscience Institute-National Research Council (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Ceravolo
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Rapposelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G M Ratto
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Nanoscience Institute-National Research Council (CNR) and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Rocchiccioli
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - F Pezzini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology (Child Neurology and Psychiatry), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F M Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
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Gammaldi N, Pezzini F, Michelucci E, Di Giorgi N, Simonati A, Rocchiccioli S, Santorelli FM, Doccini S. Integrative human and murine multi-omics: Highlighting shared biomarkers in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 189:106349. [PMID: 37952681 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders whose molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Omics approaches are among the methods that generate new information on modifying factors and molecular signatures. Moreover, omics data integration can address the need to progressively expand knowledge around the disease and pinpoint specific proteins to promote as candidate biomarkers. In this work, we integrated a total of 62 proteomic and transcriptomic datasets originating from humans and mice, employing a new approach able to define dysregulated processes across species, stages and NCL forms. Moreover, we selected a pool of differentially expressed proteins and genes as species- and form-related biomarkers of disease status/progression and evaluated local and spatial differences in most affected brain regions. Our results offer promising targets for potential new therapeutic strategies and reinforce the hypothesis of a connection between NCLs and other forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gammaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - F Pezzini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E Michelucci
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - N Di Giorgi
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - A Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Rocchiccioli
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - F M Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - S Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy.
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Simonati A, Pezzini F, Moro F, Santorelli F. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Increasing Spectrum of an Old Disease. Curr Mol Med 2014; 14:1043-1051. [DOI: 10.2174/1566524014666141010154913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Di Fabio R, Moro F, Pestillo L, Meschini MC, Pezzini F, Doccini S, Casali C, Pierelli F, Simonati A, Santorelli FM. Pseudo-dominant inheritance of a novel CTSF mutation associated with type B Kufs disease. Neurology 2014; 83:1769-70. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000000953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Moschettini D, Vaccaro N, Balestrieri M, Pezzini F, Franceschini R, Cermelli C, Donati D. 52: Human herpesvirus 6B active infection and relapsing bilateral anterior optic neuritis: a case report. J Clin Virol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(06)70071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Moschettini D, Franceschini R, Vaccaro NM, Cermelli C, Pezzini F, Balestrieri M, Cerase A, Bartalini S, Ulivelli M, Tosi GM, Donati D. Human herpesvirus-6B active infection associated with relapsing bilateral anterior optic neuritis. J Clin Virol 2006; 37:244-7. [PMID: 17005444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2006.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2006] [Revised: 08/04/2006] [Accepted: 08/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is the causative agent of exanthem subitum. Both HHV-6 variants, A and B, have been associated with central nervous system (CNS) diseases, suggesting a wide neuropathogenic potential. We describe a case of recurrent bilateral anterior optic neuritis with HHV-6 active infection associated with clinical relapses. CASE REPORT A 23-year old woman presented with progressive visual impairment, bilateral papillitis and painful ocular movements. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA viruses, HHV-6 variant specific real time quantitative PCR, serological analysis and retrotranscription PCR (RT-PCR) for HHV-6 mRNA transcripts were performed. Nested PCR in PBMC and CSF samples was negative for all viruses but positive for HHV-6 DNA, subtyped as HHV-6B. The disease had a relapsing/remitting course. During relapses PBMC samples remained positive for HHV-6 DNA, and HHV-6 active infection was confirmed by the presence of anti-HHV-6 IgM and of HHV-6 U27 mRNA transcript. High viremia levels and relapses were overlapping. After the last relapse, the patient was successfully treated with gancyclovir. CONCLUSIONS The case reported here suggests a possible association of HHV-6 in bilateral optic neuritis. HHV-6 could be monitored when bilateral optic neuritis is identified, in order to establish an appropriate antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Moschettini
- Department of Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Virology Section, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Tower 5, Level 2, Viale Bracci 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Abstract
This study attempted to add to our understanding of the heroin abusers' identity problems, using images of the self and the environment. Murray's Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) was applied to a group of male drug users undergoing withdrawal treatment with methadone and also to a group of male, non-drug using controls. The needs of the subjects and the demands of the environment, plus interaction between the two, were compared between the two groups to obtain information about the self and lifestyle. Among the data which emerged, is an increased need for destructive aggression and an environment experienced as coercive and emarginating. Among the interactions we observed coerced imagination, difficulties in identification, personal relationships based on abandonment with persecutory projection of the female figure and a tendency toward immature defences such as avoidance, denial and acting out. This information is discussed in relation to possible means of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fassino
- Istituto Clinica Psichiatrica, Università di Torino, Italy
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Fagiani MB, Bianconi A, Mucci P, Pastore G, Pezzini F, Pogliano P, Ravizza L. [The elderly and their existence model. A study with projective technics]. Minerva Psichiatr 1989; 30:69-75. [PMID: 2674584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Elderly subjects free from psychiatric diseases and hospitalised at centres run in accordance with different models have been examined. The T.A.T. was carried out. Certain common elements emerge that would appear to be related to the senile age. Others appear to be psychological superstructures related to the different conditions of existence.
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Angelini G, Pezzini F, Mucci P. [Arteriosclerosis and impotence]. Minerva Psichiatr 1985; 26:353-17. [PMID: 4094548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Carnasciali E, Pezzini F. [Jaundice caused by estro-progestinic agents. Description of a case]. Minerva Med 1977; 68:2249-51. [PMID: 876507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A case of oestroprogestinic icterus is reported. The potential toxicity of these drugs, which have now been in use for twenty years in medical and non-medical practice, on liver parenchyma is discussed. Such treatment should be carried out only under the attentive, constant control of a physician who should not neglect liver function in his examination.
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