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Papers by Marina Ziche
Pharmacological Research, 2021
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
The International Journal of Biological Markers
Angiogenesis is a tightly controlled process which depends on the balance between stimulating and... more Angiogenesis is a tightly controlled process which depends on the balance between stimulating and inhibiting factors. When this balance is disrupted, angiogenesis acquires a pathological meaning. The list of molecules able to induce angiogenesis is heterogeneous with respect to their chemical characteristics and biological properties. Quantitative measurement of tumor angiogenesis is necessary for the choice of therapeutic strategies and as an endpoint for antiangiogenic therapy. We are developing a quantitative RT-PCR which measures the expression of specific factors in real time. With the use of this rapid technique, measurement of the expression of the angiogenic factors and inhibitors is also possible in specimens as small as biopsies.
The International Journal of Biological Markers
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing capillaries, is critical for tumor... more Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing capillaries, is critical for tumors to grow beyond a few in size. Tumor cells produce one or more angiogenic factors including fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Surprisingly, antiangiogenic factors or angiogenesis inhibitors have been isolated from tumors. Some angiogenesis inhibitors, such as angiostatin, are associated with tumors while others, such as platelet-factor 4 and interferon-alpha are not. Endostatin, a C-terminal product of collagen XVIII, is a specific inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. The mechanism by which endostatin inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration is unknown. Endostatin was originally expressed in a prokaryotic system and, late, in a yeast system, thanks to which it is possible to obtain a sufficient quantity of the protein in a soluble and refolded form to be used in preclincial and clinical trials.
Critical reviews in oncogenesis, 2016
Nitric oxide (NO) exerts physiopathological effects based mainly on its concentration. Thus, it f... more Nitric oxide (NO) exerts physiopathological effects based mainly on its concentration. Thus, it facilitates or inhibits cancer-promoting characteristics. This review discusses the role of NO and its network of partners in tumor progression and angiogenesis: prostaglandin E 2 (PGE-2) and its producing enzymes, cyclooxigenase 2 (COX-2) and microsomal PGE synthase 1 (mPGES-1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and cross-talk modulating NO effects by PGE-2 and EGFR and vice versa allows us to develop better therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Oncotarget, Jan 10, 2017
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) interacts with tyrosine kinases receptor signaling in both tumor and stro... more Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) interacts with tyrosine kinases receptor signaling in both tumor and stromal cells supporting tumor progression. Here we demonstrate that in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, A549 and GLC82, PGE2 promotes nuclear translocation of epidermal growth factor receptor (nEGFR), affects gene expression and induces cell growth. Indeed, cyclin D1, COX-2, iNOS and c-Myc mRNA levels are upregulated following PGE2 treatment. The nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of EGFR as well as its tyrosine kinase activity are required for the effect of PGE2 on nEGFR and downstream signaling activities. PGE2 binds its bona fide receptor EP3 which by activating SRC family kinases, induces ADAMs activation which, in turn, releases EGFR-ligands from the cell membrane and promotes nEGFR. Amphiregulin (AREG) and Epiregulin (EREG) appear to be involved in nEGFR promoted by the PGE2/EP3-SRC axis. Pharmacological inhibition or silencing of the PGE2/EP3/SRC-ADAMs signaling axis or ...
PLOS ONE, 2016
Figure 1C: Expression of caspase-3 in HUVEC exposed to NPs (0.25 mg/ml). Cells were exposed to th... more Figure 1C: Expression of caspase-3 in HUVEC exposed to NPs (0.25 mg/ml). Cells were exposed to the biomaterials for 24 h and then lysed. (1: Ctr; 2: CoFe 2 O 4 ; 3. CoFe 2 O 4-NH 2
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects, 2017
Liposomes, used to improve the therapeutic index of new and established drugs, have advanced with... more Liposomes, used to improve the therapeutic index of new and established drugs, have advanced with the insertion of active targeting. The lectin from Lotus tetragonolobus (LTL), which binds glycans containing alpha-1,2-linked fucose, reveals surface regionalized glycoepitopes in highly proliferative cells not detectable in normally growing cells. In contrast, other lectins localize the corresponding glycoepitopes all over the cell surface. LTL also proved able to penetrate the cells by an unconventional uptake mechanism. We used confocal laser microscopy to detect and localize LTL-positive glycoepitopes and lectin uptake in two cancer cell lines. We then constructed doxorubicin-loaded liposomes functionalized with LTL. Intracellular delivery of the drug was determined in vitro and in vivo by confocal and electron microscopy. We confirmed the specific localization of Lotus binding sites and the lectin uptake mechanism in the two cell lines and determined that LTL-functionalized liposomes loaded with doxorubicin greatly increased intracellular delivery of the drug, compared to unmodified doxorubicin-loaded liposomes. The LTL-Dox-L mechanism of entry and drug delivery was different to that of Dox-L and other liposomal preparations. LTL-Dox-L entered the cells one by one in tiny tubules that never fused with lysosomes. LTL-Dox-L injected in mice with melanoma specifically delivered loaded Dox to the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Liposome functionalization with LTL promises to broaden the therapeutic potential of liposomal doxorubicin treatment, decreasing non-specific toxicity. Doxorubicin-LTL functionalized liposomes promise to be useful in the development of new cancer chemotherapy protocols.
