Kravchenko J; Corsini E; Williams MA; Decker W; Manjili MH; Otsuki T; Singh N; Al-Mulla F; Al-Temaimi R; Amedei A; Colacci AM; Vaccari M; Mondello C; Scovassi AI; Raju J; Hamid RA; Memeo L; Forte S; Roy R; Woodrick J; Salem HK; Ryan EP; Brown DG; Bisson WH; Lowe L; Lyerly HK Chemical compounds from anthropogenic environment and immune evasion mechanisms: potential interactions. Journal Article In: Carcinogenesis, vol. 36, no Suppl. 1, pp. S111-27, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_344,
title = {Chemical compounds from anthropogenic environment and immune evasion mechanisms: potential interactions.},
author = {Kravchenko J and Corsini E and Williams MA and Decker W and Manjili MH and Otsuki T and Singh N and Al-Mulla F and Al-Temaimi R and Amedei A and Colacci AM and Vaccari M and Mondello C and Scovassi AI and Raju J and Hamid RA and Memeo L and Forte S and Roy R and Woodrick J and Salem HK and Ryan EP and Brown DG and Bisson WH and Lowe L and Lyerly HK},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/36/Suppl_1/S111/313145},
doi = {10.1093/carcin/bgv033},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Carcinogenesis},
volume = {36},
number = {Suppl. 1},
pages = {S111-27},
abstract = {An increasing number of studies suggest an important role of host immunity as a barrier to tumor formation and progression. Complex mechanisms and multiple pathways are involved in evading innate and adaptive immune responses, with a broad spectrum of chemicals displaying the potential to adversely influence immunosurveillance. The evaluation of the cumulative effects of low-dose exposures from the occupational and natural environment, especially if multiple chemicals target the same gene(s) or pathway(s), is a challenge. We reviewed common environmental chemicals and discussed their potential effects on immunosurveillance. Our overarching objective was to review related signaling pathways influencing immune surveillance such as the pathways involving PI3K/Akt, chemokines, TGF-beta, FAK, IGF-1, HIF-1alpha, IL-6, IL-1alpha, CTLA-4 and PD-1/PDL-1 could individually or collectively impact immunosurveillance. A number of chemicals that are common in the anthropogenic environment such as fungicides (maneb, fluoxastrobin and pyroclostrobin), herbicides (atrazine), insecticides (pyridaben and azamethiphos), the components of personal care products (triclosan and bisphenol A) and diethylhexylphthalate with pathways critical to tumor immunosurveillance. At this time, these chemicals are not recognized as human carcinogens; however, it is known that they these chemicalscan simultaneously persist in the environment and appear to have some potential interfere with the host immune response, therefore potentially contributing to promotion interacting with of immune evasion mechanisms, and promoting subsequent tumor growth and progression. The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
An increasing number of studies suggest an important role of host immunity as a barrier to tumor formation and progression. Complex mechanisms and multiple pathways are involved in evading innate and adaptive immune responses, with a broad spectrum of chemicals displaying the potential to adversely influence immunosurveillance. The evaluation of the cumulative effects of low-dose exposures from the occupational and natural environment, especially if multiple chemicals target the same gene(s) or pathway(s), is a challenge. We reviewed common environmental chemicals and discussed their potential effects on immunosurveillance. Our overarching objective was to review related signaling pathways influencing immune surveillance such as the pathways involving PI3K/Akt, chemokines, TGF-beta, FAK, IGF-1, HIF-1alpha, IL-6, IL-1alpha, CTLA-4 and PD-1/PDL-1 could individually or collectively impact immunosurveillance. A number of chemicals that are common in the anthropogenic environment such as fungicides (maneb, fluoxastrobin and pyroclostrobin), herbicides (atrazine), insecticides (pyridaben and azamethiphos), the components of personal care products (triclosan and bisphenol A) and diethylhexylphthalate with pathways critical to tumor immunosurveillance. At this time, these chemicals are not recognized as human carcinogens; however, it is known that they these chemicalscan simultaneously persist in the environment and appear to have some potential interfere with the host immune response, therefore potentially contributing to promotion interacting with of immune evasion mechanisms, and promoting subsequent tumor growth and progression. The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com |
Manzoni M; Comolli G; Torchio M; Mazzini G; Danova M Circulating endothelial cells and their subpopulations: role as predictive biomarkers in antiangiogenic therapy for colorectal cancer. Journal Article In: Clinical Colorectal Cancer, vol. 14, no 1, pp. 11-17, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_347,
title = {Circulating endothelial cells and their subpopulations: role as predictive biomarkers in antiangiogenic therapy for colorectal cancer.},
author = {Manzoni M and Comolli G and Torchio M and Mazzini G and Danova M},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1533002814001339?via%3Dihub},
doi = {10.1016/j.clcc.2014.12.002},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Clinical Colorectal Cancer},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {11-17},
abstract = {Several anticancer therapies have been developed to block angiogenesis, a key mechanism in tumor growth and metastasis. The predominantly cytostatic action of these compounds makes an assessment of their clinical activities inadequate if based only on the reduction of the tumor dimensions, as this may not reflect their true biologic efficacy. Thus, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that permit the recognition of potentially responsive subjects and to spare toxicity in those who are unlikely to benefit from treatment. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) have been recently indicated as potential surrogate biomarkers of angiogenesis in several types of cancer. The possibility of rapidly quantifying these cells represents a promising tool for monitoring the clinical outcome of tumors with the potential to assess response to various treatments. However, the identification and quantification of CECs is technically difficult and not well standardized. A variety of methods to detect CECs in patients with solid tumors have been used; these are based on different technical approaches, combinations of surface markers, sample handling, and staining protocols. With an expanding interest in the field of potential clinical applications for CECs in oncology, the development of standardized protocols for analysis is mandatory. The aim of this review was to critically summarize the available data concerning the clinical value of CECs and their subpopulations as biomarkers of antiangiogenic therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Copyright 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Several anticancer therapies have been developed to block angiogenesis, a key mechanism in tumor growth and metastasis. The predominantly cytostatic action of these compounds makes an assessment of their clinical activities inadequate if based only on the reduction of the tumor dimensions, as this may not reflect their true biologic efficacy. Thus, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that permit the recognition of potentially responsive subjects and to spare toxicity in those who are unlikely to benefit from treatment. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) have been recently indicated as potential surrogate biomarkers of angiogenesis in several types of cancer. The possibility of rapidly quantifying these cells represents a promising tool for monitoring the clinical outcome of tumors with the potential to assess response to various treatments. However, the identification and quantification of CECs is technically difficult and not well standardized. A variety of methods to detect CECs in patients with solid tumors have been used; these are based on different technical approaches, combinations of surface markers, sample handling, and staining protocols. With an expanding interest in the field of potential clinical applications for CECs in oncology, the development of standardized protocols for analysis is mandatory. The aim of this review was to critically summarize the available data concerning the clinical value of CECs and their subpopulations as biomarkers of antiangiogenic therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Copyright 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Tintori C; Fallacara AL; Radi M; Zamperini C; Dreassi E; Crespan E; Maga G; Schenone S; Musumeci F; Brullo C; Richters A; Gasparrini F; Angelucci A; Festuccia C; Delle Monache S; Rauh D; Botta M Combining X-ray Crystallography and Molecular Modeling toward the Optimization of Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as Potent c-Src Inhibitors Active in Vivo against Neuroblastoma. Journal Article In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 58, no 1, pp. 347-361, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_348,
title = {Combining X-ray Crystallography and Molecular Modeling toward the Optimization of Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as Potent c-Src Inhibitors Active in Vivo against Neuroblastoma.},
author = {Tintori C and Fallacara AL and Radi M and Zamperini C and Dreassi E and Crespan E and Maga G and Schenone S and Musumeci F and Brullo C and Richters A and Gasparrini F and Angelucci A and Festuccia C and {Delle Monache S} and Rauh D and Botta M},
url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jm5013159},
doi = {10.1021/jm5013159},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Journal of Medicinal Chemistry},
volume = {58},
number = {1},
pages = {347-361},
abstract = {c-Src is a tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src-family kinases. It is overexpressed and/or hyperactivated in a variety of cancer cells, thus its inhibition has been predicted to have therapeutic effects in solid tumors. Recently, the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 3 was reported as a dual c-Src/Abl inhibitor. Herein we describe a multidisciplinary drug discovery approach for the optimization of the lead 3 against c-Src. Starting from the X-ray crystal structure of c-Src in complex with 3, Monte Carlo free energy perturbation calculations were applied to guide the design of c-Src inhibitors with improved activities. As a result, the introduction of a meta hydroxyl group on the C4 anilino ring was computed to be particularly favorable. The potency of the synthesized inhibitors was increased with respect to the starting lead 3. The best identified compounds were also found active in the inhibition of neuroblastoma cell proliferation. Furthermore, compound 29 also showed in vivo activity in xenograft model using SH-SY5Y cells.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
c-Src is a tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src-family kinases. It is overexpressed and/or hyperactivated in a variety of cancer cells, thus its inhibition has been predicted to have therapeutic effects in solid tumors. Recently, the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 3 was reported as a dual c-Src/Abl inhibitor. Herein we describe a multidisciplinary drug discovery approach for the optimization of the lead 3 against c-Src. Starting from the X-ray crystal structure of c-Src in complex with 3, Monte Carlo free energy perturbation calculations were applied to guide the design of c-Src inhibitors with improved activities. As a result, the introduction of a meta hydroxyl group on the C4 anilino ring was computed to be particularly favorable. The potency of the synthesized inhibitors was increased with respect to the starting lead 3. The best identified compounds were also found active in the inhibition of neuroblastoma cell proliferation. Furthermore, compound 29 also showed in vivo activity in xenograft model using SH-SY5Y cells. |
