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Tierno D, Grassi G, Zanconati F, Dapas B, Scaggiante B. Plasma Circular RNAs as Biomarkers for Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:875. [PMID: 38672229 PMCID: PMC11048241 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most common neoplasm, the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, and is a major health problem. The discovery of new biomarkers is crucial to improve our knowledge of breast cancer and strengthen our clinical approaches to diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up. In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in circulating RNA (circRNA) as modulators of gene expression involved in tumor development and progression. The study of circulating circRNAs (ccircRNAs) in plasma may provide new non-invasive diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for BC. This review describes the latest findings on BC-associated ccircRNAs in plasma and their clinical utility. Several ccircRNAs in plasma have shown great potential as BC biomarkers, especially from a diagnostic point of view. Mechanistically, most of the reported BC-associated ccircRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and invasion, mainly via MAPK/AKT signaling pathways. However, the study of circRNAs is a relatively new area of research, and a larger number of studies will be crucial to confirm their potential as plasma biomarkers and to understand their involvement in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Tierno
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.T.); (G.G.); (F.Z.)
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.T.); (G.G.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.T.); (G.G.); (F.Z.)
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 28, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
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Abrami M, Biasin A, Tescione F, Tierno D, Dapas B, Carbone A, Grassi G, Conese M, Di Gioia S, Larobina D, Grassi M. Mucus Structure, Viscoelastic Properties, and Composition in Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1933. [PMID: 38339210 PMCID: PMC10856136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031933] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The respiratory mucus, a viscoelastic gel, effectuates a primary line of the airway defense when operated by the mucociliary clearance. In chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF), the mucus is overproduced and its solid content augments, changing its structure and viscoelastic properties and determining a derangement of essential defense mechanisms against opportunistic microbial (virus and bacteria) pathogens. This ensues in damaging of the airways, leading to a vicious cycle of obstruction and infection responsible for the harsh clinical evolution of these CRDs. Here, we review the essential features of normal and pathological mucus (i.e., sputum in CF, COPD, and asthma), i.e., mucin content, structure (mesh size), micro/macro-rheology, pH, and osmotic pressure, ending with the awareness that sputum biomarkers (mucins, inflammatory proteins and peptides, and metabolites) might serve to indicate acute exacerbation and response to therapies. There are some indications that old and novel treatments may change the structure, viscoelastic properties, and biomarker content of sputum; however, a wealth of work is still needed to embrace these measures as correlates of disease severity in association with (or even as substitutes of) pulmonary functional tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.A.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Alice Biasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.A.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Fabiana Tescione
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, P.le E. Fermi 1, I-80055 Portici, Italy; (F.T.); (D.L.)
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.T.); (G.G.)
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, I-34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Annalucia Carbone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 121, I-71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.C.); (S.D.G.)
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (D.T.); (G.G.)
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 121, I-71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.C.); (S.D.G.)
| | - Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 121, I-71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.C.); (S.D.G.)
| | - Domenico Larobina
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, P.le E. Fermi 1, I-80055 Portici, Italy; (F.T.); (D.L.)
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.A.); (A.B.); (M.G.)
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Claps F, Pavan N, Ongaro L, Tierno D, Grassi G, Trombetta C, Tulone G, Simonato A, Bartoletti R, Mertens LS, van Rhijn BWG, Mir MC, Scaggiante B. BCG-Unresponsive Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Current Treatment Landscape and Novel Emerging Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12596. [PMID: 37628785 PMCID: PMC10454200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC), the sixth most common cancer in Western countries, includes upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and bladder carcinoma (BC) as the most common cancers among UCs (90-95%). BC is the most common cancer and can be a highly heterogeneous disease, including both non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) forms with different oncologic outcomes. Approximately 80% of new BC diagnoses are classified as NMIBC after the initial transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBt). In this setting, intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the current standard treatment for intermediate- and high-risk patients. Unfortunately, recurrence occurs in 30% to 40% of patients despite adequate BCG treatment. Radical cystectomy (RC) is currently considered the standard treatment for NMIBC that does not respond to BCG. However, RC is a complex surgical procedure with a recognized high perioperative morbidity that is dependent on the patient, disease behaviors, and surgical factors and is associated with a significant impact on quality of life. Therefore, there is an unmet clinical need for alternative bladder-preserving treatments for patients who desire a bladder-sparing approach or are too frail for major surgery. In this review, we aim to present the strategies in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, focusing on novel molecular therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Claps
- Urological Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.C.); (L.O.); (C.T.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology (Urology), Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.S.M.); (B.W.G.v.R.)
| | - Nicola Pavan
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Luca Ongaro
- Urological Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.C.); (L.O.); (C.T.)
