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Di Donato M, Di Zazzo E, Salvati A, Sorrentino C, Giurato G, Fiore D, Proto MC, Rienzo M, Casamassimi A, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Castoria G, Weisz A, Nassa G, Abbondanza C. RIZ2 at the crossroad of the EGF/EGFR signaling in colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:736. [PMID: 37853459 PMCID: PMC10585774 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04621-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly and fourth most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Despite the progress in early diagnosis and advanced therapeutic options, CRC shows a poor prognosis with a 5 year survival rate of ~ 45%. PRDM2/RIZ, a member of PR/SET domain family (PRDM), expresses two main molecular variants, the PR-plus isoform (RIZ1) and the PR-minus (RIZ2). The imbalance in their expression levels in favor of RIZ2 is observed in many cancer types. The full length RIZ1 has been extensively investigated in several cancers where it acts as a tumor suppressor, whereas few studies have explored the RIZ2 oncogenic properties. PRDM2 is often target of frameshift mutations and aberrant DNA methylation in CRC. However, little is known about its role in CRC. METHODS We combined in-silico investigation of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) CRC datasets, cellular and molecular assays, transcriptome sequencing and functional annotation analysis to assess the role of RIZ2 in human CRC. RESULTS Our in-silico analysis on TCGA datasets confirmed that PRDM2 gene is frequently mutated and transcriptionally deregulated in CRC and revealed that a RIZ2 increase is highly correlated with a significant RIZ1 downregulation. Then, we assayed several CRC cell lines by qRT-PCR analysis for the main PRDM2 transcripts and selected DLD1 cell line, which showed the lowest RIZ2 levels. Therefore, we overexpressed RIZ2 in these cells to mimic TCGA datasets analysis results and consequently to assess the PRDM2/RIZ2 role in CRC. Data from RNA-seq disclosed that RIZ2 overexpression induced profound changes in CRC cell transcriptome via EGF pathway deregulation, suggesting that RIZ2 is involved in the EGF autocrine regulation of DLD1 cell behavior. Noteworthy, the forced RIZ2 expression increased cell viability, growth, colony formation, migration and organoid formation. These effects could be mediated by the release of high EGF levels by RIZ2 overexpressing DLD1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add novel insights on the putative RIZ2 tumor-promoting functions in CRC, although additional efforts are warranted to define the underlying molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Carmela Sorrentino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
- CRGS-Genome Research Center for Health, University of Salerno Campus of Medicine, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | | | - Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
- CRGS-Genome Research Center for Health, University of Salerno Campus of Medicine, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
- CRGS-Genome Research Center for Health, University of Salerno Campus of Medicine, 84081, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Rimonabant and Cannabidiol Rewrite the Interactions between Breast Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13427. [PMID: 37686233 PMCID: PMC10487984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713427] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of breast cancer to distant sites is the major cause of death in breast cancer patients. Increasing evidence supports the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancers, and its pathologic assessment has become a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. In the TME, a bidirectional interplay between tumor and stromal cells occurs, both at the primary and metastatic site. Hundreds of molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, contribute to this fine interaction to promote tumor spreading. Here, we investigated the effects of Rimonabant and Cannabidiol, known for their antitumor activity, on reprogramming the breast TME. Both compounds directly affect the activity of several pathways involved in breast cancer progression. To mimic tumor-stroma interactions during breast-to-lung metastasis, we investigated the effect of the compounds on growth factor secretion from metastatic breast cancer cells and normal and activated lung fibroblasts. In this setting, we demonstrated the anti-metastatic potential of the two compounds, and the membrane array analyses highlighted their ability to alter the release of factors involved in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune reprogramming. The results enforce the antitumor potential of Rimonabant and Cannabidiol, providing a novel potential tool for breast cancer TME management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.)
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Di Zazzo E, Rienzo M, Casamassimi A, De Rosa C, Medici N, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Abbondanza C. Exploring the putative role of PRDM1 and PRDM2 transcripts as mediators of T lymphocyte activation. J Transl Med 2023; 21:217. [PMID: 36964555 PMCID: PMC10039509 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04066-x] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell activation and programming from their naïve/resting state, characterized by widespread modifications in chromatin accessibility triggering extensive changes in transcriptional programs, is orchestrated by several cytokines and transcription regulators. PRDM1 and PRDM2 encode for proteins with PR/SET and zinc finger domains that control several biological processes, including cell differentiation, through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Different transcripts leading to main protein isoforms with (PR +) or without (PR-) the PR/SET domain have been described. Although many studies have established the critical PRDM1 role in hematopoietic cell differentiation, maintenance and/or function, the single transcript contribution has not been investigated before. Otherwise, very few evidence is currently available on PRDM2. Here, we aimed to analyze the role of PRDM1 and PRDM2 different transcripts as mediators of T lymphocyte activation. METHODS We analyzed the transcription signature of the main variants from PRDM1 (BLIMP1a and BLIMP1b) and PRDM2 (RIZ1 and RIZ2) genes, in human T lymphocytes and Jurkat cells overexpressing PRDM2 cDNAs following activation through different signals. RESULTS T lymphocyte activation induced an early increase of RIZ2 and RIZ1 followed by BLIMP1b increase and finally by BLIMP1a increase. The "first" and the "second" signals shifted the balance towards the PR- forms for both genes. Interestingly, the PI3K signaling pathway modulated the RIZ1/RIZ2 ratio in favor of RIZ1 while the balance versus RIZ2 was promoted by MAPK pathway. Cytokines mediating different Jak/Stat signaling pathways (third signal) early modulated the expression of PRDM1 and PRDM2 and the relationship of their different transcripts confirming the early increase of the PR- transcripts. Different responses of T cell subpopulations were also observed. Jurkat cells showed that the acute transient RIZ2 increase promoted the balancing of PRDM1 forms towards BLIMP1b. The stable forced expression of RIZ1 or RIZ2 induced a significant variation in the expression of key transcription factors involved in T lymphocyte differentiation. The BLIMP1a/b balance shifted in favor of BLIMP1a in RIZ1-overexpressing cells and of BLIMP1b in RIZ2-overexpressing cells. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first characterization of PRDM2 in T-lymphocyte activation/differentiation and novel insights on PRDM1 and PRDM2 transcription regulation during initial activation phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina De Rosa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Medici
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy.
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Pagano C, di Zazzo E, Avilia G, Savarese B, Navarra G, Proto MC, Fiore D, Rienzo M, Gazzerro P, Laezza C, Bifulco M. Advances in “adiponcosis”: insights in the inner mechanisms at the base of adipose and tumour tissues interplay. Int J Cancer 2022; 152:2464-2473. [PMID: 36366852 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The epidemic spread of obesity is nowadays recognized as a global health and economic burden, arising great interest in the scientific community. The rate of adult obesity steadily increases concomitantly with the cancer incidence. As has been comprehensively reported, obesity is included among the multiple cancer risk factors and can progressively cause and/or exacerbate certain cancer types, as colorectal and breast cancers. The term adiponcosis was forged precisely to emphasize the interconnection between obesity and cancer onset and progression. The underlying mechanisms of adiponcosis have not been fully elucidated yet, may vary on cancer type, and depend on body fat distribution. It has been proposed that insulin resistance and related chronic hyperinsulinemia, increased insulin-like growth factors production, chronic inflammation or increased bioavailability of steroid hormones could be responsible of cancer hallmarks. Additionally, it has been suggested that adipose tissue-derived hormones, cytokines and adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin and inflammatory markers, may reflect mechanisms linked to tumorigenesis. This review summarizes the current evidence on pathways, hormones, cytokines and low-chronic inflammation subtending adiponconsis, focusing on breast and colorectal cancers. In addition, we analyzed the lifestyle interventions that could attenuate the driving forces of obesity-related cancer incidence and progression. Moreover, current targets and drugs, their pros and cons, as well as new mechanisms and targets with promising therapeutic potential in cancer are discussed. Depicting this complex interconnection will provide insights for establishing new therapeutic approaches to halt the obesity impacts and thwart cancer onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology University of Naples "Federico II," Naples Italy
| | - Erika di Zazzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze della Salute "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise Campobasso Italy
| | - Giorgio Avilia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology University of Naples "Federico II," Naples Italy
| | - Beatrice Savarese
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology University of Naples "Federico II," Naples Italy
| | - Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology University of Naples "Federico II," Naples Italy
| | | | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno Fisciano SA Italy
| | - Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Caserta Italy
| | | | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology (IEOS) , National Research Council (CNR) Naples Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology University of Naples "Federico II," Naples Italy
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Piscopo C, Laezza C, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Modified Adenosines Sensitize Glioblastoma Cells to Temozolomide by Affecting DNA Methyltransferases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:815646. [PMID: 35559231 PMCID: PMC9086827 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.815646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor, and due to its unique features, its management is certainly one of the most challenging ones among all cancers. N6-isopentenyladenosine (IPA) and its analog N6-benzyladenosine (N6-BA) are modified nucleosides endowed with potent antitumor activity on different types of human cancers, including GBM. Corroborating our previous finding, we demonstrated that IPA and N6-BA affect GBM cell line proliferation by modulating the expression of the F-box WD repeat domain-containing-7 (FBXW7), a tumor suppressor with a crucial role in the turnover of many proteins, such as SREBPs and Mcl1, involved in malignant progression and chemoresistance. Luciferase assay revealed that IPA-mediated upregulation of FBXW7 translates in transcriptional inactivation of its oncogenic substrates (Myc, NFkB, or HIF-1α). Moreover, downregulating MGMT expression, IPA strongly enhances the killing effect of temozolomide (TMZ), producing a favorable sensitizing effect starting from a concentration range much lower than TMZ EC50. Through DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity assay, analysis of the global DNA methylation, and the histone modification profiles, we demonstrated that the modified adenosines behave similar to 5-AZA-dC, known DNMT inhibitor. Overall, our results provide new perspectives for the first time, suggesting the modified adenosines as epigenetic tools able to improve chemo- and radiotherapy efficacy in glioblastoma and potentially other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Rienzo M, Di Zazzo E, Casamassimi A, Gazzerro P, Perini G, Bifulco M, Abbondanza C. PRDM12 in Health and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112030. [PMID: 34769459 PMCID: PMC8585061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PRDM12 is a member of the PRDI-BF1 (positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1) homologous domain (PRDM)-containing protein family, a subfamily of Kruppel-like zinc finger proteins, controlling key processes in the development of cancer. PRDM12 is expressed in a spatio-temporal manner in neuronal systems where it exerts multiple functions. PRDM12 is essential for the neurogenesis initiation and activation of a cascade of downstream pro-neuronal transcription factors in the nociceptive lineage. PRDM12 inactivation, indeed, results in a complete absence of the nociceptive lineage, which is essential for pain perception. Additionally, PRDM12 contributes to the early establishment of anorexigenic neuron identity and the maintenance of high expression levels of pro-opiomelanocortin, which impacts on the program bodyweight homeostasis. PRDMs are commonly involved in cancer, where they act as oncogenes/tumor suppressors in a “Yin and Yang” manner. PRDM12 is not usually expressed in adult normal tissues but its expression is re-activated in several cancer types. However, little information is currently available on PRDM12 expression in cancers and its mechanism of action has not been thoroughly described. