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Masi M, Biundo F, Fiou A, Racchi M, Pascale A, Buoso E. The Labyrinthine Landscape of APP Processing: State of the Art and Possible Novel Soluble APP-Related Molecular Players in Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076639. [PMID: 37047617 PMCID: PMC10095589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and its cleavage processes have been widely investigated in the past, in particular in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Evidence of an increased expression of APP and its amyloidogenic-related cleavage enzymes, β-secretase 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, at the hit axon terminals following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), firstly suggested a correlation between TBI and AD. Indeed, mild and severe TBI have been recognised as influential risk factors for different neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In the present work, we describe the state of the art of APP proteolytic processing, underlining the different roles of its cleavage fragments in both physiological and pathological contexts. Considering the neuroprotective role of the soluble APP alpha (sAPPα) fragment, we hypothesised that sAPPα could modulate the expression of genes of interest for AD and TBI. Hence, we present preliminary experiments addressing sAPPα-mediated regulation of BACE1, Isthmin 2 (ISM2), Tetraspanin-3 (TSPAN3) and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGFA), each discussed from a biological and pharmacological point of view in AD and TBI. We finally propose a neuroprotective interaction network, in which the Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) and the signalling cascade of PKCβII/nELAV/VEGF play hub roles, suggesting that vasculogenic-targeting therapies could be a feasible approach for vascular-related brain injuries typical of AD and TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Masi
- Computational and Chemical Biology, Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Biundo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - André Fiou
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Maddalon A, Masi M, Iulini M, Linciano P, Galbiati V, Marinovich M, Racchi M, Buoso E, Corsini E. Effects of endocrine active contaminating pesticides on RACK1 expression and immunological consequences in THP-1 cells. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 95:103971. [PMID: 36084878 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that RACK1, which expression is under steroid hormone control, plays an important role in the activation of immune cells and its expression can be useful to evaluate the immunotoxic profile of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Hence, we investigated the effects of three contaminating and persistent pesticides: the fungicide vinclozolin (VIN), the herbicide atrazine (ATR) and the insecticide cypermethrin (CYP) on RACK1 expression and on innate immune response. VIN resulted in modest alteration of RACK1 while ATR and CYP reduced in a dose dependent manner RACK1 expression, ultimately leading to the decrease in lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-8 and TNF-α release and CD86 and CD54 surface marker expression. Moreover, our data indicate that, after exposure to EDCs, alterations of RACK1 expression can also occur with mechanisms not directly mediated by an interaction with a nuclear or membrane steroid receptors. Therefore, RACK1 could represent a useful EDCs screening tool to evaluate their immunotoxic potential and to dissect their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mirco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Iulini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Masi M, Maddalon A, Iulini M, Linciano P, Galbiati V, Marinovich M, Racchi M, Corsini E, Buoso E. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the expression of RACK1 and LPS-induced THP-1 cell activation. Toxicology 2022; 480:153321. [PMID: 36113621 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The existence of a complex hormonal balance among glucocorticoids, androgens and estrogens involved in the regulation of Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) expression and its related immune cells activation, highlights the possibility to employ this protein as screening tool for the evaluation of the immunotoxic profile of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), hormone-active substances capable of interfering with the physiologic hormonal signaling. Hence, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the exposure of EDCS 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) on RACK1 expression and on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of the human monocytic cell line THP-1, a validated model for this investigation. In line with our previous results with estrogen-active compounds, EE treatment significantly induced RACK1 promoter transcriptional activity, mRNA expression, and protein levels, which paralleled an increase in LPS-induced IL-8, TNF-α production and CD86 expression, previously demonstrated to be dependent on RACK1/PKCβ activation. EE mediates its effect on RACK1 expression through G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and androgen receptor (AR) ligand-independent cascade, as also suggested by in silico molecular docking simulation. Conversely, DEP and PFOS induced a dose-dependent downregulation of RACK1 promoter transcriptional activity, mRNA expression, and protein levels, which was mirrored by a reduction of IL-8, TNF-α production and CD86 expression. Mifepristone pre-treatments abolish DEP and PFOS effects, confirming their GR agonist profile, also corroborated by molecular docking. Altogether, our data confirm that RACK1 represents an interesting target of steroid active compounds, which expression offers the opportunity to screen the immunotoxic potential of different hormone-active substances of concerns due to their human exposure and environmental persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Iulini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Fagiani F, Di Marino D, Romagnoli A, Travelli C, Voltan D, Mannelli LDC, Racchi M, Govoni S, Lanni C. Molecular regulations of circadian rhythm and implications for physiology and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:41. [PMID: 35136018 PMCID: PMC8825842 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The term “circadian rhythms” describes endogenous oscillations with ca. 24-h period associated with the earth’s daily rotation and light/dark cycle. Such rhythms reflect the existence of an intrinsic circadian clock that temporally orchestrates physiological processes to adapt the internal environment with the external cues. At the molecular level, the circadian clock consists of multiple sets of transcription factors resulting in autoregulatory transcription-translation feedback loops. Notably, in addition to their primary role as generator of circadian rhythm, the biological clock plays a key role in controlling physiological functions of almost all tissues and organs. It regulates several intracellular signaling pathways, ranging from cell proliferation, DNA damage repair and response, angiogenesis, metabolic and redox homeostasis, to inflammatory and immune response. In this review, we summarize findings showing the crosstalk between the circadian molecular clock and some key intracellular pathways, describing a scenario wherein their reciprocal regulation impinges upon several aspects of mammalian physiology. Moreover, based on evidence indicating that circadian rhythms can be challenged by environmental factors, social behaviors, as well as pre-existing pathological conditions, we discuss implications of circadian misalignment in human pathologies, such as cancer and inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, disruption of circadian rhythm has been reported to affect several physiological processes that are relevant to human diseases. Expanding our understanding of this field represents an intriguing and transversal medicine challenge in order to establish a circadian precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Travelli
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Voltan
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Fagiani F, Vlachou M, Di Marino D, Canobbio I, Romagnoli A, Racchi M, Govoni S, Lanni C. Pin1 as Molecular Switch in Vascular Endothelium: Notes on Its Putative Role in Age-Associated Vascular Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123287. [PMID: 34943794 PMCID: PMC8699654 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
By controlling the change of the backbones of several cellular substrates, the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 acts as key fine-tuner and amplifier of multiple signaling pathways, thereby inducing several biological consequences, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Data from the literature indicate a prominent role of Pin1 in the regulating of vascular homeostasis. In this review, we will critically dissect Pin1’s role as conformational switch regulating the homeostasis of vascular endothelium, by specifically modulating nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. In this regard, Pin1 has been reported to directly control NO production by interacting with bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at Ser116-Pro117 (human equivalent is Ser114-Pro115) in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, regulating its catalytic activity, as well as by regulating other intracellular players, such as VEGF and TGF-β, thereby impinging upon NO release. Furthermore, since Pin1 has been found to act as a critical driver of vascular cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, with implication in many vascular diseases (e.g., diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy), evidence indicating that Pin1 may serve a pivotal role in vascular endothelium will be discussed. Understanding the role of Pin1 in vascular homeostasis is crucial in terms of finding a new possible therapeutic player and target in vascular pathologies, including those affecting the elderly (such as small and large vessel diseases and vascular dementia) or those promoting the full expression of neurodegenerative dementing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.V.); (M.R.); (C.L.)
| | - Marieva Vlachou
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.V.); (M.R.); (C.L.)
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (D.D.M.); (A.R.)
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Canobbio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (D.D.M.); (A.R.)
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.V.); (M.R.); (C.L.)
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.V.); (M.R.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (M.V.); (M.R.); (C.L.)