Pharmacological Research, 2016
Cardiovascular diseases as atherosclerosis are associated to an inflammatory state of the vessel ... more Cardiovascular diseases as atherosclerosis are associated to an inflammatory state of the vessel wall which is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, and adherence and activation of circulating inflammatory cells. Hydrogen sulfide, a novel cardiovascular protective gaseous mediator, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity. We have recently demonstrated that the SH containing ACE inhibitor zofenoprilat, the active metabolite of zofenopril, controls the angiogenic features of vascular endothelium through H2S enzymatic production by cystathionine gamma lyase (CSE). Based on H2S donor/generator property of zofenoprilat, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether zofenoprilat exerts anti-inflammatory activity in vascular cells through its ability to increase H2S availability. Here we found that zofenoprilat, in a CSE/H2S-mediated manner, abolished all the inflammatory features induced by interlukin-1beta (IL-1β) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), especially the NF-κB/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostanoid biochemical pathway. The pre-incubation with zofenoprilat/CSE dependent H2S prevented IL-1β induced paracellular hyperpermeability through the control of expression and localization of cell-cell junctional markers ZO-1 and VE-cadherin. Moreover, zofenoprilat/CSE dependent H2S reduced the expression of the endothelial markers CD40 and CD31, involved in the recruitment of circulating mononuclear cells and platelets. Interestingly, this anti-inflammatory activity was also confirmed in vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts as zofenoprilat reduced, in both cell lines, proliferation, migration and COX-2 expression induced by IL-1β, but independently from the SH moiety and H2S availability. These in vitro data document the anti-inflammatory activity of zofenoprilat on vascular cells, reinforcing the cardiovascular protective effect of this multitasking drug.
Journal of Cell Science, 2016
Endocytosis plays critical role in receptor signalling. VEGFR2 and its ligand VEGFA are fundament... more Endocytosis plays critical role in receptor signalling. VEGFR2 and its ligand VEGFA are fundamental in neovascularization. Yet, our understanding of the role of endocytosis in VEGFR2 signalling remains limited. Despite the existence of diverse internalisation routes, the only known endocytic pathway of VEGFR2 is the clathrin-mediated. Here, we show that this pathway is the predominant internalisation route of VEGFR2 only in the absence of ligand. Intriguingly, VEGF introduces a novel internalisation itinerary for VEGFR2, the pathway of macropinocytosis, which becomes the prevalent endocytic route of the receptor in the presence of ligand, while the route of clathrin becomes minor. Macropinocytic internalisation of VEGFR2, which mechanistically is mediated via the small GTPase CDC42, takes place via macropinosomes generated at ruffling areas of the membrane. Interestingly, macropinocytosis plays critical role in VEGF-induced signalling, endothelial cell functions in vitro and angioge...
Oncotarget, 2014
Prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) promotes tumor angiogenesis via paracrine secretion of pro-angiogenic g... more Prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) promotes tumor angiogenesis via paracrine secretion of pro-angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since miRNAs regulate several cell processes, including angiogenesis, we sought to determine whether they would influence PGE-2-induced VEGF. We compared DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells bearing the mPGES-1 enzyme (mPGES-1 +/+) and producing PGE-2, with those in which the enzyme was silenced or deleted (mPGES-1-/-). We demonstrated that mPGES-1/PGE-2 signaling decreased Dicer expression and miRNA biogenesis. Genome-wide sequencing of miRNAs revealed that miR-15a and miR-186, associated with expression of VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), were down-regulated in mPGES-1 +/+ cells. As a consequence, mPGES-1 +/+ tumor cells expressed high levels of VEGF and HIF-1α, induced endothelial cells activation and formed highly vascularized tumors. Mir-186 mimic inhibited VEGF expression in mPGES-1 +/+ tumor xenografts and reduced tumor growth. In human prostate cancer specimens, mPGES-1 was over-expressed in tumors with high Gleason score, elevated expression of VEGF and HIF-1α, high microvessel density and decreased expression of Dicer, miR15a and miR-186. Thus, clear evidence for regulating miRNA processing and VEGF output by intrinsic PGE-2 production provides a means to distinguish between aggressive and indolent prostate tumors and suggests a potential target for controlling tumor progression.
