1
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Scicchitano S, Faniello MC, Mesuraca M. Zinc Finger 521 Modulates the Nrf2-Notch Signaling Pathway in Human Ovarian Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14755. [PMID: 37834202 PMCID: PMC10572470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The human zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521) is a co-transcriptional factor with multiple recognized regulatory functions in a range of normal, cancer and stem cell compartments. ZNF521 regulates proliferation, progression and CSC (cancer stem cell) compartments in human ovarian cancer (hOC), which is a very aggressive and late-diagnosed female tumor. Two other important regulators of hOC are the NRF2 and NOTCH signaling pathways. In the present paper, the mRNA and protein levels of ZNF521 were correlated with those of the NRF2-NOTCH signaling components in two different hOC cell lines and in a public dataset of 381 hOC patients. The data show that high levels of ZNF521 significantly increase NRF2-NOTCH signaling expression; conversely, the silencing of ZNF521 impairs NRF2-NOTCH signaling. This experimental work shows that, in hOC, different levels of ZNF521 modulate the NRF2-NOTCH signaling pathway and also influences hOC CSC properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scicchitano
- Research Center of Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Concetta Faniello
- Research Center of Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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2
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Gallo Cantafio ME, Torcasio R, Scionti F, Mesuraca M, Ronchetti D, Pistoni M, Bellizzi D, Passarino G, Morelli E, Neri A, Viglietto G, Amodio N. GPER1 Activation Exerts Anti-Tumor Activity in Multiple Myeloma. Cells 2023; 12:2226. [PMID: 37759449 PMCID: PMC10526814 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) activation is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy against several cancer types. While GPER targeting has been widely studied in the context of solid tumors, its effect on hematological malignancies remains to be fully understood. Here, we show that GPER1 mRNA is down-regulated in plasma cells from overt multiple myeloma (MM) and plasma cell leukemia patients as compared to normal donors or pre-malignant conditions (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering MM); moreover, lower GPER1 expression associates with worse overall survival of MM patients. Using the clinically applicable GPER1-selective agonist G-1, we demonstrate that the pharmacological activation of GPER1 triggered in vitro anti-MM activity through apoptosis induction, also overcoming the protective effects exerted by bone marrow stromal cells. Noteworthy, G-1 treatment reduced in vivo MM growth in two distinct xenograft models, even bearing bortezomib-resistant MM cells. Mechanistically, G-1 upregulated the miR-29b oncosuppressive network, blunting an established miR-29b-Sp1 feedback loop operative in MM cells. Overall, this study highlights the druggability of GPER1 in MM, providing the first preclinical framework for further development of GPER1 agonists to treat this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Gallo Cantafio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.E.G.C.); (R.T.); (M.M.); (G.V.)
| | - Roberta Torcasio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.E.G.C.); (R.T.); (M.M.); (G.V.)
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.E.G.C.); (R.T.); (M.M.); (G.V.)
| | - Domenica Ronchetti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mariaelena Pistoni
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Dina Bellizzi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (D.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (D.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Eugenio Morelli
- Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Antonino Neri
- Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Viglietto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.E.G.C.); (R.T.); (M.M.); (G.V.)
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.E.G.C.); (R.T.); (M.M.); (G.V.)
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3
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Mesuraca M, Nisticò C, Chiarella E. Editorial to the Special Issue "Recent Advances in Biochemical Mechanisms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia". Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051339. [PMID: 37239010 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal malignant disorder of myeloid progenitor cells characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, dysregulation in the differentiation program, and inhibition of apoptosis mechanisms [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Clelia Nisticò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS and Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Strada Provinciale 142, km 3.95, Candiolo, 10060 Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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4
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Di Vito A, Bria J, Antonelli A, Mesuraca M, Barni T, Giudice A, Chiarella E. A Review of Novel Strategies for Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell Ex Vivo Expansion: Are They an Evidence-Based Promise for Regenerative Periodontal Therapy? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097798. [PMID: 37175504 PMCID: PMC10178011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis is a gingiva disease sustained by microbially associated and host-mediated inflammation that results in the loss of the connective periodontal tissues, including periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Symptoms include swollen gingiva, tooth loss and, ultimately, ineffective mastication. Clinicians utilize regenerative techniques to rebuild and recover damaged periodontal tissues, especially in advanced periodontitis. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are considered an appealing source of stem cells for regenerative therapy in periodontium. hPDLSCs manifest the main properties of mesenchymal stem cells, including the ability to self-renew and to differentiate in mesodermal cells. Significant progress has been made for clinical application of hPDLSCs; nevertheless, some problems remain, including the small number of cells isolated from each sample. In recent decades, hPDLSC ex vivo expansion and differentiation have been improved by modifying cell culture conditions, especially with the supplementation of cytokines' or growth factors' mix, chemicals, and natural compounds, or by using the decellularized extracellular matrix. Here, we analyzed the changes in stemness properties and differentiation potential of hPDLSCs when culturing in alternative media. In addition, we focused on the possibility of replacing FBS with human emoderivates to minimize the risks of xenoimmunization or zoonotic transmission when cells are expanded for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Vito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Bria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Health Science, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tullio Barni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Amerigo Giudice
- Department of Health Science, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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5
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Mesuraca M, Nisticò C, Lombardo N, Piazzetta GL, Lobello N, Chiarella E. Cellular and Biochemical Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Killian Nasal Polyp. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113214. [PMID: 36362001 PMCID: PMC9656559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Killian’s (antrochoanal) polyp is a unilateral nasal polypoid lesion of the maxillary sinus especially affecting children and young adults with unilateral nasal obstruction, pus discharge, and headache. Although its etiology is unclear, chronic inflammation, autoreactivity, allergies, and viral infections are implicated in its formation and development, causing nasal tissue remodeling. In this context, we isolated and cultured mesenchymal stem cells from surgical biopsies of three patients with Killian nasal polyp (KNP-MSCs) while healthy nasal tissue (HNT-MSCs) was used as control. Our results demonstrated that KNP-MSCs exhibited reduced cell proliferation compared to HNT-MSCs, and migrated less than the control, showing a partial epithelial phenotype with low mRNA levels of I-CAM and a significant increase of E-cad. Subsequently, both MSCs were induced to osteoblastic or adipocyte differentiation for up to 20 days. KNP-MSCs underwent to differentiate into osteoblasts but exhibited reduced ALP activity and calcium deposits and low mRNA levels of osteogenesis-associated genes compared to osteogenic induced-HNT-MSCs. Conversely, KNP-MSCs and HNT-MSCs have shown the same adipogenic differentiation potential, with a similar lipid droplet amount, adipocyte gene expression, and triacylglycerols content. Taken together, these results first demonstrated the cellular and molecular characterization of MSCs derived from the Killian nasal polyp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Clelia Nisticò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lucia Piazzetta
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Lobello
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (E.C.)
