Nicla Romano - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Nicla Romano

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta: Molecular Basis Of Disease, Oct 1, 2022

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2018

Abbreviations: eIF6/p27 BBP , eukaryotic initiation factor 6 and β4-integrin binding protein; ANF... more Abbreviations: eIF6/p27 BBP , eukaryotic initiation factor 6 and β4-integrin binding protein; ANF, atrial natriuretic factor, CMCs cardiomyocytes.

Cardiovascular Research, Jul 7, 2015

Time for primary review: 31 days Aims After injury, the adult zebrafish can regenerate the heart.... more Time for primary review: 31 days Aims After injury, the adult zebrafish can regenerate the heart. This requires the activation of the endocardium and epicardium as well as the proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes to replace the lost tissue. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are not completely resolved. In this work, we aim to identify the proteins involved in zebrafish heart regeneration and to explore their function. Methods and results Using a proteomic approach, we identified Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (Hmmr), a hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor, to be expressed following ventricular resection in zebrafish. Moreover, enzymes that produce HA, hyaluronic acid synthases (has), were also expressed following injury, suggesting that this pathway may serve important functions in the regenerating heart. Indeed, suppression of HA production, as well as depletion of Hmmr, blocked cardiac regeneration. Mechanistically, HA and Hmmr are required for epicardial cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and their subsequent migration into the regenerating ventricle. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) or inhibition of Src kinases, downstream effectors of Hmmr, also prevented epicardial cell migration, implicating a HA/Hmmr/FAK/Src pathway in this process. In a rat model of myocardial infarction, both HA and HMMR were upregulated and localized in the infarct area within the first few days following damage, suggesting that this pathway may also play an important role in cardiac repair in mammals. Conclusion HA and Hmmr are required for activated epicardial cell EMT and migration involving the FAK/Src pathway for proper heart regeneration.

Reviews in The Neurosciences, Dec 19, 2018

The review is an overview of the current knowledge of neuronal regeneration properties in mammals... more The review is an overview of the current knowledge of neuronal regeneration properties in mammals and fish. The ability to regenerate the damaged parts of the nervous tissue has been demonstrated in all vertebrates. Notably, fish and amphibians have the highest capacity for neurogenesis, whereas reptiles and birds are able to only regenerate specific regions of the brain, while mammals have reduced capacity for neurogenesis. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a promising model of study because lesions in the brain or complete cross-section of the spinal cord are followed by an effective neuro-regeneration that successfully restores the motor function. In the brain and the spinal cord of zebrafish, stem cell activity is always able to reactivate the molecular programs required for central nervous system regeneration. In mammals, traumatic brain injuries are followed by reduced neurogenesis and poor axonal regeneration, often insufficient to functionally restore the nervous tissue, while spinal injuries are not repaired at all. The environment that surrounds the stem cell niche constituted by connective tissue and stimulating factors, including pro-inflammation molecules, seems to be a determinant in triggering stem cell proliferation and/or the trans-differentiation of connective elements (mainly fibroblasts). Investigating and comparing the neuronal regeneration in zebrafish and mammals may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind neurogenesis, and the failure of the regenerative response in mammals, first of all, the role of inflammation, considered the main inhibitor of the neuronal regeneration.

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2006

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta: Molecular Basis Of Disease, Nov 1, 2020

Recent studies have correlated dysregulated miRNA expression with diseased hearts. With the aim o... more Recent studies have correlated dysregulated miRNA expression with diseased hearts. With the aim of developing an easily manipulated experimental model, phenylephrine (PE) was added to cultured zebrafish hearts to study the expression of miR1 and miR133a by qRT-PCR. Both miRs were downregulated, with greater downregulation leading to higher hypertrophy. The involvement of this miRs was confirmed by the in-vivo inoculation of complementary sequences (AmiR1 and AmiR133a). HSP70 (involved in transporting proteins and in antiapoptosis processes) was increased in both treatments. Hyperplasia was observed in the epicardium based on WT1 expression (embryonic epicardial cell marker) in both the PE treatment and AmiR133a treatment. The treatment with AmiR1 showed only cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. This ex-vivo model revealed that miR1 and miR133a play a key role in activating early processes leading to myocardium hypertrophy and epicardium hyperplasia and confirmed the expected similarities with hypertrophic disease that occurs in humans.