Scientific reports, Aug 8, 2016
The angiogenic properties of VEGF are mediated through the binding of VEGF to its receptor VEGFR2... more The angiogenic properties of VEGF are mediated through the binding of VEGF to its receptor VEGFR2. The VEGF/VEGFR interface is constituted by a discontinuous binding region distributed on both VEGF monomers. We attempted to reproduce this discontinuous binding site by covalently linking into a single molecular entity two VEGF segments involved in receptor recognition. We designed and synthesized by chemical ligation a set of peptides differing in length and flexibility of the molecular linker joining the two VEGF segments. The biological activity of the peptides was characterized in vitro and in vivo showing a VEGF-like activity. The most biologically active mini-VEGF was further analyzed by NMR to determine the atomic details of its interaction with the receptor.
Neuropeptides, Mar 28, 1996
The effect of the selective non-peptide antagonist for NK 1 receptors (+)CP 96,345 on cellular tr... more The effect of the selective non-peptide antagonist for NK 1 receptors (+)CP 96,345 on cellular transduction mechanisms elicited by the NK1 selective agonist [Sar9]-substance P-sulfone ([Sar9]-SP) was investigated in a stabilized culture of human skin fibroblasts (HF) and compared to the effects of two peptide antagonists, FK 888 and GR 82, 334. The exposure of the cells to [Sar~]-SP (100 nM) produced an early increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) level, which peaked after 6 s, and a later rise in cellular inositol 1-phosphate (IP~) content which reached the maximum level in 15 min. The cAMP level was not significantly modified. The increase in IP~ was greatly reduced, at approximately the same extent by the 10 min pretreatment with a concentration of (+)CP 96,345 (100 nM) 10 times smaller than that of FK 888 and GR 82,334 (1 gM). The cytosolic Ca 2+ mobilization in response to the NK~ agonist was monitored both by spectrofluorimetric and single-cell image analysis determinations on adherent cells loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent indicators Fura-2/AM and Indo-1, respectively. [Sa¢]-SP (100 nM) produced a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca 2+ level in Fura-2/AM loaded cells. Cytosolic Ca 2+ mobilization, measured by single-cell image analysis, indicated a concentration-dependent increase in both the ratio and in the number of cells responding to [Sarg]-SP. Either the non-peptide or the peptide selective NK~ receptor antagonists inhibited the increase in Ca 2+ level in both the assays. In the spectrofluorimetric experiments the antagonizing effects of (+)CP 96,345 (1-100 nM), FK 888 (10 nM-1 gM) and GR 82,334 (10 nM-1 gM) were concentration-dependent. Moreover, the non-peptide antagonist was more potent than the two peptide antagonists, producing an 82.5% inhibition of Ca 2+ mobilization at a concentration (10 nM) at which FK 888 and GR 82,334 decreased the response by only 62.3 and 60%, respectively. Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover and calcium mobilization were also induced by 10 nM bradykinin; these effects were influenced neither by the previous administration of the NK1 receptor agonist nor by the three antagonists tested. These results demonstrate that the cellular transduction mechanisms induced in human skin fibroblasts by NK~ receptor stimulation are specifically and effectively antagonized by (+)CP 96,345, and that this non-peptide antagonist is more potent than the two peptide antagonists tested.
Pharmacological Research, Apr 30, 1991
The effect of peptidase inhibitors on neuropeptide release from peripheral endings of capsaicin-s... more The effect of peptidase inhibitors on neuropeptide release from peripheral endings of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons was studied in cerebral superior sagittal and transverse sinuses of guinea-pig. Capsaicin (1 pM)-evoked release of substance Plike immunoreactivity (SP-H) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner by thiorphan (0.1-10pM). Captopril (10 ~M) or a mixture of bestatin (10 #M), leupeptin (10 btM) and bacitracin (i0 pM) did not affect the capsaiein-evoked SP-LI release. Thiorphan (10#M) increased also the capsaicin-evoked release of neurokinin Alike immunoreactivity (TK-LI) and calcitoniri gene-related peptidelike immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) by 228% and 172%, respectively, while captopril (10 ~tM) was without effect. Thiorphan (10 pM), but not captopril (10 pM), enhanced by 239% CGRP-LI release induced by bradykinin (10 pM). In the cerebral venous vessels neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11, NEP)-like activity was 58.8 + 6.1 pmol/mg protein/min, while angiotensin converting enzyme-like activity was below the detection limit of the assay. A thiorphan-sensitive mechanism, putatively attributable to NEP, plays a major role in the inactivation of peptides released from or acting on eapsaicin-sensitive sensory fibres of cerebral venous sinuses of guinea-pig.