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding PRDM12 by focusing on four main biological processes: neurogenesis, pain perception, oncogenesis and cell metabolism. Moreover, we wish to highlight the importance of future studies focusing on the PRDM12 signaling pathway(s) and its role in cancer onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Perini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Esposito T, Mencherini T, Sansone F, Auriemma G, Gazzerro P, Puca RV, Iandoli R, Aquino RP. Development, Characterization, and Clinical Investigation of a New Topical Emulsion System Containing a Castanea sativa Spiny Burs Active Extract. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1634. [PMID: 34683927 PMCID: PMC8539921 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The study focused on the development and characterization of an O/W emulsion for skincare containing Castanea sativa spiny burs extract (CSE) as functional agent. The emulsion was stable and had suitable physicochemical and technological properties for dermal application and CSE showed no cytotoxicity in spontaneously immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) at active concentrations. A single-blind, placebo-controlled, monocentric study was designed to evaluate the skin tolerability and the skin performance of the CSE-loaded emulsion on healthy human volunteers. An improvement was observed in skin biomechanical properties such as hydration, skin elasticity and a reduction in the periorbital wrinkles in 30 days without altering the skin barrier function, sebum, pH, and erythema values. A significant skin moisturizing effect was detected while the skin barrier function was preserved. The selected natural ingredient combined with the designed formulation and the optimized preparation method has led to a final product that satisfies the physico-chemical and technological requirements underlying the safety of use and the formulative stability over time. With no negative skin reactions and highly significant effects on skin elasticity, wrinkles, and moisturization, the CSE-based emulsion achieved very satisfying outcomes representing a promising functional formulation for skin care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (T.E.); (G.A.); (P.G.); (R.P.A.)
- Unesco Chair Salerno, Plantae Medicinales Mediterraneae, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- COSM-HI Lab,“San Giuseppe Moscati” National Hospital (AORN), Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Teresa Mencherini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (T.E.); (G.A.); (P.G.); (R.P.A.)
- Unesco Chair Salerno, Plantae Medicinales Mediterraneae, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- COSM-HI Lab,“San Giuseppe Moscati” National Hospital (AORN), Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Francesca Sansone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (T.E.); (G.A.); (P.G.); (R.P.A.)
- Unesco Chair Salerno, Plantae Medicinales Mediterraneae, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- COSM-HI Lab,“San Giuseppe Moscati” National Hospital (AORN), Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Giulia Auriemma
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (T.E.); (G.A.); (P.G.); (R.P.A.)
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (T.E.); (G.A.); (P.G.); (R.P.A.)
| | - Rosa Valentina Puca
- Dermatology and Dermosurgery, “San Giuseppe Moscati” National Hospital (AORN), Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (R.V.P.); (R.I.)
| | - Raffaele Iandoli
- Dermatology and Dermosurgery, “San Giuseppe Moscati” National Hospital (AORN), Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy; (R.V.P.); (R.I.)
| | - Rita Patrizia Aquino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (T.E.); (G.A.); (P.G.); (R.P.A.)
- Unesco Chair Salerno, Plantae Medicinales Mediterraneae, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- COSM-HI Lab,“San Giuseppe Moscati” National Hospital (AORN), Contrada Amoretta, 83100 Avellino, Italy
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Pagano C, Navarra G, Pastorino O, Avilia G, Coppola L, Della Monica R, Chiariotti L, Florio T, Corsaro A, Torelli G, Caiazzo P, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Laezza C. N6-Isopentenyladenosine Hinders the Vasculogenic Mimicry in Human Glioblastoma Cells through Src-120 Catenin Pathway Modulation and RhoA Activity Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910530. [PMID: 34638872 PMCID: PMC8508824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a functional microcirculation pattern formed by aggressive tumor cells. Thus far, no effective drugs have been developed to target VM. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of brain cancer and is a highly vascularized tumor. Vasculogenic mimicry represents a means whereby GBM can escape anti-angiogenic therapies. METHODS Here, using an in vitro tube formation assay on Matrigel, we evaluated the ability of N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) to interfere with vasculogenic mimicry (VM). RhoA activity was assessed using a pull-down assay, while the modulation of the adherens junctions proteins was analyzed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS We found that iPA at sublethal doses inhibited the formation of capillary-like structures suppressing cell migration and invasion of U87MG, U343MG, and U251MG cells, of patient-derived human GBM cells and GBM stem cells. iPA reduces the vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) expression levels in a dose-dependent manner, impairs the vasculogenic mimicry network by modulation of the Src/p120-catenin pathway and inhibition of RhoA-GTPase activity. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results revealed iPA as a promising novel anti-VM drug in GBM clinical therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Olga Pastorino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Giorgio Avilia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Coppola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Rosa Della Monica
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16136 Genova, Italy; (T.F.); (A.C.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16136 Genova, Italy; (T.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Giovanni Torelli
- Neurosurgery Unit A.O. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona—Salerno’s School of Medicine Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84131 Salerno, Italy;
- Neurosurgery, Unit A.O. “A.Cardarelli”, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (C.L.)
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (C.L.)
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9
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Bifulco M, Fiore D, Piscopo C, Gazzerro P, Proto MC. Commentary: Use of Cannabinoids to Treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Cytokine Storm Associated With Coronavirus Disease-2019. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:631646. [PMID: 33912048 PMCID: PMC8072334 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.631646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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10
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Piscopo C, Pagano C, Galgani M, Bruzzaniti S, Laezza C, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Lipid homeostasis and mevalonate pathway in COVID-19: Basic concepts and potential therapeutic targets. Prog Lipid Res 2021; 82:101099. [PMID: 33915202 PMCID: PMC8074527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite encouraging progresses achieved in the management of viral diseases, efficient strategies to counteract infections are still required. The current global challenge highlighted the need to develop a rapid and cost-effective strategy to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in viral infections. Viruses can use the host lipid machinery to support their life cycle and to impair the host immune response. The altered expression of mevalonate pathway-related genes, induced by several viruses, assures survival and spread in host tissue. In some infections, statins, HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors, reduce cholesterol in the plasma membrane of permissive cells resulting in lower viral titers and failure to internalize the virus. Statins can also counteract viral infections through their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects. Beyond statins, interfering with the mevalonate pathway could have an adjuvant effect in therapies aimed at mitigating endothelial dysfunction and deregulated inflammation in viral infection. In this review we depicted the historical and current evidence highlighting how lipid homeostasis and mevalonate pathway targeting represents a valid approach to rapidly neutralize viruses, focusing our attention to their potential use as effective targets to hinder SARS-CoV-2 morbidity and mortality. Pros and cons of statins and Mevalonate-pathway inhibitors have been also dissected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Galgani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Bruzzaniti
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
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11
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Celano R, Docimo T, Piccinelli AL, Gazzerro P, Tucci M, Di Sanzo R, Carabetta S, Campone L, Russo M, Rastrelli L. Onion Peel: Turning a Food Waste into a Resource. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020304. [PMID: 33669451 PMCID: PMC7920456 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Food waste is a serious problem for food processing industries, especially when it represents a loss of a valuable source of nutrients and phytochemicals. Increasing consumer demand for processed food poses the problem of minimizing waste by conversion into useful products. In this regard, onion (Allium cepa) waste consisting mainly of onion skin is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. Here, we characterized the flavonoid profiles and biological activities of onion skin wastes of two traditional varieties with protected geographical indication (PGI), the red “Rossa di Tropea” and the coppery “Ramata di Montoro”, typically cultivated in a niche area in southern Italy. The phytochemical profiles of exhaustive extracts, characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet (UV) detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry, revealed that flavonols and anthocyanins were the characteristic metabolite classes of onion skins. Quercetin, quercetin glucosides and their dimer and trimer derivatives, and, among anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-glucoside, were the most abundant bioactive compounds. The potential of onion skins was evaluated by testing several biological activities: ABTS/oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and in vitro alpha-glucosidase assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of the extracts and of their main compounds, respectively, and proliferative activity was evaluated by MTT assay on human fibroblasts. In the present study, by observing various biological properties of “Rossa di Tropea” and “Ramata di Montoro” onion-dried skins, we clearly indicated that this agricultural waste can provide bioactive molecules for multiple applications, from industrial to nutraceutical and cosmetical sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Celano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Teresa Docimo
- Institute of Bioscience and BioResources, National Research Council, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (T.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Anna Lisa Piccinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Marina Tucci
- Institute of Bioscience and BioResources, National Research Council, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (T.D.); (M.T.)
