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Saviano A, Manosour AA, Raucci F, Merlino F, Marigliano N, Schettino A, Wahid M, Begum J, Filer A, Manning JE, Casillo GM, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Marzano S, Russomanno P, Bellavita R, Irace C, Amato J, Alfaifi M, Rimmer P, Iqbal T, Pieretti S, Vellecco V, Caso F, Costa L, Giacomelli R, Scarpa R, Cirino G, Bucci M, McGettrick HM, Grieco P, Iqbal AJ, Maione F. New biologic (Ab-IPL-IL-17) for IL-17-mediated diseases: identification of the bioactive sequence (nIL-17) for IL-17A/F function. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1415-1428. [PMID: 37580108 PMCID: PMC10579190 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224479] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interleukin (IL) 17s cytokines are key drivers of inflammation that are functionally dysregulated in several human immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Targeting these cytokines has some therapeutic benefits, but issues associated with low therapeutic efficacy and immunogenicity for subgroups of patients or IMIDs reduce their clinical use. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the coverage and efficacy of antibodies targeting IL-17A and/or IL-17F and IL-17A/F heterodimer. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we initially identified a bioactive 20 amino acid IL-17A/F-derived peptide (nIL-17) that mimics the pro-inflammatory actions of the full-length proteins. Subsequently, we generated a novel anti-IL-17 neutralising monoclonal antibody (Ab-IPL-IL-17) capable of effectively reversing the pro-inflammatory, pro-migratory actions of both nIL-17 and IL-17A/F. Importantly, we demonstrated that Ab-IPL-IL-17 has less off-target effects than the current gold-standard biologic, secukinumab. Finally, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of Ab-IPL-IL-17 with reference anti-IL-17 antibodies in preclinical murine models and samples from patients with RA and IBD. We found that Ab-IPL-IL-17 could effectively reduce clinical signs of arthritis and neutralise elevated IL-17 levels in IBD patient serum. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our preclinical and in vitro clinical evidence indicates high efficacy and therapeutic potency of Ab-IPL-IL-17, supporting the rationale for large-scale clinical evaluation of Ab-IPL-IL-17 in patients with IMIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anella Saviano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Adel Abo Manosour
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Federica Raucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Noemi Marigliano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Schettino
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mussarat Wahid
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jenefa Begum
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Julia E Manning
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mohammed Alfaifi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Rimmer
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tariq Iqbal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Department of Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Caso
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luisa Costa
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, and Research Unit of Immuno-Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy, and Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy, Roma, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Helen M McGettrick
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Asif Jilani Iqbal
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Francesco Maione
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Cerracchio C, Amoroso MG, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Nocera FP, De Martino L, Serra F, Irace C, Tenore GC, Novellino E, Santamaria R, Fiorito F. Antiviral activity of Taurisolo® during bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 infection. Virus Res 2023; 336:199217. [PMID: 37666327 PMCID: PMC10504091 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV-1), the pathogen causing Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and predisposing to polymicrobial infections in cattle, provokes farm economic losses and trading restrictions in the world. However, nontoxic antiviral agents for BoAHV-1 infection are still unavailable, but plant extracts, such as flavonoid derivatives possess activity against BoAHV-1. Taurisolo®, a nutraceutical produced by Aglianico grape pomace, has recently shown promising antiviral activity. Herein, the potential activity of Taurisolo® during BoAHV-1 infection in Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells was tested. Taurisolo® enhanced cell viability and reduced morphological death signs in BoAHV-1-infected cells. Moreover, Taurisolo® influenced the expression of bICP0, the key regulatory protein of BoAHV-1, and it strongly diminished virus yield. These effects were associated with an up-regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor involved in microbial metabolism and immune response. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Taurisolo® may represent a potential antiviral agent against BoAHV-1 infection. Noteworthy, AhR could be involved in the observed effects and become a new target in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cerracchio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Paola Nocera
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa De Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Serra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gian Carlo Tenore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Fiorito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy.