Sang Thrombose Vaisseaux, Apr 9, 1998
International Journal of Cancer, Mar 1, 2007
Src tyrosine kinase family cooperates with activated growth factor receptors to regulate growth, ... more Src tyrosine kinase family cooperates with activated growth factor receptors to regulate growth, invasion and metastasis. The authors examined the influence of a novel c-Src inhibitor, 1l, derived from 4-amino-substituted-pyrazolo-pyrimidines, on tumor angiogenesis and on the angiogenic output of squamous carcinoma cells, A431 and SCC-4. The effect of 1l was assessed on growth and microvessel density in A431 tumors and its effect compared with the established c-Src inhibitor PP-1. The effects of c-Src inhibition were investigated on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and activity in tumor cells grown in vivo and in vitro, as well as on VEGF mediated signaling and on endothelial cell functions. Nanomolar concentrations of 1l decreased tumor volume promoted by A431 implanted in nude mice, without affecting in vitro cell tumor survival. This effect was related to 1l inhibition of VEGF production, and secondary to an effect on tumor microvessel density. The rabbit cornea assay confirmed that 1l markedly decreased neovessel growth induced by VEGF. In cultured endothelial cells, 1l inhibited the VEGF-induced phosphorylation on tyr416 of c-Src, resulting in a reduced cell proliferation and invasion. Consistently, 1l dowregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, MAPK-extracellular receptor kinase 1-2 (ERK1-2) activity and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2/MMP-9), while the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP2/TIMP-1) were upregulated. These results demonstrate that nM concentrations of c-Src kinase inhibitors (1l and PP-1), by reducing the production of VEGF released by tumor cell and its endothelial cell responses, have a highly selective antiangiogenesis effect, which might be useful in combination therapies.
Current Pharmaceutical Design, Feb 1, 2003
Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries form pre-existing vessels, requires the coordina... more Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries form pre-existing vessels, requires the coordinate activation of endothelial cells, which migrate and proliferate in response to growth factors to form functional vessels. Therapeutic angiogenesis is proposed to restore tissue integrity and function following damage and ischemia, while strategies aimed to block or suppress the neovascular growth are designed as adjuvant therapies for cancer treatment. Different experimental and clinical observations support the existence of a molecular/biochemical link between vasodilation, nitric oxide (NO) production and angiogenesis. NO significantly contributes to the prosurvival/proangiogenic program of capillary endothelium by triggering cell growth and differentiation via endothelial-constitutive NO synthase (ecNOS) activation, and cyclic GMP (cGMP) dependent gene transcription. Re-establishment of a balanced NO production in the cardiovascular system results in a reduction of cell damage during inflammatory and vascular diseases. Elevation of NOS activity in correlation with angiogenesis and tumor growth and aggressiveness has been extensively reported in experimental and human tumors. On these bases, the nitric oxide pathway appears to be a promising target for the development of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapeutic strategies. In particular, the use of NOS inhibitors or NO scavengers seems appropriate to reduce edema, block angiogenesis and facilitate antitumor drug delivery.
![Research paper thumbnail of Antiproliferative activity of new 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives toward the human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/73442358/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Dec 1, 2004
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new class of 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine... more Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new class of 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives are reported. A preliminary cellular assay system using the tumor cell line A431 responding to epidermal growth factor (EGF) for its growth, shows that the new compounds are potent inhibitors of cell growth. The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation is not associated with blockage of EGF receptor (EGFR), but substantially due to the interference with the signalling pathway at the level of Src tyrosine kinase and at the level of the downstream effector signal mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1-2.
Pharmacological Research, 2021
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
The International Journal of Biological Markers
Angiogenesis is a tightly controlled process which depends on the balance between stimulating and... more Angiogenesis is a tightly controlled process which depends on the balance between stimulating and inhibiting factors. When this balance is disrupted, angiogenesis acquires a pathological meaning. The list of molecules able to induce angiogenesis is heterogeneous with respect to their chemical characteristics and biological properties. Quantitative measurement of tumor angiogenesis is necessary for the choice of therapeutic strategies and as an endpoint for antiangiogenic therapy. We are developing a quantitative RT-PCR which measures the expression of specific factors in real time. With the use of this rapid technique, measurement of the expression of the angiogenic factors and inhibitors is also possible in specimens as small as biopsies.
The International Journal of Biological Markers
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing capillaries, is critical for tumor... more Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing capillaries, is critical for tumors to grow beyond a few in size. Tumor cells produce one or more angiogenic factors including fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Surprisingly, antiangiogenic factors or angiogenesis inhibitors have been isolated from tumors. Some angiogenesis inhibitors, such as angiostatin, are associated with tumors while others, such as platelet-factor 4 and interferon-alpha are not. Endostatin, a C-terminal product of collagen XVIII, is a specific inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. The mechanism by which endostatin inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration is unknown. Endostatin was originally expressed in a prokaryotic system and, late, in a yeast system, thanks to which it is possible to obtain a sufficient quantity of the protein in a soluble and refolded form to be used in preclincial and clinical trials.
