Roberta Saltarelli - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Roberta Saltarelli

Research paper thumbnail of Morphological and molecular modificationsinduced by different carbohydratesources in Tuber borchii Vittad. mycelium

ABSTRACT During the life cycle of mycorrhizal fungi, morphological, genetic and metabolic modific... more ABSTRACT During the life cycle of mycorrhizal fungi, morphological, genetic and metabolic modifications are induced in the fungus and its symbiotic partner. These changes are influenced by environmental factors: light, gravity, oxygen, temperature, soil type, nutrients, root exudates and the presence of particular bacterial and perhaps fungal and viral populations in the mycorrhizosphere. To determine whether different carbohydrates lead to cell-signalling events and morphofunctional changes in cultured Tuber borchii mycelia, the expression level of genes involved in morphological modifications was investigated using a macroarray technique and real-time RT-PCR. The morphological study showed an increased growth of Tuber mycelia in glucose, while the hyphae were thinner and less branched in sucrose and maltose. This was accompanied by an upregulation of the genes involved in the general cell metabolism, detoxification processes, hyphal growth and cytoskeleton organization. Since glucose is also present in root exudates, the increased expression of these genes might support the hypothesis that glucose can act as a signal for the fungus to indicate the presence of the plant, and to trigger the complex symbiotic process. These mechanisms can lead to morphological modifications, including increased branching of the root which is necessary for the fungus to establish the symbiosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Movement and health beyond care, MoviS: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial on nutrition and exercise educational programs for breast cancer survivors

Trials

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and exercise can signi... more Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and exercise can significantly improve the outcomes of BC survivors. MoviS (Movement and Health Beyond Care) is a randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the potential health benefits of exercise and proper nutritional habits. This study aims to assess the efficacy of aerobic exercise training in improving quality of life (QoL) and health-related factors in high-risk BC. Methods One hundred seventy-two BC survivor women, aged 30–70 years, non-metastatic, stage 0–III, non-physically active, 6–12 months post-surgery, and post chemo- or radiotherapy, will be recruited in this study. Women will be randomly allocated to the intervention arm (lifestyle recommendations and MoviS Training) or control arm (lifestyle recommendations). The MoviS training consists of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training (2 days/week of supervised and 1 day/week of unsupervised exercise) with a progressive increase in exercise inte...

Research paper thumbnail of Three different forms of hexokinase are identified during Tuber Borchii mycelium growth

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 1999

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi which have a great dependence on carbohydrates supplied by the... more Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi which have a great dependence on carbohydrates supplied by their host plants. The catabolism of hexoses in the mycobiont is important for the production of energy, and the first enzyme in the hexose assimilation pathways is hexokinase. This study reports differences in the expression of this enzyme during the growth of Tuber borchii Vittad. mycelium (strain

Research paper thumbnail of Interventions on Gut Microbiota for Healthy Aging

Cells

In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the av... more In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the average lifespan. Since aging is the most important risk factor for the majority of chronic human diseases, the development of therapies and intervention to stop, lessen or even reverse various age-related morbidities is an important target to ameliorate the quality of life of the elderly. The gut microbiota, that is, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, plays an important role, not yet fully understood, in maintaining the host’s health and homeostasis, influencing metabolic, oxidative and cognitive status; for this reason, it is also named “the forgotten endocrine organ” or “the second brain”. On the other hand, the gut microbiota diversity and richness are affected by unmodifiable factors, such as aging and sex, and modifiable ones, such as diet, pharmacological therapies and lifestyle. In this review, we discuss the changes, mostly disadvantageou...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of alpha proteobacteria isolated from ascocarps od the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber borchii Vittad

10th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology ISME- "Microbial planet: sub-surface to space", 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of acute aerobic, resistance and combined exercises on 24-h glucose variability and skeletal muscle signalling responses in type 1 diabetics