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3
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Gazzillo E, Pierri M, Colarusso E, Chini MG, Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Irace C, Bruno I, Bifulco G, Terracciano S, Lauro G. Exploring the chemical space of functionalized [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-based compounds targeting the bromodomain of BRD9. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106677. [PMID: 37352721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Here we report a detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) study related to [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-based compounds targeting the reader module of bromodomain containing-protein 9 (BRD9). 3D structure-based pharmacophore models, previously introduced by us, were here employed to evaluate a second generation of compounds, exploring different substitution patterns on the heterocyclic core. Starting from the promising data obtained from our previously identified [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-based compounds 1-4, the combination of in silico studies, chemical synthesis, biophysical and in vitro assays led to the identification of a new set of derivatives, selected for thoroughly exploring the chemical space of the bromodomain binding site. In more details, the investigation of different linkers at C-4 position highlighted the amine spacer as mandatory for the binding with the protein counterpart and the crucial role of the alkyl substituents at C-1 for increasing the selectivity toward BRD9. Additionally, the importance of a hydrogen bond donor group, critical to anchor the ZA region and required for the interaction with Ile53 residue, was inferred from the analysis of our collected results. Herein we also propose an optimization and an update of our previously reported "pharm-druglike2" 3D structure-based pharmacophore model, introducing it as "pharm-druglike2.1". Compounds 24-26, 32, 34 and 36 were identified as new valuable BRD9 binders featuring IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Among them, 24 and 36 displayed an excellent selectivity towards BRD9 and a good antiproliferative effect on a panel of leukemia models, especially toward CCRF-CEM cell line, with no cytotoxicity on healthy cells. Notably, the interaction of 24 and 36 with the bromodomain and PHD finger-containing protein 1 (BRPF1) also emerged, disclosing them as new and unexplored dual inhibitors for these two proteins highly involved in leukemia. These findings highlight the potential for the identification of new attractive dual epidrugs as well as a promising starting point for the development of chemical degraders endowed with anticancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Gazzillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Martina Pierri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Ester Colarusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Chini
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche 86090, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- BioChem Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- BioChem Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- BioChem Lab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
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4
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Bocchetti M, Ferraro MG, Melisi F, Grisolia P, Scrima M, Cossu AM, Yau TO. Overview of current detection methods and microRNA potential in Clostridioides difficile infection screening. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3385-3399. [PMID: 37389232 PMCID: PMC10303512 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (formerly called Clostridium difficile, C. difficile) infection (CDI) is listed as an urgent threat on the 2019 antibiotic resistance threats report in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection and appropriate disease management appear to be essential. Meanwhile, although the majority of cases are hospital-acquired CDI, community-acquired CDI cases are also on the rise, and this vulnerability is not limited to immunocompromised patients. Gastrointestinal treatments and/or gastrointestinal tract surgeries may be required for patients diagnosed with digestive diseases. Such treatments could suppress or interfere with the patient’s immune system and disrupt gut flora homeostasis, creating a suitable microecosystem for C. difficile overgrowth. Currently, stool-based non-invasive screening is the first-line approach to CDI diagnosis, but the accuracy is varied due to different clinical microbiology detection methods; therefore, improving reliability is clearly required. In this review, we briefly summarised the life cycle and toxicity of C. difficile, and we examined existing diagnostic approaches with an emphasis on novel biomarkers such as microRNAs. These biomarkers can be easily detected through non-invasive liquid biopsy and can yield crucial information about ongoing pathological phenomena, particularly in CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bocchetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples 80138, Italy
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Precision Medicine Laboratory and COVID19 Laboratory, Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino 83031, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II,” Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Federica Melisi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples 80138, Italy
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Precision Medicine Laboratory and COVID19 Laboratory, Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino 83031, Italy
| | - Piera Grisolia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples 80138, Italy
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Precision Medicine Laboratory and COVID19 Laboratory, Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino 83031, Italy
| | - Marianna Scrima
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Precision Medicine Laboratory and COVID19 Laboratory, Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino 83031, Italy
| | - Alessia Maria Cossu
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples 80138, Italy
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Precision Medicine Laboratory and COVID19 Laboratory, Biogem Scarl, Ariano Irpino 83031, Italy
| | - Tung On Yau
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, United Kingdom
- Department of Rural Land Use, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Science, University of the People, Pasadena, CA 9110112, United States
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5
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Persico M, Galatello P, Ferraro MG, Irace C, Piccolo M, Abduvakhidov A, Tkachuk O, d'Aulisio Garigliota ML, Campiglia P, Iannece P, Varra M, Ramunno A, Fattorusso C. Tetrasubstituted Pyrrole Derivative Mimetics of Protein-Protein Interaction Hot-Spot Residues: A Promising Class of Anticancer Agents Targeting Melanoma Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104161. [PMID: 37241902 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104161] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series of tetrasubstituted pyrrole derivatives (TSPs) was synthesized based on a previously developed hypothesis on their ability to mimic hydrophobic protein motifs. The resulting new TSPs were endowed with a significant toxicity against human epithelial melanoma A375 cells, showing IC50 values ranging from 10 to 27 μM, consistent with the IC50 value of the reference compound nutlin-3a (IC50 = 15 μM). In particular, compound 10a (IC50 = 10 μM) resulted as both the most soluble and active among the previous and present TSPs. The biological investigation evidenced that the anticancer activity is related to the activation of apoptotic cell-death pathways, supporting our rational design based on the ability of TSPs to interfere with PPI involved in the cell cycle regulation of cancer cells and, in particular, the p53 pathway. A reinvestigation of the TSP pharmacophore by using DFT calculations showed that the three aromatic substituents on the pyrrole core are able to mimic the hydrophobic side chains of the hot-spot residues of parallel and antiparallel coiled coil structures suggesting a possible molecular mechanism of action. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis which includes solubility studies allows us to rationalize the role of the different substituents on the pyrrole core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Persico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Paola Galatello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84100 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Avazbek Abduvakhidov
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Oleh Tkachuk
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84100 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Patrizia Iannece
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84100 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Michela Varra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84100 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Caterina Fattorusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
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Ferraro MG, Bocchetti M, Riccardi C, Trifuoggi M, Paduano L, Montesarchio D, Misso G, Santamaria R, Piccolo M, Irace C. Triple Negative Breast Cancer Preclinical Therapeutic Management by a Cationic Ruthenium-Based Nucleolipid Nanosystem. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076473. [PMID: 37047448 PMCID: PMC10094725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076473] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on compelling preclinical evidence concerning the progress of our novel ruthenium-based metallotherapeutics, we are focusing research efforts on challenging indications for the treatment of invasive neoplasms such as the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This malignancy mainly afflicts younger women, who are black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation. Because of faster growing and spreading, TNBC differs from other invasive breast cancers having fewer treatment options and worse prognosis, where existing therapies are mostly ineffective, resulting in a large unmet biomedical need. In this context, we benefited from an experimental model of TNBC both in vitro and in vivo to explore the effects of a biocompatible cationic liposomal nanoformulation, named HoThyRu/DOTAP, able to effectively deliver the antiproliferative ruthenium(III) complex AziRu, thus resulting in a prospective candidate drug. As part of the multitargeting mechanisms featuring metal-based therapeutics other than platinum-containing agents, we herein validate the potential of HoThyRu/DOTAP liposomes to act as a multimodal anticancer agent through inhibition of TNBC cell growth and proliferation, as well as migration and invasion. The here-obtained preclinical findings suggest a potential targeting of the complex pathways network controlling invasive and migratory cancer phenotypes. Overall, in the field of alternative chemotherapy to platinum-based drugs, these outcomes suggest prospective brand-new settings for the nanostructured AziRu complex to get promising goals for the treatment of metastatic TNBC.