| | - Rosa Di Sanzo
- Department of Agriculture Science, Food Chemistry, Safety and Sensoromic Laboratory (FoCuSS Lab), University of Reggio Calabria, Via Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy; (R.D.S.); (S.C.)
| | - Sonia Carabetta
- Department of Agriculture Science, Food Chemistry, Safety and Sensoromic Laboratory (FoCuSS Lab), University of Reggio Calabria, Via Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy; (R.D.S.); (S.C.)
| | - Luca Campone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mariateresa Russo
- Department of Agriculture Science, Food Chemistry, Safety and Sensoromic Laboratory (FoCuSS Lab), University of Reggio Calabria, Via Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy; (R.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Luca Rastrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.); (L.R.)
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12
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Bifulco M, Ciccarelli M, Bruzzese D, Dipasquale A, Lania AG, Mazziotti G, Gazzerro P. The benefit of statins in SARS-CoV-2 patients: further metabolic and prospective clinical studies are needed. Endocrine 2021; 71:270-272. [PMID: 33219496 PMCID: PMC7678774 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Pneumology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Bruzzese
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Dipasquale
- Pneumology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea G Lania
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Gherardo Mazziotti
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
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13
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Rienzo M, Sorrentino A, Di Zazzo E, Di Donato M, Carafa V, Marino MM, De Rosa C, Gazzerro P, Castoria G, Altucci L, Casamassimi A, Abbondanza C. Searching for a Putative Mechanism of RIZ2 Tumor-Promoting Function in Cancer Models. Front Oncol 2021; 10:583533. [PMID: 33585202 PMCID: PMC7880127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.583533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive Regulatory Domain (PRDM) gene family members commonly express two main molecular variants, the PR-plus isoform usually acting as tumor suppressor and the PR-minus one functioning as oncogene. Accordingly, PRDM2/RIZ encodes for RIZ1 (PR-plus) and RIZ2 (PR-minus). In human cancers, genetic or epigenetic modifications induce RIZ1 silencing with an expression level imbalance in favor of RIZ2 that could be relevant for tumorigenesis. Additionally, in estrogen target cells and tissues, estradiol increases RIZ2 expression level with concurrent increase of cell proliferation and survival. Several attempts to study RIZ2 function in HeLa or MCF-7 cells by its over-expression were unsuccessful. Thus, we over-expressed RIZ2 in HEK-293 cells, which are both RIZ1 and RIZ2 positive but unresponsive to estrogens. The forced RIZ2 expression increased cell viability and growth, prompted the G2-to-M phase transition and organoids formation. Accordingly, microarray analysis revealed that RIZ2 regulates several genes involved in mitosis. Consistently, RIZ silencing in both estrogen-responsive MCF-7 and -unresponsive MDA-MB-231 cells induced a reduction of cell proliferation and an increase of apoptosis rate. Our findings add novel insights on the putative RIZ2 tumor-promoting functions, although additional attempts are warranted to depict the underlying molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Sorrentino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carafa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Marino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina De Rosa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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14
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Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Statin therapy in COVID-19 infection: much more than a single pathway. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Pharmacother 2020; 6:410-411. [PMID: 32529218 PMCID: PMC7314101 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcvp/pvaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples 'Federico II', 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
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15
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Proto MC, Fiore D, Forte G, Cuozzo P, Ramunno A, Fattorusso C, Gazzerro P, Pascale M, Franceschelli S. Tetra-substituted pyrrole derivatives act as potent activators of p53 in melanoma cells. Invest New Drugs 2020; 38:634-649. [PMID: 31240514 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00813-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is characterized by activating BRAF mutations. Despite the initial success of selective BRAF inhibitors, only few patients exhibited complete responses, whereas many showed disease progression. Melanoma is one of the few types of cancer in which p53 is not frequently mutated, but p53 inactivation can be indirectly achieved by a stable activation of MDM2 induced by a deletion in CDKN2A (Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2A) locus, encoding for p16INK4A and p14ARF, two tumor suppressor genes. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the previously synthesized tetra-substituted pyrrole derivatives, 8 g, 8 h and 8i, in melanoma cell lines, and we compared the effects of the most active of these, the 8i compound, with that exerted by Nutlin 3, a well-known inhibitor of p53-MDM2 interaction. The obtained results showed that 8i potentiates the inhibitory effect of Nutlin 3 and the combined use of 8i and Nutlin 3 triggers apoptosis and significantly impairs melanoma viability. Finally, the 8i compound reduces p53-MDM2 interaction and induces p53-HSP90 complex formation, suggesting that the observed raise in p53 transcriptional activity could be mediated by HSP90. Because the main feature of melanoma is the resistance to most chemotherapeutics, our studies suggest that the 8i tetra-substituted pyrrole derivative, restoring p53 functions and its transcriptional activities, may have potential application, at least as adjuvant, in the treatment of human melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Giovanni Forte
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Paola Cuozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Pascale
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
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16
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Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Statins in coronavirus outbreak: It's time for experimental and clinical studies. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104803. [PMID: 32289478 PMCID: PMC7151298 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
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17
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Casamassimi A, Rienzo M, Di Zazzo E, Sorrentino A, Fiore D, Proto MC, Moncharmont B, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Abbondanza C. Multifaceted Role of PRDM Proteins in Human Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072648. [PMID: 32290321 PMCID: PMC7177584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The PR/SET domain family (PRDM) comprise a family of genes whose protein products share a conserved N-terminal PR [PRDI-BF1 (positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1) and RIZ1 (retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene 1)] homologous domain structurally and functionally similar to the catalytic SET [Su(var)3-9, enhancer-of-zeste and trithorax] domain of histone methyltransferases (HMTs). These genes are involved in epigenetic regulation of gene expression through their intrinsic HMTase activity or via interactions with other chromatin modifying enzymes. In this way they control a broad spectrum of biological processes, including proliferation and differentiation control, cell cycle progression, and maintenance of immune cell homeostasis. In cancer, tumor-specific dysfunctions of PRDM genes alter their expression by genetic and/or epigenetic modifications. A common characteristic of most PRDM genes is to encode for two main molecular variants with or without the PR domain. They are generated by either alternative splicing or alternative use of different promoters and play opposite roles, particularly in cancer where their imbalance can be often observed. In this scenario, PRDM proteins are involved in cancer onset, invasion, and metastasis and their altered expression is related to poor prognosis and clinical outcome. These functions strongly suggest their potential use in cancer management as diagnostic or prognostic tools and as new targets of therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.A.); Tel.: +39-081-566-7579 (A.C.); +39-081-566-7568 (C.A.)
| | - Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Anna Sorrentino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.F.); (M.C.P.); (P.G.)
| | - Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.F.); (M.C.P.); (P.G.)
| | - Bruno Moncharmont
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.F.); (M.C.P.); (P.G.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.D.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.A.); Tel.: +39-081-566-7579 (A.C.); +39-081-566-7568 (C.A.)
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18
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Laezza C, Pagano C, Navarra G, Pastorino O, Proto MC, Fiore D, Piscopo C, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. The Endocannabinoid System: A Target for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030747. [PMID: 31979368 PMCID: PMC7037210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [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: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the endocannabinoid system has received great interest as a potential therapeutic target in numerous pathological conditions. Cannabinoids have shown an anticancer potential by modulating several pathways involved in cell growth, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids is limited to the treatment of chemotherapy-induced symptoms or cancer pain, but their use as anticancer drugs in chemotherapeutic protocols requires further investigation. In this paper, we reviewed the role of cannabinoids in the modulation of signaling mechanisms implicated in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.)
| | - Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.)
| | - Olga Pastorino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.)
| | - Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (M.C.P.); (D.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (M.B.)