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6
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Scicchitano S, Montalcini Y, Lucchino V, Melocchi V, Gigantino V, Chiarella E, Bianchi F, Weisz A, Mesuraca M. Enhanced ZNF521 expression induces an aggressive phenotype in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274785. [PMID: 36191006 PMCID: PMC9529122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological tumor, that almost inevitably relapses and develops chemo-resistance. A better understanding of molecular events underlying the biological behavior of this tumor, as well as identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are the prerequisite to improve its clinical management. ZNF521 gene amplifications are present in >6% of OCs and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that it may play an important role in OC. Increased ZNF521 expression resulted in an enhancement of OC HeyA8 and ES-2 cell growth and motility. Analysis of RNA isolated from transduced cells by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR revealed that several genes involved in growth, proliferation, migration and tumor invasiveness are differentially expressed following increased ZNF521 expression. The data illustrate a novel biological role of ZNF521 in OC that, thanks to the early and easy detection by RNA-Seq, can be used as biomarker for identification and treatment of OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (SS); (MM)
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Melocchi
- Unit of Cancer Biomarkers, Fondazione IRCCS–Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Valerio Gigantino
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Cancer Biomarkers, Fondazione IRCCS–Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health, University of Salerno Campus, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (SS); (MM)
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7
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Chiarella E, Aloisio A, Scicchitano S, Todoerti K, Cosentino EG, Lico D, Neri A, Amodio N, Bond HM, Mesuraca M. ZNF521 Enhances MLL-AF9-Dependent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transformation in Acute Myeloid Leukemias by Altering the Gene Expression Landscape. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910814. [PMID: 34639154 PMCID: PMC8509509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910814] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemias derived from the MLL-AF9 rearrangement rely on dysfunctional transcriptional networks. ZNF521, a transcription co-factor implicated in the control of hematopoiesis, has been proposed to sustain leukemic transformation in collaboration with other oncogenes. Here, we demonstrate that ZNF521 mRNA levels correlate with specific genetic aberrations: in particular, the highest expression is observed in AMLs bearing MLL rearrangements, while the lowest is detected in AMLs with FLT3-ITD, NPM1, or CEBPα double mutations. In cord blood-derived CD34+ cells, enforced expression of ZNF521 provides a significant proliferative advantage and enhances MLL-AF9 effects on the induction of proliferation and the expansion of leukemic progenitor cells. Transcriptome analysis of primary CD34+ cultures displayed subsets of genes up-regulated by MLL-AF9 or ZNF521 single transgene overexpression as well as in MLL-AF9/ZNF521 combinations, at either the early or late time points of an in vitro leukemogenesis model. The silencing of ZNF521 in the MLL-AF9 + THP-1 cell line coherently results in an impairment of growth and clonogenicity, recapitulating the effects observed in primary cells. Taken together, these results underscore a role for ZNF521 in sustaining the self-renewal of the immature AML compartment, most likely through the perturbation of the gene expression landscape, which ultimately favors the expansion of MLL-AF9-transformed leukemic clones.
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MESH Headings
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics
- Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/metabolism
- Nucleophosmin
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Survival Rate
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
| | - Katia Todoerti
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (K.T.); (A.N.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela G. Cosentino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Exiris S.r.l., 00128 Roma, Italy
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Research Centre Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela Lico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonino Neri
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (K.T.); (A.N.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
| | - Heather Mandy Bond
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.A.); (S.S.); (E.G.C.); (N.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
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8
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Nisticò C, Pagliari F, Chiarella E, Fernandes Guerreiro J, Marafioti MG, Aversa I, Genard G, Hanley R, Garcia-Calderón D, Bond HM, Mesuraca M, Tirinato L, Spadea MF, Seco JC. Lipid Droplet Biosynthesis Impairment through DGAT2 Inhibition Sensitizes MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells to Radiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10102. [PMID: 34576263 PMCID: PMC8466244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide and late diagnosis often adversely affects the prognosis of the disease. Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat breast cancer, reducing the risk of recurrence after surgery. However, the eradication of radioresistant cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, remains the main challenge of radiotherapy. Recently, lipid droplets (LDs) have been proposed as functional markers of cancer stem cells, also being involved in increased cell tumorigenicity. LD biogenesis is a multistep process requiring various enzymes, including Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2). In this context, we evaluated the effect of PF-06424439, a selective DGAT2 inhibitor, on MCF7 breast cancer cells exposed to X-rays. Our results demonstrated that 72 h of PF-06424439 treatment reduced LD content and inhibited cell migration, without affecting cell proliferation. Interestingly, PF-06424439 pre-treatment followed by radiation was able to enhance radiosensitivity of MCF7 cells. In addition, the combined treatment negatively interfered with lipid metabolism-related genes, as well as with EMT gene expression, and modulated the expression of typical markers associated with the CSC-like phenotype. These findings suggest that PF-06424439 pre-treatment coupled to X-ray exposure might potentiate breast cancer cell radiosensitivity and potentially improve the radiotherapy effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Nisticò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Francesca Pagliari
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Joana Fernandes Guerreiro
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 1397), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Maria Grazia Marafioti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Ilenia Aversa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Geraldine Genard
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Rachel Hanley
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Garcia-Calderón
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heather Mandy Bond
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Luca Tirinato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Maria Francesca Spadea
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.N.); (E.C.); (M.G.M.); (I.A.); (H.M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Joao Carlos Seco
- Division of BioMedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.P.); (J.F.G.); (G.G.); (R.H.); (D.G.-C.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Chiarella E, Lombardo N, Lobello N, Piazzetta GL, Morrone HL, Mesuraca M, Bond HM. Deficit in Adipose Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Chronic Rhinosinusitis Nasal Polyps Compared to Nasal Mucosal Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239214. [PMID: 33287173 PMCID: PMC7730671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239214] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis of the nasal mucosa is an inflammatory disease of paranasal sinuses, which causes rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and hyposmia, and in some cases, it can result in the development of nasal polyposis. Nasal polyps are benign lobular-shaped growths that project in the nasal cavities; they originate from inflammation in the paranasal mucous membrane and are associated with a high expression of interleukins (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE. Polyps derive from the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of the nasal epithelium resulting in a nasal tissue remodeling. Nasal polyps from three patients with chronic rhinosinusitis as well as control non-polyp nasal mucosa were used to isolate and cultivate mesenchymal stem cells characterized as CD73+, CD90+, CD105+/CD14−, CD34−, and CD45−. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultures were induced to differentiate toward adipocytes, where lipid droplets and adipocyte genes PPARγ2, ADIPO-Q, and FABP4 were observed in control non-polyp nasal mucosa-derived mesenchymal cells but were scarcely present in the cultures derived from the nasal polyps, where apoptosis was evident. The modulation of the response to adipogenic stimulus in polyps represents a change in the molecular response that controls the cascade required for differentiation as well as possible means to specifically target these cells, sparing the normal mucosa of the nasal sinuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (H.L.M.)
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.L.); (N.L.); (G.L.P.)
| | - Nadia Lobello
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.L.); (N.L.); (G.L.P.)
| | - Giovanna Lucia Piazzetta
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.L.); (N.L.); (G.L.P.)
| | - Helen Linda Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (H.L.M.)
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (H.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (H.M.B.)
| | - Heather Mandy Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (H.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (H.M.B.)