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Colarusso E, Ceccacci S, Monti MC, Gazzillo E, Giordano A, Chini MG, Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Ruggiero D, Irace C, Terracciano S, Bruno I, Bifulco G, Lauro G. Identification of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based small molecules as selective BRD9 binders. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115018. [PMID: 36577218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115018] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Targeting bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) represents a promising strategy for the development of new agents endowed with anticancer properties. With this aim, a set of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based compounds was investigated following a combined approach that relied on in silico studies, chemical synthesis, biophysical and biological evaluation of the most promising items. The protocol was initially based on molecular docking experiments, accounting a library of 1896 potentially synthesizable items tested in silico against the bromodomain of BRD9. A first set of 21 compounds (1-21) was selected and the binding on BDR9 was assessed through AlphaScreen assays. The obtained results disclosed compounds 17 and 20 able to bind BRD9 in the submicromolar range (IC50 = 0.35 ± 0.18 μM and IC50 = 0.14 ± 0.03 μM, respectively) showing a promising selectivity profile when tested against further nine bromodomains. Taking advantage of 3D structure-based pharmacophore models, additional 10 derivatives were selected in silico for the synthetic step and binding assessment, highlighting seven compounds (22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31) able to selectively bind BRD9 among different bromodomains. The ability of the identified BRD9 binders to cross artificial membranes in vitro was also assessed, revealing a very good passive permeability profile. Preliminary studies were carried out on a panel of healthy and cancer human cell lines to explore the biological behavior of the selected compounds, disclosing a moderate activity and significant selectivity profile towards leukaemia cells. These results highlighted the applicability of the reported multidisciplinary approach for accelerating the selection of promising items and for driving the chemical synthesis of novel selective BRD9 binders. Moreover, the low molecular weight of the reported 2,4,5-trisubstituted-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one-based BRD9 binders suggests the possibility for further exploring the chemical space in order to obtain new analogues with improved potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Colarusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Sara Ceccacci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Erica Gazzillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Assunta Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Chini
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Dafne Ruggiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy.
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8
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Russo G, Piccolo M, Neri I, Ferraro MG, Santamaria R, Grumetto L. Lipophilicity profiling and cell viability assessment of a selected panel of endocrine disruptors. Chemosphere 2023; 313:137569. [PMID: 36535497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137569] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals widely used worldwide by industries in a variety of applications. Routinely exposure to these chemicals, even if at low doses, can cause damage effects on human health. In the present study, we evaluated toxic effects of nine chemicals, among which phthalates, using various cell lines to inspect their capability to interfere with cell proliferation and viability. Alongside, we investigated their affinity for phospholipids to assess the possible passage through biomembranes. Experimentally determined logkwIAM.MG values ranged from 1.37 to 3.49 whilst calculated log kwIAM.DD2 spanned from 1.80 to 5.21, supporting the target contaminants to exhibit lipophilicity moderate or very high. The achieved results were related to pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties by ADMET predictor™ and EPI Suite™ software. Triclosan and 4-Nonylphenol were found to be the most toxic against all cell lines screened, showing an IC50 of 30 μM for triclosan on human keratinocytes and of 50 μM for 4-Nonylphenol on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Overall, even if the phthalates showed higher IC50 values (ranging from 170 μM to 280 μM), we can assert that all contaminants herein tested were able to interfere with cell growth and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Russo
- School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh Napier University, 9 Sighthill Ct, EH11 4BN, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Neri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucia Grumetto
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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9
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Riccardi C, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Graziano R, Musumeci D, Trifuoggi M, Irace C, Montesarchio D. Bioengineered lipophilic Ru(III) complexes as potential anticancer agents. Biomater Adv 2022; 139:213016. [PMID: 35882162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-conjugated Ru(III) complexes - designed to obtain lipophilic analogues of the low molecular weight derivative AziRu, which is a NAMI-A-like anticancer agent - have been synthesized and fully characterized. A detailed biophysical investigation, including multiple, integrated techniques, allowed determining their molecular and self-assembling properties in aqueous solutions mimicking the extracellular environment, showing that our design produced a protective effect from hydrolysis of the Ru(III) complexes. In vitro biological experiments, carried out in comparison with AziRu, demonstrated that, among the novel lipophilic Ru(III) complexes synthesized, the compounds derivatized with palmitic and stearic acid, that we named PalmiPyRu and StePyRu respectively, showed attractive features and a promising antiproliferative activity, selective on specific breast cancer phenotypes. To get a deeper insight into their interactions with potential biomacromolecular targets, their ability to bind both bovine serum albumin (BSA), an abundant serum carrier protein, and some DNA model systems, including duplex and G-quadruplex structures, has been investigated by spectroscopic techniques. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of the ruthenium amount incorporated in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, after incubation in parallel experiments with PalmiPyRu and AziRu, showed a markedly higher cell uptake of the lipophilic Ru(III) complex with respect to AziRu. These data confirmed that the proper lipidic tail decorating the metal complex not only favoured the formation of aggregates in the extracellular media but also improved their cell membrane penetration, thus leading to higher antiproliferative activity selective on breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Graziano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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10
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Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Misso G, Santamaria R, Irace C. Bioactivity and Development of Small Non-Platinum Metal-Based Chemotherapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050954. [PMID: 35631543 PMCID: PMC9147010 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Countless expectations converge in the multidisciplinary endeavour for the search and development of effective and safe drugs in fighting cancer. Although they still embody a minority of the pharmacological agents currently in clinical use, metal-based complexes have great yet unexplored potential, which probably hides forthcoming anticancer drugs. Following the historical success of cisplatin and congeners, but also taking advantage of conventional chemotherapy limitations that emerged with applications in the clinic, the design and development of non-platinum metal-based chemotherapeutics, either as drugs or prodrugs, represents a rapidly evolving field wherein candidate compounds can be fine-tuned to access interactions with druggable biological targets. Moving in this direction, over the last few decades platinum family metals, e.g., ruthenium and palladium, have been largely proposed. Indeed, transition metals and molecular platforms where they originate are endowed with unique chemical and biological features based on, but not limited to, redox activity and coordination geometries, as well as ligand selection (including their inherent reactivity and bioactivity). Herein, current applications and progress in metal-based chemoth are reviewed. Converging on the recent literature, new attractive chemotherapeutics based on transition metals other than platinum—and their bioactivity and mechanisms of action—are examined and discussed. A special focus is committed to anticancer agents based on ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, and iridium, but also to gold derivatives, for which more experimental data are nowadays available. Next to platinum-based agents, ruthenium-based candidate drugs were the first to reach the stage of clinical evaluation in humans, opening new scenarios for the development of alternative chemotherapeutic options to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ferraro