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19
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Navarra G, Pagano C, Pacelli R, Crescenzi E, Longobardi E, Gazzerro P, Fiore D, Pastorino O, Pentimalli F, Laezza C, Bifulco M. N 6-Isopentenyladenosine Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Glioblastoma Cells by Inhibiting the Homologous Recombination Repair Protein RAD51 Expression. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1498. [PMID: 31993371 PMCID: PMC6971108 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is among the most common malignant brain tumors and has a dismal prognosis due to the poor response to therapeutic regimens such as ionizing radiation and DNA-alkylating agents. In our study, we investigated the radiosensitizing activity of the N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA), an naturally modified adenosine harboring an isopenenyl moiety, which shows antiproliferative effects on glioblastoma cell lines. We observed that co-treatment with ionizing radiation and iPA at micromolar concentration inhibited colony formation and viability of glioblastoma cell lines but not of non-malignant human cells. The combined treatment significantly attenuated the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage by inhibiting both the expression and irradiation-induced foci formation of RAD51, a key player in the homologous recombination repair process, leading to persistent DNA damage, as reflected by an increase of γ-H2AX foci. The radiosensitizing effect relied also on the inhibition of STAT5a/b activation, which is crucial for RAD51 expression, suggesting that iPA modulates the STAT5a/b-RAD51 axis following exposure to ionizing radiation. Overall, these data suggest that iPA, by acting through RAD51 inhibition at the mechanistic level, could function as a promising radiosensitizing agent and warrants further evaluation in prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II," Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II," Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Pacelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University School of Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Crescenzi
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Longobardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Naples, Italy
| | - Olga Pastorino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II," Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II," Naples, Italy
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Grimaldi M, Randino R, Ciaglia E, Scrima M, Buonocore M, Stillitano I, Abate M, Covelli V, Tosco A, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Rodriquez M, D'Ursi AM. NMR for screening and a biochemical assay: Identification of new FPPS inhibitors exerting anticancer activity. Bioorg Chem 2019; 98:103449. [PMID: 32057422 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) is a crucial enzyme for the synthesis of isoprenoids and the key target of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs). N-BPs are potent and selective FPPS inhibitors that are used in the treatment of bone-related diseases, but have poor pharmacokinetic properties. Given the key role played by FPPS in many cancer-related pathways and the pharmacokinetic limits of N-BPs, hundreds of molecules have been screened to identify new FPPS inhibitors characterized by improved drug-like properties that are useful for broader therapeutic applications in solid, non-skeletal tumours. We have previously shown that N6-isopentenyladenosine (i6A) and its related compound N6-benzyladenosine (2) exert anti-glioma activity by interfering with the mevalonate pathway and inhibiting FPPS. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a panel of N6-benzyladenosine derivatives (compounds 2a-m) incorporating different chemical moieties on the benzyl ring. Compounds 2a-m show in vitro antiproliferative activity in U87MG glioma cells and, analogous to the bisphosphonate FPPS inhibitors, exhibit immunogenic properties in ex vivo γδ T cells from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Using saturation transfer difference (STD) and quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, we found that 2f, the N6-benzyladenosine analogue that includes a tertbutyl moiety in the para position of the benzyl ring, is endowed with increased FPPS binding and inhibition compared to the parent compounds i6A and 2. N6-benzyladenosine derivatives, characterized by structural features that are significantly different from those of N-BPs, have been confirmed to be promising chemical scaffolds for the development of non N-BP FPPS inhibitors, exerting combined cytotoxic and immunostimulatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Grimaldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy; Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, V.le J.F. Kennedy 54 - Pad. 20 Mostra d'Oltremare, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Randino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Scrima
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Michela Buonocore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Stillitano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Verdiana Covelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Manuela Rodriquez
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D'Ursi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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21
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Fiore D, Piscopo C, Proto MC, Vasaturo M, Dal Piaz F, Fusco BM, Pagano C, Laezza C, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. N6-Isopentenyladenosine Inhibits Colorectal Cancer and Improves Sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil-Targeting FBXW7 Tumor Suppressor. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101456. [PMID: 31569395 PMCID: PMC6826543 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101456] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-isopentenyladenosine has been shown to exert potent in vitro antitumor activity on different human cancers, including colorectal cancer. Although some potential biochemical targets have been identified, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. We found that N6-isopentenyladenosine affects colorectal cancer proliferation in in vitro models carrying different mutational status of FBXW7 and TP53 genes, and in HCT116 xenografts in SCID mice, by increasing the expression of the well-established tumor suppressor FBXW7, a component of the SCF-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that promotes degradation of various oncoproteins and transcription factors, such as c-Myc, SREBP and Mcl1. Corroborating our previous studies, we identified for the first time the FBXW7/SREBP/FDPS axis as a target of the compound. Pull down of ubiquitinated proteins, immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays, reveal that through the increase of FBXW7/c-Myc binding, N6-isopentenyladenosine induces the ubiquitination of c-Myc, inhibiting its transcriptional activity. Moreover, in FBXW7- and TP53-wild type cells, N6-isopentenyladenosine strongly synergizes with 5-Fluorouracil to inhibit colon cancer growth in vitro. Our results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of N6-isopentenyladenosine, revealing its multi-targeting antitumor action, in vitro and in vivo. Restoring of FBXW7 tumor-suppressor represents a valid therapeutic tool, enabling N6-isopentenyladenosine as optimizable compound for patient-personalized therapies in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Michele Vasaturo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Dal Piaz
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (Salerno), Italy.
| | | | - Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
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Achoub H, Mencherini T, Esposito T, Luca R, Aquino R, Gazzerro P, Zaiter L, Benayache F, Benayache S. New sesquiterpenes from Asteriscus graveolens. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:2190-2198. [PMID: 31542956 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1666390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Asteriscus graveolens (Forsk) Less. is a Saharan medicinal plant of Asteraceae family. A new acyclic sesquiterpene [7,12-dihydroxy-6,7-dihydro-5,(6) E-dehydronerolidol (3)] and sesquiterpene germacranolide lactone derivatives [9β-hydroxy-11β,13-dihydroparthenolide-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) and 9α-hydroxy-11β,13-dihydroparthenolide-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8)] along with eight known compounds were isolated from polar extracts of aerial parts. Their structures were established by the analysis of 1 D- 2 D-NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry data. A. graveolens extracts and compounds showed a significant (P < 0.05) and concentration dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of Human Colon Carcinoma (HCT116) and Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (DLD1) cells with IC50 in a concentration range from 89.4 to 296.0 µg/mL for extracts and from 32.6 to 728.1 µg/mL for compounds. No cytotoxic effects was evidenced in normal Primary Human Dermal Fibroblast (HDFa) up to 0.050 mg/mL for extracts and 1.0 mg/mL for pure compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanane Achoub
- Unité de recherche Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles, Molécules Bioactives et Analyses Physicochimiques et Biologiques, Université Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Teresa Mencherini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Tiziana Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rastrelli Luca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rita Aquino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Lahcene Zaiter
- Unité de recherche Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles, Molécules Bioactives et Analyses Physicochimiques et Biologiques, Université Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Fadila Benayache
- Unité de recherche Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles, Molécules Bioactives et Analyses Physicochimiques et Biologiques, Université Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Samir Benayache
- Unité de recherche Valorisation des Ressources Naturelles, Molécules Bioactives et Analyses Physicochimiques et Biologiques, Université Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria
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Sorrentino A, Federico A, Rienzo M, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Ciccodicola A, Casamassimi A, Abbondanza C. PR/SET Domain Family and Cancer: Novel Insights from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103250. [PMID: 30347759 PMCID: PMC6214140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The PR/SET domain gene family (PRDM) encodes 19 different transcription factors that share a subtype of the SET domain [Su(var)3-9, enhancer-of-zeste and trithorax] known as the PRDF1-RIZ (PR) homology domain. This domain, with its potential methyltransferase activity, is followed by a variable number of zinc-finger motifs, which likely mediate protein⁻protein, protein⁻RNA, or protein⁻DNA interactions. Intriguingly, almost all PRDM family members express different isoforms, which likely play opposite roles in oncogenesis. Remarkably, several studies have described alterations in most of the family members in malignancies. Here, to obtain a pan-cancer overview of the genomic and transcriptomic alterations of PRDM genes, we reanalyzed the Exome- and RNA-Seq public datasets available at The Cancer Genome Atlas portal. Overall, PRDM2, PRDM3/MECOM, PRDM9, PRDM16 and ZFPM2/FOG2 were the most mutated genes with pan-cancer frequencies of protein-affecting mutations higher than 1%. Moreover, we observed heterogeneity in the mutation frequencies of these genes across tumors, with cancer types also reaching a value of about 20% of mutated samples for a specific PRDM gene. Of note, ZFPM1/FOG1 mutations occurred in 50% of adrenocortical carcinoma patients and were localized in a hotspot region. These findings, together with OncodriveCLUST results, suggest it could be putatively considered a cancer driver gene in this malignancy. Finally, transcriptome analysis from RNA-Seq data of paired samples revealed that transcription of PRDMs was significantly altered in several tumors. Specifically, PRDM12 and PRDM13 were largely overexpressed in many cancers whereas PRDM16 and ZFPM2/FOG2 were often downregulated. Some of these findings were also confirmed by real-time-PCR on primary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sorrentino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80143 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Federico
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80143 Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Monica Rienzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Ciccodicola
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80143 Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Amelia Casamassimi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Ciro Abbondanza
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy.