Reviews in the Neurosciences, 2018

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was used for the characterisation of leucocyte subpopulat... more A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was used for the characterisation of leucocyte subpopulations during the ontogeny of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio , L.) and sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax , L.). In carp the leucocytes were monitored in different lymphoid organs by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using specific mAbs for early T cells (WCL9), B cells (WCI12), monocytes/macrophages (WCL15) and thrombocytes (WCL6).Early T cells were very numerous (<img src="/wda/abstracts/i2540.gif"/>77 %) in thymus during the first weeks post fertilisation (p.f.), but also present in other organs, especially head kidney. Subsequently, these cells disappeared from all organs, except the thymus (<img src="/wda/abstracts/i2540.gif"/>40%). B cells appeared in the head kidney from the second week p.f., and later on in the spleen and blood, but their number remained low in the thymus and gut. Thrombocytes were detected in cell suspensions of spleen from the firs...

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 2021

Tight control of mRNA expression is required for cell differentiation; imbalanced regulation may ... more Tight control of mRNA expression is required for cell differentiation; imbalanced regulation may lead to developmental disorders and cancer. The activity of the translational machinery (including ribosomes and translation factors) regulates the rate (slow or fast) of translation of encoded proteins, and the quality of these proteins highly depends on which mRNAs are available for translation. Specific RNA-binding and ribosomal proteins seem to play a key role in controlling gene expression to determine the differentiation fate of the cell. This demonstrates the important role of RNA-binding proteins, specific ribosome-binding proteins and microRNAs as key molecules in controlling the specific proteins required for the differentiation or dedifferentiation of cells. This delicate balance between specific proteins (in terms of quality and availability) and post-translational modifications occurring in the cytoplasm is crucial for cell differentiation, dedifferentiation and oncogenic potential. In this review, we report how defects in the regulation of mRNA translation can be dependent on specific proteins and can induce an imbalance between differentiation and dedifferentiation in cell fate determination.

Fishes, Sep 14, 2017

Intensive aquaculture systems have stimulated proper management in order to limit stressful stock... more Intensive aquaculture systems have stimulated proper management in order to limit stressful stocking conditions and environmental impact. This should improve fish wellness and counteract adverse water characteristics such as high concentrations of carbon. The oxygen can be considered a key factor since critical conditions leading to chronic rise of blood catecholamines can depress the number and Oxygen-carrying capacity of erythrocytes. In this research, we evaluated the effects of variation in water oxygen (from 6 ± 1 to 13 ± 1 mg/L) on lymphocytes density in sea bass by using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Gut, gill, and thymus T-cells were significantly enhanced in percentage in hyperoxygenated fish compared with normo-oxygenated group, while Peripheral Blood Leukocytes (PBL), head kidney, and spleen T-cells were not significantly different. Contrarily, in PBL, head kidney and spleen hyper-oxygenation treatment provoked an enhancement of B lymphocyte percentages. The distribution of positive T-cells in hyper-oxygenated fish varied in the organs and followed the relative increments/decrements observed in flow cytometry. This study remarks the sensitivity of sea bass adaptive immunocytes to oxygen concentration, evidenced by the modification of parameters. Sea bass culture under high-flow water recycling and at around 12-13 mg/L oxygen concentrations is therefore suggested to enhance the immune response capacity.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Oct 1, 1997

The distribution of leucocyte subpopulations was studied in thymus, head kidney, spleen, gut and ... more The distribution of leucocyte subpopulations was studied in thymus, head kidney, spleen, gut and blood of developing carp by using monoclonal antibodies against early T cells, B cells, thrombocytes and macrophagelike cells. In the first week post-fertilisation (p.f.), early T cells are very numerous (approximately 77%) in thymus, but are also present in other organs, especially the head kidney; subsequently these cells gradually disappear in all organs, except the thymus (approximately 40%). B cells appear in head kidney from the second week p.f., and later in spleen and blood, but their number remains low in thymus and gut. Thrombocytes first appear in spleen during the first week p.f. and their percentage increases until the fourth week (approximately 30%). Monocyte/macrophage-like cells are present in all organs from the first week p.f., and their percentage gradually increases until the eighth week p.f. This study indicates that: (1) thymus may be the primary lymphoid organ for T lymphocytes; (2) head kidney could be the primary lymphoid organ for B lymphocytes; (3) spleen is a primary site for thrombopoiesis; and (4) monocyte/macrophage-like cells are already present in early age. These findings provide new information on the development of the fish immune system.