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Brivio P, Buoso E, Masi M, Gallo MT, Gruca P, Lason M, Litwa E, Papp M, Fumagalli F, Racchi M, Corsini E, Calabrese F. The coupling of RACK1 with the beta isoform of the glucocorticoid receptor promotes resilience to chronic stress exposure. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100372. [PMID: 34401408 PMCID: PMC8350424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several intracellular pathways that contribute to the adaptation or maladaptation to environmental challenges mediate the vulnerability and resilience to chronic stress. The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is fundamental for the proper maintenance of brain processes, and it is related to the functionality of the isoform alfa and beta of the glucocorticoid receptor (Gr), the primary regulator of HPA axis. Among the downstream effectors of the axis, the scaffolding protein RACK1 covers an important role in regulating synaptic activity and mediates the transcription of the neurotrophin Bdnf. Hence, by employing the chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm, we studied the role of the Grβ-RACK1-Bdnf signaling in the different susceptibility to chronic stress exposure. We found that resilience to two weeks of CMS is paralleled by the activation of this pathway in the ventral hippocampus, the hippocampal subregion involved in the modulation of stress response. Moreover, the results we obtained in vitro by exposing SH-SY5Y cells to cortisol support the data we found in vivo. The results obtained add novel critical information about the link among Gr, RACK1 and Bdnf and the resilience to chronic stress, suggesting novel targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders, including depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mirco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Piotr Gruca
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Lason
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Litwa
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mariusz Papp
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Buoso E, Kenda M, Masi M, Linciano P, Galbiati V, Racchi M, Dolenc MS, Corsini E. Effects of Bisphenols on RACK1 Expression and Their Immunological Implications in THP-1 Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:743991. [PMID: 34621174 PMCID: PMC8490885 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.743991] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) has an important role in immune activation, and is regulated through a balance between glucocorticoid and androgen levels. We have previously demonstrated that RACK1 expression can serve as a marker for evaluation of immunotoxic profiles of hormone-active substances, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In this study, we investigated the effects of three bisphenols (BPA, BPAF, BPS) on RACK1 expression and on the innate immune responses in the THP-1 human promyelocytic cell line, a validated model for this investigation. BPA and BPAF reduced RACK1 promoter transcriptional activity, mRNA expression, and protein levels. However, BPS had the opposite effect. As expected, these results on RACK1 were paralleled by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) production. Since BPA and BPAF induced RACK1 expression in the presence of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone, a role of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been considered due to their known estrogenic profile. Therefore, additional molecular effects of BPA and BPAF were unmasked after treatment with different inhibitors of well-known pivotal players of GPER-mediated signaling. BPA exerted its effects on RACK1 via NF-κB, as shown using the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7085 and NF-κB-specific luciferase reporter assay. Conversely, BPAF induced RACK1 up-regulation via androgen receptor (AR) activation, as confirmed by treatment with AR antagonist flutamide. Indeed, a biased agonism profile for BPA and BPAF for GPER was suggested based on their different binding modes revealed by our molecular docking. Altogether, our data suggest that RACK1 could represent an important target of EDCs and serves as a screening tool for their immunotoxic potential. Furthermore, RACK1 can be exploited to unmask multiple molecular interactions of hormone-active substances to better dissect out their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maša Kenda
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mirco Masi
- Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Corsini
- Università Degli Studi di Milano, Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Milan, Italy
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Bilia AR, Corazziari ES, Govoni S, Mugelli A, Racchi M. Medical Devices Made of Substances: Possible Innovation and Opportunities for Complex Natural Products. Planta Med 2021; 87:1110-1116. [PMID: 34359085 PMCID: PMC8536642 DOI: 10.1055/a-1511-8558] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The novel Regulation 2017/745/EC on medical devices introduces and strengthens the role of "medical devices made of substances", which mostly include substances of natural origin. Natural products may follow different regulations, from food to therapeutics. Concerning their isolated constituents, extracts are characterized by a complexity that is not easily tackled from both a scientific and a regulatory point of view, but more importantly, from a therapeutic point of view. The evidence-based approach applied to isolated molecules requires appropriate evidence of quality, efficacy, and safety. The same needs must be reached for complex substances by finding appropriate methods to generate this evidence, and in addition, defining an appropriate regulatory field for them. From a scientific point of view, new methods, such as those proposed by systems biology, are available and applicable to complex substances. From a regulatory point of view, Directive 2001/83/EC on medicinal products seems to be modeled on single (or combinations of single) molecule products. On the other hand, Regulation 2017/745/EC on medical devices seems to apply to complex substances without derogating on quality, efficacy, and safety. The regulation specifically names and strengthens medical devices that include substances, mostly of natural origin, introducing the official term "medical devices made of substances". This paper discusses and proposes an interpretation of important terms connected to this legislation, regarding both scientific and regulatory issues, and the opportunities the regulation may give for innovation and therapeutic improvement with natural complex substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Bilia
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff,” University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mugelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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9
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Galbiati V, Buoso E, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Paola RD, Morroni F, Nocentini G, Racchi M, Viviani B, Corsini E. Immune and Nervous Systems Interaction in Endocrine Disruptors Toxicity: The Case of Atrazine. Front Toxicol 2021; 3:649024. [PMID: 35295136 PMCID: PMC8915797 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.649024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (ED) are natural and anthropogenic chemicals that can interfere with hormonal systems at different levels. As such, ED-induced alterations in hormone functions have been implicated in many diseases and pathological conditions, including adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, and immunological effects in mammals. The fact that ED may compete with several endogenous hormones for multiple receptors and pathways is not always fully considered. This results in a complex response that depends on the cellular context in terms of receptors and interacting proteins and, thus, may differ between tissues and circumstances. Microglia, neurons, and other immune cells are potential targets and still underappreciated actors in endocrine disruption. Due to the large scale of this topic, this review is not intended to provide a comprehensive review nor a systematic review of chemicals identified as endocrine disruptors. It focuses on the immune-neuro-endocrine network in ED toxicity and research gaps, using atrazine as an example to highlight this complexity and the interrelationship between the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, and ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Galbiati
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Galbiati
| | - Erica Buoso
- Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiana Morroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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10
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Fagiani F, Lanni C, Racchi M, Govoni S. (Dys)regulation of Synaptic Activity and Neurotransmitter Release by β-Amyloid: A Look Beyond Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:635880. [PMID: 33716668 PMCID: PMC7943918 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.635880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Beside its widely studied role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), β-amyloid (Aβ) is a normal and soluble product of neuronal metabolism that regulates several key physiological functions, exerting neuromodulatory effects on synaptic plasticity, memory, and neurotransmitter release. Such effects have been observed to occur in a hormetic fashion, with Aβ exhibiting a dual role influenced by its concentration, the different isoforms, or aggregation forms of the peptide. However, to date, our knowledge about the physiological functions of Aβ and, in particular, its modulatory role on synaptic activity and neurotransmission in the normal brain is fragmentary, thus hindering a clear comprehension of the biological mechanisms underlying the derangement from function to dysfunction. In particular, according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, the switch from physiology to pathology is linked to the abnormal increase in Aβ levels, due to an imbalance in Aβ production and clearance. In this regard, increased Aβ levels have been hypothesized to induce early defects in synaptic function and such alterations have been suggested to account, at least in part, for the onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., apathy, anxiety, changes in mood, depression, and agitation/aggression), frequently observed in the prodromal stage of AD. Therefore, understanding the biological mechanisms underlying early synaptic alterations in AD is a key starting point to frame the relevant time windows for AD treatment and to gain insight into AD etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori - IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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11
