Maria Viscomi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Maria Viscomi

Research paper thumbnail of Neuroprotective Role of Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Presence of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Degeneration in Aged Mice

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020

As major components of neuronal membranes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) exhibit... more As major components of neuronal membranes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) exhibit a wide range of regulatory functions. Recent human and animal studies indicate that n-3 PUFA may exert beneficial effects on aging processes. Here we analyzed the neuroprotective influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on behavioral deficits, hippocampal neurogenesis, volume loss, and astrogliosis in aged mice that underwent a selective depletion of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Such a lesion represents a valid model to mimic a key component of the cognitive deficits associated with dementia. Aged mice were supplemented with n-3 PUFA or olive oil (as isocaloric control) for 8 weeks and then cholinergically depleted with mu-p75-saporin immunotoxin. Two weeks after lesioning, mice were behaviorally tested to assess anxious, motivational, social, mnesic, and depressive-like behaviors. Subsequently, morphological and biochemical analyses were performed. In lesioned aged mice the n-3 PU...

Research paper thumbnail of Author Correction: Blunting neuroinflammation with resolvin D1 prevents early pathology in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Nature Communications, 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the pa... more An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Dopamine neuronal loss contributes to memory and reward dysfunction in a model of Alzheimer's disease

Nature communications, Jan 3, 2017

Alterations of the dopaminergic (DAergic) system are frequently reported in Alzheimer's disea... more Alterations of the dopaminergic (DAergic) system are frequently reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and are commonly linked to cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. However, the cause of DAergic system dysfunction in AD remains to be elucidated. We investigated alterations of the midbrain DAergic system in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, overexpressing a mutated human amyloid precursor protein (APPswe). Here, we found an age-dependent DAergic neuron loss in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) at pre-plaque stages, although substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) DAergic neurons were intact. The selective VTA DAergic neuron degeneration results in lower DA outflow in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell. The progression of DAergic cell death correlates with impairments in CA1 synaptic plasticity, memory performance and food reward processing. We conclude that in this mouse model of AD, degeneration of VTA DAergic neurons at pre-plaque stages contributes to memory ...

Research paper thumbnail of Hemicerebellectomy

Handbook of the Cerebellum and Cerebellar Disorders, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of P2X2R purinergic receptor subunit mRNA and protein are expressed by all hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin neurons

The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Deprotection of the N -Nosyl Group with a Thiol Resin

Research paper thumbnail of A preparation of N-Fmoc-N-methyl-α-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-α-amino acids

A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-... more A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids, interesting building blocks to be used for the preparation of N-methylated peptides, is presented. Both nosyl- and Fmoc-protected monomers are accessible, so these compounds can be used in solution as well as in solid phase peptide synthesis. The methodology is based on the use of benzhydryl group to protect temporarily the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and on the subsequent methylation of the N-nosyl-alpha-amino acid benzhydryl esters with diazomethane. The benzhydryl esters offer several beneficial features such as simple preparation, stability to methylation and selective deprotection under mild conditions. The overall procedure is highly efficient in that the adopted conditions keep the chiral integrity of amino acid precursors and the process does not require chromatographic purification of the methylated products.

Research paper thumbnail of ChemInform Abstract: Deprotection of N-Nosyl-α-amino Acids by Using Solid-Supported Mercaptoacetic Acid

Research paper thumbnail of Reduction of N-Methoxy-N-Methylamides to the Corresponding Amines with AlCl3/LiAlH4

Letters in Organic Chemistry, 2006

... Reduction of N-Methoxy-N-Methylamides to the Corresponding Amines with AlCl 3 /LiAlH 4 . Mari... more ... Reduction of N-Methoxy-N-Methylamides to the Corresponding Amines with AlCl 3 /LiAlH 4 . Maria Luisa Di Gioia,; Antonella Leggio,; Adolfo Le Pera,; Angelo Liguori,; Francesca Perri,; Maria Caterina Viscomi. Article first published online: 21 NOV 2006. ...