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10
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Chiarella E, Lombardo N, Lobello N, Aloisio A, Aragona T, Pelaia C, Scicchitano S, Bond HM, Mesuraca M. Nasal Polyposis: Insights in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Differentiation of Polyp Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6878. [PMID: 32961745 PMCID: PMC7555226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common inflammatory disease of paranasal sinuses, which causes rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and hyposmia. The genetic predisposition or the exposure to irritants can sustain the inflammatory response and the development of nasal polyposis. Nasal polyps are benign and teardrop-shaped growths that project in the nasal cavities, and originate from the ethmoid sinuses. This inflammatory process is associated with high expression of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 and IgE. Antibodies targeting these cytokines or receptors represent a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of nasal polyposis in combination with corticosteroids. The molecular pathogenesis of nasal polyps in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients is associated with remodeling transition, a process in which epithelial cells lose their typical phenotype, acquiring a mesenchymal-like aspect. TGFβ/SMAD, ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways are altered during the nasal tissue remodeling. miRNA and inhibitor molecules targeting these signaling pathways are able to interfere with the process; which could lead to alternative therapies. Nasal polyps are an alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells, which can be isolated from surgical biopsies. A molecular understanding of the biology of PO-MSCs will contribute to the delineating inflammatory process underlying the development of nasal polyps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (A.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.L.); (N.L.)
| | - Nadia Lobello
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.L.); (N.L.)
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (A.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Teodoro Aragona
- Otolaryngology, A.O.U. Ospedali Riuniti, 60123 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (A.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Heather Mandy Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (A.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.C.); (A.A.); (S.S.)
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11
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Chiarella E, Codispoti B, Aloisio A, Cosentino EG, Scicchitano S, Montalcini Y, Lico D, Morrone G, Mesuraca M, Bond HM. Zoledronic acid inhibits the growth of leukemic MLL-AF9 transformed hematopoietic cells. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04020. [PMID: 32529062 PMCID: PMC7283156 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04020] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A leukemic in vitro model produced by transducing Cord Blood derived-hematopoietic CD34+ cells with the MLL-AF9 translocation resulting in the oncogenic fusion protein, is used to assess for sensitivity to Zoledronic acid. These cells are practically immortalized and are of myeloid origin. Proliferation, clonogenic and stromal co-culture assays showed that the MLL-AF9 cells were considerably more sensitive to Zoledronic acid than normal hematopoietic CD34+ cells or MS-5 stromal cells. The MLL-AF9 cells were notably more inhibited by Zoledronic acid when cultured as colonies in 3 dimensions, requiring cell-cell contacts compared to suspension expansion cultures. This is coherent with the mechanism of action of Zoledronic acid inhibiting farnesyl diphosphate synthase which results in a block in prenylation of GTPases such that their role in the membrane is compromised for cell-cell contacts. Zoledronic acid can be proposed to target the MLL-AF9 leukemic stem cells before they emerge from the hematopoietic niche, which being in proximity to bone osteoclasts where Zoledronic acid is sequestered can be predicted to result in sufficient levels to result in an anti-leukemic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Tecnologica Research Institute-Marrelli Health, 88900 Crotone, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela G Cosentino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Exiris S.r.l., 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Lico
- Department of Obstetrics & Ginecology, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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12
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Scicchitano S, Giordano M, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Chiarella E, Aloisio A, Codispoti B, Zoppoli P, Melocchi V, Bianchi F, De Smaele E, Mesuraca M, Morrone G, Bond HM. The stem cell-associated transcription co-factor, ZNF521, interacts with GLI1 and GLI2 and enhances the activity of the Sonic hedgehog pathway. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:715. [PMID: 31558698 PMCID: PMC6763495 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1946-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
ZNF521 is a transcription co-factor with recognized regulatory functions in haematopoietic, osteo-adipogenic and neural progenitor cells. Among its diverse activities, ZNF521 has been implicated in the regulation of medulloblastoma (MB) cells, where the Hedgehog (HH) pathway, has a key role in the development of normal cerebellum and of a substantial fraction of MBs. Here a functional cross-talk is shown for ZNF521 with the HH pathway, where it interacts with GLI1 and GLI2, the major HH transcriptional effectors and enhances the activity of HH signalling. In particular, ZNF521 cooperates with GLI1 and GLI2 in the transcriptional activation of GLI (glioma-associated transcription factor)-responsive promoters. This synergism is dependent on the presence of the N-terminal, NuRD-binding motif in ZNF521, and is sensitive to HDAC (histone deacetylase) and GLI inhibitors. Taken together, these results highlight the role of ZNF521, and its interaction with the NuRD complex, in determining the HH response at the level of transcription. This may be of particular relevance in HH-driven diseases, especially regarding the MBs belonging to the SHH (sonic HH) subgroup where a high expression of ZNF521 is correlated with that of HH pathway components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Tecnologica Research Institute-Marrelli Hospital, 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Pietro Zoppoli
- Laboratory of Pre-clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS-CROB, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Valentina Melocchi
- Fondazione IRCCS - Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013, (FG), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Fondazione IRCCS - Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013, (FG), Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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13
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Chiarella E, Aloisio A, Codispoti B, Nappo G, Scicchitano S, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Camarotti A, Galasso O, Greco M, Gasparini G, Mesuraca M, Bond HM, Morrone G. ZNF521 Has an Inhibitory Effect on the Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2019; 14:901-914. [PMID: 29938352 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors present in the bone marrow stroma and in subcutaneous abdominal fat, an abundant and easily accessible source of MSCs with the ability to differentiate along multiple lineage pathways. The stem cell-associated transcription co-factor Zinc Finger Protein 521 (ZNF521/zfp521) has been implicated in the control of the homeostasis of hematopoietic, neural and osteo-adipogenic progenitors. Here we document through the analysis of a panel of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs), that ZNF521 strongly inhibits the generation of mature adipocytes. Enforced overexpression of ZNF521 in these cells resulted in a significant delay and reduction in adipocyte differentiation upon exposure to inducers of adipogenesis. Of particular relevance, ZNF521 was able to inhibit the expression of ZNF423, recently identified as an essential commitment factor necessary for the generation of pre-adipocytes. Conversely, silencing of ZNF521 was found to significantly enhance the adipogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Inhibition of adipogenesis by ZNF521 was at least in part due to inhibition of EBF1. Taken together, these results confirm a role for ZNF521 as a key negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation of hADSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Tecnologica Research Institute- Marrelli Hospital, Crotone, Italy
| | - Giovanna Nappo
- UCSF Hellen Diller Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Olimpio Galasso
- Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Manfredi Greco
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gasparini
- Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Heather Mandy Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Chiarella E, Aloisio A, Scicchitano S, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Galasso O, Greco M, Gasparini G, Mesuraca M, Bond HM, Morrone G. ZNF521 Represses Osteoblastic Differentiation in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124095. [PMID: 30567301 PMCID: PMC6321315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are multipotent mesenchymal cells that can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. During osteoblastogenesis, the osteoprogenitor cells differentiate into mature osteoblasts and synthesize bone matrix components. Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521/Zfp521) is a transcription co-factor implicated in the regulation of hematopoietic, neural, and mesenchymal stem cells, where it has been shown to inhibit adipogenic differentiation. The present study is aimed at determining the effects of ZNF521 on the osteoblastic differentiation of hADSCs to clarify whether it can influence their osteogenic commitment. The enforced expression or silencing of ZNF521 in hADSCs was achieved by lentiviral vector transduction. Cells were cultured in a commercial osteogenic medium for up to 20 days. The ZNF521 enforced expression significantly reduced osteoblast development as assessed by the morphological and molecular criteria, resulting in reduced levels of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, osterix, osteopontin, and calcium deposits. Conversely, ZNF521 silencing, in response to osteoblastic stimuli, induced a significant increase in early molecular markers of osteogenesis and, at later stages, a remarkable enhancement of matrix mineralization. Together with our previous findings, these results show that ZNF521 inhibits both adipocytic and osteoblastic maturation in hADSCs and suggest that its expression may contribute to maintaining the immature properties of hADSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany.