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Lanni C, Masi M, Racchi M, Govoni S. Cancer and Alzheimer's disease inverse relationship: an age-associated diverging derailment of shared pathways. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:280-295. [PMID: 32382138 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0760-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies show an inverse association between cancer and Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is debated whether this association is the consequence of biological mechanisms shared by both these conditions or may be related to the pharmacological treatments carried out on the patients. The latter hypothesis, however, is not sustained by the available evidence. Hence, the focus of this review is to analyze common biological mechanisms for both cancer and AD and to build up a biological theory useful to explain the inverse correlation between AD and cancer. The review proposes a hypothesis, according to which several molecular players, prominently PIN1 and p53, have been investigated and considered involved in complex molecular interactions putatively associated with the inverse correlation. On the other hand, p53 involvement in both diseases seems to be a consequence of the aberrant activation of other proteins. Instead, PIN1 may be identified as a novel key regulator at the crossroad between cancer and AD. PIN1 is a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase that catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization, thus regulating the conformation of different protein substrates after phosphorylation and modulating protein function. In particular, trans-conformations of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and tau are functional and "healthy", while cis-conformations, triggered after phosphorylation, are pathogenic. As an example, PIN1 accelerates APP cis-to-trans isomerization thus favoring the non-amyloidogenic pathway, while, in the absence of PIN1, APP is processed through the amyloidogenic pathway, thus predisposing to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, a link between PIN1 and tau regulation has been found, since when PIN1 function is inhibited, tau is hyperphosphorylated. Data from brain specimens of subjects affected by mild cognitive impairment and AD have revealed a very low PIN1 expression. Moreover, polymorphisms in PIN1 promoter correlated with an increased PIN1 expression are associated with a delay of sporadic AD age of onset, while a polymorphism related to a reduced PIN1 expression is associated with a decreased risk of multiple cancers. In the case of dementias, in particular of Alzheimer's disease, new biological markers and targets based on the discussed players can be developed based on a theoretical approach relying on different grounds compared to the past. An unbiased expansion of the rationale and of the targets may help to achieve in the field of neurodegenerative dementias similar advances to those attained in the case of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mirco Masi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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12
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Buoso E, Masi M, Racchi M, Corsini E. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals' (EDCs) Effects on Tumour Microenvironment and Cancer Progression: Emerging Contribution of RACK1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239229. [PMID: 33287384 PMCID: PMC7729595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) can display estrogenic and androgenic effects, and their exposure has been linked to increased cancer risk. EDCs have been shown to directly affect cancer cell regulation and progression, but their influence on tumour microenvironment is still not completely elucidated. In this context, the signalling hub protein RACK1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1) could represent a nexus between cancer and the immune system due to its roles in cancer progression and innate immune activation. Since RACK1 is a relevant EDCs target that responds to steroid-active compounds, it could be considered a molecular bridge between the endocrine-regulated tumour microenvironment and the innate immune system. We provide an analysis of immunomodulatory and cancer-promoting effects of different EDCs in shaping tumour microenvironment, with a final focus on the scaffold protein RACK1 as a pivotal molecular player due to its dual role in immune and cancer contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (M.R.)
- Classe di Scienze Umane e della Vita (SUV), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy;
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13
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Abstract
It is now more than two decades since amyloid-β (Aβ), the proteolytic product of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), was first demonstrated to be a normal and soluble product of neuronal metabolism. To date, despite a growing body of evidence suggests its regulatory role on synaptic function, the exact cellular and molecular pathways involved in Aβ-driven synaptic effects remain elusive. This review provides an overview of the mounting evidence showing Aβ-mediated effects on presynaptic functions and neurotransmitter release from axon terminals, focusing on its interaction with synaptic vesicle cycle. Indeed, Aβ peptides have been found to interact with key presynaptic scaffold proteins and kinases affecting the consequential steps of the synaptic vesicle dynamics (e.g., synaptic vesicles exocytosis, endocytosis, and trafficking). Defects in the fine-tuning of synaptic vesicle cycle by Aβ and deregulation of key molecules and kinases, which orchestrate synaptic vesicle availability, may alter synaptic homeostasis, possibly contributing to synaptic loss and cognitive decline. Elucidating the presynaptic mechanisms by which Aβ regulate synaptic transmission is fundamental for a deeper comprehension of the biology of presynaptic terminals as well as of Aβ-driven early synaptic defects occurring in prodromal stage of AD. Moreover, a better understating of Aβ involvement in cellular signal pathways may allow to set up more effective therapeutic interventions by detecting relevant molecular mechanisms, whose imbalance might ultimately lead to synaptic impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
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14
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Fagiani F, Govoni S, Racchi M, Lanni C. The Peptidyl-prolyl Isomerase Pin1 in Neuronal Signaling: from Neurodevelopment to Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 58:1062-1073. [PMID: 33083964 PMCID: PMC7878263 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 is a unique enzyme catalyzing the isomerization of the peptide bond between phosphorylated serine-proline or threonine-proline motifs in proteins, thereby regulating a wide spectrum of protein functions, including folding, intracellular signaling, transcription, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Pin1 has been reported to act as a key molecular switch inducing cell-type-specific effects, critically depending on the different phosphorylation patterns of its targets within different biological contexts. While its implication in proliferating cells, and, in particular, in the field of cancer, has been widely characterized, less is known about Pin1 biological functions in terminally differentiated and post-mitotic neurons. Notably, Pin1 is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system, where it regulates a variety of neuronal processes, including neuronal development, apoptosis, and synaptic activity. However, despite studies reporting the interaction of Pin1 with neuronal substrates or its involvement in specific signaling pathways, a more comprehensive understanding of its biological functions at neuronal level is still lacking. Besides its implication in physiological processes, a growing body of evidence suggests the crucial involvement of Pin1 in aging and age-related and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, frontotemporal dementias, Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where it mediates profoundly different effects, ranging from neuroprotective to neurotoxic. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of Pin1 neuronal functions may provide relevant information on the consequences of Pin1 deregulation in age-related and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, P.zza Vittoria, 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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15
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Fagiani F, Catanzaro M, Buoso E, Basagni F, Di Marino D, Raniolo S, Amadio M, Frost EH, Corsini E, Racchi M, Fulop T, Govoni S, Rosini M, Lanni C. Targeting Cytokine Release Through the Differential Modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB Pathways by Electrophilic/Non-Electrophilic Compounds. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1256. [PMID: 32922294 PMCID: PMC7456937 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Nrf2 coordinates a multifaceted response to various forms of stress and to inflammatory processes, maintaining a homeostatic intracellular environment. Nrf2 anti-inflammatory activity has been related to the crosstalk with the transcription factor NF-κB, a pivotal mediator of inflammatory responses and of multiple aspects of innate and adaptative immune functions. However, the underlying molecular basis has not been completely clarified. By combining into new chemical entities, the hydroxycinnamoyl motif from curcumin and the allyl mercaptan moiety of garlic organosulfur compounds, we tested a set of molecules, carrying (pro)electrophilic features responsible for the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, as valuable pharmacologic tools to dissect the mechanistic connection between Nrf2 and NF-κB. We investigated whether the activation of the Nrf2 pathway by (pro)electrophilic compounds may interfere with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, during immune stimulation, in a human immortalized monocyte-like cell line (THP-1). The capability of compounds to affect the NF-κB pathway was also evaluated. We assessed the compounds-mediated regulation of cytokine and chemokine release by using Luminex X-MAP® technology in human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon LPS stimulation. We found that all compounds, also in the absence of electrophilic moieties, significantly suppressed the LPS-evoked secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β, but not of IL-8, in THP-1 cells. A reduction in the release of pro-inflammatory mediators similar to that induced by the compounds was also observed after siRNA mediated-Nrf2 knockdown, thus indicating that the attenuation of cytokine secretion cannot be directly ascribed to the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, all compounds, with the exception of compound 1, attenuated the LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway, by reducing the upstream phosphorylation of IκB, the NF-κB nuclear translocation, as well as the activation of NF-κB promoter. In human PBMCs, compound 4 and CURC attenuated TNFα release as observed in THP-1 cells, and all compounds acting as Nrf2 inducers significantly decreased the levels of MCP-1/CCL2, as well as the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12. Altogether, the compounds induced a differential modulation of innate immune cytokine release, by differently regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB intracellular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Catanzaro