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020

Purpose To compare the effect of high-intensity aerobic (AER), resistance (RES), and combined (CO... more Purpose To compare the effect of high-intensity aerobic (AER), resistance (RES), and combined (COMB: RES + AER) exercise, on interstitial glucose (IG) variability and skeletal muscle signalling pathways in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods T1D participants (6 M/6F) wore a flash glucose monitoring system in four randomized sessions: one control (CONT), and one AER, RES and COMB (40 min each). Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient variation (CV) of IG were used to compare the 24 h post-exercise IG variability. Blood and muscle samples were collected to compare exercise-induced systemic and muscle signalling responses related to metabolic, growth and inflammatory adaptations. Results Both RES and COMB decreased the 24 h MAGE compared to CONT; additionally, COMB decreased the 24 h SD and CV. In the 6-12 h post-exercise, all exercise modalities reduced the IG CV while SD decreased only after COMB. Both AER and COMB stimulated the PGC-1α mRNA expression and promoted the splicing of IGF-1Ea variant, while Akt and p38MAPK phosphorylation increased only after RES and COMB. Additionally, COMB enhanced eEF2 activation and RES increased myogenin and MRF4 mRNA expression. Blood lactate and glycerol levels and muscle IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 mRNAs increased after all exercise sessions, while serum CK and LDH level did not change. Conclusion COMB is more effective in reducing IG fluctuations compared to single-mode AER or RES exercise. Moreover, COMB simultaneously activates muscle signalling pathways involved in substrate metabolism and anabolic adaptations, which can help to improve glycaemic control and maintain muscle health in T1D. Keywords Exercise modalities • Glucose variability • Hypoglycaemia • Skeletal muscle signalling • Type 1 diabetes Abbreviations AER Aerobic Akt AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 AMPK Protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 ANOVA Analysis of variance Communicated by Philip D Chilibeck. Dean Minnock and Giosuè Annibalini contributed equally to this work.

Research paper thumbnail of Defective IGF-1 prohormone N-glycosylation and reduced IGF-1 receptor signaling activation in congenital disorders of glycosylation

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is crucial for the regulation of growt... more The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is crucial for the regulation of growth and development. The correct processing of the IGF-1Ea prohormone (proIGF-1Ea) and the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) peptide precursor requires proper N-glycosylation. Deficiencies of N-linked glycosylation lead to a clinically heterogeneous group of inherited diseases called Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG). The impact of N-glycosylation defects on IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling components is largely unknown. In this study, using dermal fibroblasts from patients with different CDG [PMM2-CDG (n = 7); ALG3-CDG (n = 2); ALG8-CDG (n = 1); GMPPB-CDG (n = 1)], we analyzed the glycosylation pattern of the proIGF-1Ea, IGF-1 secretion efficiency and IGF-1R signaling activity. ALG3-CDG, ALG8-CDG, GMPPB-CDG and some PMM2-CDG fibroblasts showed hypoglycosylation of the proIGF-1Ea and lower IGF-1 secretion when compared with control (CTR). Lower IGF-1 serum concentration was observed in ALG3-CDG, ALG...

Research paper thumbnail of Altered muscle mitochondrial, inflammatory and trophic markers and reduced exercise training adaptations in type 1 diabetes

The Journal of Physiology

Research paper thumbnail of Fungal-bacterial interaction within the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber borchii Vittad. life cycle

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization and identification of Tuber borchii Vitt. proteins by two-dimensional PAGE

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a Home-Based Lifestyle Intervention Program on Cardiometabolic Health in Breast Cancer Survivors during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Journal of Clinical Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic effects of a home-based lifestyle intervention (... more This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic effects of a home-based lifestyle intervention (LI) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) during the COVID-19 lockdown. In total, 30 BCSs (women; stages 0–II; non-metastatic; aged 53.5 ± 7.6 years; non-physically active; normal left ventricular systolic function) with a risk factor for recurrence underwent a 3-month LI based on nutrition and exercise. Anthropometrics, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity level (PAL), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), echocardiographic parameters, heart rate variability (average standard deviation of NN intervals (ASDNN/5 min) and 24 h very- (24 hVLF) and low-frequency (24 hLF)), and metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory serum biomarkers (glycemia, insulin resistance, progesterone, testosterone, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)) were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the LI. After the LI, there were improvements in: body mass index (kg/m2: T0 = 26.0 ± 5.0, T1 = 25.5 ± 4.7; ...