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Gabriella Misso
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.M.); (C.I.)
| | - Rita Santamaria
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Carlo Irace
- BioChemLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence: (G.M.); (C.I.)
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11
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Pierri M, Gazzillo E, Chini MG, Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Maione F, Irace C, Bifulco G, Bruno I, Terracciano S, Lauro G. Introducing structure-based three-dimensional pharmacophore models for accelerating the discovery of selective BRD9 binders. Bioorg Chem 2021; 118:105480. [PMID: 34823196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A well-structured in silico workflow is here reported for disclosing structure-based pharmacophore models against bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9), accelerating virtual screening campaigns and facilitating the identification of novel binders. Specifically, starting from 23 known ligands co-crystallized with BRD9, three-dimensional pharmacophore models, namely placed in a reference protein structure, were developed. Specifically, we here introduce a fragment-related pharmacophore model, useful for the identification of new promising small chemical probes targeting the protein region responsible of the acetyllysine recognition, and two further pharmacophore models useful for the selection of compounds featuring drug-like properties. A pharmacophore-driven virtual screening campaign was then performed to facilitate the selection of new selective BRD9 ligands, starting from a large library of commercially available molecules. The identification of a promising BRD9 binder (7) prompted us to re-iterate this computational workflow on a second focused in-house built library of synthesizable compounds and, eventually, three further novel BRD9 binders were disclosed (8-10). Moreover, all these compounds were tested among a panel comprising other nine bromodomains, showing a high selectivity for BRD9. Preclinical bioscreens for potential anticancer activity highlighted compound 7 as that showing the most promising biological effects, proving the reliability of this in silico pipeline and confirming the applicability of the here introduced structure-based three-dimensional (3D) pharmacophore models as straightforward tools for the selection of new BRD9 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pierri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Erica Gazzillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Chini
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche 86090, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
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12
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Alfano AI, Buommino E, Ferraro MG, Irace C, Zampella A, Lange H, Brindisi M. Coupling Interrupted Fischer and Multicomponent Joullié-Ugi to Chase Chemical Diversity: from Batch to Sustainable Flow Synthesis of Peptidomimetics. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3795-3809. [PMID: 34585536 PMCID: PMC9297956 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100474] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The generation of peptidomimetic substructures for medicinal chemistry purposes requires effective and divergent synthetic methods. We present in this work an efficient flow process that allows quick modulation of reagents for Joullié-Ugi multicomponent reaction, using spiroindolenines as core motifs. This sterically hindered imine equivalent could successfully be diversified using various isocyanides and amino acids in generally good space-time yields. A telescoped flow process combining interrupted Fischer reaction for spiroindolenine synthesis and subsequent Joullié-Ugi-type modification resulted in product formation in very good overall yield in less than 2 hours compared to 48 hours required in batch mode. The developed protocol can be seen as a general tool for rapid and facile generation of peptidomimetic compounds. We also showcase preliminary biological assessments for the prepared compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ilenia Alfano
- SPOTS-Lab - Sustainable Pharmaceutical and Organic Technology and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Buommino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Heiko Lange
- SPOTS-Lab - Sustainable Pharmaceutical and Organic Technology and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.,Current affiliation: Department of Environmental and Earth Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- SPOTS-Lab - Sustainable Pharmaceutical and Organic Technology and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
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13
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De Risi M, Tufano M, Alvino FG, Ferraro MG, Torromino G, Gigante Y, Monfregola J, Marrocco E, Pulcrano S, Tunisi L, Lubrano C, Papy-Garcia D, Tuchman Y, Salleo A, Santoro F, Bellenchi GC, Cristino L, Ballabio A, Fraldi A, De Leonibus E. Altered heparan sulfate metabolism during development triggers dopamine-dependent autistic-behaviours in models of lysosomal storage disorders. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3495. [PMID: 34108486 PMCID: PMC8190083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders characterized by altered metabolism of heparan sulfate, including Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) III and MPS-II, exhibit lysosomal dysfunctions leading to neurodegeneration and dementia in children. In lysosomal storage disorders, dementia is preceded by severe and therapy-resistant autistic-like symptoms of unknown cause. Using mouse and cellular models of MPS-IIIA, we discovered that autistic-like behaviours are due to increased proliferation of mesencephalic dopamine neurons originating during embryogenesis, which is not due to lysosomal dysfunction, but to altered HS function. Hyperdopaminergia and autistic-like behaviours are corrected by the dopamine D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390, providing a potential alternative strategy to the D2-like antagonist haloperidol that has only minimal therapeutic effects in MPS-IIIA. These findings identify embryonic dopaminergic neurodevelopmental defects due to altered function of HS leading to autistic-like behaviours in MPS-II and MPS-IIIA and support evidence showing that altered HS-related gene function is causative of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria De Risi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CNR, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Tufano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulia Torromino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CNR, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Gigante
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Jlenia Monfregola
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Lea Tunisi
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Lubrano
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Yaakov Tuchman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alberto Salleo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigia Cristino
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fraldi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CNR, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy.
