RESUMEN
Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with an uncontrolled amyloid aggregation. Hence, many studies are oriented to discover new compounds that are able to modulate self-recognition mechanisms of proteins involved in the development of these pathologies. Herein, three metal-complexes able to release carbon monoxide (CORMs) were analyzed for their ability to affect the self-aggregation of the amyloidogenic fragment of nucleophosmin 1, corresponding to the second helix of the three-helix bundle located in the C-terminal domain of the protein, i.e., NPM1264-277, peptide. These complexes were two cymantrenes coordinated to the nucleobase adenine (Cym-Ade) and to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cym-Cipro) and a Re(I)-compound containing 1,10-phenanthroline and 3-CCCH2NHCOCH2CH2-6-bromo-chromone as ligands (Re-Flavo). Thioflavin T (ThT) assay, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) indicated that the three compounds have different effects on the peptide aggregation. Cym-Ade and Cym-Cipro act as aggregating agents. Cym-Ade induces the formation of NPM1264-277 fibers longer and stiffer than that formed by NPM1264-277 alone; irradiation of complexes speeds the formation of fibers that are more flexible and thicker than those found without irradiation. Cym-Cipro induces the formation of longer fibers, although slightly thinner in diameter. Conversely, Re-Flavo acts as an antiaggregating agent. Overall, these results indicate that metal-based CORMs with diverse structural features can have a different effect on the formation of amyloid fibers. A proper choice of ligands attached to metal can allow the development of metal-based drugs with potential application as antiamyloidogenic agents.
Asunto(s)
Complejos de Coordinación , Complejos de Coordinación/farmacología , Complejos de Coordinación/química , Ligandos , Metales , Péptidos , Proteínas Nucleares , Ciprofloxacina , Amiloide , Péptidos beta-AmiloidesRESUMEN
Neurodegenerative diseases are often caused by uncontrolled amyloid aggregation. Hence, many drug discovery processes are oriented to evaluate new compounds that are able to modulate self-recognition mechanisms. Herein, two related glycoconjugate pentacoordinate Pt(II) complexes were analyzed in their capacity to affect the self-aggregation processes of two amyloidogenic fragments, Aß21-40 and Aß25-35, of the C-terminal region of the ß-amyloid (Aß) peptide, the major component of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuronal plaques. The most water-soluble complex, 1Ptdep, is able to bind both fragments and to deeply influence the morphology of peptide aggregates. Thioflavin T (ThT) binding assays, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy indicated that 1Ptdep shows different kinetics and mechanisms of inhibition toward the two sequences and demonstrated that the peptide aggregation inhibition is associated with a direct coordinative bond of the compound metal center to the peptides. These data support the in vitro ability of pentacoordinate Pt(II) complexes to inhibit the formation of amyloid aggregates and pave the way for the application of this class of compounds as potential neurotherapeutics.
Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-AmiloidesRESUMEN
In a protein, point mutations associated with diseases can alter the native structure and provide loss or alteration of functional levels, and an internal structural network defines the connectivity among domains, as well as aggregate/soluble states' equilibria. Nucleophosmin (NPM)1 is an abundant nucleolar protein, which becomes mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. NPM1-dependent leukemogenesis, which leads to its aggregation in the cytoplasm (NPMc+), is still obscure, but the investigations have outlined a direct link between AML mutations and amyloid aggregation. Protein aggregation can be due to the cooperation among several hot spots located within the aggregation-prone regions (APR), often predictable with bioinformatic tools. In the present study, we investigated potential APRs in the entire NPM1 not yet investigated. On the basis of bioinformatic predictions and experimental structures, we designed several protein fragments and analyzed them through typical aggrsegation experiments, such as Thioflavin T (ThT), fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, carried out at different times; in addition, their biocompatibility in SHSY5 cells was also evaluated. The presented data clearly demonstrate the existence of hot spots of aggregation located in different regions, mostly in the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the entire NPM1 protein, and provide a more comprehensive view of the molecular details potentially at the basis of NPMc+-dependent AML.