Research paper thumbnail of Report and Abstracts of the 14th Meeting of IIM, the Interuniversity Institute of Myology, - Assisi (Italy), October 12-15, 2017

European Journal of Translational Myology, Dec 5, 2017

The 14 th Meeting of the Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), October 12-15, 2017-Assisi, ... more The 14 th Meeting of the Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), October 12-15, 2017-Assisi, Italy gathered together researchers from Italy, European and North-American countries to discuss recent results on muscle research. The program showcased keynote lectures from world-renowned international speakers presenting advances in muscle physiology, bioengineering, metabolism and therapeutics. Based on selection from submitted abstracts, participants presented their novel, unpublished results in seven oral communication and two poster sessions. Particular emphasis was devoted to young trainees. For example, trainees where directly involved in organizing a scientific session and three round tables tailored to the interests of their peers. The meeting attracted a broad audience from Italy, various European countries and from North America. It offered a unique opportunity to all researchers involved in the field of muscle biology to exchange ideas and foster scientific collaborations to better understand the causative mechanisms of muscular diseases and to improve the design of more efficient therapeutic strategies. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere promoted the active participation of junior scientists to exciting discussions, which allowed to identify emerging areas of myology research and encouraged scientific cross-fertilization to facilitate exchanges between different laboratories in different countries. The meeting was a success and this community will continue to deliver major contributions to our understanding of muscle development and function, the pathogenesis of muscle diseases and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we report abstracts of the meeting discussing recent results of basic, translational and early clinical studies confirming that the field of Myology is strong and articulated, maturing toward clinical development for the treatment of muscle diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of Program&Book of the 15th Interuniversity Institute of Myology Meeting - Assisi (Italy), 2018

European Journal of Translational Myology

P.01 The role of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in cancer cachexia M. Alves Teixeira P.02 Silen... more P.01 The role of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in cancer cachexia M. Alves Teixeira P.02 Silencing Nfix rescues Muscular Dystrophy by delaying muscle regeneration Giuseppe Angelini P.03 Identification of a novel TFEB-exercise dependent gene Andrea Armani P.04 Over-expression of mIGF-1 in skeletal muscle attenuates the effects of sarcopenic obesity Francesca Ascenzi P.05 The role of raptor in adult skeletal muscle Martina Baraldo P.06 Identification of novel molecular targets to manipulate satellite cell function Anna Benedetti P.07 Histone 3 Lysine 9 methyltransferases G9a and GLP as potential pharmacological targets in skeletal muscle regeneration and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Valeria Bianconi P.08 Tyrosol delays dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle wasting Debora Burini P.09 HMGB1 as a novel target in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Giorgia Careccia P.10 Group I Paks support muscle regeneration and counteract cancer-associated muscle atrophy Michela Chiappa P.11 Involvement of a RAGE/p38 MAPK/myogenin axis in cancer cachexia Aleksandra Vukasinovic P. 12 Characterization of biomechanical signals on the functional remodeling of X-MET Marianna Cosentino P.13 CD26/DPP4 Expression in Muscle Biopsies of Patients Affected by Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of storage on biochemical and microbiological parameters of edible truffle species

Research paper thumbnail of The intrinsically disordered E-domains regulate the IGF-1 prohormones stability, subcellular localisation and secretion