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14
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Fiorito F, Irace C, Nocera FP, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Ciampaglia R, Tenore GC, Santamaria R, De Martino L. MG-132 interferes with iron cellular homeostasis and alters virulence of bovine herpesvirus 1. Res Vet Sci 2021; 137:1-8. [PMID: 33906007 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.04.023] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) requires an iron-replete cell host to replicate efficiently. BoHV-1 infection provokes an increase in ferritin levels and a decrease of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR-1) expression, ultimately lowering iron pool extent. Thus, cells try to limit iron availability for virus spread. It has been demonstrated that MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor, reduces BoHV-1 release. Since ferritin, the major iron storage protein in mammalian cells, undergoes proteasome-mediated degradation, herein, the influence of MG-132 on iron metabolism during BoHV-1 infection was examined. Following infection in bovine cells (MDBK), MG-132 reduced cell death and viral yield. Western blot analysis showed a significant ferritin accumulation, likely due to the inhibition of its proteasome-mediated degradation pathway. In addition, the concomitant down-regulation of TfR-1 expression, observed during infection, was counteracted by proteasome inhibitor. This trend may be explained by enhanced acidic vesicular organelles, detected by acridine orange staining, determining a reduction of intracellular pH, that promotes new synthesis of TfR-1 degraded in a recycling pathway. In addition, MG-132 influences cellular iron distribution during BoHV-1 infection, as revealed by Perls' Prussian blue staining. However, cellular iron content, evaluated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, resulted essentially unaltered. These findings reveal that MG-132 may contribute to limit cellular iron availability for virus replication thereby enhancing cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Fiorito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Paola Nocera
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gian Carlo Tenore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luisa De Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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15
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Bocchetti M, Ferraro MG, Ricciardiello F, Ottaiano A, Luce A, Cossu AM, Scrima M, Leung WY, Abate M, Stiuso P, Caraglia M, Zappavigna S, Yau TO. The Role of microRNAs in Development of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083967. [PMID: 33921348 PMCID: PMC8068787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly cancer worldwide, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the critical factors in CRC carcinogenesis. IBD is responsible for an unphysiological and sustained chronic inflammation environment favoring the transformation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a class of highly conserved short single-stranded segments (18-25 nucleotides) non-coding RNA and have been extensively discussed in both CRC and IBD. However, the role of miRNAs in the development of colitis-associated CRC (CAC) is less clear. The aim of this review is to summarize the major upregulated (miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-21, miR-31, miR-155 and miR-214) and downregulated (miR-124, miR-193a-3p and miR-139-5p) miRNAs in CAC, and their roles in genes' expression modulation in chronic colonic-inflammation-induced carcinogenesis, including programmed cell-death pathways. These miRNAs dysregulation could be applied for early CAC diagnosis, to predict therapy efficacy and for precision treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bocchetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
- Biogem Scarl, Molecular Oncology and Precision Medicine Laboratory, via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- SSD-Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Amalia Luce
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Alessia Maria Cossu
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
- Biogem Scarl, Molecular Oncology and Precision Medicine Laboratory, via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Marianna Scrima
- Biogem Scarl, Molecular Oncology and Precision Medicine Laboratory, via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Wing-Yan Leung
- Division of Haematology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Marianna Abate
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Paola Stiuso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
- Biogem Scarl, Molecular Oncology and Precision Medicine Laboratory, via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Silvia Zappavigna
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (M.A.); (P.S.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (T.O.Y.)
| | - Tung On Yau
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (T.O.Y.)