Research paper thumbnail of An Efficient Preparation of N -Methyl-α-amino Acids from N -Nosyl-α-amino Acid Phenacyl Esters

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2010

In this paper we describe a simple and efficient solution-phase synthesis of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alp... more In this paper we describe a simple and efficient solution-phase synthesis of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids. This represents a very important application in peptide synthesis to obtain N-methylated peptides in both solution and solid phase. The developed methodology involves the use of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids with the carboxyl function protected as a phenacyl ester and the methylating reagent diazomethane. An important aspect of this synthetic strategy is the possibility to selectively deprotect the carboxyl function or alternatively both amino and carboxyl moieties by using the same reagent with a different molar excess and under mild conditions. Furthermore, the adopted procedure keeps unchanged the acid-sensitive side chain protecting groups used in Fmoc-based synthetic strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of N -Methyl- N -nosyl-β 3 -amino Acids

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2007

N-Methyl-beta(3)-amino acids are important building blocks in the synthesis of biologically activ... more N-Methyl-beta(3)-amino acids are important building blocks in the synthesis of biologically active molecules. A very simple and efficient approach to transform natural alpha-amino acids into their corresponding N-methyl-beta(3)-amino acids is here presented. In the method, the key intermediates N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-aminoacyldiazomethanes are prepared in only one step, by a simple treatment of the corresponding N-nosyl-alpha-aminoacyl chlorides with diazomethane. The synthetic route takes advantage from the use of the nosyl group. This N-masking moiety activates the NH function, and the N-methylation can directly occur during the acylation step of diazomethane, rendering useless a second step that instead is shown to be necessary in all the classical procedures already reported for the preparation of N-methyl-beta(3)-amino acids. The Wolff rearrangement of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-aminoacyldiazomethanes provides the corresponding N-methyl-N-nosyl-beta(3)-amino acids with total retention of the chiral configuration of the starting alpha-amino acids. No epimerization of the chiral carbon atom is observed also when N-methyl-N-nosyl-beta(3)-amino acids are transformed into chlorides and coupled with alpha-amino acid methyl esters to achieve model scaffolds for biologically important modified peptides.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of the Volatile Constituents in Cold-Pressed Bergamot Oil and a Volatile Oil Isolated by Vacuum Distillation

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Preparation of N-Methyl-α-amino Acids from N-Nosyl-α-amino Acid Phenacyl Esters

Research paper thumbnail of N-(4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl)- and N-(Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-N-ethyl Amino Acid Methyl Esters - A Practical Approach

European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Deprotection of N -Nosyl-α-amino Acids by Using Solid-Supported Mercaptoacetic Acid

European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Methylation of α-Amino Acids and Derivatives Using Trimethylsilyldiazomethane

Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of A preparation of N-Fmoc-N-methyl-α-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-α-amino acids

Amino Acids, 2010

A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-... more A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids, interesting building blocks to be used for the preparation of N-methylated peptides, is presented. Both nosyl- and Fmoc-protected monomers are accessible, so these compounds can be used in solution as well as in solid phase peptide synthesis. The methodology is based on the use of benzhydryl group to protect temporarily the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and on the subsequent methylation of the N-nosyl-alpha-amino acid benzhydryl esters with diazomethane. The benzhydryl esters offer several beneficial features such as simple preparation, stability to methylation and selective deprotection under mild conditions. The overall procedure is highly efficient in that the adopted conditions keep the chiral integrity of amino acid precursors and the process does not require chromatographic purification of the methylated products.

Research paper thumbnail of A new non-natural arginine-like amino acid derivative with a sulfamoyl group in the side-chain

Research paper thumbnail of Up-regulation of P2X2, P2X4 receptor and ischemic cell death: Prevention by P2 antagonists

Research paper thumbnail of Strain-Dependent Variations in Stress Coping Behavior Are Mediated by a 5-HT/GABA Interaction within the Prefrontal Corticolimbic System

The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology / official scientific journal of the Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum (CINP), Jan 31, 2014

Serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission is crucial in coping strategies. Here, usin... more Serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission is crucial in coping strategies. Here, using mice from 2 inbred strains widely exploited in behavioral neurochemistry, we investigated whether serotonin transmission in medial prefrontal cortex and GABA in basolateral amygdala determine strain-dependent liability to stress response and differences in coping. C57BL/6J mice displayed greater immobility in the forced swimming test, higher serotonin outflow in medial prefrontal cortex, higher GABA outflow in basolateral amygdala induced by stress, and higher serotonin 1A receptor levels in medial prefrontal cortex accompanied by lower GABAb receptor levels in basolateral amygdala than DBA/2J mice. In assessing whether serotonin in medial prefrontal cortex determines GABA functioning in response to stress and passive coping behavior in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice, we observed that selective prefrontal serotonin depletion in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J reduced stress-induced GABA outflow in basol...