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Raniolo
- Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science-Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, CH-Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eric H Frost
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Centre de Recherches Cliniques, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tamas Fulop
- Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Center on Aging, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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16
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Buoso E, Masi M, Long A, Chiappini C, Travelli C, Govoni S, Racchi M. Ribosomes as a nexus between translation and cancer progression: Focus on ribosomal Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) in breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 179:2813-2828. [PMID: 32726469 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomes coordinate spatiotemporal control of gene expression, contributing to the acquisition and maintenance of cancer phenotype. The link between ribosomes and cancer is found in the roles of individual ribosomal proteins in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, including the ribosomal protein, receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). RACK1 regulates cancer cell invasion and is localized in spreading initiation centres, structural adhesion complexes containing RNA binding proteins and poly-adenylated mRNAs that suggest a local translation process. As RACK1 is a ribosomal protein directly involved in translation and in breast cancer progression, we propose a new molecular mechanism for breast cancer cell migration and invasion, which considers the molecular differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cell profiles in order to characterize and provide novel targets for therapeutic strategies. Hence, we provide an analysis on how ribosomes translate cancer progression with a final focus on the ribosomal protein RACK1 in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mirco Masi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Aideen Long
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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17
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Fagiani F, Lanni C, Racchi M, Govoni S. Targeting dementias through cancer kinases inhibition. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) 2020; 6:e12044. [PMID: 32671184 PMCID: PMC7341824 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The failures in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy strongly suggest the importance of reconsidering the research strategies analyzing other mechanisms that may take place in AD as well as, in general, in other neurodegenerative dementias. Taking into account that in AD a variety of defects result in neurotransmitter activity and signaling efficiency imbalance, neuronal cell degeneration and defects in damage/repair systems, aberrant and abortive cell cycle, glial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, a target may be represented by the intracellular signaling machinery provided by the kinome. In particular, based on the observations of a relationship between cancer and AD, we focused on cancer kinases for targeting neurodegeneration, highlighting the importance of targeting the intracellular pathways at the intersection between cell metabolism control/duplication, the inhibition of which may stop a progression in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
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18
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Catanzaro M, Fagiani F, Racchi M, Corsini E, Govoni S, Lanni C. Immune response in COVID-19: addressing a pharmacological challenge by targeting pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:84. [PMID: 32467561 PMCID: PMC7255975 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0191-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 399] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, no vaccines or effective drugs have been approved to prevent or treat COVID-19 and the current standard care relies on supportive treatments. Therefore, based on the fast and global spread of the virus, urgent investigations are warranted in order to develop preventive and therapeutic drugs. In this regard, treatments addressing the immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection have become a major focus. Notably, while a rapid and well-coordinated immune response represents the first line of defense against viral infection, excessive inflammatory innate response and impaired adaptive host immune defense may lead to tissue damage both at the site of virus entry and at systemic level. Several studies highlight relevant changes occurring both in innate and adaptive immune system in COVID-19 patients. In particular, the massive cytokine and chemokine release, the so-called "cytokine storm", clearly reflects a widespread uncontrolled dysregulation of the host immune defense. Although the prospective of counteracting cytokine storm is compelling, a major limitation relies on the limited understanding of the immune signaling pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The identification of signaling pathways altered during viral infections may help to unravel the most relevant molecular cascades implicated in biological processes mediating viral infections and to unveil key molecular players that may be targeted. Thus, given the key role of the immune system in COVID-19, a deeper understanding of the mechanism behind the immune dysregulation might give us clues for the clinical management of the severe cases and for preventing the transition from mild to severe stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Catanzaro
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, P.zza Vittoria, 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Political Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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19
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Buoso E, Masi M, Galbiati V, Maddalon A, Iulini M, Kenda M, Sollner Dolenc M, Marinovich M, Racchi M, Corsini E. Effect of estrogen-active compounds on the expression of RACK1 and immunological implications. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2081-2095. [PMID: 32328699 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02756-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated the existence of a balance among steroid hormones, i.e. glucocorticoids and androgens, in RACK1 (receptor for activated C kinase 1) expression and innate immunity activation, which may offer the opportunity to use RACK1 expression as marker to evaluate immunotoxicity of hormone-active substances. Because of the existence of close interconnections between the different steroid hormone receptors with overlapping ligand specificities and signaling pathways, in this study, we wanted to investigate a possible effect of estrogenic active compounds, namely 17β-estradiol, diethylstilbestrol, and zearalenone, on RACK-1 expression and innate immune responses using THP-1 cells as experimental model. All compounds increased RACK1 transcriptional activity as evaluated by reporter luciferase activity, mRNA expression as assessed by real time-PCR and protein expression by western blot analysis, which paralleled an increase in LPS-induced IL-8, TNF-α production, and CD86 expression, which we previously demonstrated to be dependent on RACK1/PKCβ activation. As the induction of RACK1 expression can be blocked by the antagonist G15, induced by the agonist G1 and by the non-cell permeable 17β-estradiol conjugated with BSA, a role of GPER (previously named GPR30) activation in estrogen-induced RACK1 expression could be demonstrated. In addition, a role of androgen receptor (AR) in RACK1 transcription was also demonstrated by the ability of flutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, to completely prevent diethylstilbestrol-induced RACK1 transcriptional activity and protein expression. Altogether, our data suggest that RACK1 may represent an interesting target of steroid-active compounds, and its evaluation may offer the opportunity to screen the immunotoxic potential of hormone-active substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mirco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Iulini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Maša Kenda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Sollner Dolenc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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Serafini MM, Catanzaro M, Fagiani F, Simoni E, Caporaso R, Dacrema M, Romanoni I, Govoni S, Racchi M, Daglia M, Rosini M, Lanni C. Modulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway by Curcuma- and Garlic-Derived Hybrids. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1597. [PMID: 32047434 PMCID: PMC6997134 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nrf2 is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that binds to the promoter region of the antioxidant response element (ARE), inducing the coordinated up-regulation of antioxidant and detoxification genes. We recently synthesized a set of new molecules by combining the functional moieties of curcumin and diallyl sulfide, both known to induce the expression of antioxidant phase II enzymes by activating Nrf2 pathway. The aim of the study is to investigate the ability of such compounds to activate Keap1/Nrf2/ARE cytoprotective pathway, in comparison with two reference Nrf2-activators: curcumin and dimethyl fumarate, a drug approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, since Nrf2 pathway is known to be regulated also by epigenetic modifications, including key modifications in microRNA (miRNA) expression, the effects of the hybrids on the expression levels of selected miRNAs, associated with Nrf2 signaling pathway have also been investigated. The results show that compounds exert antioxidant effect by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and inducing the ARE-regulated expression of its downstream target genes, such as HO-1 and NQO1, with two hybrids to a higher extent than curcumin. In addition, some molecules induce changes in the expression levels of miR-125b-5p, even if to a lesser extent than curcumin. However, no changes have been observed in the expression levels of mRNA coding for glutathione synthetase, suggesting that the modulation of this mRNA is not strictly under the control of miR-125b-5p, which could be influenced by other miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Maria Serafini