Asunto(s)
Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Nucleofosmina , Humanos , Amiloide/metabolismo , Proteínas Amiloidogénicas/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/metabolismo , Mutación , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Nucleofosmina/genéticaRESUMEN
1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamide structures were previously identified as a promising scaffold from which to obtain CB2R agonists with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. This work describes the synthesis and functional characterization of new 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one-3-carboxamides with high affinity and selectivity for CB2R. The new compounds were able to pharmacologically modulate the cAMP response without modulating CB2R-dependent ß-arrestin2 recruitment. These structures were also evaluated for their anti-cancer activity against SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE cells. They were able to reduce the cell viability of both neuroblastoma cancer cell lines with micromolar potency (IC50 of FG158a = 11.8 µM and FG160a = 13.2 µM in SH-SY5Y cells) by a CB2R-mediated mechanism. Finally, in SH-SY5Y cells one of the newly synthesized compounds, FG158a, was able to modulate ERK1/2 expression by a CB2R-mediated effect, thus suggesting that this signaling pathway might be involved in its potential anti-cancer effect.
Asunto(s)
Cannabinoides , Neuroblastoma , Agonistas de Receptores de Cannabinoides/química , Supervivencia Celular , Humanos , Neuroblastoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Receptor Cannabinoide CB1 , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2RESUMEN
Often proteins association is a physiological process used by cells to regulate their growth and to adapt to different stress conditions, including mutations. In the case of a subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), mutations of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) protein cause its aberrant cytoplasmatic mislocalization (NPMc+). We recently pointed out an amyloidogenic propensity of protein regions including the most common mutations of NPMc+ located in the C-terminal domain (CTD): they were able to form, in vitro, amyloid cytotoxic aggregates with fibrillar morphology. Herein, we analyzed the conformational characteristics of several peptides including rare AML mutations of NPMc+. By means of different spectroscopic, microscopic and cellular assays we evaluated the importance of amino acid composition, among rare AML mutations, to determine amyloidogenic propensity. This study could add a piece of knowledge to the structural consequences of mutations in cytoplasmatic NPM1c+.
Asunto(s)
Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/metabolismo , Mutación , Proteínas Nucleares/análisis , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Nucleofosmina , Agregado de Proteínas , Conformación Proteica , Células Tumorales CultivadasRESUMEN
Peptide hydrogels, deriving from natural protein fragments, present unique advantages as compatibility and low cost of production that allow their wide application in different fields as wound healing, cell delivery and tissue regeneration. To engineer new biomaterials, the change of the chirality of single amino acids demonstrated a powerful approach to modulate the self-assembly mechanism. Recently we unveiled that a small stretch spanning residues 268-273 in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) is an amyloid sequence. Herein, we performed a systematic D-scan of this sequence and analyzed the structural properties of obtained peptides. The conformational and kinetic features of self-aggregates and the morphologies of derived microstructures were investigated by means of different biophysical techniques, as well as the compatibility of hydrogels was evaluated in HeLa cells. All the investigated hexapeptides formed hydrogels even if they exhibited different conformational intermediates during aggregation, and they structural featured are finely tuned by introduced chiralities.
Asunto(s)
Hidrogeles/química , Nucleofosmina/química , Oligopéptidos/química , Fragmentos de Péptidos/química , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células HeLa , Humanos , Hidrogeles/toxicidad , Nucleofosmina/toxicidad , Oligopéptidos/toxicidad , Fragmentos de Péptidos/toxicidad , Multimerización de Proteína , EstereoisomerismoRESUMEN
Herein the effects of three platinum complexes, namely (SP-4-2)-(2,2'-bipyridine)dichloridoplatinum(II), Pt-bpy, (SP-4-2)-dichlorido(1,10-phenanthroline) platinum(II), Pt-phen, and (SP-4-2)-chlorido(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine)platinum(II) chloride, Pt-terpy, on the aggregation of an amyloid model system derived from the C-terminal domain of Aß peptide (Aß21-40) were investigated. Thioflavin T (ThT) binding assays revealed the ability of Pt(II) compounds to repress amyloid aggregation in a dose-dependent way, whereas the ability of Aß21-40 peptide to interfere with ligand field of metal complexes was analyzed through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Spectroscopic data provided micromolar EC50 values and allowed to assess that the observed inhibition of amyloid aggregation is due to the formation of adducts between Aß21-40 peptide and complexes upon the release of labile ligands as chloride and that they can explore different modes of coordination toward Aß21-40 with respect to the entire Aß1-40 polypeptide. In addition, conformational studies through circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy suggested that Pt-terpy induces soluble ß-structures of monomeric Aß21-40, thus limiting self-recognition. Noticeably, Pt-terpy demonstrated the ability to reduce the cytotoxicity of amyloid peptide in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Presented data corroborate the hypothesis to enlarge the application field of already known metal-based agents to neurodegenerative diseases, as potential neurodrugs.
Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-Amiloides/química , Fragmentos de Péptidos/química , Platino (Metal)/farmacología , Agregado de Proteínas/efectos de los fármacos , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Benzotiazoles/metabolismo , Muerte Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Fluorescencia , Humanos , Platino (Metal)/química , Estabilidad Proteica , Solubilidad , Espectrofotometría Ultravioleta , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related cancer, for which no therapy proves to be effective. We have recently shown that the oncolytic adenovirus dl922-947 had antitumor effects in MM cell lines and murine xenografts. Previous studies demonstrated that dl922-947-induced host cell cycle checkpoint deregulation and consequent DNA lesions associated with the virus efficacy. However, the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) can counteract this virus action. Therefore, we assessed whether AZD1775, an inhibitor of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint kinase WEE1, could enhance MM cell sensitivity to dl922-947. Through cell viability assays, we found that AZD1775 synergized with dl922-947 selectively in MM cell lines and increased dl922-947-induced cell death, which showed hallmarks of apoptosis (annexinV-positivity, caspase-dependency, BCL-XL decrease, chromatin condensation). Predictably, dl922-947 and/or AZD1775 activated the DDR, as indicated by increased levels of three main DDR players: phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), phospho-replication protein A (RPA)32, phospho-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Dl922-947 also increased inactive Tyr-15-phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key WEE1 substrate, which is indicative of G2/M checkpoint activation. This increase in phospho-CDK1 was effectively suppressed by AZD1775, thus suggesting that this compound could, indeed, abrogate the dl922-947-induced DNA damage checkpoint in MM cells. Overall, our data suggest that the dl922-947-AZD1775 combination could be a feasible strategy against MM.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/antagonistas & inhibidores , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Mesotelioma Maligno/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Pirazoles/farmacología , Pirimidinonas/farmacología , Adenoviridae/genética , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Amianto/toxicidad , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/genética , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Daño del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Mesotelioma Maligno/inducido químicamente , Mesotelioma Maligno/genética , Mesotelioma Maligno/virología , Viroterapia Oncolítica , Virus Oncolíticos/genética , Fosforilación/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas/genéticaRESUMEN
Platinum(II) complexes with different cinnamic acid derivatives as ligands were investigated for their ability to inhibit the aggregation process of amyloid systems derived from Aß, Yeast Prion Protein Sup35p and the C-terminal domain of nucleophosmin 1. Thioflavin T binding assays and circular dichroism data indicate that these compounds strongly inhibit the aggregation of investigated peptides exhibiting IC50 values in the micromolar range. MS analysis confirms the formation of adducts between peptides and Pt(II) complexes that are also able to reduce amyloid cytotoxicity in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Overall data suggests that bidentate ligands based on ß-hydroxy dithiocinnamic esters can be used to develop platinum or platinoid compounds with anti-amyloid aggregation properties.
Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-Amiloides/química , Complejos de Coordinación/farmacología , Proteínas Nucleares/química , Factores de Terminación de Péptidos/química , Agregación Patológica de Proteínas/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/química , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/patología , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/antagonistas & inhibidores , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/síntesis química , Amiloidosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Amiloidosis/patología , Benzotiazoles/farmacología , Línea Celular , Cinamatos/química , Cinamatos/farmacología , Dicroismo Circular , Complejos de Coordinación/química , Humanos , Ligandos , Proteínas Nucleares/antagonistas & inhibidores , Nucleofosmina , Factores de Terminación de Péptidos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Platino (Metal)/química , Platino (Metal)/farmacología , Agregación Patológica de Proteínas/genética , Agregación Patológica de Proteínas/patología , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/antagonistas & inhibidoresRESUMEN
It has been well appreciated that the endocannabinoid system can regulate immune responses via the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which is primarily expressed by cells of the hematopoietic system. The endocannabinoid system is composed of receptors, ligands and enzymes controlling the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Along with endocannabinoids, both plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids have been shown to bind to and signal through CB2 via G proteins leading to both inhibitory and stimulatory signals depending on the biological process. Because no cannabinoid ligand has been identified that only binds to CB2, the generation of mice deficient in CB2 has greatly expanded our knowledge of how CB2 contributes to immune cell development and function in health and disease. In regards to humans, genetic studies have associated CB2 with a variety of human diseases. Here, we review the endocannabinoid system with an emphasis on CB2 and its role in the immune system.
Asunto(s)
Sistema Nervioso Central/metabolismo , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/metabolismo , Endocannabinoides/metabolismo , Sistema Inmunológico/metabolismo , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Animales , Sistema Nervioso Central/inmunología , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/inmunología , Citocinas/metabolismo , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/genética , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/inmunología , Encefalomielitis Autoinmune Experimental/patología , Endocannabinoides/inmunología , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , Linfocitos/inmunología , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Linfocitos/patología , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/patología , Ratones , Osteoporosis/genética , Osteoporosis/inmunología , Osteoporosis/metabolismo , Osteoporosis/patología , Plantas/genética , Plantas/metabolismo , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2/genética , Receptor Cannabinoide CB2/inmunología , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/genética , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/inmunología , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
We assessed the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of 9,11-dihydrogracilin A (DHG), a molecule derived from the Antarctic marine sponge Dendrilla membranosa. We used in vitro and in vivo approaches to establish DHG properties. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT cells) were used as in vitro system, whereas a model of murine cutaneous irritation was adopted for in vivo studies. We observed that DHG reduces dose dependently the proliferative response and viability of mitogen stimulated PBMC. In addition, DHG induces apoptosis as revealed by AnnexinV staining and downregulates the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) at late time points. These effects were accompanied by down-regulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) production, slight decrease of IL-10 and no inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion. To assess potential properties of DHG in epidermal inflammation we used HaCaT cells; this compound reduces cell growth, viability and migration. Finally, we adopted for the in vivo study the croton oil-induced ear dermatitis murine model of inflammation. Of note, topical use of DHG significantly decreased mouse ear edema. These results suggest that DHG exerts anti-inflammatory effects and its anti-edema activity in vivo strongly supports its potential therapeutic application in inflammatory cutaneous diseases.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Organismos Acuáticos/química , Factores Inmunológicos/farmacología , Poríferos/química , Terpenos/farmacología , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/química , Productos Biológicos/química , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Movimiento Celular , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/inmunología , Citocinas/biosíntesis , Humanos , Factores Inmunológicos/química , Inmunomodulación/efectos de los fármacos , Queratinocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Queratinocitos/metabolismo , Células Asesinas Naturales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Asesinas Naturales/inmunología , Células Asesinas Naturales/metabolismo , Leucocitos Mononucleares/efectos de los fármacos , Leucocitos Mononucleares/inmunología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Linfocitos T/metabolismo , Terpenos/químicaRESUMEN