Necchi D; Pinto A; Tillhon M; Dutto I; Serafini MM; Lanni C; Govoni S; Racchi M; Prosperi E Defective DNA repair and increased chromatin binding of DNA repair factors in Down syndrome fibroblasts. Journal Article In: Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, vol. 780, pp. 15-23, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_352,
title = {Defective DNA repair and increased chromatin binding of DNA repair factors in Down syndrome fibroblasts.},
author = {Necchi D and Pinto A and Tillhon M and Dutto I and Serafini MM and Lanni C and Govoni S and Racchi M and Prosperi E},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0027510715300282?via%3Dihub},
doi = {10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2015.07.009},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis},
volume = {780},
pages = {15-23},
abstract = {Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by genetic instability, neurodegeneration, and premature aging. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to this phenotype are not yet well understood. Here, we report that DS fibroblasts from both fetal and adult donors show the presence of oxidative DNA base damage, such as dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxodG), and activation of a DNA damage response (DDR), already during unperturbed growth conditions. DDR with checkpoint activation was indicated by histone H2AX and Chk2 protein phosphorylation, and by increased p53 protein levels. In addition, both fetal and adult DS fibroblasts were more sensitive to oxidative DNA damage induced by potassium bromate, and were defective in the removal of 8-oxodG, as compared with age-matched cells from control healthy donors. The analysis of core proteins participating in base excision repair (BER), such as XRCC1 and DNA polymerase beta, showed that higher amounts of these factors were bound to chromatin in DS than in control cells, even in the absence of DNA damage. These findings occurred in concomitance with increased levels of phosphorylated XRCC1 detected in DS cells. These results indicate that DS cells exhibit a BER deficiency, which is associated with prolonged chromatin association of core BER factors. Copyright 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by genetic instability, neurodegeneration, and premature aging. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to this phenotype are not yet well understood. Here, we report that DS fibroblasts from both fetal and adult donors show the presence of oxidative DNA base damage, such as dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxodG), and activation of a DNA damage response (DDR), already during unperturbed growth conditions. DDR with checkpoint activation was indicated by histone H2AX and Chk2 protein phosphorylation, and by increased p53 protein levels. In addition, both fetal and adult DS fibroblasts were more sensitive to oxidative DNA damage induced by potassium bromate, and were defective in the removal of 8-oxodG, as compared with age-matched cells from control healthy donors. The analysis of core proteins participating in base excision repair (BER), such as XRCC1 and DNA polymerase beta, showed that higher amounts of these factors were bound to chromatin in DS than in control cells, even in the absence of DNA damage. These findings occurred in concomitance with increased levels of phosphorylated XRCC1 detected in DS cells. These results indicate that DS cells exhibit a BER deficiency, which is associated with prolonged chromatin association of core BER factors. Copyright 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
Vincetti P; Caporuscio F; Kaptein S; Gioiello A; Mancino V; Suzuki Y; Yamamoto N; Crespan E; Lossani A; Maga G; Rastelli G; Castagnolo D; Neyts J; Leyssen P; Costantino G; Radi M Discovery of Multitarget Antivirals Acting on Both the Dengue Virus NS5-NS3 Interaction and the Host Src/Fyn Kinases. Journal Article In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 58, no 12, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_353,
title = {Discovery of Multitarget Antivirals Acting on Both the Dengue Virus NS5-NS3 Interaction and the Host Src/Fyn Kinases.},
author = {Vincetti P and Caporuscio F and Kaptein S and Gioiello A and Mancino V and Suzuki Y and Yamamoto N and Crespan E and Lossani A and Maga G and Rastelli G and Castagnolo D and Neyts J and Leyssen P and Costantino G and Radi M},
url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00108},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00108},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Journal of Medicinal Chemistry},
volume = {58},
number = {12},
abstract = {This study describes the discovery of novel dengue virus inhibitors targeting both a crucial viral protein-protein interaction and an essential host cell factor as a strategy to reduce the emergence of drug resistance. Starting from known c-Src inhibitors, a virtual screening was performed to identify molecules able to interact with a recently discovered allosteric pocket on the dengue virus NS5 polymerase. The selection of cheap-to-produce scaffolds and the exploration of the biologically relevant chemical space around them suggested promising candidates for chemical synthesis. A series of purines emerged as the most interesting candidates able to inhibit virus replication at low micromolar concentrations with no significant toxicity to the host cell. Among the identified antivirals, compound 16i proved to be 10 times more potent than ribavirin, showed a better selectivity index and represents the first-in-class DENV-NS5 allosteric inhibitor able to target both the virus NS5-NS3 interaction and the host kinases c-Src/Fyn.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study describes the discovery of novel dengue virus inhibitors targeting both a crucial viral protein-protein interaction and an essential host cell factor as a strategy to reduce the emergence of drug resistance. Starting from known c-Src inhibitors, a virtual screening was performed to identify molecules able to interact with a recently discovered allosteric pocket on the dengue virus NS5 polymerase. The selection of cheap-to-produce scaffolds and the exploration of the biologically relevant chemical space around them suggested promising candidates for chemical synthesis. A series of purines emerged as the most interesting candidates able to inhibit virus replication at low micromolar concentrations with no significant toxicity to the host cell. Among the identified antivirals, compound 16i proved to be 10 times more potent than ribavirin, showed a better selectivity index and represents the first-in-class DENV-NS5 allosteric inhibitor able to target both the virus NS5-NS3 interaction and the host kinases c-Src/Fyn. |
Biino G; Concas MP; Cena H; Parracciani D; Vaccargiu S; Cosso M; Marras F; D'Esposito V; Beguinot F; Pirastu M Dissecting metabolic syndrome components: data from an epidemiologic survey in a genetic isolate. Journal Article In: Springerplus, vol. 4, pp. 324, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_356,
title = {Dissecting metabolic syndrome components: data from an epidemiologic survey in a genetic isolate.},
author = {Biino G and Concas MP and Cena H and Parracciani D and Vaccargiu S and Cosso M and Marras F and D'Esposito V and Beguinot F and Pirastu M},
url = {https://springerplus.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40064-015-1049-9},
doi = {10.1186/s40064-015-1049-9.},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Springerplus},
volume = {4},
pages = {324},
abstract = {The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a large-scale and expanding public-health and clinical threat worldwide. We investigated the determinants of MetS, assessed its prevalence and components and, estimated their genetic contribution, taking advantage of the special characteristics of Sardinian isolated populations. Inhabitants of 10 villages in Ogliastra region participated in a cross-sectional survey in 2002-2008 (n = 9,647). Blood samples, blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and, data from a standardized interview were collected. Prevalence of MetS was estimated by the direct method of standardization. Variables associated with the MetS were identified using multilevel logistic regression. Heritability was determined using variance component models. MetS Prevalence was 19.6% (95% CI 18.9-20.4%) according to NCEP-ATPIII, 24.8% (95% CI 24.0-25.6%) according to IDF and, 29% (95% CI 28.1-29.8%) according to AHA/NHLBI harmonized criteria, ranging from 9 to 26% among villages. The most prevalent combination was BP + HDL-cholesterol (HDL) + triglycerides (TRIG) (19%), followed by BP + HDL + waist circumference (WAIST) (17%) and, BP + HDL + TRIG + WAIST (13.6%). Heritability of MetS was 48% (p = 1.62 × 10(-25)), as the two most common combinations (BP + HDL + TRIG and BP + HDL + WAIST) showed heritability of 53 and 52%, respectively. The larger genetic components of the two most frequent combinations determining MetS deserve greater investigation in order to understand the underlying mechanisms. Besides, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings both in isolated and outbred populations.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a large-scale and expanding public-health and clinical threat worldwide. We investigated the determinants of MetS, assessed its prevalence and components and, estimated their genetic contribution, taking advantage of the special characteristics of Sardinian isolated populations. Inhabitants of 10 villages in Ogliastra region participated in a cross-sectional survey in 2002-2008 (n = 9,647). Blood samples, blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and, data from a standardized interview were collected. Prevalence of MetS was estimated by the direct method of standardization. Variables associated with the MetS were identified using multilevel logistic regression. Heritability was determined using variance component models. MetS Prevalence was 19.6% (95% CI 18.9-20.4%) according to NCEP-ATPIII, 24.8% (95% CI 24.0-25.6%) according to IDF and, 29% (95% CI 28.1-29.8%) according to AHA/NHLBI harmonized criteria, ranging from 9 to 26% among villages. The most prevalent combination was BP + HDL-cholesterol (HDL) + triglycerides (TRIG) (19%), followed by BP + HDL + waist circumference (WAIST) (17%) and, BP + HDL + TRIG + WAIST (13.6%). Heritability of MetS was 48% (p = 1.62 × 10(-25)), as the two most common combinations (BP + HDL + TRIG and BP + HDL + WAIST) showed heritability of 53 and 52%, respectively. The larger genetic components of the two most frequent combinations determining MetS deserve greater investigation in order to understand the underlying mechanisms. Besides, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings both in isolated and outbred populations. |
Taylor PN; Porcu E; Chew S; et al Whole-genome sequence-based analysis of thyroid function. Journal Article In: Nature Communications, vol. 6, pp. 5681, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_419,
title = {Whole-genome sequence-based analysis of thyroid function.},
author = {Taylor PN and Porcu E and Chew S and {et al}},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms6681},
doi = {10.1038/ncomms6681},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-12},
journal = {Nature Communications},
volume = {6},
pages = {5681},