Critical reviews in oncogenesis, 2016
Nitric oxide (NO) exerts physiopathological effects based mainly on its concentration. Thus, it f... more Nitric oxide (NO) exerts physiopathological effects based mainly on its concentration. Thus, it facilitates or inhibits cancer-promoting characteristics. This review discusses the role of NO and its network of partners in tumor progression and angiogenesis: prostaglandin E 2 (PGE-2) and its producing enzymes, cyclooxigenase 2 (COX-2) and microsomal PGE synthase 1 (mPGES-1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and cross-talk modulating NO effects by PGE-2 and EGFR and vice versa allows us to develop better therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Oncotarget, Jan 10, 2017
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) interacts with tyrosine kinases receptor signaling in both tumor and stro... more Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) interacts with tyrosine kinases receptor signaling in both tumor and stromal cells supporting tumor progression. Here we demonstrate that in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, A549 and GLC82, PGE2 promotes nuclear translocation of epidermal growth factor receptor (nEGFR), affects gene expression and induces cell growth. Indeed, cyclin D1, COX-2, iNOS and c-Myc mRNA levels are upregulated following PGE2 treatment. The nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of EGFR as well as its tyrosine kinase activity are required for the effect of PGE2 on nEGFR and downstream signaling activities. PGE2 binds its bona fide receptor EP3 which by activating SRC family kinases, induces ADAMs activation which, in turn, releases EGFR-ligands from the cell membrane and promotes nEGFR. Amphiregulin (AREG) and Epiregulin (EREG) appear to be involved in nEGFR promoted by the PGE2/EP3-SRC axis. Pharmacological inhibition or silencing of the PGE2/EP3/SRC-ADAMs signaling axis or ...
PLOS ONE, 2016
Figure 1C: Expression of caspase-3 in HUVEC exposed to NPs (0.25 mg/ml). Cells were exposed to th... more Figure 1C: Expression of caspase-3 in HUVEC exposed to NPs (0.25 mg/ml). Cells were exposed to the biomaterials for 24 h and then lysed. (1: Ctr; 2: CoFe 2 O 4 ; 3. CoFe 2 O 4-NH 2
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects, 2017
Liposomes, used to improve the therapeutic index of new and established drugs, have advanced with... more Liposomes, used to improve the therapeutic index of new and established drugs, have advanced with the insertion of active targeting. The lectin from Lotus tetragonolobus (LTL), which binds glycans containing alpha-1,2-linked fucose, reveals surface regionalized glycoepitopes in highly proliferative cells not detectable in normally growing cells. In contrast, other lectins localize the corresponding glycoepitopes all over the cell surface. LTL also proved able to penetrate the cells by an unconventional uptake mechanism. We used confocal laser microscopy to detect and localize LTL-positive glycoepitopes and lectin uptake in two cancer cell lines. We then constructed doxorubicin-loaded liposomes functionalized with LTL. Intracellular delivery of the drug was determined in vitro and in vivo by confocal and electron microscopy. We confirmed the specific localization of Lotus binding sites and the lectin uptake mechanism in the two cell lines and determined that LTL-functionalized liposomes loaded with doxorubicin greatly increased intracellular delivery of the drug, compared to unmodified doxorubicin-loaded liposomes. The LTL-Dox-L mechanism of entry and drug delivery was different to that of Dox-L and other liposomal preparations. LTL-Dox-L entered the cells one by one in tiny tubules that never fused with lysosomes. LTL-Dox-L injected in mice with melanoma specifically delivered loaded Dox to the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Liposome functionalization with LTL promises to broaden the therapeutic potential of liposomal doxorubicin treatment, decreasing non-specific toxicity. Doxorubicin-LTL functionalized liposomes promise to be useful in the development of new cancer chemotherapy protocols.
Pharmacological Research, 2016
Cardiovascular diseases as atherosclerosis are associated to an inflammatory state of the vessel ... more Cardiovascular diseases as atherosclerosis are associated to an inflammatory state of the vessel wall which is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, and adherence and activation of circulating inflammatory cells. Hydrogen sulfide, a novel cardiovascular protective gaseous mediator, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity. We have recently demonstrated that the SH containing ACE inhibitor zofenoprilat, the active metabolite of zofenopril, controls the angiogenic features of vascular endothelium through H2S enzymatic production by cystathionine gamma lyase (CSE). Based on H2S donor/generator property of zofenoprilat, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether zofenoprilat exerts anti-inflammatory activity in vascular cells through its ability to increase H2S availability. Here we found that zofenoprilat, in a CSE/H2S-mediated manner, abolished all the inflammatory features induced by interlukin-1beta (IL-1β) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), especially the NF-κB/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostanoid biochemical pathway. The pre-incubation with zofenoprilat/CSE dependent H2S prevented IL-1β induced paracellular hyperpermeability through the control of expression and localization of cell-cell junctional markers ZO-1 and VE-cadherin. Moreover, zofenoprilat/CSE dependent H2S reduced the expression of the endothelial markers CD40 and CD31, involved in the recruitment of circulating mononuclear cells and platelets. Interestingly, this anti-inflammatory activity was also confirmed in vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts as zofenoprilat reduced, in both cell lines, proliferation, migration and COX-2 expression induced by IL-1β, but independently from the SH moiety and H2S availability. These in vitro data document the anti-inflammatory activity of zofenoprilat on vascular cells, reinforcing the cardiovascular protective effect of this multitasking drug.