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Simoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Caporaso
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Dacrema
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Romanoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Lanni C, Fagiani F, Racchi M, Preda S, Pascale A, Grilli M, Allegri N, Govoni S. Beta-amyloid short- and long-term synaptic entanglement. Pharmacol Res 2019; 139:243-260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Sardi C, Garetto S, Capone L, Galbiati V, Racchi M, Govoni S, Giovagnoni E, Lucci J. Experimental Paradigm for the Assessment of the Non-pharmacological Mechanism of Action in Medical Device Classification: The Example of Glycerine as Laxative. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1410. [PMID: 30581385 PMCID: PMC6292988 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of medical devices has led to the introduction of medical devices that include "substances" and which, due to their presentation and sites of application may resemble medicinal products. The difference between substance-based medical devices and medicinal products lies in the proper definition of the principal mechanism of action. The major problem at the moment is the lack of a proper procedure for the demonstration of a mechanism that is "not pharmacological, immunological or metabolic." We aimed to design an experimental set up to demonstrate the difference between the mechanism of action of two substances used commonly for the treatment of constipation, lubiprostone (example of medicinal product) and glycerine (example of medical device). By implementing cellular models and molecular analyses we demonstrate the difference in their mechanism of action. This set up can be considered an example on the possibility to define a paradigm for the case by case study of the mechanism of action of substances and combination of substances in medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Valentina Galbiati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policies, Università degli Studi di Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Catanzaro M, Corsini E, Rosini M, Racchi M, Lanni C. Immunomodulators Inspired by Nature: A Review on Curcumin and Echinacea. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112778. [PMID: 30373170 PMCID: PMC6278270 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system is an efficient integrated network of cellular elements and chemicals developed to preserve the integrity of the organism against external insults and its correct functioning and balance are essential to avoid the occurrence of a great variety of disorders. To date, evidence from literature highlights an increase in immunological diseases and a great attention has been focused on the development of molecules able to modulate the immune response. There is an enormous global demand for new effective therapies and researchers are investigating new fields. One promising strategy is the use of herbal medicines as integrative, complementary and preventive therapy. The active components in medical plants have always been an important source of clinical therapeutics and the study of their molecular pharmacology is an enormous challenge since they offer a great chemical diversity with often multi-pharmacological activity. In this review, we mainly analysed the immunomodulatory/antinflammatory activity of Echinacea spp. and Curcuma longa, focusing on some issues of the phytochemical research and on new possible strategies to obtain novel agents to supplement the present therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Catanzaro
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Abstract
Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) pseudosubstrate is a commercially available peptide that directly activates protein kinase C-β (PKCβ). We have recently shown that RACK1 pseudosubstrate, alone or in combination with classical immune activators, results in increased cytokine production and CD86 upregulation in primary leukocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated a role of PKCβ and RACK1 in chemical allergen-induced CD86 expression and IL-8 production in both THP-1 cells and primary human dendritic cells. Aim of this study was to shed light on the mechanisms underlying RACK1 pseudosubstrate-induced immune activation and to compare it to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The human promyelocytic cell line THP-1 was used throughout the study. RACK1 pseudosubstrate induced rapid (5 min) and dose-related PKCβ activation as assessed by its membrane translocation. Among the proteins phosphorylated, we identified Hsp27. Both RACK1 pseudosubstrate and LPS induce its phosphorylation and release in culture medium. The release of Hsp27 induced by RACK1 pseudosubstrate was also confirmed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. To evaluate the role of Hsp27 in RACK1 pseudosubstrate or LPS-induced cell activation, we conducted Hsp27 silencing and neutralization experiments. Both strategies confirmed the central role of Hsp27 in RACK1 pseudosubstrate or LPS-induced cell activation, as assessed by IL-8 production and upregulation of CD86.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Papale
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Kummer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Pinto
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Serafini MM, Catanzaro M, Rosini M, Racchi M, Lanni C. Curcumin in Alzheimer’s disease: Can we think to new strategies and perspectives for this molecule? Pharmacol Res 2017; 124:146-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Simoni E, Serafini MM, Caporaso R, Marchetti C, Racchi M, Minarini A, Bartolini M, Lanni C, Rosini M. Targeting the Nrf2/Amyloid-Beta Liaison in Alzheimer's Disease: A Rational Approach. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1618-1627. [PMID: 28421738 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, a linear linkage between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and the disease onset and progression has recently been questioned. In this context, the crucial partnership between Aβ and Nrf2 pathways is acquiring paramount importance, offering prospects for deciphering the Aβ-centered disease network. Here, we report on a new class of antiaggregating agents rationally designed to simultaneously activate transcription-based antioxidant responses, whose lead 1 showed interesting properties in a preliminary investigation. Relying on the requirements of Aβ recognition, we identified the catechol derivative 12. In SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, 12 combined remarkable free radical scavenger properties to the ability to trigger the Nrf2 pathway and induce the Nrf2-dependent defensive gene NQO1 by means of electrophilic activation of the transcriptional response. Moreover, 12 prevented the formation of cytotoxic stable oligomeric intermediates, being significantly more effective, and per se less toxic, than prototype 1. More importantly, as different chemical features were exploited to regulate Nrf2 and Aβ activities, the two pathways could be tuned independently. These findings point to compound 12 and its derivatives as promising tools for investigating the therapeutic potential of the Nrf2/Aβ cellular network, laying foundation for generating new drug leads to confront AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Simoni
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro
6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Melania M. Serafini
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology
Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, P.zza Vittoria, 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Caporaso
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro
6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro
6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology
Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Minarini
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro
6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro
6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology
Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro
6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Racchi M, Buoso E, Ronfani M, Serafini MM, Galasso M, Lanni C, Corsini E. Role of Hormones in the Regulation of RACK1 Expression as a Signaling Checkpoint in Immunosenescence. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071453. [PMID: 28684670 PMCID: PMC5535944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosenescence defines the decline in immune function that occurs with aging. This has been associated, at least in part, with defective cellular signaling via protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathways. Our data suggest reduced PKC activation and consequently reduced response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and cytokine release. The lack of PKC activation seems to be dependent on the reduced expression of the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), a scaffolding protein involved in multiple signal transduction cascades. The defective expression of RACK1 may be dependent on age-related alteration of the balance between the adrenal hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA levels reduce with aging, while cortisol levels remain substantially unchanged, resulting in an overall increase in the cortisol:DHEA ratio. These hormonal changes are significant in the context of RACK1 expression and signaling function because DHEA administration in vivo and in vitro can restore the levels of RACK1 and the function of the PKC signaling cascade in aged animals and in human cells. In contrast, there is evidence that cortisol can act as a negative transcriptional regulator of RACK1 expression. The rack1 gene promoter contains a glucocorticoid responsive element that is also involved in androgen signaling. Furthermore DHEA may have an indirect influence on the post-transcriptional regulation of the functions of the glucocorticoid receptor. In this review, we will examine the role of the hormonal regulation of rack1 gene transcriptional regulation and the consequences on signaling and function in immune cells and immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Melania Ronfani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Melania M Serafini
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marilisa Galasso