abstract = {Normal thyroid function is essential for health, but its genetic architecture remains poorly understood. Here, for the heritable thyroid traits thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), we analyse whole-genome sequence data from the UK10K project (N=2,287). Using additional whole-genome sequence and deeply imputed data sets, we report meta-analysis results for common variants (MAF≥1%) associated with TSH and FT4 (N=16,335). For TSH, we identify a novel variant in SYN2 (MAF=23.5%, P=6.15 × 10(-9)) and a new independent variant in PDE8B (MAF=10.4%, P=5.94 × 10(-14)). For FT4, we report a low-frequency variant near B4GALT6/SLC25A52 (MAF=3.2%, P=1.27 × 10(-9)) tagging a rare TTR variant (MAF=0.4%, P=2.14 × 10(-11)). All common variants explain ≥20% of the variance in TSH and FT4. Analysis of rare variants (MAF<1%) using sequence kernel association testing reveals a novel association with FT4 in NRG1. Our results demonstrate that increased coverage in whole-genome sequence association studies identifies novel variants associated with thyroid function.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Normal thyroid function is essential for health, but its genetic architecture remains poorly understood. Here, for the heritable thyroid traits thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), we analyse whole-genome sequence data from the UK10K project (N=2,287). Using additional whole-genome sequence and deeply imputed data sets, we report meta-analysis results for common variants (MAF≥1%) associated with TSH and FT4 (N=16,335). For TSH, we identify a novel variant in SYN2 (MAF=23.5%, P=6.15 × 10(-9)) and a new independent variant in PDE8B (MAF=10.4%, P=5.94 × 10(-14)). For FT4, we report a low-frequency variant near B4GALT6/SLC25A52 (MAF=3.2%, P=1.27 × 10(-9)) tagging a rare TTR variant (MAF=0.4%, P=2.14 × 10(-11)). All common variants explain ≥20% of the variance in TSH and FT4. Analysis of rare variants (MAF<1%) using sequence kernel association testing reveals a novel association with FT4 in NRG1. Our results demonstrate that increased coverage in whole-genome sequence association studies identifies novel variants associated with thyroid function. |
Bouzigon E; Nadif R; Thompson EE; Concas MP; Kuldanek S; Du G; et al; Biino G; Dizier MH; Pin I; Matran R; Lathrop M; Pirastu M; Demenais F; Ober C A Common variant in RAB27A gene is associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in adults. Journal Article In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy , vol. 45, no 4, pp. 797-806, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_326,
title = {A Common variant in RAB27A gene is associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in adults.},
author = {Bouzigon E and Nadif R and Thompson EE and Concas MP and Kuldanek S and Du G and {et al} and Biino G and Dizier MH and Pin I and Matran R and Lathrop M and Pirastu M and Demenais F and Ober C},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cea.12461},
doi = {10.1111/cea.12461},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-11},
journal = {Clinical and Experimental Allergy },
volume = {45},
number = {4},
pages = {797-806},
abstract = {"BACKGROUND: Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation in the airways and for responsiveness to corticosteroids in asthmatics. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify in adults the genetic determinants of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and to assess whether environmental and disease-related factors influence these associations. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide association study of FeNO through meta-analysis of two independent discovery samples of European ancestry: the outbred EGEA study (French Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma, N = 610 adults) and the Hutterites (N = 601 adults), a founder population living on communal farms. Replication of main findings was assessed in adults from an isolated village in Sardinia (Talana study, N = 450). We then investigated the influence of asthma, atopy and tobacco smoke exposure on these genetic associations, and whether they were also associated with FeNO values in children of the EAGLE (EArly Genetics & Lifecourse Epidemiology, N = 8858) consortium. RESULTS: We detected a common variant in RAB27A (rs2444043) associated with FeNO that reached the genome-wide significant level (P = 1.6 × 10(-7) ) in the combined discovery and replication adult data sets. This SNP belongs to member of RAS oncogene family (RAB27A) and was associated with an expression quantitative trait locus for RAB27A in lymphoblastoid cell lines from asthmatics. A second suggestive locus (rs2194437, P = 8.9 × 10(-7) ) located nearby the sodium/calcium exchanger 1 (SLC8A1) was mainly detected in atopic subjects and influenced by inhaled corticosteroid use. These two loci were not associated with childhood FeNO values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
This study identified a common variant located in RAB27A gene influencing FeNO levels specifically in adults and with a biological relevance to the regulation of FeNO levels. This study provides new insight into the biological mechanisms underlying FeNO levels in adults.
2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd."},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
"BACKGROUND: Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation in the airways and for responsiveness to corticosteroids in asthmatics. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify in adults the genetic determinants of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and to assess whether environmental and disease-related factors influence these associations. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide association study of FeNO through meta-analysis of two independent discovery samples of European ancestry: the outbred EGEA study (French Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma, N = 610 adults) and the Hutterites (N = 601 adults), a founder population living on communal farms. Replication of main findings was assessed in adults from an isolated village in Sardinia (Talana study, N = 450). We then investigated the influence of asthma, atopy and tobacco smoke exposure on these genetic associations, and whether they were also associated with FeNO values in children of the EAGLE (EArly Genetics & Lifecourse Epidemiology, N = 8858) consortium. RESULTS: We detected a common variant in RAB27A (rs2444043) associated with FeNO that reached the genome-wide significant level (P = 1.6 × 10(-7) ) in the combined discovery and replication adult data sets. This SNP belongs to member of RAS oncogene family (RAB27A) and was associated with an expression quantitative trait locus for RAB27A in lymphoblastoid cell lines from asthmatics. A second suggestive locus (rs2194437, P = 8.9 × 10(-7) ) located nearby the sodium/calcium exchanger 1 (SLC8A1) was mainly detected in atopic subjects and influenced by inhaled corticosteroid use. These two loci were not associated with childhood FeNO values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
This study identified a common variant located in RAB27A gene influencing FeNO levels specifically in adults and with a biological relevance to the regulation of FeNO levels. This study provides new insight into the biological mechanisms underlying FeNO levels in adults.
2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd." |
Martinez Vazquez R; Nava G; Veglione M; Yang T; Bragheri F; Minzioni P; Bianchi E; Di Tano M; Chiodi I; Osellame R; Mondello C; Cristiani I An optofluidic constriction chip for monitoring metastatic potential and drug response of cancer cells. Journal Article In: Integrative Biology, vol. 7, no 4, pp. 477-484, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_333,
title = {An optofluidic constriction chip for monitoring metastatic potential and drug response of cancer cells.},
author = {{Martinez Vazquez R} and Nava G and Veglione M and Yang T and Bragheri F and Minzioni P and Bianchi E and Di Tano M and Chiodi I and Osellame R and Mondello C and Cristiani I},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/ib/article-abstract/7/4/477/5199149?redirectedFrom=fulltext},
doi = {10.1039/c5ib00023h},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-11},
journal = {Integrative Biology},
volume = {7},
number = {4},
pages = {477-484},
abstract = {Cellular mechanical properties constitute good markers to characterize tumor cells, to study cell population heterogeneity and to highlight the effect of drug treatments. In this work, we describe the fabrication and validation of an integrated optofluidic chip capable of analyzing cellular deformability on the basis of the pressure gradient needed to push a cell through a narrow constriction. We demonstrate the ability of the chip to discriminate between tumorigenic and metastatic breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB231) and between human melanoma cells with different metastatic potential (A375P and A375MC2). Moreover, we show that this chip allows highlighting the effect of drugs interfering with microtubule organization (paclitaxel, combretastatin A-4 and nocodazole) on cancer cells, which leads to changes in the pressure-gradient required to push cells through the constriction. Our single-cell microfluidic device for mechanical evaluation is compact and easy to use, allowing for an extensive use in different laboratory environments.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Cellular mechanical properties constitute good markers to characterize tumor cells, to study cell population heterogeneity and to highlight the effect of drug treatments. In this work, we describe the fabrication and validation of an integrated optofluidic chip capable of analyzing cellular deformability on the basis of the pressure gradient needed to push a cell through a narrow constriction. We demonstrate the ability of the chip to discriminate between tumorigenic and metastatic breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB231) and between human melanoma cells with different metastatic potential (A375P and A375MC2). Moreover, we show that this chip allows highlighting the effect of drugs interfering with microtubule organization (paclitaxel, combretastatin A-4 and nocodazole) on cancer cells, which leads to changes in the pressure-gradient required to push cells through the constriction. Our single-cell microfluidic device for mechanical evaluation is compact and easy to use, allowing for an extensive use in different laboratory environments. |
Trubiani O; Piattelli A; Gatta V; Marchisio M; Diomede F; D'Aurora M; Merciaro I; Pierdomenico L; Maraldi NM; Zini N Assessment of an efficient xeno-free culture system for human periodontal ligament stem cells. Journal Article In: Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods, vol. 21, no 1, pp. 52-64, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_338,
title = {Assessment of an efficient xeno-free culture system for human periodontal ligament stem cells.},
author = {Trubiani O and Piattelli A and Gatta V and Marchisio M and Diomede F and D'Aurora M and Merciaro I and Pierdomenico L and Maraldi NM and Zini N},
url = {https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/ten.TEC.2014.0024?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&},
doi = {10.1089/ten.TEC.2014.0024},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-11},
journal = {Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {52-64},