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Carlo Trombetta
- Urological Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.C.); (L.O.); (C.T.)
| | - Gabriele Tulone
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Alchiede Simonato
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (N.P.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Riccardo Bartoletti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Laura S. Mertens
- Department of Surgical Oncology (Urology), Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.S.M.); (B.W.G.v.R.)
| | - Bas W. G. van Rhijn
- Department of Surgical Oncology (Urology), Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.S.M.); (B.W.G.v.R.)
| | - Maria Carmen Mir
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario La Ribera, 46600 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
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Tierno D, Grassi G, Scomersi S, Bortul M, Generali D, Zanconati F, Scaggiante B. Next-Generation Sequencing and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119688. [PMID: 37298642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119688] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor survival of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is due to its aggressive behavior, large heterogeneity, and high risk of recurrence. A comprehensive molecular investigation of this type of breast cancer using high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods may help to elucidate its potential progression and discover biomarkers related to patient survival. In this review, the NGS applications in TNBC research are described. Many NGS studies point to TP53 mutations, immunocheckpoint response genes, and aberrations in the PIK3CA and DNA repair pathways as recurrent pathogenic alterations in TNBC. Beyond their diagnostic and predictive/prognostic value, these findings suggest potential personalized treatments in PD -L1-positive TNBC or in TNBC with a homologous recombination deficit. Moreover, the comprehensive sequencing of large genomes with NGS has enabled the identification of novel markers with clinical value in TNBC, such as AURKA, MYC, and JARID2 mutations. In addition, NGS investigations to explore ethnicity-specific alterations have pointed to EZH2 overexpression, BRCA1 alterations, and a BRCA2-delaAAGA mutation as possible molecular signatures of African and African American TNBC. Finally, the development of long-read sequencing methods and their combination with optimized short-read techniques promise to improve the efficiency of NGS approaches for future massive clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Tierno
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Scomersi
- Breast Unit-Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina ASUGI, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Bortul
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale di Cremona-ASST, Breast Cancer Unit and Translational Research Unit, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Bortul M, Giudici F, Tierno D, Generali D, Scomersi S, Grassi G, Bottin C, Cappelletti MR, Zanconati F, Scaggiante B. A Case-Control Study by ddPCR of ALU 260/111 and LINE-1 266/97 Copy Number Ratio in Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Plasma Revealed LINE-1 266/97 as a Potential Biomarker for Early Breast Cancer Detection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108520. [PMID: 37239866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108520] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Western countries, breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. Early detection has a positive impact on survival, quality of life, and public health costs. Mammography screening programs have increased early detection rates, but new approaches to more personalized surveillance could further improve diagnosis. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood could provide a potential tool for early diagnosis by analyzing cfDNA quantity, circulating tumor DNA mutations, or cfDNA integrity (cfDI). METHODS Plasma was obtained from the blood of 106 breast cancer patients (cases) and 103 healthy women (controls). Digital droplet PCR was used for the determination of ALU 260/111 bp and LINE-1 266/97 bp copy number ratio and cfDI. cfDNA abundance was calculated using copies of the EEF1A2 gene. The accuracy of biomarker discrimination was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Sensitivity analyses were performed to account for age as a potential confounder. RESULTS Cases had significantly lower ALU 260/111 or LINE-1 266/97 copy number ratios (median; ALU 260/111 = 0.08, LINE-1 266/97 = 0.20), compared with control (median; ALU 260/111 = 0.10, LINE-1 266/97 = 0.28) (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that copy number ratio discriminated cases from controls (area under the curve, AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.62-0.76 for ALU and 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.86 for LINE-1). ROC from cfDI confirmed the better diagnostic performance of LINE-1 compared with ALU. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of LINE-1 266/97 copy number ratio or cfDI by ddPCR appears to be a useful noninvasive test that could aid in early BC detection. Further studies in a large cohort are needed to validate the biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Bortul
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Breast Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Cancer Epidemiologic Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Breast Cancer Unit and Translational Research Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale di Cremona-ASST, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Serena Scomersi
- Breast Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Cappelletti
- Breast Cancer Unit and Translational Research Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale di Cremona-ASST, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Breast Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Jesenko T, Brezar SK, Cemazar M, Biasin A, Tierno D, Scaggiante B, Grassi M, Grassi C, Dapas B, Truong NH, Abrami M, Zanconati F, Bonazza D, Rizzolio F, Parisi S, Pastorin G, Grassi G. Targeting Non-Coding RNAs for the Development of Novel Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapeutic Approaches. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041249. [PMID: 37111734 PMCID: PMC10145575 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041249] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, representing the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although therapeutic advances have been made in the few last years, the prognosis remains poor. Thus, there is a dire need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this regard, two approaches can be considered: (1) the identification of tumor-targeted delivery systems and (2) the targeting of molecule(s) whose aberrant expression is confined to tumor cells. In this work, we focused on the second approach. Among the different kinds of possible target molecules, we discuss the potential therapeutic value of targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include micro interfering RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). These molecules represent the most significant RNA transcripts in cells and can regulate many HCC features, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. In the first part of the review, the main characteristics of HCC and ncRNAs are described. The involvement of ncRNAs in HCC is then presented over five sections: (a) miRNAs, (b) lncRNAs, (c) circRNAs, (d) ncRNAs and drug resistance and (e) ncRNAs and liver fibrosis. Overall, this work provides the reader with the most recent state-of-the-art approaches in this field, highlighting key trends and opportunities for more advanced and efficacious HCC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Alice Biasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Grassi
- Degree Course in Medicine, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nhung Hai Truong
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, VNUHCM-University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, I-33081 Aviano, Italy
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, I-30172 Venezia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Parisi
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, I-30172 Venezia, Italy
- Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pastorin
- Pharmacy Department, National University of Singapore, Block S9, Level 15, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
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Tierno D, Azzalini E, Farra R, Drioli S, Felluga F, Lazzarino M, Grassi G, Dapas B, Bonin S. Nanomechanical Characterization of Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines as a Marker of Response to 2c Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087230. [PMID: 37108391 PMCID: PMC10139025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087230] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with different molecular and clinical features. In past decades, few improvements have been achieved in terms of EOC management and treatment efficacy, such that the 5-year survival rate of patients remained almost unchanged. A better characterization of EOCs' heterogeneity is needed to identify cancer vulnerabilities, stratify patients and adopt proper therapies. The mechanical features of malignant cells are emerging as new biomarkers of cancer invasiveness and drug resistance that can further improve our knowledge of EOC biology and allow the identification of new molecular targets. In this study, we determined the inter and intra-mechanical heterogeneity of eight ovarian cancer cell lines and their association with tumor invasiveness and resistance to an anti-tumoral drug with cytoskeleton depolymerization activity (2c).
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Tierno
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Eros Azzalini
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Rossella Farra
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Drioli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DSCF), University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Felluga
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DSCF), University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Lazzarino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Losurdo P, de Manzini N, Palmisano S, Grassi M, Parisi S, Rizzolio F, Tierno D, Biasin A, Grassi C, Truong NH, Grassi G. Potential Application of Small Interfering RNA in Gastro-Intestinal Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1295. [PMID: 36297407 PMCID: PMC9612316 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101295] [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] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress made in the diagnoses and therapy of gastrointestinal cancers, these diseases are still plagued by a high mortality. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required. In this regard, small interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA molecules able to specifically target the mRNA of pathological genes, have the potential to be of therapeutic value. To be effective in the human body, siRNAs need to be protected against degradation. Additionally, they need to target the tumor, leaving the normal tissue untouched in an effort to preserve organ function. To accomplish these tasks, siRNAs have been formulated with smart delivery systems such has polymers and lipids. While siRNA protection is not particularly difficult to achieve, their targeting of tumor cells remains problematic. Here, after introducing the general features of gastrointestinal cancers, we describe siRNA characteristics together with representative delivery systems developed for gastrointestinal cancers. Afterward, we present a selection of research papers employing siRNAs against upper- and lower- gastrointestinal cancers. For the liver, we also consider papers using siRNAs to combat liver cirrhosis, a relevant risk factor for liver cancer development. Finally, we present a brief description of clinical trials employing siRNAs for gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Losurdo
- Surgical Clinic Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicolò de Manzini
- Surgical Clinic Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Palmisano
- Surgical Clinic Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, Via Valerio 6, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Salvatore Parisi
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Pordenone, 33081 Aviano, Italy
- Doctoral School in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Pordenone, 33081 Aviano, Italy
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, 30123 Venezia, Italy
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alice Biasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, Via Valerio 6, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Grassi
- Degree Course in Medicine, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nhung Hai Truong