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Buoso E, Galasso M, Ronfani M, Papale A, Galbiati V, Eberini I, Marinovich M, Racchi M, Corsini E. The scaffold protein RACK1 is a target of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with important implication in immunity. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 325:37-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Buoso E, Galasso M, Ronfani M, Serafini MM, Lanni C, Corsini E, Racchi M. Role of spliceosome proteins in the regulation of glucocorticoid receptor isoforms by cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone. Pharmacol Res 2017; 120:180-187. [PMID: 28373129 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can counteract the activity of cortisol by modulating the glucocorticoid receptor β (GRβ) expression and antagonizing the binding of GRα to the glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE) in RACK1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1) promoter. These observations are important in the context of immunosenescence and can be extended to recognize a complex hormonal balance in the control of GR isoform expression and consequently in the expression of GR responsive genes. To elucidate the mechanism of DHEA on GR alternative splicing, we investigated its possible involvement in the expression of proteins such as the Serine/arginine (SR)-Rich Splicing Factors (SRSF) regulating GR splicing, specifically SRSF9 and SRSF3 also known as SRp30c and SRp20 respectively. We demonstrated that DHEA can induce the up-regulation of GR mRNA which is preferentially directed toward the β isoform. The effect is due to an increase in expression of the splicing factor SRSF9. On the other hand cortisol up-regulated SRSF3, the splicing factor promoting GRα isoform. We demonstrated that DHEA and cortisol modulate SRSF9 and SRSF3 in a different way and our data suggest that the anti-glucocorticoid effect of DHEA, among other mechanisms, is also exerted by modulating the expression of proteins involved in the splicing of the GR pre-mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco - Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marilisa Galasso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco - Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Melania Ronfani
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco - Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco - Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria n.15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco - Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco - Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Racchi M, Govoni S, Lucchelli A, Capone L, Giovagnoni E. Insights into the definition of terms in European medical device regulation. Expert Rev Med Devices 2016; 13:907-917. [DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2016.1224644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adele Lucchelli
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Capone
- Aboca S.p.A., Regulatory Division, Sansepolcro (AR), Italy
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Corsini E, Galbiati V, Papale A, Kummer E, Pinto A, Serafini MM, Guaita A, Spezzano R, Caruso D, Marinovich M, Racchi M. Role of androgens in dhea-induced rack1 expression and cytokine modulation in monocytes. Immun Ageing 2016; 13:20. [PMID: 27239218 PMCID: PMC4884617 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-016-0075-y] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Over the past fifteen years, we have demonstrated that cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have opposite effects on the regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the context of the immune system. The anti-glucocorticoid effect of DHEA is also related to the regulation of splicing of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), promoting the expression of GRβ isoform, which acts as a negative dominant form on GRα activity. Moreover, it is very well known that DHEA can be metabolized to androgens like testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and its metabolites 3α-diol and 3β-diol, which exert their function through the binding of the androgen receptor (AR). Based on this knowledge, and on early observation that castrated animals show results similar to those observed in old animals, the purpose of this study is to investigate the role of androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) in DHEA-induced expression of the PKC signaling molecule RACK1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1) and cytokine production in monocytes. Results Here we demonstrated the ability of the anti-androgen molecule, flutamide, to counteract the stimulatory effects of DHEA on RACK1 and GRβ expression, and cytokine production. In both THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), flutamide blocked the effects of DHEA, suggesting a role of the AR in these effects. As DHEA is not considered a direct AR agonist, we investigated the metabolism of DHEA in THP-1 cells. We evaluated the ability of testosterone, DHT, and androstenedione to induce RACK1 expression and cytokine production. In analogy to DHEA, an increase in RACK1 expression and in LPS-induced IL–8 and TNF–α production was observed after treatment with these selected androgens. Finally, the silencing of AR with siRNA completely prevented DHEA-induced RACK1 mRNA expression, supporting the idea that AR is involved in DHEA effects. Conclusions We demonstrated that the conversion of DHEA to active androgens, which act via AR, is a key mechanism in the effect of DHEA on RACK1 expression and monocyte activation. This data supports the existence of a complex hormonal balance in the control of immune modulation, which can be further studied in the context of immunosenescence and endocrinosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Papale
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Kummer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Pinto
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, Pavia, 27100 Italy
| | - Melania M Serafini
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, Pavia, 27100 Italy
| | | | - Roberto Spezzano
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory "Giovanni Galli", DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory "Giovanni Galli", DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, Pavia, 27100 Italy
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Prati F, De Simone A, Armirotti A, Summa M, Pizzirani D, Scarpelli R, Bertozzi SM, Perez DI, Andrisano V, Perez-Castillo A, Monti B, Massenzio F, Polito L, Racchi M, Sabatino P, Bottegoni G, Martinez A, Cavalli A, Bolognesi ML. 3,4-Dihydro-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-ones as the First Dual BACE-1/GSK-3β Fragment Hits against Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1665-82. [PMID: 26171616 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main obstacles toward the discovery of effective anti-Alzheimer drugs is the multifactorial nature of its etiopathology. Therefore, the use of multitarget-directed ligands has emerged as particularly suitable. Such ligands, able to modulate different neurodegenerative pathways, for example, amyloid and tau cascades, as well as cognitive and neurogenic functions, are fostered to come. In this respect, we report herein on the first class of BACE-1/GSK-3β dual inhibitors based on a 3,4-dihydro-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-one skeleton, whose hit compound 1 showed interesting properties in a preliminary investigation. Notably, compound 2, endowed with well-balanced potencies against the two isolated enzymes (IC50 of 16 and 7 μM against BACE-1 and GSK-3β, respectively), displayed effective neuroprotective and neurogenic activities and no neurotoxicity in cell-based assays. It also showed good brain permeability in a pharmacokinetic assessment in mice. Overall, triazinone derivatives, thanks to the simultaneous modulation of multiple points of the diseased network, might emerge as suitable candidates to be tested in in vivo Alzheimer's disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Prati
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechonology, University of Bologna, via Belmeloro
6/Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela De Simone
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto
237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Summa
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Pizzirani
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Rita Scarpelli
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Sine Mandrup Bertozzi
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Daniel I. Perez
- Centro de Investigaciones
Biologicas, CIB-CSIC, Ramiro de Maetzu
9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vincenza Andrisano
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto
237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Ana Perez-Castillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones
Biomédicas, CSIC-UAM, Arturo
Duperier, 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Nicolás
Cabrera, 1, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechonology, University of Bologna, via Belmeloro
6/Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechonology, University of Bologna, via Belmeloro
6/Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Letizia Polito
- Fondazione Golgi
Cenci, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department
of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology, University of Pavia, viale Taramelli
12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Piera Sabatino
- Department
of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottegoni
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones
Biologicas, CIB-CSIC, Ramiro de Maetzu
9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Department
of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechonology, University of Bologna, via Belmeloro
6/Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria L. Bolognesi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechonology, University of Bologna, via Belmeloro
6/Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Necchi D, Pinto A, Tillhon M, Dutto I, Serafini MM, Lanni C, Govoni S, Racchi M, Prosperi E. Defective DNA repair and increased chromatin binding of DNA repair factors in Down syndrome fibroblasts. Mutat Res 2015; 780:15-23. [PMID: 26258283 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by genetic instability, neurodegeneration, and premature aging. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to this phenotype are not yet well understood. Here, we report that DS fibroblasts from both fetal and adult donors show the presence of oxidative DNA base damage, such as dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxodG), and activation of a DNA damage response (DDR), already during unperturbed growth conditions. DDR with checkpoint activation was indicated by histone H2AX and Chk2 protein phosphorylation, and by increased p53 protein levels. In addition, both fetal and adult DS fibroblasts were more sensitive to oxidative DNA damage induced by potassium bromate, and were defective in the removal of 8-oxodG, as compared with age-matched cells from control healthy donors. The analysis of core proteins participating in base excision repair (BER), such as XRCC1 and DNA polymerase β, showed that higher amounts of these factors were bound to chromatin in DS than in control cells, even in the absence of DNA damage. These findings occurred in concomitance with increased levels of phosphorylated XRCC1 detected in DS cells. These results indicate that DS cells exhibit a BER deficiency, which is associated with prolonged chromatin association of core BER factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Necchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Antonella Pinto