abstract = {The possibility of transplanting adult stem cells into damaged organs has opened new prospects for the treatment of several human pathologies. The purpose of this study was to develop a culture system for the expansion and production of human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) using a new xeno-free media formulation and ensuring the maintenance of the stem cells features comprising the multiple passage expansion, mesengenic lineage differentiation, cellular phenotype, and genomic stability, essential elements for conforming to translation to cell therapy. Somatic stem cells were isolated from the human periodontium using a minimally invasive periodontal access flap surgery in healthy donors. Expanded hPDLSCs in a xeno-free culture showed the morphological features of stem cells, expressed the markers associated with pluripotency, and a normal karyotype. Under appropriate culture conditions, hPDLSCs presented adipogenic and osteogenic potential; indeed, a very high accumulation of lipid droplets was evident in the cytoplasm of adipogenic-induced cells, and indisputable evidence of osteogenic differentiation, investigated by transmission electron microscopy, and analyzed for gene expression analysis has been shown. Based on these data, the novel xeno-free culture method might provide the basis for Good Manufacturing Procedure culture of autologous stem cells, readily accessible from human periodontium, and can be a resource to facilitate their use in human clinical studies for potential therapeutic regeneration.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The possibility of transplanting adult stem cells into damaged organs has opened new prospects for the treatment of several human pathologies. The purpose of this study was to develop a culture system for the expansion and production of human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) using a new xeno-free media formulation and ensuring the maintenance of the stem cells features comprising the multiple passage expansion, mesengenic lineage differentiation, cellular phenotype, and genomic stability, essential elements for conforming to translation to cell therapy. Somatic stem cells were isolated from the human periodontium using a minimally invasive periodontal access flap surgery in healthy donors. Expanded hPDLSCs in a xeno-free culture showed the morphological features of stem cells, expressed the markers associated with pluripotency, and a normal karyotype. Under appropriate culture conditions, hPDLSCs presented adipogenic and osteogenic potential; indeed, a very high accumulation of lipid droplets was evident in the cytoplasm of adipogenic-induced cells, and indisputable evidence of osteogenic differentiation, investigated by transmission electron microscopy, and analyzed for gene expression analysis has been shown. Based on these data, the novel xeno-free culture method might provide the basis for Good Manufacturing Procedure culture of autologous stem cells, readily accessible from human periodontium, and can be a resource to facilitate their use in human clinical studies for potential therapeutic regeneration. |
Lattanzi G Chromatin dynamics and in vitro biomarkers in laminopathies: an overview Journal Article In: Orphanet journal of rare diseases, vol. 10, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_345,
title = {Chromatin dynamics and in vitro biomarkers in laminopathies: an overview},
author = {Lattanzi G},
url = {https://ojrd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1750-1172-10-S2-O12},
doi = {10.1186/1750-1172-10-S2-O12},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-11},
journal = {Orphanet journal of rare diseases},
volume = {10},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
|
Chiarini F; Evangelisti C; McCubrey JA; Martelli AM Current treatment strategies for inhibiting mTOR in cancer Journal Article In: Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, vol. 36, no 2, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_351,
title = {Current treatment strategies for inhibiting mTOR in cancer},
author = {Chiarini F and Evangelisti C and McCubrey JA and Martelli AM},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165614714001953?via%3Dihub},
doi = {10.1016/j.tips.2014.11.004},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-11},
journal = {Trends in Pharmacological Sciences},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
abstract = {Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a Ser/Thr kinase that regulates a wide range of functions, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, autophagy, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. mTOR activity is dysregulated in several human disorders, including cancer. The crucial role of mTOR in cancer cell biology has stimulated interest in mTOR inhibitors, placing mTOR on the radar of the pharmaceutical industry. Several mTOR inhibitors have already undergone clinical trials for treating tumors, without great success, although mTOR inhibitors are approved for the treatment of some types of cancer, including advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, the role of mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment continues to evolve as new compounds are continuously being disclosed. Here we review the three classes of mTOR inhibitors currently available for treating cancer patients. Moreover, we highlight efforts to identify markers of resistance and sensitivity to mTOR inhibition that could prove useful in the emerging field of personalized medicine.Copyright 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a Ser/Thr kinase that regulates a wide range of functions, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, autophagy, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. mTOR activity is dysregulated in several human disorders, including cancer. The crucial role of mTOR in cancer cell biology has stimulated interest in mTOR inhibitors, placing mTOR on the radar of the pharmaceutical industry. Several mTOR inhibitors have already undergone clinical trials for treating tumors, without great success, although mTOR inhibitors are approved for the treatment of some types of cancer, including advanced renal cell carcinoma. However, the role of mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment continues to evolve as new compounds are continuously being disclosed. Here we review the three classes of mTOR inhibitors currently available for treating cancer patients. Moreover, we highlight efforts to identify markers of resistance and sensitivity to mTOR inhibition that could prove useful in the emerging field of personalized medicine.Copyright 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Tkatchenko AV; Tkatchenko TV; Guggenheim JA; et al; Biino G; et al; Williams C APLP2 Regulates Refractive Error and Myopia Development in Mice and Humans Journal Article In: Plos Genetics, vol. 11, no 8, pp. e1005432, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_335,
title = {APLP2 Regulates Refractive Error and Myopia Development in Mice and Humans},
author = {Tkatchenko AV and Tkatchenko TV and Guggenheim JA and {et al} and Biino G and {et al} and Williams C},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1005432},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1005432},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-05},
journal = {Plos Genetics},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {e1005432},
abstract = {Myopia is the most common vision disorder and the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. However, gene variants identified to date explain less than 10% of the variance in refractive error, leaving the majority of heritability unexplained (""missing heritability""). Previously, we reported that expression of APLP2 was strongly associated with myopia in a primate model. Here, we found that low-frequency variants near the 5'-end of APLP2 were associated with refractive error in a prospective UK birth cohort (n = 3,819 children; top SNP rs188663068, p = 5.0 × 10-4) and a CREAM consortium panel (n = 45,756 adults; top SNP rs7127037, p = 6.6 × 10-3). These variants showed evidence of differential effect on childhood longitudinal refractive error trajectories depending on time spent reading (gene x time spent reading x age interaction, p = 4.0 × 10-3). Furthermore, Aplp2 knockout mice developed high degrees of hyperopia (+11.5 +/- 2.2 D, p < 1.0 × 10-4) compared to both heterozygous (-0.8 ± 2.0 D, p < 1.0 × 10-4) and wild-type (+0.3 ± 2.2 D, p < 1.0 × 10-4) littermates and exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in susceptibility to environmentally induced myopia (F(2, 33) = 191.0, p < 1.0 × 10-4). This phenotype was associated with reduced contrast sensitivity (F(12, 120) = 3.6, p = 1.5 × 10-4) and changes in the electrophysiological properties of retinal amacrine cells, which expressed Aplp2. This work identifies APLP2 as one of the ""missing"" myopia genes, demonstrating the importance of a low-frequency gene variant in the development of human myopia. It also demonstrates an important role for APLP2 in refractive development in mice and humans, suggesting a high level of evolutionary conservation of the signaling pathways underlying refractive eye development.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Myopia is the most common vision disorder and the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. However, gene variants identified to date explain less than 10% of the variance in refractive error, leaving the majority of heritability unexplained (""missing heritability""). Previously, we reported that expression of APLP2 was strongly associated with myopia in a primate model. Here, we found that low-frequency variants near the 5'-end of APLP2 were associated with refractive error in a prospective UK birth cohort (n = 3,819 children; top SNP rs188663068, p = 5.0 × 10-4) and a CREAM consortium panel (n = 45,756 adults; top SNP rs7127037, p = 6.6 × 10-3). These variants showed evidence of differential effect on childhood longitudinal refractive error trajectories depending on time spent reading (gene x time spent reading x age interaction, p = 4.0 × 10-3). Furthermore, Aplp2 knockout mice developed high degrees of hyperopia (+11.5 +/- 2.2 D, p < 1.0 × 10-4) compared to both heterozygous (-0.8 ± 2.0 D, p < 1.0 × 10-4) and wild-type (+0.3 ± 2.2 D, p < 1.0 × 10-4) littermates and exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in susceptibility to environmentally induced myopia (F(2, 33) = 191.0, p < 1.0 × 10-4). This phenotype was associated with reduced contrast sensitivity (F(12, 120) = 3.6, p = 1.5 × 10-4) and changes in the electrophysiological properties of retinal amacrine cells, which expressed Aplp2. This work identifies APLP2 as one of the ""missing"" myopia genes, demonstrating the importance of a low-frequency gene variant in the development of human myopia. It also demonstrates an important role for APLP2 in refractive development in mice and humans, suggesting a high level of evolutionary conservation of the signaling pathways underlying refractive eye development. |
Puzzi L; Marchetti L; Peverali FA; Biamonti G; Giacca M DNA-protein interaction dynamics at the Lamin B2 replication origin. Journal Article In: Cell cycle, vol. 14, no 1, pp. 64-73, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_357,
title = {DNA-protein interaction dynamics at the Lamin B2 replication origin.},
author = {Puzzi L and Marchetti L and Peverali FA and Biamonti G and Giacca M},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/15384101.2014.973337},
doi = {10.4161/15384101.2014.973337},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-05},
journal = {Cell cycle},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {64-73},
abstract = {To date, a complete understanding of the molecular events leading to DNA replication origin activation in mammalian cells still remains elusive. In this work, we report the results of a high resolution chromatin immunoprecipitation study to detect proteins interacting with the human Lamin B2 replication origin. In addition to the pre-RC component ORC4 and to the transcription factors USF and HOXC13, we found that 2 components of the AP-1 transcription factor, c-Fos and c-Jun, are also associated with the origin DNA during the late G1 phase of the cell cycle and that these factors interact with ORC4. Both DNA replication and AP-1 factor binding to the origin region were perturbed by cell treatment with merbarone, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, suggesting that DNA topology is essential for determining origin function.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