Scientific reports, Jan 11, 2018

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is synthesised as a prohormone (proIGF-1) requiring enzymati... more Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is synthesised as a prohormone (proIGF-1) requiring enzymatic activity to yield the mature IGF-1. Three proIGF-1s are encoded by alternatively spliced IGF-1 mRNAs: proIGF-1Ea, proIGF-1Eb and proIGF-1Ec. These proIGF-1s have a common IGF-1 mature sequence but different E-domains. The structure of the E-domains has not been resolved, and their molecular functions are still unclear. Here, we show that E-domains are Intrinsically Disordered Regions that have distinct regulatory functions on proIGF-1s production. In particular, we identified a highly conserved N-glycosylation site in the Ea-domain, which regulated intracellular proIGF-1Ea level preventing its proteasome-mediated degradation. The inhibition of N-glycosylation by tunicamycin or glucose starvation markedly reduced proIGF-1Ea and mature IGF-1 production. Interestingly, 2-deoxyglucose, a glucose and mannose analogue, increased proIGF-1Ea and mature IGF-1 levels, probably leading to an accu...

Research paper thumbnail of A Proteomic View of Truffles: Aspects of Primary Metabolism and Molecular Processes During Their Life Cycle

Research paper thumbnail of Strain differences in the mycelium of the ectomycorrhizal Tuber borchii

Mycological Research, Dec 1, 1999

Four strains of Tuber borchii were grown in liquid medium containing glucose. Evaluation of growt... more Four strains of Tuber borchii were grown in liquid medium containing glucose. Evaluation of growth patterns revealed a trend of exponential growth for only one strain. Subsequently, enzyme levels were assayed and polypeptide and mRNA electrophoretic profiles were analyzed. Although the four strains were found to have many properties in common such as the growth behaviours for three strains and the levels of some glycolytic enzymes, the polypeptide and mRNA electrophoretic patterns highlighted intraspecific variability.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization and mRNA expression proWle of the TbNre1 gene of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber borchii

Research paper thumbnail of Sugar transporters in the black truffle Tuber melanosporum: from gene prediction to functional characterization

Fungal Genetics and Biology, 2015

In a natural forest ecosystem, ectomycorrhiza formation is a way for soil fungi to obtain carbohy... more In a natural forest ecosystem, ectomycorrhiza formation is a way for soil fungi to obtain carbohydrates from their host plants. However, our knowledge of sugar transporters in ectomycorrhizal ascomycetous fungi is limited. To bridge this gap we used data obtained from the sequenced genome of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber melanosporum Vittad. to search for sugar transporters. Twenty-three potential hexose transporters were found, and three of them (Tmelhxt1, Tmel2281 and Tmel131), differentially expressed during the fungus life cycle, were investigated. The heterologous expression of Tmelhxt1 and Tmel2281 in an hxt-null Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain restores the growth in glucose and fructose. The functional characterization and expression profiles of Tmelhxt1 and Tmel2281 in the symbiotic phase suggest that they are high affinity hexose transporters at the plant-fungus interface. On the contrary, Tmel131 is preferentially expressed in the fruiting body and its inability to restore the S. cerevisiae mutant strain growth led us to hypothesize that it could be involved in the transport of alternative carbon sources important for a hypothetical saprophytic strategy for the complete maturation of the carpophore.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of a New Italian Ganoderma lucidum Strain

Background: Yersinia enterocolitica, an important food-and water-borne enteric pathogen is repres... more Background: Yersinia enterocolitica, an important food-and water-borne enteric pathogen is represented by six biovars viz. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Despite the lack of recognized virulence determinants, some biovar 1A strains have been reported to produce disease symptoms resembling that produced by known pathogenic biovars (1B, 2-5). It is therefore imperative to identify determinants that might contribute to the pathogenicity of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A strains. Y. enterocolitica invariably produces urease and the role of this enzyme in the virulence of biovar 1B and biovar 4 strains has been reported recently. The objective of this work was to study genetic organization of the urease (ure) gene complex of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A, biochemical characterization of the urease, and the survival of these strains under acidic conditions in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of Morphological and molecular modificationsinduced by different carbohydratesources in Tuber borchii Vittad. mycelium