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16
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Saviano A, Casillo GM, Raucci F, Pernice A, Santarcangelo C, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Ciccone M, Sgherbini A, Pedretti N, Bonvicini D, Irace C, Daglia M, Mascolo N, Maione F. Supplementation with ribonucleotide-based ingredient (Ribodiet®) lessens oxidative stress, brain inflammation, and amyloid pathology in a murine model of Alzheimer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111579. [PMID: 33845375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia worldwide, characterized by the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Additionally, increasing evidence demonstrates that a neuroinflammatory state and oxidative stress, iron-dependent, play a crucial role in the onset and disease progression. Besides conventional therapies, the use of natural-based products represents a future medical option for AD treatment and/or prevention. We, therefore, evaluated the effects of a ribonucleotides-based ingredient (Ribodiet®) in a non-genetic mouse model of AD. To this aim, mice were injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with Aβ1-42 peptide (3 µg/3 μl) and after with Ribodiet® (0.1-10 mg/mouse) orally (p.o.) 3 times weekly for 21 days following the induction of experimental AD. The mnemonic and cognitive decline was then evaluated, and, successively, we have assessed ex vivo the modulation of different cyto-chemokines on mice brain homogenates. Finally, the level of GFAP, S100β, and iron-related metabolic proteins were monitored as markers of reactive gliosis, neuro-inflammation, and oxidative stress. Results indicate that Ribodiet® lessens oxidative stress, brain inflammation, and amyloid pathology via modulation of iron-related metabolic proteins paving the way for its rationale use for the treatment of AD and other age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anella Saviano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Casillo
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Raucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Pernice
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Santarcangelo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Miriam Ciccone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Nadia Pedretti
- Prosol S.p.A., Via Carso, 99, 24040 Madone, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Mascolo
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Maione
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Russo G, Iaccarino G, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Vecchione R, Grumetto L, Netti PA, Santamaria R. Prolonged activity of a recombinant manganese superoxide dismutase through a formulation of polymeric multi-layer nanoassemblies targeting cancer cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 162:105825. [PMID: 33813038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105825] [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: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A new isoform of human manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been recently isolated and obtained in a synthetic recombinant form and termed rMnSOD. As compared to other SODs, this isoform exhibits a dramatically improved cellular uptake and an intense antioxidant and antitumoral activity. Unfortunately, its use is severely hampered as this active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in solution suffers from remarkable instability, which realizes as an interplay of unfolding and aggregation phenomena. This leads the API to be ineffective after three weeks only when stored at 4°C. A formulation strategy was undertaken to mitigate this instability. This was based on the incorporation of the API in hyaluronic acid and its layer-by-layer deposition over a chitosan-n-acetyl cysteine- monolayer nanoemulsion (NE) and its subsequent coverage with a further external interface of a chitosan-n-acetyl cysteine. The obtained constructs were tested over a selected panel of healthy and cancerous cell lines. The undertaken formulation strategy enhanced the API's effect in vitro already at time zero, maintaining the efficacy of this anticancer agent until up to 30 weeks when stored at 4°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Russo
- School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh Napier University, 9 Sighthill Ct, EH11 4BN Edinburgh, United Kingdom..
| | - Giulia Iaccarino
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- BioChem Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- BioChem Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Vecchione
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Naples 80125, Italy.
| | - Lucia Grumetto
- Pharm-Analysis & Bio-Pharm Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131, Naples, Italy.; Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale Medaglie d'Oro, 305, I-00136, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paolo A Netti
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Rita Santamaria
- BioChem Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale Medaglie d'Oro, 305, I-00136, Rome, Italy
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Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Pezzella A, Guerra F, Maione F, Tenore GC, Santamaria R, Irace C, Novellino E. Promelanogenic Effects by an Annurca Apple-Based Natural Formulation in Human Primary Melanocytes. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2021; 14:291-301. [PMID: 33790611 PMCID: PMC8008161 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s299569] [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: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Melanocytes are engaged in synthesis, transport, and release of pigments at the epidermal-melanin units in response to the finely regulated melanogenic pathway. A multifaceted combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors – from endocrine and paracrine dynamics to exogenous stimuli such as sunlight and xenobiotics – modulates expression and activity of proteins involved in pigmentation, including the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosinase. As well as playing critical physiological functions comprising skin photoprotection, melanins define hair and skin pigmentation which in turn have impacted considerably to human social communication since time immemorial. Additionally, numerous skin diseases based on pigmentation alterations can have serious public influence. While several melanogenesis inhibitors are already available, the number of melanin activators and tyrosinase stimulators as drug-like agents is still limited. Methods To explore the biological effects of an Annurca Apple-based nutraceutical preparation (AMS) on melanin production, experiments in cellular models of human skin were performed. Both primary cultures and co-cultures of epidermal melanocytes (HEMa) and follicular keratinocytes (HHFK) were used. Results We show that AMS, by now branded for its cutaneous beneficial effects, induces in total biocompatibility a significant promelanogenic effect in human primary melanocytes. In line, we found melanin cytosolic accumulation consistent with tyrosinase up-regulation. Conclusion Disposal of skin pigmenting agents would be attractive for the treatment of hypopigmentation disorders, to postpone skin photoaging or simply for fashion, so that discovery and development of melanogenesis stimulators, especially from natural sources, is nowadays a dynamic area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Guerra
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Tenore
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