Italian Journal of Zoology, 1996

Organ distribution of leucocyte subpopulations was examined in carp (Cyprinus carpio) development... more Organ distribution of leucocyte subpopulations was examined in carp (Cyprinus carpio) development by flow cytometric analysis using monoclonal antibodies raised against: carp immunoglobulins, early thymocytes, thrombocytes, and monocytes/macrophages. In thymus, a high percentage of early thymocytes was found. In head kidney, Ig-bearing cells first appeared more numerous than in other organs. In spleen only early thymocytes and thrombocytes are relevant. In gut, early thymocytes are detected in the first week, but they significantly decrease during ontogeny. The percentage of Igbearing cells remains low throughout development. In peripheral blood leucocytes of 1-week-old carp, early T cells are the only detectable leucocyte subpopulation. From 7 days onwards, the percentage of monocyte/macrophages increased; thereafter, thrombocytes and B cells became detectable. This study provides new indications on the major sites of lymphopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in carp.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Aug 1, 1995

Objective To produce anti-19-Nortestosterone (NT) monoclonal antibodies and identify their immuno... more Objective To produce anti-19-Nortestosterone (NT) monoclonal antibodies and identify their immunological characteristics. Methods Hybridomas were prepared by fusing NS0 mouse myeloma cells with splenocytes isolated from immunized BALB/c mice. Noncompetitive and competitive indirect ELISA were employed to screen positive cell clones. A caprylic acid ammonium sulphate (CAAP) method was used to purify NT mAb, and the Batty saturation method was used to determine the affinity constant (Kaff). Results Five hybridoma cell lines, named NT-1, NT-2, NT-3, NT-4, and NT-5, were identified and their corresponding mAbs were of the IgG 1 isotype with a k light chain. The Kaffs of all mAbs were between 2.6 and 4.7×10 9 L/mol. The titers and IC 50 values of purified ascite fluids were in the range of (0.64-2.56)×10 5 and (0.55-1.0) ng/mL, respectively. Of all the cross-reacting steroids, α-NT was the most reactive with the mAbs at 62% with NT-1 mAb and 64% with NT-2 mAb. Negligible cross-reactivity (<0.01%) with other steroids was observed. Conclusion The establishment of these hybridomas allows the potential development of a rapid test kit, and may provide an alternative method for the detection of NT residues in food producing animals.

Aquatic Toxicology, 2018

The industrial wastes, sewage effluents, agricultural runoff and decomposition of biological wast... more The industrial wastes, sewage effluents, agricultural runoff and decomposition of biological waste may cause high environmental concentration of chemicals that can interfere with the cell cycle activating the programmed process of cells death (apoptosis). In order to provide a detailed understanding of environmental pollutants-induced apoptosis, here we reviewed the current knowledge on the interactions of environmental chemicals and programmed cell death. Metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, zinc, copper, mercury and silver)as well as other chemicals including bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKME), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and pesticides (organo-phosphated, organo-chlorinated, carbamates, phyretroids and biopesticides) and cyanobacterial toxins (microcystine, anatoxins-a and saxitoxins, nodularin and cylindrospermopsin, lipopolysaccarides) were evaluated in relation to apoptotic pathways, heat shock proteins and metallothioneins. Although research performed over the past decades has improved our understanding of processes involved in apoptosis in fish, yet there is lack of knowledge on associations between environmental pollutants and apoptosis. Thus, this review could be useful tool to study the cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of different pollutants in fish species.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2015