ABSTRACT During the life cycle of mycorrhizal fungi, morphological, genetic and metabolic modific... more ABSTRACT During the life cycle of mycorrhizal fungi, morphological, genetic and metabolic modifications are induced in the fungus and its symbiotic partner. These changes are influenced by environmental factors: light, gravity, oxygen, temperature, soil type, nutrients, root exudates and the presence of particular bacterial and perhaps fungal and viral populations in the mycorrhizosphere. To determine whether different carbohydrates lead to cell-signalling events and morphofunctional changes in cultured Tuber borchii mycelia, the expression level of genes involved in morphological modifications was investigated using a macroarray technique and real-time RT-PCR. The morphological study showed an increased growth of Tuber mycelia in glucose, while the hyphae were thinner and less branched in sucrose and maltose. This was accompanied by an upregulation of the genes involved in the general cell metabolism, detoxification processes, hyphal growth and cytoskeleton organization. Since glucose is also present in root exudates, the increased expression of these genes might support the hypothesis that glucose can act as a signal for the fungus to indicate the presence of the plant, and to trigger the complex symbiotic process. These mechanisms can lead to morphological modifications, including increased branching of the root which is necessary for the fungus to establish the symbiosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Movement and health beyond care, MoviS: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial on nutrition and exercise educational programs for breast cancer survivors

Trials

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and exercise can signi... more Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and exercise can significantly improve the outcomes of BC survivors. MoviS (Movement and Health Beyond Care) is a randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the potential health benefits of exercise and proper nutritional habits. This study aims to assess the efficacy of aerobic exercise training in improving quality of life (QoL) and health-related factors in high-risk BC. Methods One hundred seventy-two BC survivor women, aged 30–70 years, non-metastatic, stage 0–III, non-physically active, 6–12 months post-surgery, and post chemo- or radiotherapy, will be recruited in this study. Women will be randomly allocated to the intervention arm (lifestyle recommendations and MoviS Training) or control arm (lifestyle recommendations). The MoviS training consists of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training (2 days/week of supervised and 1 day/week of unsupervised exercise) with a progressive increase in exercise inte...

Research paper thumbnail of Three different forms of hexokinase are identified during Tuber Borchii mycelium growth

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 1999

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi which have a great dependence on carbohydrates supplied by the... more Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi which have a great dependence on carbohydrates supplied by their host plants. The catabolism of hexoses in the mycobiont is important for the production of energy, and the first enzyme in the hexose assimilation pathways is hexokinase. This study reports differences in the expression of this enzyme during the growth of Tuber borchii Vittad. mycelium (strain

Research paper thumbnail of Interventions on Gut Microbiota for Healthy Aging

Cells

In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the av... more In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the average lifespan. Since aging is the most important risk factor for the majority of chronic human diseases, the development of therapies and intervention to stop, lessen or even reverse various age-related morbidities is an important target to ameliorate the quality of life of the elderly. The gut microbiota, that is, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, plays an important role, not yet fully understood, in maintaining the host’s health and homeostasis, influencing metabolic, oxidative and cognitive status; for this reason, it is also named “the forgotten endocrine organ” or “the second brain”. On the other hand, the gut microbiota diversity and richness are affected by unmodifiable factors, such as aging and sex, and modifiable ones, such as diet, pharmacological therapies and lifestyle. In this review, we discuss the changes, mostly disadvantageou...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of alpha proteobacteria isolated from ascocarps od the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber borchii Vittad

10th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology ISME- "Microbial planet: sub-surface to space", 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of acute aerobic, resistance and combined exercises on 24-h glucose variability and skeletal muscle signalling responses in type 1 diabetics