To date, a complete understanding of the molecular events leading to DNA replication origin activation in mammalian cells still remains elusive. In this work, we report the results of a high resolution chromatin immunoprecipitation study to detect proteins interacting with the human Lamin B2 replication origin. In addition to the pre-RC component ORC4 and to the transcription factors USF and HOXC13, we found that 2 components of the AP-1 transcription factor, c-Fos and c-Jun, are also associated with the origin DNA during the late G1 phase of the cell cycle and that these factors interact with ORC4. Both DNA replication and AP-1 factor binding to the origin region were perturbed by cell treatment with merbarone, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, suggesting that DNA topology is essential for determining origin function. |
Hu Z; Brooks SA; Dormoy V; Hsu CW; Hsu HY; Lin LT; Massfelder T; Rathmell WK; Xia M; Al-Mulla F; Al-Temaimi R; Amedei A; Brown DG; Prudhomme KR; Colacci A; Hamid RA; Mondello C; Raju J; Ryan EP; Woodrick J; Scovassi AI; Singh N; Vaccari M; Roy R; Forte S; Memeo L; Salem HK; Lowe L; Jensen L; Bisson WH; Kleinstreuer N Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: focus on the cancer hallmark of tumor angiogenesis. Journal Article In: Carcinogenesis, vol. 36, no Suppl. 1, pp. S184-202, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_336,
title = {Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: focus on the cancer hallmark of tumor angiogenesis.},
author = {Hu Z and Brooks SA and Dormoy V and Hsu CW and Hsu HY and Lin LT and Massfelder T and Rathmell WK and Xia M and Al-Mulla F and Al-Temaimi R and Amedei A and Brown DG and Prudhomme KR and Colacci A and Hamid RA and Mondello C and Raju J and Ryan EP and Woodrick J and Scovassi AI and Singh N and Vaccari M and Roy R and Forte S and Memeo L and Salem HK and Lowe L and Jensen L and Bisson WH and Kleinstreuer N},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/36/Suppl_1/S184/315846},
doi = {10.1093/carcin/bgv036},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-04},
journal = {Carcinogenesis},
volume = {36},
number = {Suppl. 1},
pages = {S184-202},
abstract = {One of the important 'hallmarks' of cancer is angiogenesis, which is the process of formation of new blood vessels that are necessary for tumor expansion, invasion and metastasis. Under normal physiological conditions, angiogenesis is well balanced and controlled by endogenous proangiogenic factors and antiangiogenic factors. However, factors produced by cancer cells, cancer stem cells and other cell types in the tumor stroma can disrupt the balance so that the tumor microenvironment favors tumor angiogenesis. These factors include vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelial tissue factor and other membrane bound receptors that mediate multiple intracellular signaling pathways that contribute to tumor angiogenesis. Though environmental exposures to certain chemicals have been found to initiate and promote tumor development, the role of these exposures (particularly to low doses of multiple substances), is largely unknown in relation to tumor angiogenesis. This review summarizes the evidence of the role of environmental chemical bioactivity and exposure in tumor angiogenesis and carcinogenesis. We identify a number of ubiquitous (prototypical) chemicals with disruptive potential that may warrant further investigation given their selectivity for high-throughput screening assay targets associated with proangiogenic pathways. We also consider the cross-hallmark relationships of a number of important angiogenic pathway targets with other cancer hallmarks and we make recommendations for future research. Understanding of the role of low-dose exposure of chemicals with disruptive potential could help us refine our approach to cancer risk assessment, and may ultimately aid in preventing cancer by reducing or eliminating exposures to synergistic mixtures of chemicals with carcinogenic potential.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
One of the important 'hallmarks' of cancer is angiogenesis, which is the process of formation of new blood vessels that are necessary for tumor expansion, invasion and metastasis. Under normal physiological conditions, angiogenesis is well balanced and controlled by endogenous proangiogenic factors and antiangiogenic factors. However, factors produced by cancer cells, cancer stem cells and other cell types in the tumor stroma can disrupt the balance so that the tumor microenvironment favors tumor angiogenesis. These factors include vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelial tissue factor and other membrane bound receptors that mediate multiple intracellular signaling pathways that contribute to tumor angiogenesis. Though environmental exposures to certain chemicals have been found to initiate and promote tumor development, the role of these exposures (particularly to low doses of multiple substances), is largely unknown in relation to tumor angiogenesis. This review summarizes the evidence of the role of environmental chemical bioactivity and exposure in tumor angiogenesis and carcinogenesis. We identify a number of ubiquitous (prototypical) chemicals with disruptive potential that may warrant further investigation given their selectivity for high-throughput screening assay targets associated with proangiogenic pathways. We also consider the cross-hallmark relationships of a number of important angiogenic pathway targets with other cancer hallmarks and we make recommendations for future research. Understanding of the role of low-dose exposure of chemicals with disruptive potential could help us refine our approach to cancer risk assessment, and may ultimately aid in preventing cancer by reducing or eliminating exposures to synergistic mixtures of chemicals with carcinogenic potential. |
Parolo S; Lisa A; Gentilini D; Di Blasio AM; Barlera S; Nicolis EB; Boncoraglio GB; Parati EA; Bione S Characterization of the biological processes shaping the genetic structure of the Italian population. Journal Article In: BMC Genetics, vol. 16, pp. 132, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_343,
title = {Characterization of the biological processes shaping the genetic structure of the Italian population.},
author = {Parolo S and Lisa A and Gentilini D and Di Blasio AM and Barlera S and Nicolis EB and Boncoraglio GB and Parati EA and Bione S},
url = {https://bmcgenet.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12863-015-0293-x},
doi = {10.1186/s12863-015-0293-x.},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-04},
journal = {BMC Genetics},
volume = {16},
pages = {132},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The genetic structure of human populations is the outcome of the combined action of different processes such as demographic dynamics and natural selection. Several efforts toward the characterization of population genetic architectures and the identification of adaptation signatures were recently made. In this study, we provide a genome-wide depiction of the Italian population structure and the analysis of the major determinants of the current existing genetic variation. RESULTS: We defined and characterized 210 genomic loci associated with the first Principal Component calculated on the Italian genotypic data and correlated to the North-south genetic gradient. Using a gene-enrichment approach we identified the immune function as primarily involved in the Italian population differentiation and we described a locus on chromosome 13 showing combined evidence of North-south diversification in allele frequencies and signs of recent positive selection. In this region our bioinformatics analysis pinpointed an uncharacterized long intergenic non-coding (lincRNA), whose expression appeared specific for immune-related tissues suggesting its relevance for the immune function. CONCLUSIONS:
Our study, combining population genetic analyses with biological insights provides a description of the Italian genetic structure that in future could contribute to the evaluation of complex diseases risk in the population context.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: The genetic structure of human populations is the outcome of the combined action of different processes such as demographic dynamics and natural selection. Several efforts toward the characterization of population genetic architectures and the identification of adaptation signatures were recently made. In this study, we provide a genome-wide depiction of the Italian population structure and the analysis of the major determinants of the current existing genetic variation. RESULTS: We defined and characterized 210 genomic loci associated with the first Principal Component calculated on the Italian genotypic data and correlated to the North-south genetic gradient. Using a gene-enrichment approach we identified the immune function as primarily involved in the Italian population differentiation and we described a locus on chromosome 13 showing combined evidence of North-south diversification in allele frequencies and signs of recent positive selection. In this region our bioinformatics analysis pinpointed an uncharacterized long intergenic non-coding (lincRNA), whose expression appeared specific for immune-related tissues suggesting its relevance for the immune function. CONCLUSIONS:
Our study, combining population genetic analyses with biological insights provides a description of the Italian genetic structure that in future could contribute to the evaluation of complex diseases risk in the population context. |
Cremaschi P; Oliverio M; Leva V; Bione S; Carriero R; Mazzucco G; Palamidessi A; Scita G; Biamonti G; Montecucco A Chronic Replication Problems Impact Cell Morphology and Adhesion of DNA Ligase I Defective Cells. Journal Article In: Plos One, vol. 10, no 7, pp. e0130561, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_346,
title = {Chronic Replication Problems Impact Cell Morphology and Adhesion of DNA Ligase I Defective Cells.},
author = {Cremaschi P and Oliverio M and Leva V and Bione S and Carriero R and Mazzucco G and Palamidessi A and Scita G and Biamonti G and Montecucco A},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0130561},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0130561},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-04},
journal = {Plos One},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {e0130561},
abstract = {Moderate DNA damage resulting from metabolic activities or sub-lethal doses of exogenous insults may eventually lead to cancer onset. Human 46BR.1G1 cells bear a mutation in replicative DNA ligase I (LigI) which results in low levels of replication-dependent DNA damage. This replication stress elicits a constitutive phosphorylation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) checkpoint kinase that fails to arrest cell cycle progression or to activate apoptosis or cell senescence. Stable transfection of wild type LigI, as in 7A3 cells, prevents DNA damage and ATM activation. Here we show that parental 46BR.1G1 and 7A3 cells differ in important features such as cell morphology, adhesion and migration. Comparison of gene expression profiles in the two cell lines detects Bio-Functional categories consistent with the morphological and migration properties of LigI deficient cells. Interestingly, ATM inhibition makes 46BR.1G1 more similar to 7A3 cells for what concerns morphology, adhesion and expression of cell-cell adhesion receptors. These observations extend the influence of the DNA damage response checkpoint pathways and unveil a role for ATM kinase activity in modulating cell biology parameters relevant to cancer progression.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Moderate DNA damage resulting from metabolic activities or sub-lethal doses of exogenous insults may eventually lead to cancer onset. Human 46BR.1G1 cells bear a mutation in replicative DNA ligase I (LigI) which results in low levels of replication-dependent DNA damage. This replication stress elicits a constitutive phosphorylation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) checkpoint kinase that fails to arrest cell cycle progression or to activate apoptosis or cell senescence. Stable transfection of wild type LigI, as in 7A3 cells, prevents DNA damage and ATM activation. Here we show that parental 46BR.1G1 and 7A3 cells differ in important features such as cell morphology, adhesion and migration. Comparison of gene expression profiles in the two cell lines detects Bio-Functional categories consistent with the morphological and migration properties of LigI deficient cells. Interestingly, ATM inhibition makes 46BR.1G1 more similar to 7A3 cells for what concerns morphology, adhesion and expression of cell-cell adhesion receptors. These observations extend the influence of the DNA damage response checkpoint pathways and unveil a role for ATM kinase activity in modulating cell biology parameters relevant to cancer progression. |