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Olimpio Galasso
- Department of Orthopedic & Trauma Surgery, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Manfredi Greco
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gasparini
- Department of Orthopedic & Trauma Surgery, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Heather M Bond
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
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15
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Mesuraca M, Amodio N, Chiarella E, Scicchitano S, Aloisio A, Codispoti B, Lucchino V, Montalcini Y, Bond HM, Morrone G. Turning Stem Cells Bad: Generation of Clinically Relevant Models of Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia through Gene Delivery- or Genome Editing-Based Approaches. Molecules 2018; 23:E2060. [PMID: 30126100 PMCID: PMC6222541 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in the adult, is believed to arise as a consequence of multiple molecular events that confer on primitive hematopoietic progenitors unlimited self-renewal potential and cause defective differentiation. A number of genetic aberrations, among which a variety of gene fusions, have been implicated in the development of a transformed phenotype through the generation of dysfunctional molecules that disrupt key regulatory mechanisms controlling survival, proliferation, and differentiation in normal stem and progenitor cells. Such genetic aberrations can be recreated experimentally to a large extent, to render normal hematopoietic stem cells "bad", analogous to the leukemic stem cells. Here, we wish to provide a brief outline of the complementary experimental approaches, largely based on gene delivery and more recently on gene editing, employed over the last two decades to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AML development and progression and on the prospects that their applications offer for the discovery and validation of innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Tecnologica Research Institute-Marrelli Hospital, 88900 Crotone, Italy.
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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16
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Bond HM, Scicchitano S, Chiarella E, Amodio N, Lucchino V, Aloisio A, Montalcini Y, Mesuraca M, Morrone G. ZNF423: A New Player in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:255. [PMID: 29867779 PMCID: PMC5968090 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventive therapy can target hormone-responsive breast cancer (BC) by treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and reduce the incidence of BC. Genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with relevant predictive values, SNPs in the ZNF423 gene were associated with decreased risk of BC during SERM therapy, and SNPs in the Cathepsin O gene with an increased risk. ZNF423, which was not previously associated with BC is a multifunctional transcription factor known to have a role in development, neurogenesis, and adipogenesis and is implicated in other types of cancer. ZNF423 is transcriptionally controlled by the homolog ZNF521, early B cell factor transcription factor, epigenetic silencing of the promoter by CpG island hyper-methylation, and also by ZNF423 itself in an auto-regulatory loop. In BC cells, ZNF423 expression is found to be induced by estrogen, dependent on the binding of the estrogen receptor and calmodulin-like 3 to SNPs in ZNP423 intronic sites in proximity to consensus estrogen response elements. ZNF423 has also been shown to play a mechanistic role by trans-activating the tumor suppressor BRCA1 and thus modulating the DNA damage response. Even though recent extensive trial studies did not classify these SNPs with the highest predictive values, for inclusion in polygenic SNP analysis, the mechanism unveiled in these studies has introduced ZNF423 as a factor important in the control of the estrogen response. Here, we aim at providing an overview of ZNF423 expression and functional role in human malignancies, with a specific focus on its implication in hormone-responsive BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Heather M. Bond, ; Maria Mesuraca, ; Giovanni Morrone,
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucchino
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ylenia Montalcini
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Heather M. Bond, ; Maria Mesuraca, ; Giovanni Morrone,
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Heather M. Bond, ; Maria Mesuraca, ; Giovanni Morrone,
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17
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Bernaudo F, Monteleone F, Mesuraca M, Krishnan S, Chiarella E, Scicchitano S, Cuda G, Morrone G, Bond HM, Gaspari M. Validation of a novel shotgun proteomic workflow for the discovery of protein-protein interactions: focus on ZNF521. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:1888-99. [PMID: 25774781 DOI: 10.1021/pr501288h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The study of protein-protein interactions is increasingly relying on mass spectrometry (MS). The classical approach of separating immunoprecipitated proteins by SDS-PAGE followed by in-gel digestion is long and labor-intensive. Besides, it is difficult to integrate it with most quantitative MS-based workflows, except for stable isotopic labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). This work describes a fast, flexible and quantitative workflow for the discovery of novel protein-protein interactions. A cleavable cross-linker, dithiobis[succinimidyl propionate] (DSP), is utilized to stabilize protein complexes before immunoprecipitation. Protein complex detachment from the antibody is achieved by limited proteolysis. Finally, protein quantitation is performed via (18)O labeling. The workflow has been optimized concerning (i) DSP concentration and (ii) incubation times for limited proteolysis, using the stem cell-associated transcription cofactor ZNF521 as a model target. The interaction of ZNF521 with the core components of the nuclear remodelling and histone deacetylase (NuRD) complex, already reported in the literature, was confirmed. Additionally, interactions with newly discovered molecular partners of potentially relevant functional role, such as ZNF423, Spt16, Spt5, were discovered and validated by Western blotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bernaudo
- †Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Francesca Monteleone
- ‡Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Proteomics@UMG, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- †Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Shibu Krishnan
- ‡Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Proteomics@UMG, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Emanuela Chiarella
- †Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- †Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- ‡Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Proteomics@UMG, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- †Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Heather M Bond
- †Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Marco Gaspari
- ‡Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Proteomics@UMG, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
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18
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La Rocca R, Tallerico R, Talib Hassan A, Das G, Tadepally L, Matteucci M, Liberale C, Mesuraca M, Scumaci D, Gentile F, Cojoc G, Perozziello G, Ammendolia A, Gallo A, Kärre K, Cuda G, Candeloro P, Di Fabrizio E, Carbone E. Mechanical stress downregulates MHC class I expression on human cancer cell membrane. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111758. [PMID: 25541692 PMCID: PMC4277281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In our body, cells are continuously exposed to physical forces that can regulate different cell functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation and death. In this work, we employed two different strategies to mechanically stress cancer cells. The cancer and healthy cell populations were treated either with mechanical stress delivered by a micropump (fabricated by deep X-ray nanolithography) or by ultrasound wave stimuli. A specific down-regulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules expression on cancer cell membrane compared to different kinds of healthy cells (fibroblasts, macrophages, dendritic and lymphocyte cells) was observed, stimulating the cells with forces in the range of nano-newton, and pressures between 1 and 10 bar (1 bar = 100.000 Pascal), depending on the devices used. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy analysis, after mechanical treatment, in the range between 700–1800 cm−1, indicated a relative concentration variation of MHC class I. PCA analysis was also performed to distinguish control and stressed cells within different cell lines. These mechanical induced phenotypic changes increase the tumor immunogenicity, as revealed by the related increased susceptibility to Natural Killer (NK) cells cytotoxic recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna La Rocca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Rossana Tallerico
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Almosawy Talib Hassan
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Nasseriah, Iraq
| | - Gobind Das
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Lakshmikanth Tadepally
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Matteucci
- Nanotech Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carlo Liberale
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenica Scumaci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Gentile
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gheorghe Cojoc
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gerardo Perozziello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adriana Gallo
- Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology Institute, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Klas Kärre
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Patrizio Candeloro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enzo Di Fabrizio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (EC); (EDF)
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (EC); (EDF)
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19