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Pagano I, Piccinelli AL, Celano R, Campone L, Gazzerro P, Russo M, Rastrelli L. Pressurized hot water extraction of bioactive compounds from artichoke by-products. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:1899-1907. [PMID: 29775214 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Artichoke by-products are a suitable source of health-promoting ingredients for the production of dietary supplements and food additives. A pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) was developed to recover caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) and flavone glycosides (FLs) from agro-industrial artichoke by-products. The main factors influencing PHWE efficiency and CQA isomerization (temperature, numbers of cycles, modifier, and extraction time) were carefully studied and optimized by response surface design. The proposed PHWE procedure provides an exhaustive extraction of CQAs and FLs (recoveries: 93-105% and 90-105%) from artichoke external bracts and leaves of different cultivars (p > 0.05), without significant formation of artefacts generated by high temperatures. PHWE extracts showed CQA and FL levels (14-37 mg/g and 3-19 mg/g, respectively) comparable to commercial products and marked antioxidative effects (EC50 11-83 μg/mL) by cellular antioxidant activity assay in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. These results proved that PHWE is an excellent green technique to recover bioactive compounds from artichoke agro-industrial residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imma Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | | | - Rita Celano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Luca Campone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | | | - Mariateresa Russo
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy
| | - Luca Rastrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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Abstract
Aims and background E-cadherin, also known as uvomorulin or cell-CAM 120/80, is one of the subclasses of cadherins, CA2+-dependent cell adhesion molecules. Several recent studies have suggested that loss of E-cadherin may be associated with tumor progression, such as in lung, gastric, hepatocellular, breast and prostatic carcinoma. Assessment of E-cadherin serum levels in lung cancer showed a relation to histologic type. Methods and study design Using an enzyme immunoassay, we determined E-cadherin serum levels in 79 patients affected with lung cancer (stage l–IV), 9 patients with breast cancer, 23 patients with different benign diseases, and 20 healthy patients. Results At a specificity level of 90%, E-cadherin diagnostic sensitivity was 66.6%, 47.6% and 43.7% in patients affected with squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, respectively. Conclusions Preliminary results suggest the use of serum E-cadherin as a prospective tumor marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cioffi
- Istituto di Patologia Generale e Oncologia, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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Cioffi M, Fratta M, Gazzerro P, Di Finizio B, Tucci A, Molinari AM. Ovca (CA125) Second Generation: Technical Aspects and Serum Levels in Controls, Patients with Liver Disease, Pregnant Women and Patients with Ovarian Disease. Tumori 2018; 83:594-8. [PMID: 9226027 DOI: 10.1177/030089169708300223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An immunoradiometric method of the second generation (IRMA II) is widely used to determine CA125 serum levels. In this study we have evaluated the performance characteristics of a commercially available IRMA CA125 II (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostics). The CA125 serum levels were determined in several groups of patients (healthy women, pregnant women, subjects affected by benign and malignant ovarian cancer, patients with liver diseases) with two IRMAs CA125 II (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostica and Centocor, Diagnostic Division) and IRMA CA125 I (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostica). Our results show a good analytic performance of IRMA CA125 II (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostica), a good correlation between IRMAs CA125 II (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostica and Centocor, Diagnostic Division), but an unacceptable correlation between IRMAs CA125 II (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostica and Centocor, Diagnostic Division) and IRMA CA125 I. A statistically significant difference was observed comparing the values obtained with both IRMAs CA125 II and IRMA CA125 I in the groups of patients. In contrast no statistically significant difference was observed when we compared the values obtained with IRMA CA125 II (Byk-Gulden, Sangtec Diagnostica) and IRMA CA125 II (Centocor, Diagnostic Division). CA125 serum values obtained with the second-generation kits were different from those obtained with the first-generation one; consequently, it is important, especially in the follow-up of cancer patients, that CA125 serum values be obtained with kits of the same generation. Our data seem to suggest the use of second-generation kits to determine CA125 serum levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cioffi
- Istituto di Patologia Generale e Oncologia, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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28
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Aïssaoui H, Mencherini T, Esposito T, De Tommasi N, Gazzerro P, Benayache S, Benayache F, Mekkiou R. Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. (Boraginaceae) extracts: chemical constituents, antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect in human cancer cell lines. Nat Prod Res 2018; 33:1813-1818. [PMID: 29430949 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1437433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Heliotropium bacciferum (Boraginaceae) is a perennial herb, growing in the Bechar region of Algeria, where it is traditionally used for skin diseases and tonsillitis. Herein, we report the isolation and characterization of sixteen secondary metabolites from the aerial part extracts. They include a sterol (1), megastigman type nor-isoprenoids (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10), C-11 terpene lactones (5 and 9), and a monoterpene (7) from the chloroform extract (HB-C); monoterpene glucoside (14), and phenolic compounds (11-13, 15, 16) from the methanol one (HB-M). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and ESIMS analysis. HB-M showed a significant and concentration dependent scavenging activity in vitro against the radicals DPPH and ABTS, related to the phenol derivatives (11-13, and 15-16), and HB-C inhibited the growth of colon cancer cell lines, mainly for the presence of the antiproliferative C-11 terpene lactones (5 and 9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanane Aïssaoui
- a Unité de Recherche Valorisation des Ressources naturelles et Analyses physico-Chimiques et Biologiques , Université Frères Mentouri , Constantine , Algérie
| | - Teresa Mencherini
- b Dipartimento di Farmacia , Universita degli Studi di Salerno , Fisciano , Italy
| | - Tiziana Esposito
- b Dipartimento di Farmacia , Universita degli Studi di Salerno , Fisciano , Italy.,c Program in Drug Discovery and Development , University of Salerno , Fisciano , Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- b Dipartimento di Farmacia , Universita degli Studi di Salerno , Fisciano , Italy
| | - Samir Benayache
- a Unité de Recherche Valorisation des Ressources naturelles et Analyses physico-Chimiques et Biologiques , Université Frères Mentouri , Constantine , Algérie
| | - Fadila Benayache
- a Unité de Recherche Valorisation des Ressources naturelles et Analyses physico-Chimiques et Biologiques , Université Frères Mentouri , Constantine , Algérie
| | - Ratiba Mekkiou
- a Unité de Recherche Valorisation des Ressources naturelles et Analyses physico-Chimiques et Biologiques , Université Frères Mentouri , Constantine , Algérie
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Fiore D, Ramesh P, Proto MC, Piscopo C, Franceschelli S, Anzelmo S, Medema JP, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Rimonabant Kills Colon Cancer Stem Cells without Inducing Toxicity in Normal Colon Organoids. Front Pharmacol 2018; 8:949. [PMID: 29354056 PMCID: PMC5758598 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), like other tumor types, is a highly heterogeneous disease. Within the tumor bulk, intra-tumoral heterogeneity is also ascribable to Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) subpopulation, characterized by high chemoresistance and the unique ability to retain tumorigenic potential, thus associated to tumor recurrence. High dynamic plasticity of CSCs, makes the development of winning therapeutic strategies even more complex to completely eradicate tumor fuel. Rimonabant, originally synthesized as antagonist/inverse agonist of Cannabinoid Receptor 1, is able to inactivate Wnt signaling, both in vitro and in vivo, in CRC models, through inhibition of p300-histone acetyltransferase activity. Since Wnt/β-Catenin pathway is the main player underlying CSCs dynamic, this finding candidates Rimonabant as potential modulator of cancer stemness, in CRC. In this work, using established 3D cultures of primary colon CSCs, taking into account the tumor heterogeneity through monitoring of Wnt activity, we demonstrated that Rimonabant was able to reduces both tumor differentiated cells and colon CSCs proliferation and to control their survival in long term cultures. Interestingly, in ex vivo model of wild type human organoids, retaining both architecture and heterogeneity of original tissue, Rimonabant showed no toxicity against cells from healthy colon epithelium, suggesting its potential selectivity toward cancer cells. Overall, results from this work provided new insights on anti-tumor efficacy of Rimonabant, strongly suggesting that it could be a novel lead compound for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Prashanthi Ramesh
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academisch Medisch Centrum, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maria C Proto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Chiara Piscopo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | | | - Serena Anzelmo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Jan P Medema
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academisch Medisch Centrum, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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30
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Randino R, Gazzerro P, Mazitschek R, Rodriquez M. Synthesis and biological evaluation of Santacruzamate-A based analogues. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6486-6491. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Abate M, Laezza C, Pisanti S, Torelli G, Seneca V, Catapano G, Montella F, Ranieri R, Notarnicola M, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Ciaglia E. Deregulated expression and activity of Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase (FDPS) in Glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14123. [PMID: 29075041 PMCID: PMC5658376 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14495-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain cancer, is highly dependent on the mevalonate (MVA) pathway for the synthesis of lipid moieties critical for cell proliferation but the function and regulation of key intermediate enzymes like farnesyl-diphosphate synthase (FDPS), up to now, remained unknown. A deregulated expression and activity of FDPS was the central research idea of the present study. FDPS mRNA, protein and enzyme activity were analyzed in a cohort of stage III-IV glioma patients (N = 49) and primary derived cells. FDPS silencing helped to clarify its function in the maintenance of malignant phenotype. Interestingly, compared to tumor-free peripheral (TFB) brain and normal human astrocytes (NHA), FDPS protein expression and enzyme activity were detected at high degree in tumor mass where a correlation with canonical oncogenic signaling pathways such as STAT3, ERK and AKT was also documented. Further, FDPS knockdown in U87 and GBM primary cells but not in NHA, enhanced apoptosis. With the effort to develop a more refined map of the connectivity between signal transduction pathways and metabolic networks in cancer FDPS as a new candidate metabolic oncogene in glioblastoma, might suggest to further target MVA pathway as valid therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Torelli
- Neurosurgery Unit A.O. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d' Aragona - Salerno's School of Medicine Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Seneca
- "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Benevento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Catapano
- "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Benevento, Italy
| | - Francesco Montella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Ranieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Notarnicola
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, 70013, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081, Baronissi Salerno, Italy. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081, Baronissi Salerno, Italy.