Arseni L; Lanzafame M; Compe E; Fortugno P; Afonso-Barroso A; Peverali FA; Lehmann AR; Zambruno G; Egly JM; Stefanini M; Orioli D TFIIH-dependent MMP-1 overexpression in trichothiodystrophy leads to extracellular matrix alterations in patient skin. Journal Article In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 112, no 5, pp. 1499-1504, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_409,
title = {TFIIH-dependent MMP-1 overexpression in trichothiodystrophy leads to extracellular matrix alterations in patient skin.},
author = {Arseni L and Lanzafame M and Compe E and Fortugno P and Afonso-Barroso A and Peverali FA and Lehmann AR and Zambruno G and Egly JM and Stefanini M and Orioli D},
url = {https://www.pnas.org/content/112/5/1499.long},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.1416181112},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-03},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {112},
number = {5},
pages = {1499-1504},
abstract = {Mutations in the XPD subunit of the DNA repair/transcription factor TFIIH result in distinct clinical entities, including the cancer-prone xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and the multisystem disorder trichothiodystrophy (TTD), which share only cutaneous photosensitivity. Gene-expression profiles of primary dermal fibroblasts revealed overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), the gene encoding the metalloproteinase that degrades the interstitial collagens of the extracellular matrix (ECM), in TTD patients mutated in XPD compared with their healthy parents. The defect is observed in TTD and not in XP and is specific for fibroblasts, which are the main producers of dermal ECM. MMP-1 transcriptional up-regulation in TTD is caused by an erroneous signaling mediated by retinoic acid receptors on the MMP-1 promoter and leads to hypersecretion of active MMP-1 enzyme and degradation of collagen type I in the ECM of cell/tissue systems and TTD patient skin. In agreement with the well-known role of ECM in eliciting signaling events controlling cell behavior and tissue homeostasis, ECM alterations in TTD were shown to impact on the migration and wound-healing properties of patient dermal fibroblasts. The presence of a specific inhibitor of MMP activity was sufficient to restore normal cell migration, thus providing a potential approach for therapeutic strategies. This study highlights the relevance of ECM anomalies in TTD pathogenesis and in the phenotypic differences between TTD and XP.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mutations in the XPD subunit of the DNA repair/transcription factor TFIIH result in distinct clinical entities, including the cancer-prone xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and the multisystem disorder trichothiodystrophy (TTD), which share only cutaneous photosensitivity. Gene-expression profiles of primary dermal fibroblasts revealed overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), the gene encoding the metalloproteinase that degrades the interstitial collagens of the extracellular matrix (ECM), in TTD patients mutated in XPD compared with their healthy parents. The defect is observed in TTD and not in XP and is specific for fibroblasts, which are the main producers of dermal ECM. MMP-1 transcriptional up-regulation in TTD is caused by an erroneous signaling mediated by retinoic acid receptors on the MMP-1 promoter and leads to hypersecretion of active MMP-1 enzyme and degradation of collagen type I in the ECM of cell/tissue systems and TTD patient skin. In agreement with the well-known role of ECM in eliciting signaling events controlling cell behavior and tissue homeostasis, ECM alterations in TTD were shown to impact on the migration and wound-healing properties of patient dermal fibroblasts. The presence of a specific inhibitor of MMP activity was sufficient to restore normal cell migration, thus providing a potential approach for therapeutic strategies. This study highlights the relevance of ECM anomalies in TTD pathogenesis and in the phenotypic differences between TTD and XP. |
Montecucco A; Zanetta F; Biamonti G Molecular mechanisms of etoposide. Journal Article In: EXCLI Journal, vol. 14, pp. 95-108, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_382,
title = {Molecular mechanisms of etoposide.},
author = {Montecucco A and Zanetta F and Biamonti G},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4652635/},
doi = {10.17179/excli2015-561},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-19},
journal = {EXCLI Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {95-108},
abstract = {Etoposide derives from podophyllotoxin, a toxin found in the American Mayapple. It was first synthesized in
1966 and approved for cancer therapy in 1983 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Hande, 1998). Starting from 1980s several studies demonstrated that etoposide targets DNA topoisomerase II activities thus leading to the production of DNA breaks and eliciting a response that affects several aspects of cell metabolisms. In this review we will focus on molecular mechanisms that account for the biological effect of etoposide.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Etoposide derives from podophyllotoxin, a toxin found in the American Mayapple. It was first synthesized in
1966 and approved for cancer therapy in 1983 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Hande, 1998). Starting from 1980s several studies demonstrated that etoposide targets DNA topoisomerase II activities thus leading to the production of DNA breaks and eliciting a response that affects several aspects of cell metabolisms. In this review we will focus on molecular mechanisms that account for the biological effect of etoposide. |
Lisa A; Astolfi P; Zei G; Tentoni S Consanguinity and late fertility: spatial analysis reveals positive association patterns. Journal Article In: Annals of Human Genetics, vol. 79, no 1, pp. 37-45, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_350,
title = {Consanguinity and late fertility: spatial analysis reveals positive association patterns.},
author = {Lisa A and Astolfi P and Zei G and Tentoni S},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ahg.12092},
doi = {10.1111/ahg.12092},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-17},
journal = {Annals of Human Genetics},
volume = {79},
number = {1},
pages = {37-45},
abstract = {The role of consanguinity on human complex traits is an important and controversial issue. In this work we focused on the Sardinian population and examined the effect of consanguineous unions on late female fertility. During the last century the island has been characterized by a high incidence of marriages between relatives, favoured by socio economic conditions and geographical isolation, and by high fertility despite a widespread tendency to delay reproduction. Through spatial analysis techniques, we explored the geographical heterogeneity of consanguinity and late fertility, and identified in Central-Eastern Sardinia a common area with an excess of both traits, where the traits are positively associated. We found that their association did not significantly affect women's fertility in the area, despite the expected negative role of both traits. Intriguingly, this critical zone corresponds well to areas reported by previous studies as being peculiar for a high frequency of centenarians and for lower risk in pregnancy outcome. The proposed approach can be generally exploited to identify target populations on which socioeconomic, biodemographic and genetic data can be collected at the individual level, and deeper analyses carried out to disentangle the determinants of complex biological traits and to investigate their association. 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/University College London.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The role of consanguinity on human complex traits is an important and controversial issue. In this work we focused on the Sardinian population and examined the effect of consanguineous unions on late female fertility. During the last century the island has been characterized by a high incidence of marriages between relatives, favoured by socio economic conditions and geographical isolation, and by high fertility despite a widespread tendency to delay reproduction. Through spatial analysis techniques, we explored the geographical heterogeneity of consanguinity and late fertility, and identified in Central-Eastern Sardinia a common area with an excess of both traits, where the traits are positively associated. We found that their association did not significantly affect women's fertility in the area, despite the expected negative role of both traits. Intriguingly, this critical zone corresponds well to areas reported by previous studies as being peculiar for a high frequency of centenarians and for lower risk in pregnancy outcome. The proposed approach can be generally exploited to identify target populations on which socioeconomic, biodemographic and genetic data can be collected at the individual level, and deeper analyses carried out to disentangle the determinants of complex biological traits and to investigate their association. 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/University College London. |
Cansolino L; Clerici AM; Zonta C; Dionigi P; Mazzini G; Di Liberto R; Altieri S; Ballarini F; Bortolussi S; Carante MP; Ferrari M; Gonzalez SJ; Postuma I; Protti N; Santa Cruz GA; Ferrari C Comparative study of the radiobiological effects induced on adherent vs suspended cells by BNCT, neutrons and gamma rays treatments. Journal Article In: Applied Radiation and Isotopes, vol. 106, pp. 226-232, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_349,
title = {Comparative study of the radiobiological effects induced on adherent vs suspended cells by BNCT, neutrons and gamma rays treatments.},
author = {Cansolino L and Clerici AM and Zonta C and Dionigi P and Mazzini G and {Di Liberto R} and Altieri S and Ballarini F and Bortolussi S and Carante MP and Ferrari M and Gonzalez SJ and Postuma I and Protti N and Santa Cruz GA and Ferrari C},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969804315301366?via%3Dihub},
doi = {10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.07.054},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-08},
journal = {Applied Radiation and Isotopes},
volume = {106},
pages = {226-232},