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, VNUHCM—University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, VNUHCM—University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Azzalini E, Tierno D, Bartoletti M, Barbazza R, Giorda G, Puglisi F, Cecere SC, Losito NS, Russo D, Stanta G, Canzonieri V, Bonin S. AKT Isoforms Interplay in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Characterization. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020304. [PMID: 35053468 PMCID: PMC8773580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020304] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary New therapeutical strategies are needed to improve survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. AKT inhibitors are promising agents able to act in synergy with PARP inhibitors and platinum-based therapies, but the subset of patients who could benefit from this approach is still unclear. We analyzed AKT isoforms expression in a retrospective cohort and we identified four AKT expression groups related to patients’ survival, tumor morphology and the BRCA status that could help in stratifying patients for future clinical trials. Abstract High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is among the deadliest gynecological malignancies. The acquired resistance to platinum-based therapies and the intrinsic heterogeneity of the disease contribute to the low survival rate. To improve patients’ outcomes, new combinatorial approaches able to target different tumor vulnerabilities and enhance the efficacy of the current therapies are required. AKT inhibitors are promising antineoplastic agents able to act in synergy with PARP inhibitors, but the spectrum of patients who can benefit from this combination is unclear, since the role of the three different isoforms of AKT is still unknown. Here, we study the expression of AKT isoforms on a retrospective cohort of archive tissue by RT-droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analyzing their association with the clinicopathological features of patients. Based on AKT1/AKT2 and AKT1/AKT3 ratios, we define four AKT classes which were related to patients’ survival, tumor morphology and BRCA1 expression. Moreover, our results show that high AKT3 expression levels were frequently associated with tumors having classic features, a low number of mitoses and the presence of psammoma bodies. Overall, our study obtains new insights on AKT isoforms and their associations with the clinicopathological features of HGSOC patients. These evidences could help to better define the subsets of patients who can benefit from AKT and PARP inhibitors therapy in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Azzalini
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Michele Bartoletti
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention, Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.)
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Renzo Barbazza
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Giorda
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology Surgery, IRCCS CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention, Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.)
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Sabrina Chiara Cecere
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.C.C.); (N.S.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Nunzia Simona Losito
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.C.C.); (N.S.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Daniela Russo
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.C.C.); (N.S.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Giorgio Stanta
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (S.B.); Tel.: +39−0434−659−618 (V.C.); +39−040−399−3266 (S.B.)
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (S.B.); Tel.: +39−0434−659−618 (V.C.); +39−040−399−3266 (S.B.)
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Fattorini P, Forzato C, Tierno D, De Martino E, Azzalini E, Canzonieri V, Stanta G, Bonin S. A Novel HPLC-Based Method to Investigate on RNA after Fixation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207540. [PMID: 33066070 PMCID: PMC7588918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA isolated from fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues is widely used in biomedical research and molecular pathology for diagnosis. In the present study, we have set-up a method based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to investigate the effects of different fixatives on RNA. By the application of the presented method, which is based on the Nuclease S1 enzymatic digestion of RNA extracts followed by a HPLC analysis, it is possible to quantify the unmodified nucleotide monophosphates (NMPs) in the mixture and recognize their hydroxymethyl derivatives as well as other un-canonical RNA moieties. The results obtained from a set of mouse livers fixed/embedded with different protocols as well from a set of clinical samples aged 0 to 30 years-old show that alcohol-based fixatives do not induce chemical modification of the nucleic acid under ISO standard recommendations and confirm that pre-analytical conditions play a major role in RNA preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fattorini
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Cristina Forzato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Domenico Tierno
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
- Doctorate of Nanotechnology, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Eleonora De Martino
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Eros Azzalini
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stanta
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (P.F.); (D.T.); (E.D.M.); (E.A.); (V.C.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-399-3266
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Bhaskar UK, Tierno D, Talmelli G, Ciubotaru F, Adelmann C, Devolder T. BPZT HBARs for Magnetoelastic Stress Generation at GHz Frequencies. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control 2020; 67:1284-1290. [PMID: 31985417 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.2967902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The high-frequency performance of strong piezoelectric materials like Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3 (PZT) remains relatively less explored due to the assumption of large dielectric/ferroelectric losses at gigahertz (GHz) frequencies. Recently, the advent of magnetoelectric technology as an on-chip route to excite magnetization dynamics has provided the impetus to evaluate the electromechanical performance of PZT at microwave frequencies. In this article, we demonstrate that high-overtone bulk acoustic resonators fabricated using barium-doped PZT (BPZT) films can efficiently generate acoustic waves up to 15 GHz. The ferroelectricity of BPZT endows added functionality to the resonator in the form of voltage tunability of the electromechanical performance. We extract the piezoelectric coefficient by numerically comparing the performance of BPZT with the Mason model. The extracted piezoelectric coefficient approximately 60 pm/V agrees well with reported values on a thin-film PZT measured at low frequencies (<100 MHz). Our results suggest that with further improvement in device design and material processing, BPZT resonators could operate as large amplitude, tunable stress transducers at GHz frequencies.
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