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Chiarella E, Carrà G, Scicchitano S, Codispoti B, Mega T, Lupia M, Pelaggi D, Marafioti MG, Aloisio A, Giordano M, Nappo G, Spoleti CB, Grillone T, Giovannone ED, Spina R, Bernaudo F, Moore MAS, Bond HM, Mesuraca M, Morrone G. UMG Lenti: novel lentiviral vectors for efficient transgene- and reporter gene expression in human early hematopoietic progenitors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114795. [PMID: 25502183 PMCID: PMC4264771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are widely used to investigate the biological properties of regulatory proteins and/or of leukaemia-associated oncogenes by stably enforcing their expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. In these studies it is critical to be able to monitor and/or sort the infected cells, typically via fluorescent proteins encoded by the modified viral genome. The most popular strategy to ensure co-expression of transgene and reporter gene is to insert between these cDNAs an IRES element, thus generating bi-cistronic mRNAs whose transcription is driven by a single promoter. However, while the product of the gene located upstream of the IRES is generally abundantly expressed, the translation of the downstream cDNA (typically encoding the reporter protein) is often inconsistent, which hinders the detection and the isolation of transduced cells. To overcome these limitations, we developed novel lentiviral dual-promoter vectors (named UMG-LV5 and –LV6) where transgene expression is driven by the potent UBC promoter and that of the reporter protein, EGFP, by the minimal regulatory element of the WASP gene. These vectors, harboring two distinct transgenes, were tested in a variety of human haematopoietic cell lines as well as in primary human CD34+ cells in comparison with the FUIGW vector that contains the expression cassette UBC-transgene-IRES-EGFP. In these experiments both UMG-LV5 and UMG–LV6 yielded moderately lower transgene expression than FUIGW, but dramatically higher levels of EGFP, thereby allowing the easy distinction between transduced and non-transduced cells. An additional construct was produced, in which the cDNA encoding the reporter protein is upstream, and the transgene downstream of the IRES sequence. This vector, named UMG-LV11, proved able to promote abundant expression of both transgene product and EGFP in all cells tested. The UMG-LVs represent therefore useful vectors for gene transfer-based studies in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as in non-hematopoietic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Chiarella
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Carrà
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Scicchitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Bruna Codispoti
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mega
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michela Lupia
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Pelaggi
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria G. Marafioti
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria Aloisio
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Nappo
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina B. Spoleti
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Teresa Grillone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilia D. Giovannone
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Raffaella Spina
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernaudo
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Malcolm A. S. Moore
- Dept. of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065, United States of America
| | - Heather M. Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (GM); (MM)
| | - Giovanni Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (GM); (MM)
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20
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Gallelli L, Falcone D, Scaramuzzino M, Pelaia G, D'Agostino B, Mesuraca M, Terracciano R, Spaziano G, Maselli R, Navarra M, Savino R. Effects of simvastatin on cell viability and proinflammatory pathways in lung adenocarcinoma cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 15:67. [PMID: 25432084 PMCID: PMC4280703 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-15-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is characterized by a high mortality rate probably attributable to early metastasis. Oxidative stress is involved in development and progression of lung cancer, through cellular and molecular mechanisms which at least in part overlap with proinflammatory pathways. Simvastatin is a statin with pleiotropic effects that can also act as an anti-oxidant agent, and these pharmacologic properties may contribute to its potential anti-cancer activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line GLC-82, the effects of a 24-hour treatment with simvastatin on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced changes in cell viability, ERK phosphorylation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, innate immunity signaling, NF-κB activation and IL-8 secretion. Cell counting was performed after trypan blue staining, cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated through caspase-3 activation and Tunel assay. Western blotting was used to analyze protein extracts, and IL-8 release into cell culture supernatants was assessed by ELISA. Our results show that simvastatin (30 μM) significantly (P <0.01) inhibited the proliferative effect of H2O2 (0.5 mM) and its stimulatory actions on ERK1/2 phosphorylation, NF-κB activation and IL-8 production. Furthermore, simvastatin decreased H2O2-mediated induction of the cellular expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as of several components of the signaling complex activated by innate immune responses, including MyD88, TRAF2, TRAF6 and TRADD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that simvastatin could play a role in prevention and treatment of lung cancer via modulation of important proinflammatory and tumorigenic events promoted by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bruno D'Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine-Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, via Costantinopoli 16, 80136 Naples, Italy.
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21
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Spina R, Filocamo G, Iaccino E, Scicchitano S, Lupia M, Chiarella E, Mega T, Bernaudo F, Pelaggi D, Mesuraca M, Pazzaglia S, Semenkow S, Bar EE, Kool M, Pfister S, Bond HM, Eberhart CG, Steinkühler C, Morrone G. Critical role of zinc finger protein 521 in the control of growth, clonogenicity and tumorigenic potential of medulloblastoma cells. Oncotarget 2014; 4:1280-92. [PMID: 23907569 PMCID: PMC3787157 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell-associated transcription co-factor ZNF521 has been implicated in the control of hematopoietic, osteo-adipogenic and neural progenitor cells. ZNF521 is highly expressed in cerebellum and in particular in the neonatal external granule layer that contains candidate medulloblastoma cells-of-origin, and in the majority of human medulloblastomas. Here we have explored its involvement in the control of human and murine medulloblastoma cells. The effect of ZNF521 on growth and tumorigenic potential of human medulloblastoma cell lines as well as primary Ptc1−/+ mouse medulloblastoma cells was investigated in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays, by modulating its expression using lentiviral vectors carrying the ZNF521 cDNA, or shRNAs that silence its expression. Enforced overexpression of ZNF521 in DAOY medulloblastoma cells significantly increased their proliferation, growth as spheroids and ability to generate clones in single-cell cultures and semisolid media, and enhanced their migratory ability in wound-healing assays. Importantly, ZNF521-expressing cells displayed a greatly enhanced tumorigenic potential in nude mice. All these activities required the ZNF521 N-terminal motif that recruits the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase complex, which might therefore represent an appealing therapeutic target. Conversely, silencing of ZNF521 in human UW228 medulloblastoma cells that display high baseline expression decreased their proliferation, clonogenicity, sphere formation and wound-healing ability. Similarly, Zfp521 silencing in mouse Ptc1−/+ medulloblastoma cells drastically reduced their growth and tumorigenic potential. Our data strongly support the notion that ZNF521, through the recruitment of the NuRD complex, contributes to the clonogenic growth, migration and tumorigenicity of medulloblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Spina
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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23
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Massimino M, Consoli ML, Mesuraca M, Stagno F, Tirrò E, Stella S, Pennisi MS, Romano C, Buffa P, Bond HM, Morrone G, Sciacca L, Di Raimondo F, Manzella L, Vigneri P. IRF5 is a target of BCR-ABL kinase activity and reduces CML cell proliferation. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:1132-43. [PMID: 24445143 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) modulates the expression of genes controlling cell growth and apoptosis. Previous findings have suggested a lack of IRF5 transcripts in both acute and chronic leukemias. However, to date, IRF5 expression and function have not been investigated in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We report that IRF5 is expressed in CML cells, where it interacts with the BCR-ABL kinase that modulates its expression and induces its tyrosine phosphorylation. Tyrosine-phosphorylated IRF5 displayed reduced transcriptional activity that was partially restored by imatinib mesylate (IM). Interestingly, a mutant devoid of a BCR-ABL consensus site (IRF5(Y104F)) still presented significant tyrosine phosphorylation. This finding suggests that the oncoprotein phosphorylates additional tyrosine residues or induces downstream signaling pathways leading to further IRF5 phosphorylation. We also found that ectopic expression of IRF5 decreases the proliferation of CML cell lines by slowing their S-G2 transition, increasing the inhibition of BCR-ABL signaling and enhancing the lethality effect observed after treatment with IM, α-2-interferon and a DNA-damaging agent. Furthermore, IRF5 overexpression successfully reduced the clonogenic ability of CML CD34-positive progenitors before and after exposure to the above-indicated cytotoxic stimuli. Our data identify IRF5 as a downstream target of the BCR-ABL kinase, suggesting that its biological inactivation contributes to leukemic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Bio-Medicine, University of Catania, 85-95124 Catania, Italy
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24
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Spina R, Filocamo G, Iaccino E, Scicchitano S, Lupia M, Chiarella E, Mega T, Pelaggi D, Mesuraca M, Bar EE, Bond HM, Eberhart CG, Steinkuhler C, Morrone G. Abstract 5045: Critical role of zinc finger protein 521 in the control of growth, clonogenicity and tumorigenic potential of medulloblastoma cells. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2013-5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The stem cell-associated transcription co-factor ZNF521 has been implicated in the control of haematopoietic, osteogenic and neural progenitors. Very high expression of this factor is present in cerebellum and particularly in the granule layer of neonatal cerebellum, that contains candidate cells-of-origin of medulloblastoma. Here we have explored the possible involvement of ZNF521 in the development of this tumour.