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Micol Tillhon
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the National Research Council (CNR), 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Dutto
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the National Research Council (CNR), 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ennio Prosperi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the National Research Council (CNR), 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Corsini E, Galbiati V, Pinto A, Davin A, Polito L, Guaita A, Racchi M. Immunostimulatory effects of RACK1 pseudosubstrate in human leukocytes obtained from young and old donors. Oncotarget 2015; 6:6524-34. [PMID: 25779661 PMCID: PMC4466631 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims of this study were to investigate the ability of RACK1 pseudosubstrate alone or in combination with classical immune stimuli to activate human leukocytes, and to restore age-associated immune defects.A total of 25 donors (17 old donors, 77-79 yrs; 8 young donors, 25-34 yrs) were enrolled. To evaluate the effect of RACK1 pseudosubstrate on cytokine production and CD86 expression the whole blood assay was used. Cultures were treated with RACK1 pseudosubstrate in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and incubated for 24 h or 48 h for LPS-induced CD86 expression, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 production, and PHA-induced IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, respectively. RACK1 pseudosubstrate alone induced IL-6, IL-8, and CD86 expression in both young and old donors, and IFN-γ in old donors. In combination with LPS an increase in IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α was observed, also resulting in restoration of age-associated defective production, while no changes in the other parameters investigated were found.Even if based on a small sample size, these results suggest the possibility to by-pass some of age-associated immune alterations, which may be beneficial in situations were natural immune stimulation is required, and highlight a different role of PKCβ in immune cells activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Pinto
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Pinto A, Malacrida B, Oieni J, Serafini MM, Davin A, Galbiati V, Corsini E, Racchi M. DHEA modulates the effect of cortisol on RACK1 expression via interference with the splicing of the glucocorticoid receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2918-27. [PMID: 25626076 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is thought to be an anti-glucocorticoid hormone known to be fully functional in young people but deficient in aged humans. Our previous data suggest that DHEA not only counteracts the effect of cortisol on RACK1 expression, a protein required both for the correct functioning of immune cells and for PKC-dependent pathway activation, but also modulates the inhibitory effect of cortisol on LPS-induced cytokine production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DHEA on the splicing mechanism of the human glucocorticoid receptor (GR). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The THP1 monocytic cell line was used as a cellular model. Cytokine production was measured by specific elisa. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR were used, where appropriate, to determine the effect of DHEA on GRs, serine/arginine-rich proteins (SRp), and RACK1 protein and mRNA. Small-interfering RNA was used to down-regulate GRβ. KEY RESULTS DHEA induced a dose-related up-regulation of GRβ and GRβ knockdown completely prevented DHEA-induced RACK1 expression and modulation of cytokine release. Moreover, we showed that DHEA influenced the expression of some components of the SRps found within the spliceosome, the main regulators of the alternative splicing of the GR gene. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data contribute to our understanding of the mechanism of action of DHEA and its effect on the immune system and as an anti-glucocorticoid agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Pinto
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Malacrida
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Oieni
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, DiSFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences - Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Prati F, De Simone A, Bisignano P, Armirotti A, Summa M, Pizzirani D, Scarpelli R, Perez DI, Andrisano V, Perez-Castillo A, Monti B, Massenzio F, Polito L, Racchi M, Favia AD, Bottegoni G, Martinez A, Bolognesi ML, Cavalli A. Multitarget drug discovery for Alzheimer's disease: triazinones as BACE-1 and GSK-3β inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 54:1578-82. [PMID: 25504761 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201410456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative evidence strongly supports that the amyloid and tau hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, but concomitantly contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, the development of multitarget drugs which are involved in both pathways might represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Accordingly, reported here in is the discovery of 6-amino-4-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-ones as the first class of molecules able to simultaneously modulate BACE-1 and GSK-3β. Notably, one triazinone showed well-balanced in vitro potencies against the two enzymes (IC50 of (18.03±0.01) μM and (14.67±0.78) μM for BACE-1 and GSK-3β, respectively). In cell-based assays, it displayed effective neuroprotective and neurogenic activities and no neurotoxicity. It also showed good brain permeability in a preliminary pharmacokinetic assessment in mice. Overall, triazinones might represent a promising starting point towards high quality lead compounds with an AD-modifying potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Prati
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, D3 via Morego 30, 16163 Genova (Italy); Department of Pharmacy and Biotechonology, University of Bologna via Belmeloro 6/Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna (Italy)
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Prati F, De Simone A, Bisignano P, Armirotti A, Summa M, Pizzirani D, Scarpelli R, Perez DI, Andrisano V, Perez-Castillo A, Monti B, Massenzio F, Polito L, Racchi M, Favia AD, Bottegoni G, Martinez A, Bolognesi ML, Cavalli A. Multitarget Drug Discovery for Alzheimer's Disease: Triazinones as BACE-1 and GSK-3β Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201410456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Polito L, Davin A, Vaccaro R, Abbondanza S, Govoni S, Racchi M, Guaita A. Serotonin transporter polymorphism modifies the association between depressive symptoms and sleep onset latency complaint in elderly people: results from the ‘InveCe.Ab’ study. J Sleep Res 2014; 24:215-22. [DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stefano Govoni
- Golgi Cenci Foundation; Abbiategrasso Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology; University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Golgi Cenci Foundation; Abbiategrasso Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology; University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
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Govoni S, Mura E, Preda S, Racchi M, Lanni C, Grilli M, Zappettini S, Salamone A, Olivero G, Pittaluga A, Marchi M. Dangerous Liaisons between Beta-Amyloid and Cholinergic Neurotransmission. Curr Pharm Des 2014; 20:2525-38. [DOI: 10.2174/13816128113199990503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Buoso E, Biundo F, Lanni C, Aiello S, Grossi S, Schettini G, Govoni S, Racchi M. Modulation of Rack-1/PKCβII signalling by soluble AβPPα in SH-SY5Y cells. Curr Alzheimer Res 2014; 10:697-705. [PMID: 23905995 DOI: 10.2174/15672050113109990145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The soluble amyloid β precursor protein α (sAβPPα) released after α-secretase cleavage of the amyloid β precursor protein (AβPP) has several functions including modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity; it has been suggested that some of these effects are mediated by activation of NF-κB via induction of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We have recently described the presence of several consensus binding sites of c-Rel transcription factor in the promoter region of the GNB2L1 gene, coding for the Receptor for Activated C Kinase -1 (RACK-1). We investigated whether sAβPPα could influence the expression of RACK-1 through NF-κB involvement. Our data demonstrate that sAβPPα regulates RACK-1 gene expression through PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway, inducing c-Rel nuclear translocation and NF-κB activation. Since RACK-1 is the scaffold of protein kinase C βII (PKCβII), we turned our attention to this kinase in order to evaluate whether sAβPPα could also influence PKCβII signalling demonstrating that sAβPPα induces PKCβII translocation and interaction with its scaffold with consequent RACK-1/PKCβII complex increase in membrane. Altogether these results suggest the existence of an interesting loop between the functions of the metabolic products of AβPP and the role of PKC and that the impact of a dysregulated AβPP metabolism occurring in several conditions (from physiological aging to injury response) may have consequences on the potential protective functions of the non amyloidogenic sAβPPα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences- Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Corsini E, Galbiati V, Esser PR, Pinto A, Racchi M, Marinovich M, Martin SF, Galli CL. Role of PKC-β in chemical allergen-induced CD86 expression and IL-8 release in THP-1 cells. Arch Toxicol 2013; 88:415-24. [PMID: 24136171 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated an age-related decrease in receptor for activated C-kinase (RACK-1) expression and functional deficit in Langerhans cells' responsiveness. This defect specifically involves the translocation of protein kinase C (PKC)-β. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of RACK-1 and PKC-β in chemical allergen-induced CD86 expression and IL-8 release in the human promyelocytic cell line THP-1 and primary human dendritic cells (DC). Dinitrochlorobenzene, p-phenylenediamine and diethyl maleate were used as contact allergens. The selective cell-permeable inhibitor of PKC-β and the broad PKC inhibitor GF109203X completely prevented chemical allergen- or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CD86 expression and significantly modulated IL-8 release (50 % reduction). The selective cell-permeable inhibitor of PKC-ε (also known to bind to RACK-1) failed to modulate allergen- or LPS-induced CD86 expression or allergen-induced IL-8 release, while modulating LPS-induced IL-8 release. The use of a RACK-1 pseudosubstrate, which directly activates PKC-β, resulted in dose-related increase in CD86 expression and IL-8 release. Similar results were obtained with human DC, confirming the relevance of results obtained in THP-1 cells. Overall, our findings demonstrate the role of PKC-β and RACK-1 in allergen-induced CD86 expression and IL-8 production, supporting a central role of PKC-β in the initiation of chemical allergen-induced DC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy,