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Raucci F, Saviano A, Casillo GM, Guerra-Rodriguez M, Mansour AA, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Panza E, Vellecco V, Irace C, Caso F, Scarpa R, Mascolo N, Alfaifi M, Iqbal AJ, Maione F. IL-17-induced inflammation modulates the mPGES-1/PPAR-γ pathway in monocytes/macrophages. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1857-1873. [PMID: 33595097 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent biochemical and pharmacological studies have reported that in several tissues and cell types, microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGES) and PPAR-γ expression are modulated by a variety of inflammatory factors and stimuli. Considering that very little is known about the biological effects promoted by IL-17 in the context of mPGES-1/PPAR-γ modulation, we sought to investigate the contribution of this unique cytokine on this integrated pathway during the onset of inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated effects of PF 9184 (mPGES-1 inhibitor) and troglitazone (PPAR-γ agonist) in vitro, using the mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. In vivo, the dorsal air pouch model in CD1 mice was used, and inflammatory infiltrates were analysed by flow cytometry. Locally produced cyto-chemokines and PGs were assessed using elisa assays. Western blots were also employed to determine the activity of various enzymes involved in downstream signalling pathways. KEY RESULTS PF 9184 and troglitazone, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, modulated leukocyte infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and the expression of COX-2/mPGES-1, NF-кB/IкB-α, and mPTGDS-1/PPAR-γ, induced by IL-17. Moreover, both PF 9184 and troglitazone modulated PG (PGE2 , PGD2 , and PGJ2 ) production, the expression of different pro-inflammatory cyto-chemokines, and the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes, in response to IL-17. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that IL-17 may constitute a specific modulator of inflammatory monocytes during later phases of the inflammatory response. The results of this study show, for the first time, that the IL-17/mPGES-1/PPAR-γ pathway could represent a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory-based and immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Raucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anella Saviano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Casillo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Miguel Guerra-Rodriguez
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adel Abo Mansour
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Caso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Mascolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mohammed Alfaifi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asif Jilani Iqbal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Ferraro MG, Piccolo M, Misso G, Maione F, Montesarchio D, Caraglia M, Paduano L, Santamaria R, Irace C. Breast Cancer Chemotherapeutic Options: A General Overview on the Preclinical Validation of a Multi-Target Ruthenium(III) Complex Lodged in Nucleolipid Nanosystems. Cells 2020; 9:E1412. [PMID: 32517101 PMCID: PMC7349411 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we have showcased the preclinical development of original amphiphilic nanomaterials designed for ruthenium-based anticancer treatments, to be placed within the current metallodrugs approach leading over the past decade to advanced multitarget agents endowed with limited toxicity and resistance. This strategy could allow for new options for breast cancer (BC) interventions, including the triple-negative subtype (TNBC) with poor therapeutic alternatives. BC is currently the second most widespread cancer and the primary cause of cancer death in women. Hence, the availability of novel chemotherapeutic weapons is a basic requirement to fight BC subtypes. Anticancer drugs based on ruthenium are among the most explored and advanced next-generation metallotherapeutics, with NAMI-A and KP1019 as two iconic ruthenium complexes having undergone clinical trials. In addition, many nanomaterial Ru complexes have been recently conceived and developed into anticancer drugs demonstrating attractive properties. In this field, we focused on the evaluation of a Ru(III) complex-named AziRu-incorporated into a suite of both zwitterionic and cationic nucleolipid nanosystems, which proved to be very effective for the in vivo targeting of breast cancer cells (BBC). Mechanisms of action have been widely explored in the context of preclinical evaluations in vitro, highlighting a multitarget action on cell death pathways which are typically deregulated in neoplasms onset and progression. Moreover, being AziRu inspired by the well-known NAMI-A complex, information on non-nanostructured Ru-based anticancer agents have been included in a precise manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Gabriella Misso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 421, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cintia 421, 80126 Naples, Italy; (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.F.); (M.P.); (F.M.)
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Bellavita R, Raucci F, Merlino F, Piccolo M, Ferraro MG, Irace C, Santamaria R, Iqbal AJ, Novellino E, Grieco P, Mascolo N, Maione F. Temporin L-derived peptide as a regulator of the acute inflammatory response in zymosan-induced peritonitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 123:109788. [PMID: 31865142 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an ancient group of defense molecules distributed in nature being found in mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, plants, and microorganisms. They display antimicrobial as well as immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory activities of two synthetic temporin-L analogues (here named peptide 1 and 2) by an in vivo model of inflammation caused by intraperitoneal sub-lethal dose of zymosan. Our results show that peptide 1 and 2 exert anti-inflammatory activity in vivo in response to zymosan-induce peritonitis. Simultaneous administration of 10 mg/kg of both temporins, with a sub-lethal dose of zymosan (500 mg/kg), significantly rescued mice from the classical hallmarks of inflammation, including leukocyte infiltration and synthesis of inflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1. More importantly, flow cytometry analysis highlighted a selective modulation of infiltrating inflammatory monocytes (defined as B220-/GR1hi-F480hi/CD115+) after peptide 2 treatment. Our results and presented models offer the possibility to test, in a preclinical setting, the potential of temporin analogues as anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Raucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Asif J Iqbal
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICVS), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nicola Mascolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Piccolo M, Misso G, Ferraro MG, Riccardi C, Capuozzo A, Zarone MR, Maione F, Trifuoggi M, Stiuso P, D'Errico G, Caraglia M, Paduano L, Montesarchio D, Irace C, Santamaria R. Exploring cellular uptake, accumulation and mechanism of action of a cationic Ru-based nanosystem in human preclinical models of breast cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7006. [PMID: 31065032 PMCID: PMC6505035 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43411-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