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020

Purpose To compare the effect of high-intensity aerobic (AER), resistance (RES), and combined (CO... more Purpose To compare the effect of high-intensity aerobic (AER), resistance (RES), and combined (COMB: RES + AER) exercise, on interstitial glucose (IG) variability and skeletal muscle signalling pathways in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods T1D participants (6 M/6F) wore a flash glucose monitoring system in four randomized sessions: one control (CONT), and one AER, RES and COMB (40 min each). Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient variation (CV) of IG were used to compare the 24 h post-exercise IG variability. Blood and muscle samples were collected to compare exercise-induced systemic and muscle signalling responses related to metabolic, growth and inflammatory adaptations. Results Both RES and COMB decreased the 24 h MAGE compared to CONT; additionally, COMB decreased the 24 h SD and CV. In the 6-12 h post-exercise, all exercise modalities reduced the IG CV while SD decreased only after COMB. Both AER and COMB stimulated the PGC-1α mRNA expression and promoted the splicing of IGF-1Ea variant, while Akt and p38MAPK phosphorylation increased only after RES and COMB. Additionally, COMB enhanced eEF2 activation and RES increased myogenin and MRF4 mRNA expression. Blood lactate and glycerol levels and muscle IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 mRNAs increased after all exercise sessions, while serum CK and LDH level did not change. Conclusion COMB is more effective in reducing IG fluctuations compared to single-mode AER or RES exercise. Moreover, COMB simultaneously activates muscle signalling pathways involved in substrate metabolism and anabolic adaptations, which can help to improve glycaemic control and maintain muscle health in T1D. Keywords Exercise modalities • Glucose variability • Hypoglycaemia • Skeletal muscle signalling • Type 1 diabetes Abbreviations AER Aerobic Akt AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 AMPK Protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 ANOVA Analysis of variance Communicated by Philip D Chilibeck. Dean Minnock and Giosuè Annibalini contributed equally to this work.

Research paper thumbnail of Defective IGF-1 prohormone N-glycosylation and reduced IGF-1 receptor signaling activation in congenital disorders of glycosylation

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is crucial for the regulation of growt... more The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is crucial for the regulation of growth and development. The correct processing of the IGF-1Ea prohormone (proIGF-1Ea) and the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) peptide precursor requires proper N-glycosylation. Deficiencies of N-linked glycosylation lead to a clinically heterogeneous group of inherited diseases called Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG). The impact of N-glycosylation defects on IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling components is largely unknown. In this study, using dermal fibroblasts from patients with different CDG [PMM2-CDG (n = 7); ALG3-CDG (n = 2); ALG8-CDG (n = 1); GMPPB-CDG (n = 1)], we analyzed the glycosylation pattern of the proIGF-1Ea, IGF-1 secretion efficiency and IGF-1R signaling activity. ALG3-CDG, ALG8-CDG, GMPPB-CDG and some PMM2-CDG fibroblasts showed hypoglycosylation of the proIGF-1Ea and lower IGF-1 secretion when compared with control (CTR). Lower IGF-1 serum concentration was observed in ALG3-CDG, ALG...

Research paper thumbnail of Altered muscle mitochondrial, inflammatory and trophic markers and reduced exercise training adaptations in type 1 diabetes

The Journal of Physiology

Research paper thumbnail of Fungal-bacterial interaction within the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber borchii Vittad. life cycle

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization and identification of Tuber borchii Vitt. proteins by two-dimensional PAGE

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a Home-Based Lifestyle Intervention Program on Cardiometabolic Health in Breast Cancer Survivors during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Journal of Clinical Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic effects of a home-based lifestyle intervention (... more This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic effects of a home-based lifestyle intervention (LI) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) during the COVID-19 lockdown. In total, 30 BCSs (women; stages 0–II; non-metastatic; aged 53.5 ± 7.6 years; non-physically active; normal left ventricular systolic function) with a risk factor for recurrence underwent a 3-month LI based on nutrition and exercise. Anthropometrics, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity level (PAL), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), echocardiographic parameters, heart rate variability (average standard deviation of NN intervals (ASDNN/5 min) and 24 h very- (24 hVLF) and low-frequency (24 hLF)), and metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory serum biomarkers (glycemia, insulin resistance, progesterone, testosterone, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)) were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the LI. After the LI, there were improvements in: body mass index (kg/m2: T0 = 26.0 ± 5.0, T1 = 25.5 ± 4.7; ...