N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA), an end product of the mevalonate pathway with an isopentenyl chain, is already known to exert a suppressor effect against various tumors. In this work, we investigated whether iPA also directly interferes with the angiogenic process, which is fundamental to tumor growth and progression. To this end, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a suitable in vitro model of angiogenesis, we evaluated their viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation in response to iPA, and molecular mechanisms involved. Data were corroborated in mice by using a gel plug assay. iPA dose- and time-dependently inhibited all the neoangiogenesis stages, with an IC50 of 0.98 µM. We demonstrated for the first time, by liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), that iPA was monophosphorylated into 5'-iPA-monophosphate (iPAMP) by the adenosine kinase (ADK) inside the cells. iPAMP is the active form that inhibits angiogenesis through the direct activation of AMP-kinase (AMPK). Indeed, all effects were completely reversed by pretreatment with 5-iodotubercidin (5-Itu), an ADK inhibitor. The isoprenoid intermediate isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), which shares the isopentenyl moiety with iPA, was ineffective in the inhibition of angiogenesis, thus showing that the iPA structure is specific for the observed effects. In conclusion, iPA is a novel AMPK activator and could represent a useful tool for the treatment of diseases where excessive neoangiogenesis is the underlying pathology.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/metabolismo , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/metabolismo , Isopenteniladenosina/metabolismo , Cromatografía Liquida , Activación Enzimática , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Humanos , Neovascularización Patológica , Fosforilación , Espectrometría de Masas en TándemRESUMEN
Statins, among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide, are cholesterol-lowering agents used to manage and prevent cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases. Recently, a multifaceted action in different physiological and pathological conditions has been also proposed for statins, beyond anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. Statins have been shown to act through cholesterol-dependent and -independent mechanisms and are able to affect several tissue functions and modulate specific signal transduction pathways that could account for statin pleiotropic effects. Typically, statins are prescribed in middle-aged or elderly patients in a therapeutic regimen covering a long life span during which metabolic processes, aging, and concomitant novel diseases, including cancer, could occur. In this context, safety, toxicity, interaction with other drugs, and the state of health have to be taken into account in subjects treated with statins. Some evidence has shown a dichotomous effect of statins with either cancer-inhibiting or -promoting effects. To date, clinical trials failed to demonstrate a reduced cancer occurrence in statin users and no sufficient data are available to define the long-term effects of statin use over a period of 10 years. Moreover, results from clinical trials performed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of statins in cancer did not suggest statin use as chemotherapeutic or adjuvant agents. Here, we reviewed the pharmacology of the statins, providing a comprehensive update of the current knowledge of their effects on tissues, biological processes, and pathological conditions, and we dissected the disappointing evidence on the possible future use of statin-based drugs in cancer therapy.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/farmacología , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Anticarcinógenos/efectos adversos , Anticarcinógenos/química , Anticarcinógenos/farmacocinética , Anticarcinógenos/farmacología , Anticarcinógenos/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacocinética , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Interacciones Farmacológicas , Humanos , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/efectos adversos , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/química , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/farmacocinética , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/prevención & controlRESUMEN
Statins have, at present, the potential to provide a new therapeutic target for various neurological diseases. It is well established that statins reduce cholesterol levels and prevent coronary heart disease. Moreover, evidence suggest that statins have additional properties such as endothelial protection via action on the nitric oxide synthase system as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. These properties might have potential therapeutic implication not only in stroke but also in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and primary brain tumors. In addition to their potent anti-atherosclerotic and cardio-protective effects, compelling clinical and preclinical studies delineate the neuro-protective efficacy of statins in all these neurological disorders. It is apparent from these studies that most patients with central nervous system disorders probably benefit to some extent from lipid-lowering therapy. But data are not univocal, and we must also consider the adverse effects due to the administration of lipid-lowering therapy. Thus, in these scenarios the effectiveness of statins in treating stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and primary brain tumors have to be conclusively proven in vivo and/or in adequate clinical trials.