As an experimental system we used the human medulloblastoma cell line, DAOY, and primary cells from medulloblastomas occurring in Ptc1-/+ mice. To investigate the effect of ZNF521 on the growth and tumourigenic potential of these cells, its expression was modulated using lentiviral vectors carrying the ZNF521 cDNA, or containing shRNAs that silence its expression.
Enforced overexpression of ZNF521 in DAOY cells, that normally produce relatively low amounts of this protein, was associated with a significant increase in their proliferation rate. This was mirrored by an increase in the ability to grow as spheroids and clonogenicity in single-cell cultures and in semisolid media, and accompanied by an enhanced migratory capacity in wound-healing assays. Finally, ZNF521-expressing DAOY cells demonstrated a greatly enhanced tumourigenic potential in nude mice. All these activities required the presence of an N-terminal domain of ZNF521 that recruits the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase (NuRD) complex. Consistently with the effects of ZNF521 overexpression in DAOY, silencing of Zfp521 in Ptc1-/+ medulloblastoma cells resulted in a drastic decrease in their proliferation and tumourigenic potential, lending further support to the notion that zinc finger protein 521 may contribute to the generation and/or maintenance of the cancer-initiating cell compartment in this cancer. Preliminary experiments detected a selective up-regulation of HES5 mRNA in DAOY overexpressing ZNF521, raising the possibility that some of the effects illustrated here may at least in part be mediated by the co-operation of ZNF521 with the Notch pathway.
Citation Format: Raffaella Spina, Gessica Filocamo, Enrico Iaccino, Stefania Scicchitano, Michela Lupia, Emanuela Chiarella, Tiziana Mega, Daniela Pelaggi, Maria Mesuraca, Eli E. Bar, Heather M. Bond, Charles G. Eberhart, Christian Steinkuhler, Gianni Morrone. Critical role of zinc finger protein 521 in the control of growth, clonogenicity and tumorigenic potential of medulloblastoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5045. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5045
Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Enrico Iaccino
- 3University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Michela Lupia
- 3University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Mega
- 3University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Maria Mesuraca
- 3University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eli E. Bar
- 4Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | | | - Gianni Morrone
- 3University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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25
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Mega T, Lupia M, Amodio N, Horton SJ, Mesuraca M, Pelaggi D, Agosti V, Grieco M, Chiarella E, Spina R, Moore MAS, Schuringa JJ, Bond HM, Morrone G. Zinc finger protein 521 antagonizes early B-cell factor 1 and modulates the B-lymphoid differentiation of primary hematopoietic progenitors. Cell Cycle 2011; 10:2129-39. [PMID: 21593590 DOI: 10.4161/cc.10.13.16045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 521 (EHZF/ZNF521) is a multi-functional transcription co-factor containing 30 zinc fingers and an amino-terminal motif that binds to the nucleosome remodelling and histone deacetylase (NuRD) complex. ZNF521 is believed to be a relevant player in the regulation of the homeostasis of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell compartment, however the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here, we show that this protein plays an important role in the control of B-cell development by inhibiting the activity of early B-cell factor-1 (EBF1), a master factor in B-lineage specification. In particular, our data demonstrate that: (1) ZNF521 binds to EBF1 via its carboxyl-terminal portion and this interaction is required for EBF1 inhibition; (2) NuRD complex recruitment by ZNF521 is not essential for the inhibition of transactivation of EBF1-dependent promoters; (3) ZNF521 represses EBF1 target genes in a human B-lymphoid molecular context; and (4) RNAi-mediated silencing of ZNF521/Zfp521 in primary human and murine hematopoietic progenitors strongly enhances the generation of B-lymphocytes in vitro. Taken together, our data indicate that ZNF521 can antagonize B-cell development and lend support to the notion that it may contribute to conserve the multipotency of primitive lympho-myeloid progenitors by preventing or delaying their EBF1-driven commitment toward the B-cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Mega
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematopoiesis, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy
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26
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Leuci V, Gammaitoni L, Capellero S, Sangiolo D, Mesuraca M, Bond HM, Migliardi G, Cammarata C, Aglietta M, Morrone G, Piacibello W. Efficient transcriptional targeting of human hematopoietic stem cells and blood cell lineages by lentiviral vectors containing the regulatory element of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome gene. Stem Cells 2010; 27:2815-23. [PMID: 19785032 DOI: 10.1002/stem.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The ability to effectively transduce human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and to ensure adequate but "physiological" levels of transgene expression in different hematopoietic lineages represents some primary features of a gene-transfer vector. The ability to carry, integrate, and efficiently sustain transgene expression in HSCs strongly depends on the vector. We have constructed lentiviral vectors (LV) containing fragments of different lengths of the hematopoietic-specific regulatory element of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) gene-spanning approximately 1,600 and 170 bp-that direct enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression. The performance of vectors carrying the 1,600 and 170 bp fragments of the WAS gene promoter was compared with that of a vector carrying the UbiquitinC promoter in human cord blood CD34(+) cells and their differentiated progeny both in vitro and in vivo in non-obese diabetic mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. All vectors displayed a similar transduction efficiency in CD34(+) cells and promoted long-term EGFP expression in different hematopoietic lineages, with an efficiency comparable to, and in some instances (for example, the 170-bp promoter) superior to, that of the UbiquitinC promoter. Our results clearly demonstrate that LV containing fragments of the WAS gene promoter/enhancer region can promote long-term transgene expression in different hematopoietic lineages in vitro and in vivo and represent suitable and highly efficient vectors for gene transfer in gene-therapy applications for different hematological diseases and for research purposes. In particular, the 170-bp carrying vector, for its reduced size, could significantly improve the transduction/expression of large-size genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Leuci