Journal of Cell Science, 2016
Endocytosis plays critical role in receptor signalling. VEGFR2 and its ligand VEGFA are fundament... more Endocytosis plays critical role in receptor signalling. VEGFR2 and its ligand VEGFA are fundamental in neovascularization. Yet, our understanding of the role of endocytosis in VEGFR2 signalling remains limited. Despite the existence of diverse internalisation routes, the only known endocytic pathway of VEGFR2 is the clathrin-mediated. Here, we show that this pathway is the predominant internalisation route of VEGFR2 only in the absence of ligand. Intriguingly, VEGF introduces a novel internalisation itinerary for VEGFR2, the pathway of macropinocytosis, which becomes the prevalent endocytic route of the receptor in the presence of ligand, while the route of clathrin becomes minor. Macropinocytic internalisation of VEGFR2, which mechanistically is mediated via the small GTPase CDC42, takes place via macropinosomes generated at ruffling areas of the membrane. Interestingly, macropinocytosis plays critical role in VEGF-induced signalling, endothelial cell functions in vitro and angioge...
Oncotarget, 2014
Prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) promotes tumor angiogenesis via paracrine secretion of pro-angiogenic g... more Prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) promotes tumor angiogenesis via paracrine secretion of pro-angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since miRNAs regulate several cell processes, including angiogenesis, we sought to determine whether they would influence PGE-2-induced VEGF. We compared DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells bearing the mPGES-1 enzyme (mPGES-1 +/+) and producing PGE-2, with those in which the enzyme was silenced or deleted (mPGES-1-/-). We demonstrated that mPGES-1/PGE-2 signaling decreased Dicer expression and miRNA biogenesis. Genome-wide sequencing of miRNAs revealed that miR-15a and miR-186, associated with expression of VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), were down-regulated in mPGES-1 +/+ cells. As a consequence, mPGES-1 +/+ tumor cells expressed high levels of VEGF and HIF-1α, induced endothelial cells activation and formed highly vascularized tumors. Mir-186 mimic inhibited VEGF expression in mPGES-1 +/+ tumor xenografts and reduced tumor growth. In human prostate cancer specimens, mPGES-1 was over-expressed in tumors with high Gleason score, elevated expression of VEGF and HIF-1α, high microvessel density and decreased expression of Dicer, miR15a and miR-186. Thus, clear evidence for regulating miRNA processing and VEGF output by intrinsic PGE-2 production provides a means to distinguish between aggressive and indolent prostate tumors and suggests a potential target for controlling tumor progression.
Scientific reports, Aug 8, 2016
The angiogenic properties of VEGF are mediated through the binding of VEGF to its receptor VEGFR2... more The angiogenic properties of VEGF are mediated through the binding of VEGF to its receptor VEGFR2. The VEGF/VEGFR interface is constituted by a discontinuous binding region distributed on both VEGF monomers. We attempted to reproduce this discontinuous binding site by covalently linking into a single molecular entity two VEGF segments involved in receptor recognition. We designed and synthesized by chemical ligation a set of peptides differing in length and flexibility of the molecular linker joining the two VEGF segments. The biological activity of the peptides was characterized in vitro and in vivo showing a VEGF-like activity. The most biologically active mini-VEGF was further analyzed by NMR to determine the atomic details of its interaction with the receptor.