Research paper thumbnail of Report and Abstracts of the 14th Meeting of IIM, the Interuniversity Institute of Myology, - Assisi (Italy), October 12-15, 2017

European Journal of Translational Myology, Dec 5, 2017

The 14 th Meeting of the Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), October 12-15, 2017-Assisi, ... more The 14 th Meeting of the Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), October 12-15, 2017-Assisi, Italy gathered together researchers from Italy, European and North-American countries to discuss recent results on muscle research. The program showcased keynote lectures from world-renowned international speakers presenting advances in muscle physiology, bioengineering, metabolism and therapeutics. Based on selection from submitted abstracts, participants presented their novel, unpublished results in seven oral communication and two poster sessions. Particular emphasis was devoted to young trainees. For example, trainees where directly involved in organizing a scientific session and three round tables tailored to the interests of their peers. The meeting attracted a broad audience from Italy, various European countries and from North America. It offered a unique opportunity to all researchers involved in the field of muscle biology to exchange ideas and foster scientific collaborations to better understand the causative mechanisms of muscular diseases and to improve the design of more efficient therapeutic strategies. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere promoted the active participation of junior scientists to exciting discussions, which allowed to identify emerging areas of myology research and encouraged scientific cross-fertilization to facilitate exchanges between different laboratories in different countries. The meeting was a success and this community will continue to deliver major contributions to our understanding of muscle development and function, the pathogenesis of muscle diseases and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we report abstracts of the meeting discussing recent results of basic, translational and early clinical studies confirming that the field of Myology is strong and articulated, maturing toward clinical development for the treatment of muscle diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of Program&Book of the 15th Interuniversity Institute of Myology Meeting - Assisi (Italy), 2018

European Journal of Translational Myology

P.01 The role of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in cancer cachexia M. Alves Teixeira P.02 Silen... more P.01 The role of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in cancer cachexia M. Alves Teixeira P.02 Silencing Nfix rescues Muscular Dystrophy by delaying muscle regeneration Giuseppe Angelini P.03 Identification of a novel TFEB-exercise dependent gene Andrea Armani P.04 Over-expression of mIGF-1 in skeletal muscle attenuates the effects of sarcopenic obesity Francesca Ascenzi P.05 The role of raptor in adult skeletal muscle Martina Baraldo P.06 Identification of novel molecular targets to manipulate satellite cell function Anna Benedetti P.07 Histone 3 Lysine 9 methyltransferases G9a and GLP as potential pharmacological targets in skeletal muscle regeneration and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Valeria Bianconi P.08 Tyrosol delays dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle wasting Debora Burini P.09 HMGB1 as a novel target in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Giorgia Careccia P.10 Group I Paks support muscle regeneration and counteract cancer-associated muscle atrophy Michela Chiappa P.11 Involvement of a RAGE/p38 MAPK/myogenin axis in cancer cachexia Aleksandra Vukasinovic P. 12 Characterization of biomechanical signals on the functional remodeling of X-MET Marianna Cosentino P.13 CD26/DPP4 Expression in Muscle Biopsies of Patients Affected by Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of storage on biochemical and microbiological parameters of edible truffle species

Research paper thumbnail of The intrinsically disordered E-domains regulate the IGF-1 prohormones stability, subcellular localisation and secretion