Research paper thumbnail of Neuroprotective Role of Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Presence of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Degeneration in Aged Mice

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020

As major components of neuronal membranes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) exhibit... more As major components of neuronal membranes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) exhibit a wide range of regulatory functions. Recent human and animal studies indicate that n-3 PUFA may exert beneficial effects on aging processes. Here we analyzed the neuroprotective influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on behavioral deficits, hippocampal neurogenesis, volume loss, and astrogliosis in aged mice that underwent a selective depletion of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Such a lesion represents a valid model to mimic a key component of the cognitive deficits associated with dementia. Aged mice were supplemented with n-3 PUFA or olive oil (as isocaloric control) for 8 weeks and then cholinergically depleted with mu-p75-saporin immunotoxin. Two weeks after lesioning, mice were behaviorally tested to assess anxious, motivational, social, mnesic, and depressive-like behaviors. Subsequently, morphological and biochemical analyses were performed. In lesioned aged mice the n-3 PU...

Research paper thumbnail of Author Correction: Blunting neuroinflammation with resolvin D1 prevents early pathology in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Nature Communications, 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the pa... more An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Dopamine neuronal loss contributes to memory and reward dysfunction in a model of Alzheimer's disease

Nature communications, Jan 3, 2017

Alterations of the dopaminergic (DAergic) system are frequently reported in Alzheimer's disea... more Alterations of the dopaminergic (DAergic) system are frequently reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and are commonly linked to cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. However, the cause of DAergic system dysfunction in AD remains to be elucidated. We investigated alterations of the midbrain DAergic system in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, overexpressing a mutated human amyloid precursor protein (APPswe). Here, we found an age-dependent DAergic neuron loss in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) at pre-plaque stages, although substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) DAergic neurons were intact. The selective VTA DAergic neuron degeneration results in lower DA outflow in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell. The progression of DAergic cell death correlates with impairments in CA1 synaptic plasticity, memory performance and food reward processing. We conclude that in this mouse model of AD, degeneration of VTA DAergic neurons at pre-plaque stages contributes to memory ...

Research paper thumbnail of Hemicerebellectomy

Handbook of the Cerebellum and Cerebellar Disorders, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of P2X2R purinergic receptor subunit mRNA and protein are expressed by all hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin neurons

The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Deprotection of the N -Nosyl Group with a Thiol Resin

Research paper thumbnail of A preparation of N-Fmoc-N-methyl-α-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-α-amino acids

A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-... more A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids, interesting building blocks to be used for the preparation of N-methylated peptides, is presented. Both nosyl- and Fmoc-protected monomers are accessible, so these compounds can be used in solution as well as in solid phase peptide synthesis. The methodology is based on the use of benzhydryl group to protect temporarily the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and on the subsequent methylation of the N-nosyl-alpha-amino acid benzhydryl esters with diazomethane. The benzhydryl esters offer several beneficial features such as simple preparation, stability to methylation and selective deprotection under mild conditions. The overall procedure is highly efficient in that the adopted conditions keep the chiral integrity of amino acid precursors and the process does not require chromatographic purification of the methylated products.

Research paper thumbnail of ChemInform Abstract: Deprotection of N-Nosyl-α-amino Acids by Using Solid-Supported Mercaptoacetic Acid

Research paper thumbnail of Reduction of N-Methoxy-N-Methylamides to the Corresponding Amines with AlCl3/LiAlH4

Letters in Organic Chemistry, 2006

... Reduction of N-Methoxy-N-Methylamides to the Corresponding Amines with AlCl 3 /LiAlH 4 . Mari... more ... Reduction of N-Methoxy-N-Methylamides to the Corresponding Amines with AlCl 3 /LiAlH 4 . Maria Luisa Di Gioia,; Antonella Leggio,; Adolfo Le Pera,; Angelo Liguori,; Francesca Perri,; Maria Caterina Viscomi. Article first published online: 21 NOV 2006. ...