abstract = {The present work is part of a preclinical in vitro study to assess the efficacy of BNCT applied to liver or lung coloncarcinoma metastases and to limb osteosarcoma. Adherent growing cell lines can be irradiated as adherent to the culture flasks or as cell suspensions, differences in radio-sensitivity of the two modalities of radiation exposure have been investigated. Dose related cell survival and cell cycle perturbation results evidenced that the radiosensitivity of adherent cells is higher than that of the suspended ones.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The present work is part of a preclinical in vitro study to assess the efficacy of BNCT applied to liver or lung coloncarcinoma metastases and to limb osteosarcoma. Adherent growing cell lines can be irradiated as adherent to the culture flasks or as cell suspensions, differences in radio-sensitivity of the two modalities of radiation exposure have been investigated. Dose related cell survival and cell cycle perturbation results evidenced that the radiosensitivity of adherent cells is higher than that of the suspended ones. |
Piva R; Lambertini E; Manferdini C; Capanni C; Penolazzi L; Gabusi E; Paolella F; Lolli A; Angelozzi M; Lattanzi G; Lisignoli G Slug transcription factor and nuclear Lamin B1 are upregulated in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Journal Article In: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, vol. 23, no 7, pp. 1226-1230, 2015. @article{%a1:%Y_406,
title = {Slug transcription factor and nuclear Lamin B1 are upregulated in osteoarthritic chondrocytes.},
author = {Piva R and Lambertini E and Manferdini C and Capanni C and Penolazzi L and Gabusi E and Paolella F and Lolli A and Angelozzi M and Lattanzi G and Lisignoli G},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458415008560?via%3Dihub},
doi = {10.1016/j.joca.2015.03.015},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
urldate = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Osteoarthritis and Cartilage},
volume = {23},
number = {7},
pages = {1226-1230},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To contribute to clarify molecular mechanisms supporting senescence and de-differentiation of chondrocytes in chondrocyte pathologies such as osteoarthritis (OA). Specifically, we investigated the relationship between the nuclear lamina protein Lamin B1 and the negative regulator of chondrogenesis Slug transcription factor in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. METHODS: Lamin B1 and Slug proteins were analyzed in cartilage explants from normal subjects and OA patients by immunohistochemical technique. Their expression was confirmed on isolated chondrocytes both at passage 0 and passage 2 (de-differentiated chondrocytes) by immunofluorescence and western blot. Subsequently, we explored the "in vivo" binding of Slug on LMNB1 promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). RESULTS: In this study we demonstrated that nuclear lamina protein Lamin B1 and anti-chondrogenic Slug transcription factor are upregulated in cartilage and OA chondrocytes. Furthermore, we found that Slug is "in vivo" recruited by LMNB1 gene promoter mostly when chondrocytes undergo de-differentiation or OA degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: We described for the first time a potential regulatory role of Slug on the LMNB1 gene expression in OA chondrocytes. These findings may have important implications for the study of premature senescence, and degeneration of cartilage, and may contribute to develop effective therapeutic strategies against signals supporting cartilage damage in different subsets of patients. Copyright 2015 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVE: To contribute to clarify molecular mechanisms supporting senescence and de-differentiation of chondrocytes in chondrocyte pathologies such as osteoarthritis (OA). Specifically, we investigated the relationship between the nuclear lamina protein Lamin B1 and the negative regulator of chondrogenesis Slug transcription factor in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. METHODS: Lamin B1 and Slug proteins were analyzed in cartilage explants from normal subjects and OA patients by immunohistochemical technique. Their expression was confirmed on isolated chondrocytes both at passage 0 and passage 2 (de-differentiated chondrocytes) by immunofluorescence and western blot. Subsequently, we explored the "in vivo" binding of Slug on LMNB1 promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). RESULTS: In this study we demonstrated that nuclear lamina protein Lamin B1 and anti-chondrogenic Slug transcription factor are upregulated in cartilage and OA chondrocytes. Furthermore, we found that Slug is "in vivo" recruited by LMNB1 gene promoter mostly when chondrocytes undergo de-differentiation or OA degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: We described for the first time a potential regulatory role of Slug on the LMNB1 gene expression in OA chondrocytes. These findings may have important implications for the study of premature senescence, and degeneration of cartilage, and may contribute to develop effective therapeutic strategies against signals supporting cartilage damage in different subsets of patients. Copyright 2015 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Maga G AIDS: la verità negata Book Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, 2014, ISBN: 978-8849004809, (Vincitore del primo premio categoria saggi del Premio Letterario Nazionale Fanz Kafka - 2014). @book{CNRPRODOTTI303054,
title = {AIDS: la verità negata},
author = {Maga G},
url = {http://www.pensiero.it/ecomm/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=651},
isbn = {978-8849004809},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
publisher = {Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore},
series = {Informa},
abstract = {Ancora oggi esiste una corrente di opinione, tutt’altro che secondaria e sempre vitale, che afferma che l’AIDS non esiste e che l’HIV è un innocuo parassita. Ma negare l’AIDS significa sottovalutare la pericolosità dell’infezione da HIV e indurre i pazienti a rifiutare terapie in grado di salvare loro la vita. Quando l’opinione errata di alcuni compromette la salute e la sicurezza di altri, è necessario correggerla. Giovanni Maga dimostra, con un linguaggio comprensibile a tutti e attraverso la narrazione appassionata di tante storie di pazienti, medici e ricercatori, che respingere la relazione tra HIV e AIDS è un errore dalle drammatiche conseguenze. Documentando, inoltre, gli straordinari progressi fatti nel combattere questa malattia, il libro vuole essere un invito all’ottimismo e alla speranza. La difficoltà nell’accettare l’AIDS e, di conseguenza, la disponibilità a credere che non esista nascono spesso dalla disperazione di chi vive la sieropositività come una condanna senza appello. Ma la scienza arriverà inevitabilmente a sconfiggere l’HIV e questo libro ci spiega come e perché.},
note = {Vincitore del primo premio categoria saggi del Premio Letterario Nazionale Fanz Kafka - 2014},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Ancora oggi esiste una corrente di opinione, tutt’altro che secondaria e sempre vitale, che afferma che l’AIDS non esiste e che l’HIV è un innocuo parassita. Ma negare l’AIDS significa sottovalutare la pericolosità dell’infezione da HIV e indurre i pazienti a rifiutare terapie in grado di salvare loro la vita. Quando l’opinione errata di alcuni compromette la salute e la sicurezza di altri, è necessario correggerla. Giovanni Maga dimostra, con un linguaggio comprensibile a tutti e attraverso la narrazione appassionata di tante storie di pazienti, medici e ricercatori, che respingere la relazione tra HIV e AIDS è un errore dalle drammatiche conseguenze. Documentando, inoltre, gli straordinari progressi fatti nel combattere questa malattia, il libro vuole essere un invito all’ottimismo e alla speranza. La difficoltà nell’accettare l’AIDS e, di conseguenza, la disponibilità a credere che non esista nascono spesso dalla disperazione di chi vive la sieropositività come una condanna senza appello. Ma la scienza arriverà inevitabilmente a sconfiggere l’HIV e questo libro ci spiega come e perché. |
Focher F Due atei, un prete e un agnostico. Pranzo a casa Darwin Book Il Prato, Saonara, 2012, ISSN: 2037-9234. @book{CNRPRODOTTI177919,
title = {Due atei, un prete e un agnostico. Pranzo a casa Darwin},
author = {Focher F},
issn = {2037-9234},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
volume = {41},
publisher = {Il Prato},
address = {Saonara},
series = {I cento talleri},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
|
Di Pietro R; Centurione MA Elementi di Istologia Book Edises, Napoli, 2012, ISBN: 978 88 7959 743 2. @book{CNRPRODOTTI198989,
title = {Elementi di Istologia},
author = {{Di Pietro R} and Centurione MA},
isbn = {978 88 7959 743 2},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
publisher = {Edises},
address = {Napoli},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
|
Focher F Alexander von Humboldt. Schizzo biografico dal vivo Book Il Prato, Saonara, 2009, ISBN: 9788863360677. @book{CNRPRODOTTI135438,
title = {Alexander von Humboldt. Schizzo biografico dal vivo},
author = {Focher F},
isbn = {9788863360677},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
volume = {26},
publisher = {Il Prato},
address = {Saonara},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
|
Mondello C Multiple Pathways in cancer development. Book Transworld Research Network, Trivandrum, 2008, ISBN: 9788178953625. @book{CNRPRODOTTI135431,
title = {Multiple Pathways in cancer development.},
author = {Mondello C},
isbn = {9788178953625},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
publisher = {Transworld Research Network},
address = {Trivandrum},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
|
Focher F L'uomo che gettò nel panico Darwin. La vita e le scoperte di Alfred Russel Wallace. Book Bollati Boringhieri, Torino, 2006, ISBN: 9788833916705. @book{CNRPRODOTTI135417,
title = {L'uomo che gettò nel panico Darwin. La vita e le scoperte di Alfred Russel Wallace.},
author = {Focher F},
url = {https://www.bollatiboringhieri.it/libri/federico-focher-luomo-che-getto-nel-panico-darwin-9788833916705/},
isbn = {9788833916705},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
publisher = {Bollati Boringhieri},
address = {Torino},
abstract = {Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) fu uno dei massimi naturalisti vittoriani. I suoi interessi scientifici spaziavano dall’entomologia all’antropologia, dalla geologia alla glaciologia, dal mimetismo alla biogeografia evolutiva. Tuttavia, nonostante la sua vastissima produzione scientifica, egli viene generalmente ricordato solo per esser stato l’altro uomo che scopri la selezione naturale.
Pochi in realtà conoscono i suoi anni avventurosi trascorsi nelle foreste tropicali, l'eccellente lavoro di divulgazione del darwinismo, il sincero impegno sociale in difesa dei deboli e la sua fede nello spiritualismo, che lo portava a credere ottimisticamente in un continuo progresso morale e sociale dell’umanità.
La presente opera propone, inseriti in una sintetica cornice critica, i più famosi saggi evoluzionistici e antropologici di Wallace e alcuni significativi passi tratti dall'autobiografia e dagli scritti sociali.
Da queste pagine Wallace emerge non solo come un grande naturalista, ma anche, e sopratutto, come un grande uomo.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) fu uno dei massimi naturalisti vittoriani. I suoi interessi scientifici spaziavano dall’entomologia all’antropologia, dalla geologia alla glaciologia, dal mimetismo alla biogeografia evolutiva. Tuttavia, nonostante la sua vastissima produzione scientifica, egli viene generalmente ricordato solo per esser stato l’altro uomo che scopri la selezione naturale.
Pochi in realtà conoscono i suoi anni avventurosi trascorsi nelle foreste tropicali, l'eccellente lavoro di divulgazione del darwinismo, il sincero impegno sociale in difesa dei deboli e la sua fede nello spiritualismo, che lo portava a credere ottimisticamente in un continuo progresso morale e sociale dell’umanità.