Asunto(s)
Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso/tratamiento farmacológico , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Animales , Humanos , Inhibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/farmacología , Metaloproteinasas de la Matriz/metabolismo , NADPH Oxidasas/metabolismo , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo III/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismoRESUMEN
N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) is a modified adenosine with an isopentenyl moiety derived from the mevalonate pathway which displays pleiotropic biological effects, including anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activity. Previous evidence revealed a biphasic effect of iPA on phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes, being pro-proliferative at low doses and anti-proliferative at high doses. Analogously, we have recently shown that low iPA concentrations (<1µM) increased the immune response of natural killer (NK) cells against cancer targets. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of iPA at high concentration (10µM) on IL-2-activated NK cells. iPA, inhibited NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity against their conventional tumor target, human K562 cells. This inhibition was associated with decreased expression and functionality of NK cell activating receptors NKp44 and NKG2D as well as impaired cyto/chemokines secretion (RANTES, MIP-1α, TNF-α and IFN-γ). ERK/MAPK and STAT5 activation in IL-2-activated NK cells were inhibited by iPA. The results obtained in vitro were validated in vivo in the inflammatory murine model of croton oil-induced ear dermatitis. The topical application of iPA significantly reduced mouse ear oedema, thus suggesting anti-inflammatory properties of this molecule. These results show the ability of iPA to exert anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo directly targeting NK cells, providing a novel pharmacological tool in those diseases characterized by a deregulated immune-response, such as cancer or inflammatory conditions.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Interleucina-2/farmacología , Isopenteniladenosina/farmacología , Células Asesinas Naturales/efectos de los fármacos , Administración Tópica , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/administración & dosificación , Células Cultivadas , Citocinas/biosíntesis , Citocinas/efectos de los fármacos , Edema/inducido químicamente , Edema/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Isopenteniladenosina/administración & dosificación , Células K562 , Células Asesinas Naturales/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Subfamilia K de Receptores Similares a Lectina de Células NK/metabolismo , Receptor 2 Gatillante de la Citotoxidad Natural/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción STAT5/metabolismoAsunto(s)
Colesterol/metabolismo , Membrana Dobles de Lípidos/metabolismo , Lípidos de la Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Enfermedad Aguda , Línea Celular Tumoral , Dicroismo Circular , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide/genética , Leucemia Mieloide/metabolismo , Leucemia Mieloide/patología , Mutación , Proteínas Nucleares/química , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Nucleofosmina , Péptidos/metabolismo , Unión Proteica , Espectrometría de Fluorescencia , Resonancia por Plasmón de Superficie , Liposomas Unilamelares/metabolismoRESUMEN
Since the nineteenth century, several reports in the historical medical literature emphasized that, occasionally, cancer patients showed a clinical remission, called "Saint Peregrine tumor" as a result of natural infections. Moreover, additional evidence indicated that viruses show a tropism toward cancer cells, leading to the discovery of oncolytic activity of several viruses, called oncolytic viruses (OVs). With the technological and scientific advancements, the advent of rodent models, the establishment of in vitro cell lines, the introduction of methods for virus propagation, several attempts through the 1950s and 1970s have been made to increase OVs specificity, efficacy and safety; however, inconclusive/negative results have been reached and many researchers abandoned the field. Only in the later 1990s, the genetic engineering and the recombinant DNA techniques that allowed the generation of potent, specific and safe OVs and a better understanding of cancer cells renewed the interest in virotherapy. Currently, virotherapy represents a cancer therapeutic strategy based on the use of OVs that selectively infect and lyse cancer cells, without harming normal cells. Over the past years, several "natural" and "genetic engineered" viruses, have been investigated in clinical studies and some of them revealed encouraging results. Recently, the clinical use of OVs has also been supported by the immune stimulatory property of OVs against tumor cells. Here, we analyze the early oncolytic virotherapy before genetic engineering to highlight the relevant progresses reached, and the mechanism to stimulate host immune response, a significant challenge in current virotherapy field.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias , Viroterapia Oncolítica , Virus Oncolíticos , Humanos , Virus Oncolíticos/genética , Neoplasias/patología , Viroterapia Oncolítica/métodos , Ingeniería GenéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: G-quadruplex (G4) motifs are nucleic acid secondary structures observed in mammalian genomes and transcriptomes able to regulate various cellular processes. Several small molecules have been developed so far to modulate G4 stability, frequently associated with anticancer activity. However, how G4 structures are regulated over homeostatic conditions is mostly unexplored. Here, we used human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) to address the role of G4 motifs during adipogenic differentiation. METHODS: Adipocyte differentiation of ASCs was investigated in the presence or absence of a well-known G4 ligand, Braco-19. Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine B assay. Cell dimension and granularity, DNA G4 motifs and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Lipid droplet accumulation was assessed by Oil Red O staining. Cell senescence was evaluated by ß-galactosidase staining. Gene expression was measured by qPCR. Protein release in the extracellular medium was quantified by ELISA. RESULTS: Braco-19 used at non-cytotoxic concentrations induced morphological changes in mature adipocytes partially restoring an undifferentiated-like status. Braco-19 reduced lipid vacuolization and PPARG, AP2, LEP and TNFA mRNA levels in terminally differentiated cells. No effect was observed in cell senescence, fibrotic markers, IL-6 and IL-8 production, while the secretion of VEGF was dose-dependently reduced. Interestingly, G4 structures were increased in differentiated adipocytes compared to their precursors. Braco-19 treatment reduced G4 content in mature adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight a new role of G4 motifs as genomic structural elements related to human ASC differentiation into mature adipocytes, with potential implications in physio-pathological processes.