This work assessed the levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in soft tissues (gonads and gut) of speci... more This work assessed the levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in soft tissues (gonads and gut) of specimens of Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) collected from the coast of Civitavecchia, in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea. The average levels, in order of concentration, were 14.64 mg/kg As, 3.58 mg/kg Cr, 1.18 mg/kg Pb, 1.15 mg/kg Ni, and 0.07 mg/kg Cd. Dry weight concentrations described bioaccumulation of As and Cr, and, to a lesser extent, Ni and Pb. A hotspot of As at the station near the delta of Marangone stream reflected the effect of mine waste deposits of galena, pyrite, and marcasite in this basin. The As concentration in the northern part of the study area increased closer to the Mignone delta, and according to the prevailing winds, this could reflect enrichment from the combustion of coal at the Torrevaldaliga power plant. Comparing data with the literature, As in marine sediments show a ratio of 0.7 in the tissues of P. lividus from the Civitavecchia area. These results were also compared to those found in P. lividus in an environmental biomonitoring program currently ongoing to control the emissions from the coalfired power plant in Torrevaldaliga Nord, highlighting a substantial quantitative correspondence. In view of the presence of various industrial activities in the study area that can influence the enrichment of these elements, this work emphasizes the need for performing further studies aimed at assessing the actual contribution of anthropogenic activities even when the background concentrations in marine sediments and marine organisms is high, because burning coal is considered the major anthropogenic source of many trace elements especially As. 1. Introduction Contamination of the marine environment by trace metals is one of the major problems of environmental toxicology. The potential impact on humans from the consumption of seafood raises concern because of the ability of certain elements to bioaccumulate and biomagnify along the trophic chain (Thibaud et al., 1982; Orlando, 1985). Trace metals are naturally present in air, water, soil, and food. Human activities, especially since the industrial revolution, have led to a continuous release of trace metals into the environment, causing progressive enrichment in all environmental compartments and organisms, compared to natural background values. Coastal oceans are often heavily impacted by metals pollution because land use in the coastal zone often becomes rapidly developed and heavily industrialized. Furthermore, the coastal ocean is a transition zone that receives not only anthropogenic inputs from land uses, but is also affected by naturally-occurring metals from erosional processes, leading to metals reaching the coastal ocean through rivers. The need to carry out an assessment of the contamination by trace metals in the coastal area of Civitavecchia is linked to the high rate of industrialization in the area. Civitavecchia is characterized by the presence of the largest energy production site in Europe and by the most important port for cruise traffic in the Mediterranean Sea. Its recent history, after World War II, was marked by industrial activities of various kinds that continuously influenced concentrations of trace metals in all environmental compartments. In the present work the analytical results of the levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in soft tissues of Paracentrotus lividus are correlated with literature data.

Human Molecular Genetics, Dec 12, 2018

This article has been updated to correct Arianna Russo's affiliation details.

Cell Death Discovery

Skeletal muscle growth and regeneration involves the activity of resident adult stem cells, namel... more Skeletal muscle growth and regeneration involves the activity of resident adult stem cells, namely satellite cells (SC). Despite numerous mechanisms have been described, different signals are emerging as relevant in SC homeostasis. Here we demonstrated that the Receptor for Activated C-Kinase 1 (RACK1) is important in SC function. RACK1 was expressed transiently in the skeletal muscle of post-natal mice, being abundant in the early phase of muscle growth and almost disappearing in adult mature fibers. The presence of RACK1 in interstitial SC was also detected. After acute injury in muscle of both mouse and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (used as alternative in vivo model) we found that RACK1 accumulated in regenerating fibers while it declined with the progression of repair process. To note, RACK1 also localized in the active SC that populate recovering tissue. The dynamics of RACK1 levels in isolated adult SC of mice, i.e., progressively high during differentiation and low c...

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that represses the translation of specific mRNAs. In neurons, its ... more FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that represses the translation of specific mRNAs. In neurons, its depletion determines the exaggerated translation of mRNAs leading to dendritic and axonal aberrant development, two peculiar features of Fragile X syndrome patients. However, how FMRP binds to translational machinery to regulate the translation of its mRNA targets is not yet fully understood. Here, we show that FMRP localizes on translational machinery by interacting with the ribosomal binding protein, Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1). The binding of FMRP to RACK1 removes the translational repressive activity of FMRP and promotes the translation of PSD-95 mRNA, one specific target of FMRP. This binding also results in a reduction in the level of FMRP phosphorylation. We also find that the morphological abnormalities induced by Fmr1 siRNA in cortical neurons are rescued by the overexpression of a mutant form of RACK1 that cannot bind ribosomes. Thus, these results provide a new m...

European journal of histochemistry : EJH, 2006

Changes in chicken embryo thymus after partial decerebration (including the hypophysis) and hypop... more Changes in chicken embryo thymus after partial decerebration (including the hypophysis) and hypophyseal allograft were investigated. Chicken embryos were partially decerebrated at 36-40 hr of incubation and on day 12 received a hypophyseal allograft from 18-day-old donor embryos. The embryonic thymuses were collected on day 18 and examined with histological methods, tested for the anti-thymostimulin-like immune-reaction, and for histoenzymatic activities and compared with normal and sham-operated embryos at the same age. After partial decerebration, the thymic cortical and medullary compartments diminished markedly in size. Anti-thymostimulin, succinic dehydrogenase and ATPase enzymatic activities tested, yielded negative reactions. In partially decerebrated hypophyseal allografted embryos, the same thymic compartments improved and anti-thymostimulin-like immune-reaction and enzymatic activities partially recovered. These findings confirmed the key role of hypophysis in thymic ontog...