Neuropeptides, Mar 28, 1996
The effect of the selective non-peptide antagonist for NK 1 receptors (+)CP 96,345 on cellular tr... more The effect of the selective non-peptide antagonist for NK 1 receptors (+)CP 96,345 on cellular transduction mechanisms elicited by the NK1 selective agonist [Sar9]-substance P-sulfone ([Sar9]-SP) was investigated in a stabilized culture of human skin fibroblasts (HF) and compared to the effects of two peptide antagonists, FK 888 and GR 82, 334. The exposure of the cells to [Sar~]-SP (100 nM) produced an early increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) level, which peaked after 6 s, and a later rise in cellular inositol 1-phosphate (IP~) content which reached the maximum level in 15 min. The cAMP level was not significantly modified. The increase in IP~ was greatly reduced, at approximately the same extent by the 10 min pretreatment with a concentration of (+)CP 96,345 (100 nM) 10 times smaller than that of FK 888 and GR 82,334 (1 gM). The cytosolic Ca 2+ mobilization in response to the NK~ agonist was monitored both by spectrofluorimetric and single-cell image analysis determinations on adherent cells loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent indicators Fura-2/AM and Indo-1, respectively. [Sa¢]-SP (100 nM) produced a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca 2+ level in Fura-2/AM loaded cells. Cytosolic Ca 2+ mobilization, measured by single-cell image analysis, indicated a concentration-dependent increase in both the ratio and in the number of cells responding to [Sarg]-SP. Either the non-peptide or the peptide selective NK~ receptor antagonists inhibited the increase in Ca 2+ level in both the assays. In the spectrofluorimetric experiments the antagonizing effects of (+)CP 96,345 (1-100 nM), FK 888 (10 nM-1 gM) and GR 82,334 (10 nM-1 gM) were concentration-dependent. Moreover, the non-peptide antagonist was more potent than the two peptide antagonists, producing an 82.5% inhibition of Ca 2+ mobilization at a concentration (10 nM) at which FK 888 and GR 82,334 decreased the response by only 62.3 and 60%, respectively. Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover and calcium mobilization were also induced by 10 nM bradykinin; these effects were influenced neither by the previous administration of the NK1 receptor agonist nor by the three antagonists tested. These results demonstrate that the cellular transduction mechanisms induced in human skin fibroblasts by NK~ receptor stimulation are specifically and effectively antagonized by (+)CP 96,345, and that this non-peptide antagonist is more potent than the two peptide antagonists tested.
Pharmacological Research, Apr 30, 1991
The effect of peptidase inhibitors on neuropeptide release from peripheral endings of capsaicin-s... more The effect of peptidase inhibitors on neuropeptide release from peripheral endings of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons was studied in cerebral superior sagittal and transverse sinuses of guinea-pig. Capsaicin (1 pM)-evoked release of substance Plike immunoreactivity (SP-H) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner by thiorphan (0.1-10pM). Captopril (10 ~M) or a mixture of bestatin (10 #M), leupeptin (10 btM) and bacitracin (i0 pM) did not affect the capsaiein-evoked SP-LI release. Thiorphan (10#M) increased also the capsaicin-evoked release of neurokinin Alike immunoreactivity (TK-LI) and calcitoniri gene-related peptidelike immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) by 228% and 172%, respectively, while captopril (10 ~tM) was without effect. Thiorphan (10 pM), but not captopril (10 pM), enhanced by 239% CGRP-LI release induced by bradykinin (10 pM). In the cerebral venous vessels neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11, NEP)-like activity was 58.8 + 6.1 pmol/mg protein/min, while angiotensin converting enzyme-like activity was below the detection limit of the assay. A thiorphan-sensitive mechanism, putatively attributable to NEP, plays a major role in the inactivation of peptides released from or acting on eapsaicin-sensitive sensory fibres of cerebral venous sinuses of guinea-pig.
Sang Thrombose Vaisseaux, Apr 9, 1998
International Journal of Cancer, Mar 1, 2007
Src tyrosine kinase family cooperates with activated growth factor receptors to regulate growth, ... more Src tyrosine kinase family cooperates with activated growth factor receptors to regulate growth, invasion and metastasis. The authors examined the influence of a novel c-Src inhibitor, 1l, derived from 4-amino-substituted-pyrazolo-pyrimidines, on tumor angiogenesis and on the angiogenic output of squamous carcinoma cells, A431 and SCC-4. The effect of 1l was assessed on growth and microvessel density in A431 tumors and its effect compared with the established c-Src inhibitor PP-1. The effects of c-Src inhibition were investigated on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and activity in tumor cells grown in vivo and in vitro, as well as on VEGF mediated signaling and on endothelial cell functions. Nanomolar concentrations of 1l decreased tumor volume promoted by A431 implanted in nude mice, without affecting in vitro cell tumor survival. This effect was related to 1l inhibition of VEGF production, and secondary to an effect on tumor microvessel density. The rabbit cornea assay confirmed that 1l markedly decreased neovessel growth induced by VEGF. In cultured endothelial cells, 1l inhibited the VEGF-induced phosphorylation on tyr416 of c-Src, resulting in a reduced cell proliferation and invasion. Consistently, 1l dowregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, MAPK-extracellular receptor kinase 1-2 (ERK1-2) activity and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2/MMP-9), while the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP2/TIMP-1) were upregulated. These results demonstrate that nM concentrations of c-Src kinase inhibitors (1l and PP-1), by reducing the production of VEGF released by tumor cell and its endothelial cell responses, have a highly selective antiangiogenesis effect, which might be useful in combination therapies.