La presente opera propone, inseriti in una sintetica cornice critica, i più famosi saggi evoluzionistici e antropologici di Wallace e alcuni significativi passi tratti dall'autobiografia e dagli scritti sociali.
Da queste pagine Wallace emerge non solo come un grande naturalista, ma anche, e sopratutto, come un grande uomo. |
Cavalli-Sforza LL; Moroni A; Zei G Consanguinity, Inbreeding and Genetic Drift in Italy Book 2004, ISBN: 9780691089928. @book{CNRPRODOTTI135395,
title = {Consanguinity, Inbreeding and Genetic Drift in Italy},
author = {Cavalli-Sforza LL and Moroni A and Zei G},
url = {https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691089928/consanguinity-inbreeding-and-genetic-drift-in-italy-mpb-39},
isbn = {9780691089928},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
abstract = {In 1951, the geneticist Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza was teaching in Parma when a student — a priest named Antonio Moroni — told him about rich church records of demography and marriages between relatives. After convincing the Church to open its records, Cavalli-Sforza, Moroni, and Gianna Zei embarked on a landmark study that would last fifty years and cover all of Italy. This book assembles and analyzes the team’s research for the first time.
Using blood testing as well as church records, the team investigated the frequency of consanguineous marriages and its use for estimating inbreeding and studying the relations between inbreeding and drift. They tested the importance of random genetic drift by studying population structure through demography of the last three centuries, using it to predict the spatial variation of frequencies of genetic markers. The authors find that drift-related genetic variation, including its stabilization by migration, is best predicted by computer simulation. They also analyze the usefulness and limits of the concept of deme for defining Mendelian populations. The genetic effect of consanguineous marriage on recessive genetic diseases and for the detection of dominance in metric characters are also studied.
Ultimately bringing together the many strands of their massive project, Cavalli-Sforza, Moroni, and Zei are able to map genetic drift in all of Italy’s approximately 8,000 communes and to demonstrate the relationship between each locality’s drift and various ecological and demographic factors. In terms of both methods and findings, their accomplishment is tremendously important for understanding human social structure and the genetic effects of drift and inbreeding.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
In 1951, the geneticist Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza was teaching in Parma when a student — a priest named Antonio Moroni — told him about rich church records of demography and marriages between relatives. After convincing the Church to open its records, Cavalli-Sforza, Moroni, and Gianna Zei embarked on a landmark study that would last fifty years and cover all of Italy. This book assembles and analyzes the team’s research for the first time.
Using blood testing as well as church records, the team investigated the frequency of consanguineous marriages and its use for estimating inbreeding and studying the relations between inbreeding and drift. They tested the importance of random genetic drift by studying population structure through demography of the last three centuries, using it to predict the spatial variation of frequencies of genetic markers. The authors find that drift-related genetic variation, including its stabilization by migration, is best predicted by computer simulation. They also analyze the usefulness and limits of the concept of deme for defining Mendelian populations. The genetic effect of consanguineous marriage on recessive genetic diseases and for the detection of dominance in metric characters are also studied.
Ultimately bringing together the many strands of their massive project, Cavalli-Sforza, Moroni, and Zei are able to map genetic drift in all of Italy’s approximately 8,000 communes and to demonstrate the relationship between each locality’s drift and various ecological and demographic factors. In terms of both methods and findings, their accomplishment is tremendously important for understanding human social structure and the genetic effects of drift and inbreeding. |
Rosso I; Jones-Weinert C; Rossiello F; Cabrini M; Brambillasca S; Munoz-Sagredo L; Lavagnino Z; Martini E; Tedone E; Garre' M; Aguado J; Parazzoli D; Mione M; Shay JW; Mercurio C; d'Adda di Fagagna F Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) cells viability is dependent on C-rich telomeric RNAs Journal Article In: Nature communications, vol. 14, iss. 1, pp. 7086, 0000. @article{%a1.%Y_131,
title = {Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) cells viability is dependent on C-rich telomeric RNAs},
author = {Rosso I and Jones-Weinert C and Rossiello F and Cabrini M and Brambillasca S and Munoz-Sagredo L and Lavagnino Z and Martini E and Tedone E and Garre' M and Aguado J and Parazzoli D and Mione M and Shay JW and Mercurio C and {d'Adda di Fagagna F}},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42831-0},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-023-42831-0},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
issue = {1},
pages = {7086},
abstract = {Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomere maintenance mechanism activated in ~10-15% of cancers, characterized by telomeric damage. Telomeric damage-induced long non-coding RNAs (dilncRNAs) are transcribed at dysfunctional telomeres and contribute to telomeric DNA damage response (DDR) activation and repair. Here we observed that telomeric dilncRNAs are preferentially elevated in ALT cells. Inhibition of C-rich (teloC) dilncRNAs with antisense oligonucleotides leads to DNA replication stress responses, increased genomic instability, and apoptosis induction selectively in ALT cells. Cell death is dependent on DNA replication and is increased by DNA replication stress. Mechanistically, teloC dilncRNA inhibition reduces RAD51 and 53BP1 recruitment to telomeres, boosts the engagement of BIR machinery, and increases C-circles and telomeric sister chromatid exchanges, without increasing telomeric non-S phase synthesis. These results indicate that teloC dilncRNA is necessary for a coordinated recruitment of DDR factors to ALT telomeres and it is essential for ALT cancer cells survival.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomere maintenance mechanism activated in ~10-15% of cancers, characterized by telomeric damage. Telomeric damage-induced long non-coding RNAs (dilncRNAs) are transcribed at dysfunctional telomeres and contribute to telomeric DNA damage response (DDR) activation and repair. Here we observed that telomeric dilncRNAs are preferentially elevated in ALT cells. Inhibition of C-rich (teloC) dilncRNAs with antisense oligonucleotides leads to DNA replication stress responses, increased genomic instability, and apoptosis induction selectively in ALT cells. Cell death is dependent on DNA replication and is increased by DNA replication stress. Mechanistically, teloC dilncRNA inhibition reduces RAD51 and 53BP1 recruitment to telomeres, boosts the engagement of BIR machinery, and increases C-circles and telomeric sister chromatid exchanges, without increasing telomeric non-S phase synthesis. These results indicate that teloC dilncRNA is necessary for a coordinated recruitment of DDR factors to ALT telomeres and it is essential for ALT cancer cells survival. |
Cenni V; Sabatelli P; Di Martino A; Merlini L; Antoniel M; Squarzoni S; Neri S; Santi S; Metti S; Bonaldo P; Faldini C. Collagen VI Deficiency Impairs Tendon Fibroblasts Mechanoresponse in Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Journal Article In: Cells, vol. 13, iss. 5, pp. 378, 0000. @article{%a1.%Y_151,
title = {Collagen VI Deficiency Impairs Tendon Fibroblasts Mechanoresponse in Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy},
author = {Cenni V and Sabatelli P and Di Martino A and Merlini L and Antoniel M and Squarzoni S and Neri S and Santi S and Metti S and Bonaldo P and Faldini C.},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/5/378},
doi = {10.3390/cells13050378},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {13},
issue = {5},
pages = {378},
abstract = {The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds cells. Interactions with the PCM enable the cells to sense and respond to mechanical signals, triggering a proper adaptive response. Collagen VI is a component of muscle and tendon PCM. Mutations in collagen VI genes cause a distinctive group of inherited skeletal muscle diseases, and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is the most severe form. In addition to muscle weakness, UCMD patients show structural and functional changes of the tendon PCM. In this study, we investigated whether PCM alterations due to collagen VI mutations affect the response of tendon fibroblasts to mechanical stimulation. By taking advantage of human tendon cultures obtained from unaffected donors and from UCMD patients, we analyzed the morphological and functional properties of cellular mechanosensors. We found that the length of the primary cilia of UCMD cells was longer than that of controls. Unlike controls, in UCMD cells, both cilia prevalence and length were not recovered after mechanical stimulation. Accordingly, under the same experimental conditions, the activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is related to cilia activity, was impaired in UCMD cells. Finally, UCMD tendon cells exposed to mechanical stimuli showed altered focal adhesions, as well as impaired activation of Akt, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and mechanoresponsive genes downstream of YAP. By exploring the response to mechanical stimulation, for the first time, our findings uncover novel unreported mechanistic aspects of the physiopathology of UCMD-derived tendon fibroblasts and point at a role for collagen VI in the modulation of mechanotransduction in tendons.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds cells. Interactions with the PCM enable the cells to sense and respond to mechanical signals, triggering a proper adaptive response. Collagen VI is a component of muscle and tendon PCM. Mutations in collagen VI genes cause a distinctive group of inherited skeletal muscle diseases, and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is the most severe form. In addition to muscle weakness, UCMD patients show structural and functional changes of the tendon PCM. In this study, we investigated whether PCM alterations due to collagen VI mutations affect the response of tendon fibroblasts to mechanical stimulation. By taking advantage of human tendon cultures obtained from unaffected donors and from UCMD patients, we analyzed the morphological and functional properties of cellular mechanosensors. We found that the length of the primary cilia of UCMD cells was longer than that of controls. Unlike controls, in UCMD cells, both cilia prevalence and length were not recovered after mechanical stimulation. Accordingly, under the same experimental conditions, the activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is related to cilia activity, was impaired in UCMD cells. Finally, UCMD tendon cells exposed to mechanical stimuli showed altered focal adhesions, as well as impaired activation of Akt, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and mechanoresponsive genes downstream of YAP. By exploring the response to mechanical stimulation, for the first time, our findings uncover novel unreported mechanistic aspects of the physiopathology of UCMD-derived tendon fibroblasts and point at a role for collagen VI in the modulation of mechanotransduction in tendons. |