Research paper thumbnail of An Efficient Preparation of N -Methyl-α-amino Acids from N -Nosyl-α-amino Acid Phenacyl Esters

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2010

In this paper we describe a simple and efficient solution-phase synthesis of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alp... more In this paper we describe a simple and efficient solution-phase synthesis of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids. This represents a very important application in peptide synthesis to obtain N-methylated peptides in both solution and solid phase. The developed methodology involves the use of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids with the carboxyl function protected as a phenacyl ester and the methylating reagent diazomethane. An important aspect of this synthetic strategy is the possibility to selectively deprotect the carboxyl function or alternatively both amino and carboxyl moieties by using the same reagent with a different molar excess and under mild conditions. Furthermore, the adopted procedure keeps unchanged the acid-sensitive side chain protecting groups used in Fmoc-based synthetic strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of N -Methyl- N -nosyl-β 3 -amino Acids

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2007

N-Methyl-beta(3)-amino acids are important building blocks in the synthesis of biologically activ... more N-Methyl-beta(3)-amino acids are important building blocks in the synthesis of biologically active molecules. A very simple and efficient approach to transform natural alpha-amino acids into their corresponding N-methyl-beta(3)-amino acids is here presented. In the method, the key intermediates N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-aminoacyldiazomethanes are prepared in only one step, by a simple treatment of the corresponding N-nosyl-alpha-aminoacyl chlorides with diazomethane. The synthetic route takes advantage from the use of the nosyl group. This N-masking moiety activates the NH function, and the N-methylation can directly occur during the acylation step of diazomethane, rendering useless a second step that instead is shown to be necessary in all the classical procedures already reported for the preparation of N-methyl-beta(3)-amino acids. The Wolff rearrangement of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-aminoacyldiazomethanes provides the corresponding N-methyl-N-nosyl-beta(3)-amino acids with total retention of the chiral configuration of the starting alpha-amino acids. No epimerization of the chiral carbon atom is observed also when N-methyl-N-nosyl-beta(3)-amino acids are transformed into chlorides and coupled with alpha-amino acid methyl esters to achieve model scaffolds for biologically important modified peptides.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of the Volatile Constituents in Cold-Pressed Bergamot Oil and a Volatile Oil Isolated by Vacuum Distillation

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Preparation of N-Methyl-α-amino Acids from N-Nosyl-α-amino Acid Phenacyl Esters

Research paper thumbnail of N-(4-Nitrophenylsulfonyl)- and N-(Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-N-ethyl Amino Acid Methyl Esters - A Practical Approach

European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Deprotection of N -Nosyl-α-amino Acids by Using Solid-Supported Mercaptoacetic Acid

European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Methylation of α-Amino Acids and Derivatives Using Trimethylsilyldiazomethane

Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of A preparation of N-Fmoc-N-methyl-α-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-α-amino acids

Amino Acids, 2010

A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-... more A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids, interesting building blocks to be used for the preparation of N-methylated peptides, is presented. Both nosyl- and Fmoc-protected monomers are accessible, so these compounds can be used in solution as well as in solid phase peptide synthesis. The methodology is based on the use of benzhydryl group to protect temporarily the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and on the subsequent methylation of the N-nosyl-alpha-amino acid benzhydryl esters with diazomethane. The benzhydryl esters offer several beneficial features such as simple preparation, stability to methylation and selective deprotection under mild conditions. The overall procedure is highly efficient in that the adopted conditions keep the chiral integrity of amino acid precursors and the process does not require chromatographic purification of the methylated products.

Research paper thumbnail of A new non-natural arginine-like amino acid derivative with a sulfamoyl group in the side-chain

Research paper thumbnail of Up-regulation of P2X2, P2X4 receptor and ischemic cell death: Prevention by P2 antagonists

Research paper thumbnail of Strain-Dependent Variations in Stress Coping Behavior Are Mediated by a 5-HT/GABA Interaction within the Prefrontal Corticolimbic System

The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology / official scientific journal of the Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum (CINP), Jan 31, 2014

Serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission is crucial in coping strategies. Here, usin... more Serotonin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission is crucial in coping strategies. Here, using mice from 2 inbred strains widely exploited in behavioral neurochemistry, we investigated whether serotonin transmission in medial prefrontal cortex and GABA in basolateral amygdala determine strain-dependent liability to stress response and differences in coping. C57BL/6J mice displayed greater immobility in the forced swimming test, higher serotonin outflow in medial prefrontal cortex, higher GABA outflow in basolateral amygdala induced by stress, and higher serotonin 1A receptor levels in medial prefrontal cortex accompanied by lower GABAb receptor levels in basolateral amygdala than DBA/2J mice. In assessing whether serotonin in medial prefrontal cortex determines GABA functioning in response to stress and passive coping behavior in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice, we observed that selective prefrontal serotonin depletion in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J reduced stress-induced GABA outflow in basol...