According to WHO, breast cancer incidence is increasing so that the search for novel chemotherapeutic options is nowadays an essential requirement to fight neoplasm subtypes. By exploring new effective metal-based chemotherapeutic strategies, many ruthenium complexes have been recently proposed as antitumour drugs, showing ability to impact on diverse cellular targets. In the framework of different molecular pathways leading to cell death in human models of breast cancer, here we demonstrate autophagy involvement behind the antiproliferative action of a ruthenium(III)-complex incorporated into a cationic nanosystem (HoThyRu/DOTAP), proved to be hitherto one of the most effective within the suite of nucleolipidic formulations we have developed for the in vivo transport of anticancer ruthenium(III)-based drugs. Indeed, evidences are implicating autophagy in both cancer development and therapy, and anticancer interventions endowed with the ability to trigger this biological response are currently considered attractive oncotherapeutic approaches. Moreover, crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy, regulated by finely tuned metallo-chemotherapeutics, may provide novel opportunities for future improvement of cancer treatment. Following this line, our in vitro and in vivo preclinical investigations suggest that an original strategy based on suitable formulations of ruthenium(III)-complexes, inducing sustained cell death, could open new opportunities for breast cancer treatment, including the highly aggressive triple-negative subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Misso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Capuozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mayra Rachele Zarone
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Stiuso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
- CSGI - Consorzio Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
- CSGI - Consorzio Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rita Santamaria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
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Di Cesare Mannelli L, Piccolo M, Maione F, Ferraro MG, Irace C, De Feo V, Ghelardini C, Mascolo N. Tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge revert chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and reduce glioblastoma cells malignancy. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 105:1042-1049. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Duffy LS, Greenberg DB, Younger J, Ferraro MG. Iatrogenic acute estrogen deficiency and psychiatric syndromes in breast cancer patients. Psychosomatics 1999; 40:304-8. [PMID: 10402875 DOI: 10.1016/s0033-3182(99)71223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The change of estrogen function, represented by amenorrhea or hot flashes, that results from breast cancer treatment may increase the risk of major depressive disorder in those women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. This pilot study describes the course of menopausal symptoms and the incidence of depression in 21 patients who were likely to become acutely estrogen deficient during treatment for breast cancer. These included women who lost menses during chemotherapy, who suddenly stopped estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), or who started tamoxifen. Eight patients (38%) developed major depressive disorder, the majority within 6 months of starting treatment. Twenty patients (95%) had dysphoria and/or insomnia. Fourteen patients (66%) had hot flashes. While this is only pilot data, these data suggest that breast cancer patients whose treatment precipitates menopausal symptoms should be targeted for diagnosis of depression and treated if diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston 02114, USA
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Sconzo G, Ferraro MG, Amore G, Giudice G, Cascino D, Scardina G. Activation by heat shock of hsp70 gene transcription in sea urchin embryos. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995; 217:1032-8. [PMID: 8554554 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1995.2873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We had previously shown that P. lividus embryos subjected to heat shock are unable to synthesize proteins of the hsp70 family at a detectable level before the hatching blastula stage. We show here that this is not due to the inability to synthesize the hsp70 mRNAs, which are detectable following heat shock also in early stages, although in much lower amounts per embryo than in later stages. These mRNAs are also translated, as judged by the facts that they are present in the polysomal pellet, and that they are translatable in a cell free system. As to the question of the amount of hsp70 RNAs per nucleus, we conclude that this is also higher in later than in earlier stages. The presence of hsp70 mRNAs is already detectable after heating at 4 centigrades above 20 and their amount increases with the increase of temperature in the range between 24 degrees C and 28 degrees C.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sconzo
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo Alberto Monroy, Viale delle Scienze, Università di Palermo, Italy
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Maglione D, Guerriero V, Viglietto G, Ferraro MG, Aprelikova O, Alitalo K, Del Vecchio S, Lei KJ, Chou JY, Persico MG. Two alternative mRNAs coding for the angiogenic factor, placenta growth factor (PlGF), are transcribed from a single gene of chromosome 14. Oncogene 1993; 8:925-31. [PMID: 7681160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported on the identification of a cDNA (placenta growth factor, PlGF) coding for a novel angiogenic factor expressed in placental tissue that is similar to vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF). Biochemical and functional characterization of PlGF derived from transfected COS-1 cells revealed that it is a glycosylated dimeric secreted protein able to stimulate endothelial cell growth in vitro. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the PlGF gene located on chromosome 14. At least two different mRNAs are produced from this single-copy gene in different cell lines and tissues. Sequence comparison of the polypeptides encoded by the two different isolated cDNAs indicates that they are identical except for the insertion of a highly basic 21 amino acid stretch at the carboxyl end of the protein. RNA expression analysis of several tissues, tumors and cell lines indicates differential distribution of the two PlGF mRNAs. Finally, preliminary results indicate that the PIGF gene has been conserved in evolution, since the human PlGF cDNA hybridizes to sequences present in the genomic DNA of Drosophila, Xenopus, chicken and mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maglione
- International Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
We have sequenced a second gene of the hsp70 family derived from a genomic clone of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. The structure of this gene, named hsp70IV gene, is interrupted by one intron and differs from the previously analyzed sea urchin hsp70II gene, which contains several introns. Two open reading frames of hsp70IV gene encode a predicted protein of 639 amino acids with an M(r) of 69,672. The 5' flanking region of the gene contains a putative TATA element, three heat-shock elements made up of some arrays of the 5-bp units, NGAAN and NTTCN (N = A,C,G or T), a canonic consensus sequence for binding of the regulatory activating transcription factor (ATF), and a purine box. The 3' flanking region contains four putative polyadenylation sites located at different sites downstream from the stop codon. Using Northern blot hybridization analysis, carried out using a probe corresponding to a 3' noncoding fragment (UTR) peculiar to hsp70IV gene, we found that this gene is transcribed only under heat shock (Hs) and that the transcript can be recovered from the polysomal pellet. The hsp70IV gene may be classified as a Hs gene 70 although it contains one intron.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sconzo
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Italy
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Abstract
In Paracentrotus lividus embryos, treatment with zinc ions induces the synthesis of the two major stress proteins with the same molecular weight as those induced by heat shock. The developmental stages responsive to zinc ion treatment are the same as those responsive to heat shock. However, zinc treatment induces a longer lasting synthesis of the stress proteins, and, unlike heat shock, does not induce thermotolerance and does not inhibit synthesis of the bulk proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Roccheri
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Palermo, Italy
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