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Ranieri R, Ciaglia E, Amodio G, Picardi P, Proto MC, Gazzerro P, Laezza C, Remondelli P, Bifulco M, Pisanti S. N6-isopentenyladenosine dual targeting of AMPK and Rab7 prenylation inhibits melanoma growth through the impairment of autophagic flux. Cell Death Differ 2017; 25:353-367. [PMID: 29027991 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the autophagic process is considered a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer since a great number of tumors, including melanoma, show high basal levels of protective autophagy that contributes to tumor progression and chemoresistance. Here, exploiting both in vitro and in vivo approaches, we identified N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA), an end product of the mevalonate pathway, as a novel autophagy inhibitor with an interesting anti-melanoma activity. iPA, after being phosphorylated by adenosine kinase into 5'-iPA-monophosphate, induces autophagosome accumulation through AMPK activation, measured by increased fluorescent GFP-LC3 puncta and enhanced conversion into the lipidated autophagosome-associated LC3-II. However, at a later stage iPA blocks the autophagic flux monitored by p62 accumulation, Luciferase reporter-based assay for LC3 turnover in living cells and fluorescence of a tandem RFP-GFP-LC3 construct. Impaired autophagic flux is due to the block of autophagosome-lysosome fusion through the defective localization and function of Rab7, whose prenylation is inhibited by iPA, resulting in a net inhibition of autophagy completion that finally leads to melanoma apoptotic cell death. AMPK silencing prevents apoptosis upon iPA treatment, whereas basal autophagosome turnover is still inhibited due to unprenylated Rab7. These results strongly support the advantage of targeting autophagy for therapeutic gain in melanoma and provide the preclinical rational to further investigate the antitumor action of iPA, able to coordinately induce autophagosome accumulation and inhibit the autophagic flux, independently targeting AMPK and Rab7 prenylation. This property may be particularly useful for the selective killing of tumors, like melanoma, that frequently develop chemotherapy resistance due to protective autophagy activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ranieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Amodio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology (IEOS), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Remondelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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33
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Fiore D, Proto MC, Pisanti S, Picardi P, Pagano Zottola AC, Butini S, Gemma S, Casagni A, Laezza C, Vitale M, Ligresti A, Di Marzo V, Zisterer DM, Nathwani S, Williams DC, Campiani G, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Antitumor effect of pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxazepine-15 and its synergistic effect with Oxaliplatin and 5-FU in colorectal cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 17:849-58. [PMID: 26392056 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2015.1078028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Some compounds of a series of novel pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxa(thia)zepine, a well-known group of tubulin targeting agents, display anti-tumor effects mainly inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in several human cancer models. A member of this family, pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxazepine-15 (PBOX-15), has previously shown potent pro-apoptotic activity in a variety of human tumor cell types, with minimal toxicity toward normal blood and bone marrow cells. In this study, we evaluated the PBOX-15-mediated effects in human colorectal cancer cell (CRC) lines, DLD-1 and HT-29. The compound, used at concentrations equal to or greater than 1 μM, inhibited the proliferation of human CRC cells, inducing a significant cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In DLD-1 cells, treatments prolonged over 48 h triggered a strong activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway as indicated by activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Moreover, nanomolar concentrations of PBOX-15, significantly improved the oxaliplatin and 5-fluouracil-induced anti-proliferative effects in DLD1 cell line. The observed synergistic interaction of both PBOX-15/Oxaliplatin and PBOX-15/5FU may involve activation of p38 MAPK and JNK pathway, which in turn significantly increased caspase-3 cleavage in DLD-1 cells, treated with PBOX-5/Oxaliplatin but not with PBOX-15/5FU. Moreover, PBOX-15/5FU-treated cells showed an increase in expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Taken together, these results show that PBOX-15 could represent a promising compound for the treatment of human CRC and a strong candidate for novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Fiore
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Salerno , Fisciano (SA) , Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Proto
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Salerno , Fisciano (SA) , Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Salerno , Fisciano (SA) , Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Salerno , Fisciano (SA) , Italy
| | | | - Stefania Butini
- b European Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Dip. di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- b European Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Dip. di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Alice Casagni
- b European Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Dip. di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- c Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR , Naples , Italy
| | - Mario Vitale
- d Department of Medicine and Surgery , University of Salerno , Baronissi (SA) , Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- e Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R. , Pozzuoli (Naples) , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- e Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R. , Pozzuoli (Naples) , Italy
| | - Daniela M Zisterer
- f School of Biochemistry and Immunology , Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Seema Nathwani
- f School of Biochemistry and Immunology , Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - D Clive Williams
- f School of Biochemistry and Immunology , Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- b European Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs) and Dip. di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Salerno , Fisciano (SA) , Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- d Department of Medicine and Surgery , University of Salerno , Baronissi (SA) , Italy
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34
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Ciaglia E, Laezza C, Abate M, Pisanti S, Ranieri R, D'alessandro A, Picardi P, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Recognition by natural killer cells of N6-isopentenyladenosine-treated human glioma cell lines. Int J Cancer 2017; 142:176-190. [PMID: 28884474 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell stress induced by cytotoxic agents promotes antitumor immune response. Here, we observed that N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA), an isoprenoid modified adenosine with a well established anticancer activity, was able to induce a significant upregulation of cell surface expression of natural killer (NK) cell activating receptor NK Group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligands on glioma cells in vitro and xenografted in vivo. Specifically suboptimal doses of iPA (0.1 and 1 µM) control the selective upregulation of UL16-binding protein 2 on p53wt-expressing U343MG and that of MICA/B on p53mut-expressing U251MG cells. This event made the glioblastoma cells a potent target for NK cell-mediated recognition through a NKG2D restricted mechanism. p53 siRNA-mediated knock-down and pharmacological inhibition (pifithrin-α), profoundly prevented the iPA action in restoring the immunogenicity of U343MG cells through a mechanism that is dependent upon p53 status of malignancy. Furthermore, accordingly to the preferential recognition of senescent cells by NK cells, we found that iPA treatment was critical for glioma cells entry in premature senescence through the induction of S and G2/M phase arrest. Collectively, our results indicate that behind the well established cytotoxic and antiangiogenic effects, iPA can also display an immune-mediated antitumor activity. The indirect engagement of the innate immune system and its additional activity in primary derived patient's glioma cell model (GBM17 and GBM37), fully increase its translational relevance and led to the exploitation of the isoprenoid pathway for a valid therapeutic intervention in antiglioma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Via Pansini 5, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Ranieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, Baronissi Salerno, Italy
| | - Alba D'alessandro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano Salerno, Italy.,Axxam Spa OpenZone - via A. Meucci, Bresso, Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, Baronissi Salerno, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, Naples, Italy
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35
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Ciaglia E, Malfitano AM, Laezza C, Fontana A, Nuzzo G, Cutignano A, Abate M, Pelin M, Sosa S, Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. Immuno-Modulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dihydrogracilin A, a Terpene Derived from the Marine Sponge Dendrilla membranosa. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081643. [PMID: 28788056 PMCID: PMC5578033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of 9,11-dihydrogracilin A (DHG), a molecule derived from the Antarctic marine sponge Dendrilla membranosa. We used in vitro and in vivo approaches to establish DHG properties. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT cells) were used as in vitro system, whereas a model of murine cutaneous irritation was adopted for in vivo studies. We observed that DHG reduces dose dependently the proliferative response and viability of mitogen stimulated PBMC. In addition, DHG induces apoptosis as revealed by AnnexinV staining and downregulates the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) at late time points. These effects were accompanied by down-regulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) production, slight decrease of IL-10 and no inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion. To assess potential properties of DHG in epidermal inflammation we used HaCaT cells; this compound reduces cell growth, viability and migration. Finally, we adopted for the in vivo study the croton oil-induced ear dermatitis murine model of inflammation. Of note, topical use of DHG significantly decreased mouse ear edema. These results suggest that DHG exerts anti-inflammatory effects and its anti-edema activity in vivo strongly supports its potential therapeutic application in inflammatory cutaneous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Department of Biology and Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Angelo Fontana
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80131 Naples; Italy, (A.F.).
| | - Genoveffa Nuzzo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80131 Naples; Italy, (A.F.).
| | - Adele Cutignano
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80131 Naples; Italy, (A.F.).
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy.
| | - Marco Pelin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Silvio Sosa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy.