Current Pharmaceutical Design, Feb 1, 2003
Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries form pre-existing vessels, requires the coordina... more Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries form pre-existing vessels, requires the coordinate activation of endothelial cells, which migrate and proliferate in response to growth factors to form functional vessels. Therapeutic angiogenesis is proposed to restore tissue integrity and function following damage and ischemia, while strategies aimed to block or suppress the neovascular growth are designed as adjuvant therapies for cancer treatment. Different experimental and clinical observations support the existence of a molecular/biochemical link between vasodilation, nitric oxide (NO) production and angiogenesis. NO significantly contributes to the prosurvival/proangiogenic program of capillary endothelium by triggering cell growth and differentiation via endothelial-constitutive NO synthase (ecNOS) activation, and cyclic GMP (cGMP) dependent gene transcription. Re-establishment of a balanced NO production in the cardiovascular system results in a reduction of cell damage during inflammatory and vascular diseases. Elevation of NOS activity in correlation with angiogenesis and tumor growth and aggressiveness has been extensively reported in experimental and human tumors. On these bases, the nitric oxide pathway appears to be a promising target for the development of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapeutic strategies. In particular, the use of NOS inhibitors or NO scavengers seems appropriate to reduce edema, block angiogenesis and facilitate antitumor drug delivery.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Dec 1, 2004
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new class of 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine... more Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new class of 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives are reported. A preliminary cellular assay system using the tumor cell line A431 responding to epidermal growth factor (EGF) for its growth, shows that the new compounds are potent inhibitors of cell growth. The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation is not associated with blockage of EGF receptor (EGFR), but substantially due to the interference with the signalling pathway at the level of Src tyrosine kinase and at the level of the downstream effector signal mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1-2.
Pharmacological Research, 2021
Making gender bias visible allows to fill the gaps in knowledge and understand health records and... more Making gender bias visible allows to fill the gaps in knowledge and understand health records and risks of women and men. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shown a clear gender difference in health outcomes. The more severe symptoms and higher mortality in men as compared to women are likely due to sex and age differences in immune responses. Age-associated decline in sex steroid hormone levels may mediate proinflammatory reactions in older adults, thereby increasing their risk of adverse outcomes, whereas sex hormones and/or sex hormone receptor modulators may attenuate the inflammatory response and provide benefit to COVID-19 patients. While multiple pharmacological options including anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, antivirals, anti-inflammatory agents and traditional Chinese medicine preparations have been tested to treat COVID-19 patients with varied levels of evidence in terms of efficacy and safety, information on sex-targeted treatment strategies is currently limited. Women may have more benefit from COVID-19 vaccines than men, despite the occurrence of more frequent adverse effects, and long-term safety data with newly developed vectors are eagerly awaited. The prevalent inclusion of men in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with subsequent extrapolation of results to women needs to be addressed, as reinforcing sex-neutral claims into COVID-19 research may insidiously lead to increased inequities in health care. The huge worldwide effort with over 3000 ongoing RCTs of pharmacological agents should focus on improving knowledge on sex, gender and age as pillars of individual variation in drug responses and enforce appropriateness.
Cancers, 2021
(1) Purpose: To describe first-line pharmacotherapy and overall survival in non-resectable non-sm... more (1) Purpose: To describe first-line pharmacotherapy and overall survival in non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer (nrNSCLC) patients by gender. (2) Methods: Incident cases of nrNSCLC recorded between 2009 and 2019 (cohort entry) in the pathology registry of the regional administrative healthcare database of Tuscany were identified. Records of antineoplastic therapies delivered up to 4 months following cohort entry were classified as chemotherapy, target therapies, immunotherapies, and undefined monoclonal antibodies. First-line treatment and survival of patients receiving drug treatment was described. Analyses were stratified according to histology, gender, and cohort entry year. (3) Results: 4393 incident cases of nrNSCLC were included. Women with non-squamous-NSCLC received target-therapy more frequently than men (14.9\% vs. 6.5\%). Immunotherapy incidence of use varied between 3.8\% (2017) and 9.1\% (2019). The 2-year survival rate increased over time: for non-squamous-NSCLC, it was 22.3\% (2009–2011) and 30.6\% (2018–2019), while for squamous-NSCLC, it was 13.5\% and 22.5\%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, a low reduction in mortality risk in 2018–2019 vs. 2009–2011 was found (non-squamous: HR: 0.95 CI95\%: 0.92–0.98; squamous: HR: 0.94 CI95\%: 0.90–0.98). Among non-squamous NSCLC, median survival was longer in women than in men (389 vs. 276 days). (4) Conclusion: In light of sex-related biomolecular differences, among non-squamous NSCLC, women received target-therapy more frequently than men. Survival seemed to slightly improve over the study period for both histologies, despite a poor reduction in mortality risk was still observed.