- Laboratory of Clinical Oncology, Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Torino Medical School, IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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27
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La Rocca R, Fulciniti M, Lakshmikanth T, Mesuraca M, Ali TH, Mazzei V, Amodio N, Catalano L, Rotoli B, Ouerfelli O, Grieco M, Gulletta E, Bond HM, Morrone G, Ferrone S, Carbone E. Early hematopoietic zinc finger protein prevents tumor cell recognition by natural killer cells. J Immunol 2009; 182:4529-37. [PMID: 19342626 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0802109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Early hematopoietic zinc finger/zinc finger protein 521 (EHZF/ZNF521) is a novel zinc finger protein expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and is down-regulated during their differentiation. Its transcript is also abundant in some hematopoietic malignancies. Analysis of the changes in the antigenic profile of cells transfected with EHZF cDNA revealed up-regulation of HLA class I cell surface expression. This phenotypic change was associated with an increased level of HLA class I H chain, in absence of detectable changes in the expression of other Ag-processing machinery components. Enhanced resistance of target cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was induced by enforced expression of EHZF in the cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa and in the B lymphoblastoid cell line IM9. Preincubation of transfected cells with HLA class I Ag-specific mAb restored target cell susceptibility to NK cell-mediated lysis, indicating a specific role for HLA class I Ag up-regulation in the NK resistance induced by EHZF. A potential clinical significance of these findings is further suggested by the inverse correlation between EHZF and MHC class I expression levels, and autologous NK susceptibility of freshly explanted multiple myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna La Rocca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine G Salvatore, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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28
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Bond HM, Mesuraca M, Amodio N, Mega T, Agosti V, Fanello D, Pelaggi D, Bullinger L, Grieco M, Moore MAS, Venuta S, Morrone G. Early hematopoietic zinc finger protein-zinc finger protein 521: a candidate regulator of diverse immature cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 40:848-54. [PMID: 17543573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2007] [Revised: 04/10/2007] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The early hematopoietic zinc finger protein/zinc finger protein 521 (EHZF/ZNF521) is a recently identified, 1131 amino-acid-long nuclear factor that contains 30 zinc fingers distributed in clusters throughout its sequence. A 13-AA motif, that binds to components of the nuclear remodelling and histone deacetylation (NuRD) complex and is conserved in several trascriptional co-repressors, is located at the amino-terminal end of the molecule. EHZF/ZNF521 expression is high in the most immature cells of the haematopoietic system and declines with differentiation. Its transcript is also abundant in brain, particularly in the cerebellum. Its murine counterpart, Evi3/Zfp521, is enriched in haematopoietic and neural stem cells, in cerebellar granule neuron precursors and in the developing striatum. Enforced expression of EHZF/ZNF521 in haematopoietic progenitors results in their expansion and in inhibition of differentiation. EHZF/ZNF521 is a member of the BMP signalling pathway and an inhibitor of the transcription factor OLF1/EBF1, implicated in the differentiation of neural progenitors and in the specification of the B-cell lineage. EHZF expression is observed in most acute myelogenous leukaemias and is particularly high in those with rearrangements of the MLL gene, where EHZF may contribute to the leukaemic phenotype. EHZF/ZNF521 is also abundant in medulloblastomas and other brain tumours. Taken together, the data available suggest a possible role for this factor in development, stem cell regulation and oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Bond
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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29
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Carbone E, Neri P, Mesuraca M, Fulciniti MT, Otsuki T, Pende D, Groh V, Spies T, Pollio G, Cosman D, Catalano L, Tassone P, Rotoli B, Venuta S. HLA class I, NKG2D, and natural cytotoxicity receptors regulate multiple myeloma cell recognition by natural killer cells. Blood 2004; 105:251-8. [PMID: 15328155 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-04-1422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of natural killer (NK) cells in multiple myeloma is not fully understood. Here, NK susceptibility of myeloma cells derived from distinct disease stages was evaluated in relation to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class I chain-related protein A (MICA), MHC class I chain-related protein B (MICB), and UL16 binding protein (ULBP) expression. MHC class I molecules were hardly detectable on bone marrow cells of early-stage myeloma, while late-stage pleural effusion-derived cell lines showed a strong MHC class I expression. Conversely, a high MICA level was found on bone marrow myeloma cells, while it was low or not measurable on pleural effusion myeloma cells. The reciprocal surface expression of these molecules on bone marrow- and pleural effusion-derived cell was confirmed at mRNA levels. While bone marrow-derived myeloma cells were readily recognized by NK cells, pleural effusion-derived lines were resistant. NK protection of pleural effusion cells was MHC class I dependent. Receptor blocking experiments demonstrated that natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) and NK receptor member D of the lectin-like receptor family (NKG2D) were the key NK activating receptors for bone marrow-derived myeloma cell recognition. In ex vivo experiments patient's autologous fresh NK cells recognized bone marrow-derived myeloma cells. Our data support the hypothesis that NK cell cytotoxicity could sculpture myeloma and represents an important immune effector mechanism in controlling its intramedullary stages.