- CORPOREA-Fondazione Idis-Città della Scienza, via Coroglio 104 e 57, 80124 Naples, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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Ciaglia E, Grimaldi M, Abate M, Scrima M, Rodriquez M, Laezza C, Ranieri R, Pisanti S, Ciuffreda P, Manera C, Gazzerro P, D'Ursi AM, Bifulco M. The isoprenoid derivative N 6 -benzyladenosine CM223 exerts antitumor effects in glioma patient-derived primary cells through the mevalonate pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2287-2301. [PMID: 28419419 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N6 -Isopentenyladenosine (i6A) is a modified nucleoside exerting in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative effects. We previously demonstrated that the actions of i6A correlate with the expression and activity of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme involved in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, which is aberrant in brain cancer. To develop new anti-glioma strategies, we tested related compounds exhibiting greater activity than i6A. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We designed and synthesized i6A derivatives characterized by the introduction of diverse chemical moieties in the N6 position of adenosine and tested for their efficacy in U87 cells and in primary glioma cultures, derived from patients. NMR-based structural analysis, molecular docking calculations and siRNA mediated knockdown were used to clarify the molecular basis of their action, targeting FPPS protein. KEY RESULTS CM223, the i6A derivative including a benzyl moiety in N6 position of adenine, showed marked activity in selectively targeting glioma cells, but not normal human astrocytes. This was due to induction of intrinsic pathways of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation, along with blockade of FPPS-dependent protein prenylation, which counteracted oncogenic signalling mediated by EGF receptors. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The biological effects together with structural data on interaction of CM223 with FPPS, provided additional evidence for the correlation of the i6A/CM223 antitumor activity with FPPS modulation. Because the MVA pathway is an important promising target, CM223 and its derivatives should be considered interesting active molecules in antiglioma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Manuela Grimaldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Scrima
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Manuela Rodriquez
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Department of Biology and Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Ranieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pierangela Ciuffreda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "Luigi Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D'Ursi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,CORPOREA-Fondazione Idis-Città della Scienza, Naples, Italy
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37
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Ciaglia E, Abate M, Laezza C, Pisanti S, Vitale M, Seneca V, Torelli G, Franceschelli S, Catapano G, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Antiglioma effects of N6-isopentenyladenosine, an endogenous isoprenoid end product, through the downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor. Int J Cancer 2016; 140:959-972. [PMID: 27813087 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are highly dependent on the isoprenoid pathway for the synthesis of lipid moieties critical for cell proliferation. The isoprenoid derivative N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) displays pleiotropic biological effects, including a direct anti-tumor activity in several tumor models. The antiglioma effects of iPA was then explored in U87MG cells both in vitro and grafted in mice and the related molecular mechanism confirmed in primary derived patients' glioma cells. iPA powerfully inhibited tumor cell growth and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis through a mechanism involving a marked accumulation of the pro-apoptotic BIM protein and inhibition of EGFR. Indeed, activating AMPK following conversion into its iPAMP active form, iPA stimulated EGFR phosphorylation and ubiquitination along a proteasome-mediated pathway which was responsible for receptor degradation and its downstream signaling pathways inhibition, including the STAT3, ERK and AKT cascade. The inhibition of AMPK by compound C prevented iPA-mediated phosphorylation of EGFR, known to precede receptor loss. As expected the block of EGFR degradation, by exposure to the proteasome inhibitor MG132, significantly reduced iPA-induced cell death. Given the importance of receptor degradation in iPA-mediated cytotoxicity, we also documented that the EGFR expression levels in a panel of primary glioma cells confers them a high sensitivity to iPA treatment. In conclusion our study provides the first evidence of iPA antiglioma effect. Indeed, as glioma is driven by aberrant signaling of growth factor receptors, particularly the EGFR, iPA, alone or in association with EGFR targeted therapies, might be a promising therapeutic tool to achieve a potent anti-tumoral effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Vitale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Seneca
- Department of Neurosurgery, "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Benevento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Torelli
- Department of Neurosurgery, "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona University Hospital", Salerno's School of Medicine, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Catapano
- Department of Neurosurgery, "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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38
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Ciaglia E, Torelli G, Pisanti S, Picardi P, D'Alessandro A, Laezza C, Malfitano AM, Fiore D, Pagano Zottola AC, Proto MC, Catapano G, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Cannabinoid receptor CB1 regulates STAT3 activity and its expression dictates the responsiveness to SR141716 treatment in human glioma patients' cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:15464-81. [PMID: 26008966 PMCID: PMC4558164 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we show that a majority of human brain tumor samples and cell lines over-expressed cannabinoid receptor CB1 as compared to normal human astrocytes (NHA), while uniformly expressed low levels of CB2. This finding prompted us to investigate the therapeutic exploitation of CB1 inactivation by SR141716 treatment, with regard to its direct and indirect cell-mediated effects against gliomas. Functional studies, using U251MG glioma cells and primary tumor cell lines derived from glioma patients expressing different levels of CB1, highlighted SR141716 efficacy in inducing apoptosis via G1 phase stasis and block of TGF-β1 secretion through a mechanism that involves STAT3 inhibition. According to the multivariate role of STAT3 in the immune escape too, interestingly SR141716 lead also to the functional and selective expression of MICA/B on the surface of responsive malignant glioma cells, but not on NHA. This makes SR141716 treated-glioma cells potent targets for allogeneic NK cell-mediated recognition through a NKG2D restricted mechanism, thus priming them for NK cell antitumor reactivity. These results indicate that CB1 and STAT3 participate in a new oncogenic network in the complex biology of glioma and their expression levels in patients dictate the efficacy of the CB1 antagonist SR141716 in multimodal glioma destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Torelli
- "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Benevento, Italy.,Neurosurgery Unit A.O. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d' Aragona - Salerno's School of Medicine, Largo Città di Ippocrate, Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alba D'Alessandro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Donatella Fiore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Catapano
- "G.Rummo" Medical Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Benevento, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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Piccinelli AL, Pagano I, Esposito T, Mencherini T, Porta A, Petrone AM, Gazzerro P, Picerno P, Sansone F, Rastrelli L, Aquino RP. HRMS Profile of a Hazelnut Skin Proanthocyanidin-rich Fraction with Antioxidant and Anti-Candida albicans Activities. J Agric Food Chem 2016; 64:585-595. [PMID: 26739867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Roasted hazelnut skins (RHS) represent a byproduct of kernel industrial processing. In this research, a RHS extract (RHS-M) and its fraction RHS-M-F3 enriched in proanthocyanidins (PAs), with antioxidant activity, were characterized in terms of total phenolic compound and PA contents. RHS-M and RHS-M-F3 showed antifungal properties against Candida albicans SC5314 (MIC2 = 3.00 and 0.10 μg/mL and MIC0 = 5.00 and 0.50 μg/mL, respectively), determined by the microbroth dilution method and Candida albicans morphological analysis. No cytotoxic effect on HEKa and HDFa cell lines was exhibited by RHS-M and RHS-M-F3. The metabolite profiling of RHS-M and RHS-M-F3 was performed by thiolysis followed by HPLC-UV-HRMS analysis and a combination of HRMS-FIA and HPLC-HRMS(n). Extract and fraction contain oligomeric PAs (mDP of 7.3 and 6.0, respectively, and DP up to 10) mainly constituted by B-type oligomers of (epi)-catechin. Also, (epi)-gallocatechin and gallate derivatives were identified as monomer units, and A-type PAs were detected as minor compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lisa Piccinelli
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Imma Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Tiziana Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Teresa Mencherini
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Amalia Porta
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Petrone
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Patrizia Picerno
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Francesca Sansone
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Luca Rastrelli
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Rita Patrizia Aquino
- Department of Pharmacy and ‡Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno , Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
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Pagano I, Piccinelli AL, Celano R, Campone L, Gazzerro P, De Falco E, Rastrelli L. Chemical profile and cellular antioxidant activity of artichoke by-products. Food Funct 2016; 7:4841-4850. [DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01443g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Artichoke byproducts, particularly bracts, are a promising and cheap source of inulin and caffeoylquinic acids for the production of food additives and nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imma Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Salerno
- 84084 Fisciano
- Italy
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development
| | | | - Rita Celano
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Salerno
- 84084 Fisciano
- Italy
| | - Luca Campone
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Salerno
- 84084 Fisciano
- Italy
| | | | - Enrica De Falco
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Salerno
- 84084 Fisciano
- Italy
| | - Luca Rastrelli
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Salerno
- 84084 Fisciano
- Italy
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Pisanti S, Picardi P, Pallottini V, Martini C, Petrosino S, Proto MC, Vitale M, Laezza C, Gazzerro P, Di Marzo V, Bifulco M. Anandamide drives cell cycle progression through CB1 receptors in a rat model of synchronized liver regeneration. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:2905-14. [PMID: 25684344 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, through cannabinoid receptor signaling by endocannabinoids, is involved in a wide range of functions and physiopathological conditions. To date, very little is known concerning the role of the endocannabinoids in the control and regulation of cell proliferation. An anti-proliferative action of CB1 signaling blockade in neurogenesis and angiogenesis argues in favor of proliferation-promoting functions of endocannabinoids through CB1 receptors when pro-growth signals are present. Furthermore, liver regeneration, a useful in vivo model of synchronized cell proliferation, is characterized by a peak of anandamide that elicits through CB1 receptor, the expression of critical mitosis genes. The aim of this study was to focus on the timing of endocannabinoid signaling changes during the different phases of the cell cycle, exploiting the rat liver regeneration model following partial hepatectomy, the most useful to study synchronized cell cycle in vivo. Hepatic regeneration led to increased levels of anandamide and endocannabinoid-like molecules oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, with a concomitant increase in CB1 mRNA levels, whose protein expression peaked later during the S phase. Blocking of CB1 receptor with a low dose of the selective antagonist/inverse agonist SR141716 (0.7 mg/kg/dose) affected cell cycle progression reducing the expression of PCNA, and through the inhibition of pERK and pSTAT3 pathways. These results support the notion that the signaling mediated by anandamide through CB1 receptor may be important for the entry and progression of cells into the cell cycle and hence for their proliferation under mitogenic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valentina Pallottini