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Lanni C, Garbin G, Lisa A, Biundo F, Ranzenigo A, Sinforiani E, Cuzzoni G, Govoni S, Ranzani GN, Racchi M. Influence of COMT Val158Met polymorphism on Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment in Italian patients. J Alzheimers Dis 2013; 32:919-26. [PMID: 22890094 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2012-120358] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
COMT (Catechol-O methyltransferase) gene is one of the key players in synaptic plasticity and in learning and memory mechanisms. A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4680; G to A) in the COMT coding region causes Val158Met aminoacid substitution in the corresponding protein, with Val allele exhibiting a 3- to 4-fold increase in enzyme activity compared to Met. With the purpose of examining the influence of COMT as a genetic risk factor for cognitive impairment, we analyzed a sample of 248 healthy subjects, 276 patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 70 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the latter condition possibly representing a prodrome for dementia. All subjects were analyzed for COMT rs4680 polymorphism and APOE genotype. Our study strengthens data showing that APOE ε4 allele is an independent risk factor for AD and also a risk factor for MCI. Neither COMT alleles nor genotypes proved to be independently associated with the risk of AD or MCI in our sample. However, we found an association between COMT GG genotype (Val/Val) and APOE ε4 carrier status and the risk of AD and MCI. In particular, when GG genotype is included into the multinomial analysis, the risk of AD and MCI due to APOE ε4 allele is increased of about 2-3 fold; moreover, the risk conferred by the combination of G and ε4 alleles is more pronounced in male patients. To our knowledge, this synergistic effect is here shown for the first time on a population sample representative of Caucasian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Mura E, Govoni S, Racchi M, Carossa V, Ranzani GN, Allegri M, van Schaik RH. Consequences of the 118A>G polymorphism in the OPRM1 gene: translation from bench to bedside? J Pain Res 2013; 6:331-53. [PMID: 23658496 PMCID: PMC3645947 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s42040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 118A>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene has been the most described variant in pharmacogenetic studies regarding opioid drugs. Despite evidence for an altered biological function encoded by this variant, this knowledge is not yet utilized clinically. The aim of the present review was to collect and discuss the available information on the 118A>G SNP in the OPRM1 gene, at the molecular level and in its clinical manifestations. In vitro biochemical and molecular assays have shown that the variant receptor has higher binding affinity for β-endorphins, that it has altered signal transduction cascade, and that it has a lower expression compared with wild-type OPRM1. Studies using animal models for 118A>G have revealed a double effect of the variant receptor, with an apparent gain of function with respect to the response to endogenous opioids but a loss of function with exogenous administered opioid drugs. Although patients with this variant have shown a lower pain threshold and a higher drug consumption in order to achieve the analgesic effect, clinical experiences have demonstrated that patients carrying the variant allele are not affected by the increased opioid consumption in terms of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mura
- Department of Drug Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Lanni C, Necchi D, Pinto A, Buoso E, Buizza L, Memo M, Uberti D, Govoni S, Racchi M. Zyxin is a novel target for β-amyloid peptide: characterization of its role in Alzheimer's pathogenesis. J Neurochem 2013; 125:790-9. [PMID: 23330981 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Zyxin is an adaptor protein recently identified as a novel regulator of the homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2)-p53 signaling in response to DNA damage. We recently reported an altered conformational state of p53 in tissues from patients with Alzheimer 's disease (AD), because of a deregulation of HIPK2 activity, leading to an impaired and dysfunctional response to stressors. Here, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the deregulation of HIPK2 activity in two cellular models, HEK-293 cells and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells differentiated with retinoic acid over-expressing the amyloid precursor protein, focusing on the evidence that zyxin expression is important to maintain HIPK2 protein stability. We demonstrated that both beta-amyloid (Aβ) 1-40 and 1-42 induce zyxin deregulation, thus affecting the transcriptional repressor activity of HIPK2 onto its target promoter, metallothionein 2A, which is in turn responsible for the induction of an altered conformational state of p53. We demonstrate for the first time that zyxin is a novel target of Aβ activities in AD. These results may help the studies on the pathogenesis of AD, through the fine dissection of events related to beta-amyloid activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Lanni C, Racchi M, Govoni S. Do we need pharmacogenetics to personalize antidepressant therapy? Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 70:3327-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Stanga S, Lanni C, Sinforiani E, Mazzini G, Racchi M. Searching for Predictive Blood Biomarkers: Misfolded p53 In Mild Cognitive Impairment. Curr Alzheimer Res 2012; 9:1191-7. [DOI: 10.2174/156720512804142886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Buoso E, Biundo F, Lanni C, Schettini G, Govoni S, Racchi M. AβPP intracellular C-terminal domain function is related to its degradation processes. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 30:393-405. [PMID: 22451313 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2012-111961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) can be processed by either the amyloidogenic or the non-amyloidogenic pathway; both pathways lead to release of the AβPP intracellular C-terminal domain (AICD). AICD involvement in signal transduction within Fe65/Tip60 complex is one of the most discussed mechanisms, and different models have been hypothesized to explain the role of AICD within this complex. The analysis of these models in relation to the degradation processes highlights the discrepancy among AICD localization, function, and degradation, leading to the hypothesis that a signaling mechanism may exist which allows AβPP proteolysis to generate either a transcriptionally active fragment or an inactive one with different involvement of proteasome and IDE (insulin-degrading enzyme). Our work aimed to analyze the functional role of AICD within the Fe65/Tip60 complex considering the AICD degradation processes. Our data suggest a correlation between the role of AICD in gene regulation and its removal operated by proteasome activity. Moreover, treatments with IDE inhibitor underlined the presence of an alternative mechanism involved in AICD removal when the latter is not exerting nuclear activity, thus providing clearer support for the existence of at least two mechanisms as previously suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Unit, Center of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Racchi M, Buoso E, Biundo F, Schettini G, Lanni C, Govoni S. P4‐028: Study of the coordinated functions of the amyloid precursor protein proteolyic products. Alzheimers Dement 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2012.05.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Racchi
- University of PaviaDepartment of Drug SciencesPharmacology UnitPaviaItaly
| | - Erica Buoso
- University of PaviaDepartment of Drug SciencesPaviaItaly
| | | | | | - Cristina Lanni
- University of PaviaDepartment of Drug SciencesPaviaItaly
| | - Stefano Govoni
- University of PaviaDepartment of Drug SciencesPaviaItaly
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Lanni C, Racchi M, Memo M, Govoni S, Uberti D. p53 at the crossroads between cancer and neurodegeneration. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:1727-33. [PMID: 22387179 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aging, dementia, and cancer share a critical set of altered cellular functions in response to DNA damage, genotoxic stress, and other insults. Recent data suggest that the molecular machinery involved in maintaining neural function in neurodegenerative disease may be shared with oncogenic pathways. Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases may be influenced by common signaling pathways regulating the balance of cell survival versus death, a decision often governed by checkpoint proteins. This paper focuses on one such protein, p53, which represents one of the most extensively studied proteins because of its role in cancer prevention and which, furthermore, has been recently shown to be involved in aging and Alzheimer disease (AD). The contribution of a conformational change in p53 to aging and neurodegenerative processes has yet to be elucidated. In this review we discuss the multiple functions of p53 and how these correlate between cancer and neurodegeneration, focusing on various factors that may have a role in regulating p53 activity. The observation that aging and AD interfere with proteins controlling duplication and cell cycle may lead to the speculation that, in senescent neurons, aberrations in proteins generally dealing with cell cycle control and apoptosis could affect neuronal plasticity and functioning rather than cell duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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