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MESH Headings
- ADP-ribosyl Cyclase/immunology
- ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1
- Aged
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Bone Marrow Neoplasms/immunology
- Bone Marrow Neoplasms/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- Female
- GPI-Linked Proteins
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Membrane Proteins
- Middle Aged
- Multiple Myeloma/genetics
- Multiple Myeloma/immunology
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
- Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1
- Pleural Effusion, Malignant/immunology
- Proteoglycans/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Syndecans
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Carbone
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica G. Salvatore, Università di Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
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30
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Bond HM, Mesuraca M, Carbone E, Bonelli P, Agosti V, Amodio N, De Rosa G, Di Nicola M, Gianni AM, Moore MAS, Hata A, Grieco M, Morrone G, Venuta S. Early hematopoietic zinc finger protein (EHZF), the human homolog to mouse Evi3, is highly expressed in primitive human hematopoietic cells. Blood 2004; 103:2062-70. [PMID: 14630787 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2003-07-2388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparison of the gene expression repertoire in human hematopoietic progenitors and mature leukocytes led to identification of a transcript expressed in CD34+cells and undetectable in differentiated cells. Sequencing of the cDNA (termed EHZF: early hematopoietic zinc finger) revealed 30 zinc fingers with 96% homology to mouse Evi3, a recently identified gene associated with the retroviral integration site in AKXD-27 B-cell lymphomas. EHZF and Evi3 share high homology with the transcription cofactor OAZ, implicated in the control of olfactory epithelium and B-lymphocyte differentiation and in the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signal transduction. Here we show that (1) EHZF expression is abundant in human CD34+ progenitors and declines rapidly during cytokine-driven differentiation; (2) significant mRNA levels are found in most acute myelogenous leukemias; (3) in response to BMPs EHZF complexes SMADs 1 and 4, binds to, and enhances the transcriptional activity of, a BMP2/4 responsive element; (4) EHZF inhibits the transcriptional activity of early B-cell factor (EBF), a transcription factor essential for specification of the B-cell lineage. Taken together, our data suggest that EHZF is likely to play a relevant role in the control of human hematopoiesis and might be implicated in the development of hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Bond
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Gaetano Salvatore, University of Catanzaro Magna, Graecia, Italy
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31
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Bond HM, Bonelli P, Mesuraca M, Agosti V, Masone C, Cuomo C, Nisticò A, Tassone P, Tuccillo F, Cecco L, Iacopino L, Barbieri V, Cerra M, Costanzo FS, Morrone G, Venuta S. Identification by differential display of transcripts regulated during hematopoietic differentiation. Stem Cells 1998; 16:136-43. [PMID: 9554038 DOI: 10.1002/stem.160136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction-based differential display method (DDRT-PCR) was used to identify mRNAs differentially expressed during the maturation of human CD34+ progenitor cells stimulated to differentiate in vitro towards granulomonocytic or erythroid lineages with a mixture of hemopoietins (kit ligand + interleukin 3 + GM-CSF in the absence or presence of erythropoietin, respectively). Three cDNA transcripts (B32, B41, and B56) display differential expression during cytokine-induced maturation of CD34+ cells. These clones have no homology with already-described sequences. Primer extension cofirmed the presence of the corresponding mRNA. The levels of mRNA corresponding to B32 are enhanced in the later phases of the granulomonocytic as well as in the erythroid differentiation of CD34+ cells. The mRNA identified by B41 was induced by a late stage in only granulomonocytic differentiation of CD34+ cells. The mRNA corresponding to B56 was instead present in nonstimulated CD34+ cells, declined in the early stages of differentiation, and reappeared at later stages in cells treated with both combinations of cytokines. Expression of these genes was detected in a number of acute myelogenous leukemias, as well as in some leukemic cell lines. B32 and B41 were downregulated in KG-1 cells induced to differentiate towards the monocytic lineage, whereas the levels of B56 were unchanged. In K562 cells, clones B41 and B56 were downregulated only in the late phases of PMA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation and during erythroid differentiation. B32 was rapidly downregulated when K562 cells were induced to differentiate towards either megakaryocytic or erythroid phenotypes. These transcripts represent novel hematopoietic cDNAs that should prove of value for the study of human blood cells and their disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Bond
- Department of Experimental Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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32
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Ammendola R, Fiore F, Esposito F, Caserta G, Mesuraca M, Russo T, Cimino F. Differentially expressed mRNAs as a consequence of oxidative stress in intact cells. FEBS Lett 1995; 371:209-13. [PMID: 7556593 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(95)00871-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular redox conditions influence the activity of several transcription factors leading to a modulation of the expression of the genes controlled by these factors. We examined the changes in cell transcription patterns after oxidative stress induced by diethylmaleate (DEM). Using the differential display technique we identified several differentially expressed sequence tags, four of which are identical or highly homologous to sequences contained in the human cDNAs encoding vimentin, c-fos, cytochrome oxidase IV and ribosomal protein L4; another one corresponds to a transcript of the mitochondrial genome of unknown function. The remaining five cDNAs are not recorded in any sequence data bank. One of these, named Rox3, lights up two mRNA species of approximately 3400 and 3600 bp, significantly increased after treatment with DEM or with other oxidizing agents. This increase appears precociously after exposure to DEM and it is completely prevented by pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine. The Rox3 fragment was used to screen a cDNA library; one fully sequenced clone showed 100% homology with the putative human guanine nucleotide regulatory protein nep1.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ammendola
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy
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33
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Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the DNA-binding efficiency of Sp1 is greatly decreased in nuclear extracts from 30-month-old rat tissues compared to those from young ones, although its gene appears to be normally expressed. As reactive oxygen intermediates are known to accumulate in aged animals, we investigated the effect of oxidation on the Sp1 DNA-binding activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprintings showed that high concentrations of dithiothreitol, added to the aged tissue extracts, fully restore the Sp1 DNA-binding efficiency. However, in young nuclear extracts hydrogen peroxide treatment strongly decreases the Sp1 DNA-binding activity that is restored by the treatment with high dithiothreitol concentrations. To ascertain whether the oxidative stress is directed toward the Sp1 molecule alone, or whether it acts on unknown Sp1 cofactor(s) necessary for DNA binding, we purified Sp1 from young rat liver and demonstrated that when the purified protein is added to aged nuclear extracts, it efficiently binds to its DNA cis-element. Moreover, purified Sp1 treated with hydrogen peroxide lost its ability to bind its cis-element and the DNA-binding efficiency was fully restored after incubation with dithiothreitol.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ammendola
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Italy
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34
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Russo T, Mogavero AR, Ammendola R, Mesuraca M, Fiore F, Fatatis A, Salvatore G, Cimino F. Immortalization of a cell line showing some characteristics of the oligodendrocyte phenotype. Neurosci Lett 1993; 159:159-62. [PMID: 8264960 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(93)90823-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We have used the polyoma middle T oncogene to immortalize cells from rat embryo encephalon. Immunostaining experiments with monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that the cells of one of the obtained lines, named CEINGE CL3, are stained by anti-vimentin and anti-S100 antibodies, are not stained by anti-neurofilaments (NF) or anti-glial fibrillary acidic-protein (GFAP) antibodies. Only a subset of the CEINGE CL3 cells (20-30%) is stained by an anti-galactocerebroside antibody. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that these cells express low levels of proteolipid protein mRNA, whereas polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification failed to evidentiate the presence of both NF and GFAP mRNAs. Either retinoic acid or forskolin treatments or a combination of them are able to induce morphological changes that are accompanied by a complete growth arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Russo
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, CEINGE, Italy
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35
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Ammendola R, Mesuraca M, Russo T, Cimino F. Sp1 DNA binding efficiency is highly reduced in nuclear extracts from aged rat tissues. J Biol Chem 1992; 267:17944-8. [PMID: 1381357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the role of transcriptional factors in the genesis of the senescent phenotype, nuclear extracts from 4- and 30-month-old rat brains were analyzed for the presence of DNA-binding proteins able to interact with double-stranded oligonucleotides containing recognition sites for sequence-specific DNA-binding factors. Gel shift assays revealed that the DNA-binding efficiency of Sp1 is significantly reduced in aged animals compared to young ones, whereas CTF/NF1 and AP1 from young and old rat nuclear extracts bind their DNA targets with the same efficiency. The quantitative analysis of Sp1 by immunoblotting indicated that equivalent quantities and degrees of heterogeneity of Sp1 protein are present in both nuclear extracts, suggesting that the observed difference is not due to a different expression of this transcriptional factor. DNase I footprinting of the heavy chain ferritin gene promoter, which contains a Sp1 binding site, demonstrated that the nuclear extract from 30-month-old rat brain does not protect the region involved in the regulation of the H ferritin gene by Sp1. This results in a reduction of about 50% of the expression of the H ferritin mRNA in aged rat brains. Furthermore, the Sp1 binding sites present in the SV40 early promoter are not protected in a DNase I footprinting assay where a nuclear extract from 30-month-old rat brain was used as a source of DNA binding proteins. Liver nuclear extracts prepared from young and aged rats demonstrated that a decrease of Sp1 binding efficiency is similarly present in this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ammendola
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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