- Department of Science, Section Biomedical Science and Technologies, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Martini
- Department of Science, Section Biomedical Science and Technologies, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Chiara Proto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Endocrinology, IEOS, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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Sansone F, Esposito T, Mencherini T, Piccinelli AL, Gazzerro P, Picerno P, Russo P, Del Gaudio P, Essolito M, Campiglia P, Aquino RP. Annurca peel extract: from the chemical composition, through the functional activity, to the formulation and characterisation of a topical oil-in-water emulsion. Nat Prod Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1062005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sansone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Tiziana Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Teresa Mencherini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Piccinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Patrizia Picerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Paola Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Pasquale Del Gaudio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Massimilano Essolito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
| | - Rita P. Aquino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA84084, Italy
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Manera C, Malfitano AM, Parkkari T, Lucchesi V, Carpi S, Fogli S, Bertini S, Laezza C, Ligresti A, Saccomanni G, Savinainen JR, Ciaglia E, Pisanti S, Gazzerro P, Di Marzo V, Nieri P, Macchia M, Bifulco M. New quinolone- and 1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides as selective CB2 receptor agonists with anticancer and immuno–modulatory activity. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 97:10-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Scrima M, Lauro G, Grimaldi M, Di Marino S, Tosco A, Picardi P, Gazzerro P, Riccio R, Novellino E, Bifulco M, Bifulco G, D’Ursi AM. Structural Evidence of N6-Isopentenyladenosine As a New Ligand of Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase. J Med Chem 2014; 57:7798-803. [DOI: 10.1021/jm500869x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Scrima
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Manuela Grimaldi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Sara Di Marino
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Raffaele Riccio
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
- Dipartimento
di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D’Ursi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni
Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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Ciaglia E, Pisanti S, Picardi P, Laezza C, Sosa S, Tubaro A, Vitale M, Gazzerro P, Malfitano AM, Bifulco M. N6-isopentenyladenosine affects cytotoxic activity and cytokines production by IL-2 activated NK cells and exerts topical anti-inflammatory activity in mice. Pharmacol Res 2014; 89:1-10. [PMID: 25063359 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) is a modified adenosine with an isopentenyl moiety derived from the mevalonate pathway which displays pleiotropic biological effects, including anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activity. Previous evidence revealed a biphasic effect of iPA on phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes, being pro-proliferative at low doses and anti-proliferative at high doses. Analogously, we have recently shown that low iPA concentrations (<1μM) increased the immune response of natural killer (NK) cells against cancer targets. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of iPA at high concentration (10μM) on IL-2-activated NK cells. iPA, inhibited NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity against their conventional tumor target, human K562 cells. This inhibition was associated with decreased expression and functionality of NK cell activating receptors NKp44 and NKG2D as well as impaired cyto/chemokines secretion (RANTES, MIP-1α, TNF-α and IFN-γ). ERK/MAPK and STAT5 activation in IL-2-activated NK cells were inhibited by iPA. The results obtained in vitro were validated in vivo in the inflammatory murine model of croton oil-induced ear dermatitis. The topical application of iPA significantly reduced mouse ear oedema, thus suggesting anti-inflammatory properties of this molecule. These results show the ability of iPA to exert anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo directly targeting NK cells, providing a novel pharmacological tool in those diseases characterized by a deregulated immune-response, such as cancer or inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Picardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, IEOS CNR, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Biology and Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvio Sosa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aurelia Tubaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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Pisanti S, Picardi P, Ciaglia E, Margarucci L, Ronca R, Giacomini A, Malfitano AM, Casapullo A, Laezza C, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Antiangiogenic effects of N6-isopentenyladenosine, an endogenous isoprenoid end product, mediated by AMPK activation. FASEB J 2013; 28:1132-44. [PMID: 24265487 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-238238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA), an end product of the mevalonate pathway with an isopentenyl chain, is already known to exert a suppressor effect against various tumors. In this work, we investigated whether iPA also directly interferes with the angiogenic process, which is fundamental to tumor growth and progression. To this end, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a suitable in vitro model of angiogenesis, we evaluated their viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation in response to iPA, and molecular mechanisms involved. Data were corroborated in mice by using a gel plug assay. iPA dose- and time-dependently inhibited all the neoangiogenesis stages, with an IC50 of 0.98 μM. We demonstrated for the first time, by liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), that iPA was monophosphorylated into 5'-iPA-monophosphate (iPAMP) by the adenosine kinase (ADK) inside the cells. iPAMP is the active form that inhibits angiogenesis through the direct activation of AMP-kinase (AMPK). Indeed, all effects were completely reversed by pretreatment with 5-iodotubercidin (5-Itu), an ADK inhibitor. The isoprenoid intermediate isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), which shares the isopentenyl moiety with iPA, was ineffective in the inhibition of angiogenesis, thus showing that the iPA structure is specific for the observed effects. In conclusion, iPA is a novel AMPK activator and could represent a useful tool for the treatment of diseases where excessive neoangiogenesis is the underlying pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pisanti
- 2University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy. S.P.,
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Malfitano AM, Laezza C, Saccomanni G, Tuccinardi T, Manera C, Martinelli A, Ciaglia E, Pisanti S, Vitale M, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M. Immune-modulation and properties of absorption and blood brain barrier permeability of 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2013; 8:1077-86. [PMID: 24081326 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-013-9494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Considering the high selectivity at the cannabinoid CB2 receptor of recently designed 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives and the protective role of this receptor in neurological disorders, in this study we investigated the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds as well as their potential properties of intestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) known to express the CB2 receptor. We observed that test compounds, CB13, CB82 and CB91 reduced PBMC proliferation. The anti-proliferative effect of CB13 and CB91 was partially mediated by the CB2 receptor. These compounds blocked the cells cycle and CB91 reduced T cell activation. CB82 and CB91 down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated proteins like NF-κB, ERK, Akt and the enzyme Cox-2, CB91 blocked the expression of the CB2 receptor and its inhibitory effect was CB2 receptor mediated. We also investigated CB91 properties of intestinal absorption and BBB permeability in order to suggest its potential efficacy on the infiltrating auto-reactive lymphocytes at the level of the central nervous system. For this purpose, CB91 was tested in drug-permeability assays on Caco-2 cells to evaluate its oral bioavailability and on MDCKII-hMDR1 cells to estimate its BBB permeability. The results indicated that this compound possesses medium level of intestinal absorption and BBB permeability. Our data suggest that CB91, modulating the immune response by CB2 receptor mediated mechanism and showing medium level of intestinal absorption and BBB permeability, might be developed as a potential orally delivered drug and might find potential application in pathologies like multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Malfitano
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Salerno Facoltà di Medicina, Baronissi Campus, Baronissi, 84081, SA, Italy,
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Gangemi G, Gazzerro P, Fiore D, Proto MC, Butini S, Gemma S, Casagni A, Laezza C, Vitale M, Ligresti A, Di Marzo V, Zisterer DM, Nathwani S, Clive Williams D, Campiani G, Bifulco M. PBOX-15 induces apoptosis and improves the efficacy of oxaliplatin in human colorectal cancer cell lines. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 714:379-87. [PMID: 23872382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An emerging new class of targeted therapeutic molecules against the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a novel series of pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxa(thia)zepine compounds. A member of this family, pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxazepine-15 (PBOX-15), is a tubulin depolymerizing agent displaying a proapoptotic activity in a variety of human tumor cell types, including those derived from both solid and hematological malignancies, with minimal toxicity towards normal blood and bone marrow cells. In this study, we evaluated the PBOX-15-mediated effects in human colorectal cancer cell (CRC) lines. The compound, used at doses equal to or greater than 1 μM inhibits the proliferation of human CRC cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner, inducing a significant cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. DNA fragmentation assays and western blot analysis demonstrated that treatments prolonged over 48 h triggered a strong activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway as indicated by activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP. Moreover, nanomolar doses of PBOX-15, unable to cause microtubule depolymerization, significantly improved the oxaliplatin and 5-fluouracil-induced anti-proliferative effects in CRC cell lines. These results showed, for the first time, that PBOX-15 represents a promising compound for the treatment of human CRC and a strong candidate for novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Gangemi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
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Ciaglia E, Pisanti S, Picardi P, Laezza C, Malfitano AM, DˈAlessandro A, Gazzerro P, Vitale M, Carbone E, Bifulco M. N6-isopentenyladenosine, an endogenous isoprenoid end product, directly affects cytotoxic and regulatory functions of human NK cells through FDPS modulation. J Leukoc Biol 2013; 94:1207-19. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0413190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Bifulco M, Gazzerro P. The right to care and the expectations of society--controversial stem cell therapy in Italy. EMBO Rep 2013; 14:578. [PMID: 23732540 PMCID: PMC3701238 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2013.71] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Claiming that a disease is incurable does not justify the use of unsafe or ineffective therapies. Instead, the process of drug approval as a whole should be improved, with all involved giving clear and honest answers to ensure the dignity of patients and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Italy.
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