Scientific reports, Jan 11, 2018

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is synthesised as a prohormone (proIGF-1) requiring enzymati... more Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is synthesised as a prohormone (proIGF-1) requiring enzymatic activity to yield the mature IGF-1. Three proIGF-1s are encoded by alternatively spliced IGF-1 mRNAs: proIGF-1Ea, proIGF-1Eb and proIGF-1Ec. These proIGF-1s have a common IGF-1 mature sequence but different E-domains. The structure of the E-domains has not been resolved, and their molecular functions are still unclear. Here, we show that E-domains are Intrinsically Disordered Regions that have distinct regulatory functions on proIGF-1s production. In particular, we identified a highly conserved N-glycosylation site in the Ea-domain, which regulated intracellular proIGF-1Ea level preventing its proteasome-mediated degradation. The inhibition of N-glycosylation by tunicamycin or glucose starvation markedly reduced proIGF-1Ea and mature IGF-1 production. Interestingly, 2-deoxyglucose, a glucose and mannose analogue, increased proIGF-1Ea and mature IGF-1 levels, probably leading to an accu...

Research paper thumbnail of A Proteomic View of Truffles: Aspects of Primary Metabolism and Molecular Processes During Their Life Cycle

Research paper thumbnail of Strain differences in the mycelium of the ectomycorrhizal Tuber borchii

Mycological Research, Dec 1, 1999

Four strains of Tuber borchii were grown in liquid medium containing glucose. Evaluation of growt... more Four strains of Tuber borchii were grown in liquid medium containing glucose. Evaluation of growth patterns revealed a trend of exponential growth for only one strain. Subsequently, enzyme levels were assayed and polypeptide and mRNA electrophoretic profiles were analyzed. Although the four strains were found to have many properties in common such as the growth behaviours for three strains and the levels of some glycolytic enzymes, the polypeptide and mRNA electrophoretic patterns highlighted intraspecific variability.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization and mRNA expression proWle of the TbNre1 gene of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber borchii

Research paper thumbnail of Sugar transporters in the black truffle Tuber melanosporum: from gene prediction to functional characterization

Fungal Genetics and Biology, 2015

In a natural forest ecosystem, ectomycorrhiza formation is a way for soil fungi to obtain carbohy... more In a natural forest ecosystem, ectomycorrhiza formation is a way for soil fungi to obtain carbohydrates from their host plants. However, our knowledge of sugar transporters in ectomycorrhizal ascomycetous fungi is limited. To bridge this gap we used data obtained from the sequenced genome of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber melanosporum Vittad. to search for sugar transporters. Twenty-three potential hexose transporters were found, and three of them (Tmelhxt1, Tmel2281 and Tmel131), differentially expressed during the fungus life cycle, were investigated. The heterologous expression of Tmelhxt1 and Tmel2281 in an hxt-null Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain restores the growth in glucose and fructose. The functional characterization and expression profiles of Tmelhxt1 and Tmel2281 in the symbiotic phase suggest that they are high affinity hexose transporters at the plant-fungus interface. On the contrary, Tmel131 is preferentially expressed in the fruiting body and its inability to restore the S. cerevisiae mutant strain growth led us to hypothesize that it could be involved in the transport of alternative carbon sources important for a hypothetical saprophytic strategy for the complete maturation of the carpophore.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of a New Italian Ganoderma lucidum Strain

Background: Yersinia enterocolitica, an important food-and water-borne enteric pathogen is repres... more Background: Yersinia enterocolitica, an important food-and water-borne enteric pathogen is represented by six biovars viz. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Despite the lack of recognized virulence determinants, some biovar 1A strains have been reported to produce disease symptoms resembling that produced by known pathogenic biovars (1B, 2-5). It is therefore imperative to identify determinants that might contribute to the pathogenicity of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A strains. Y. enterocolitica invariably produces urease and the role of this enzyme in the virulence of biovar 1B and biovar 4 strains has been reported recently. The objective of this work was to study genetic organization of the urease (ure) gene complex of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A, biochemical characterization of the urease, and the survival of these strains under acidic conditions in vitro.