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Adipocitos , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas , Animales , Humanos , Diferenciación Celular/fisiología , Adipocitos/metabolismo , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/metabolismo , Adipogénesis/fisiología , Proteínas/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , MamíferosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare malignancies associated with dysregulation of the immune system and humoral- and cell-mediated immunity abnormalities. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine is effective in preventing coronavirus disease 2019 morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroconversion in patients with TET after two doses of mRNA vaccine. METHODS: This is a prospective study in which consecutive patients with TET were enrolled before receiving the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 by Pfizer-BioNTech). SARS-CoV-2 spike-binding immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody serologic levels were analyzed at different time points, including before first vaccine dose (T0), 1 month after the second dose (T2), and 3 months after the second dose (T3). RESULTS: Overall, 39 patients were included in the analysis. All patients had negative antibody titer results at T0. There were 19 patients (48.7%) in the follow-up with no residual tumor lesion/s (referred as no evidence of disease), and 20 (51.3%) had evidence of disease (ED) and were receiving systemic treatment. Dysregulations of the immune system were diagnosed in 29 patients (74.4%) with Good syndrome (GS) being the most frequent immune disorder (48.7%). At univariate analysis, lack of seroconversion at T2 was significantly associated with ED (p < 0.001) and with GS (p = 0.043). A significant association with impaired seroconversion was confirmed at multivariate analysis for ED (p = 0.00101) but not for GS (p = 0.625). CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that patients with TET with ED had substantially higher probability of impaired seroconversion after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine as compared with patients with no evidence of disease.
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Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Neoplasias Glandulares y Epiteliales , Humanos , Vacuna BNT162 , COVID-19/prevención & control , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/efectos adversos , Estudios Prospectivos , SARS-CoV-2 , Seroconversión , Vacunas , Vacunas de ARNmRESUMEN
Emerging findings suggested the efficacy of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (SR141716) in several pathological conditions included tumours. In this study we investigated in vitro the effects of SR141716 on viability and the molecular pathways of methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma (Meth-A) cells and in vivo its anti-tumour properties in Meth-A-bearing mice. We evaluated in vitro the effect of SR141716 on Meth-A cell viability by trypan blue staining assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was investigated by Western blot. The anti-tumour efficacy of SR141716 was evaluated in vivo monitoring weight increase and survival of Meth-A injected mice. SR141716 affects Meth-A cell viability inducing apoptosis and controls cell cycle progression by modulation of the levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p21waf, cyclins E, D1 and NF-kB molecules. Importantly, SR141716 affects AKT/pFoxO1 pathway which promotes cell survival and regulates the cell cycle. The molecular effects observed are accompanied by reduced COX2 expression and induction of the CB1 receptor expression. Finally, SR141716 was able to reduce the tumour size and prolong animal survival, when administered in vivo during tumour growth. Our findings shed light on a novel molecular pathway associated with control of tumour growth by SR141716 and confirm the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties of this drug suggesting its potential applications in the treatment of cancer.