1,721,008 research outputs found
Anthropic impact, bioactive molecules, sustainable development, my keyword? Biodiversity!
No full textBiodiversity is my main research focus and that of my research group. We study a range of different aspects concerning biodiversity, such as the impact anthropic activities have on biodiversity and how to improve its preservation, its use as a valuable resource for the extraction of bioactive molecules, and the study of its distribution. The research group has over twenty years of experience in the study
of zoology, and, more in particular, the immune and behavioural responses of aquatic invertebrates and fish. For many years, the group has observed the effects of various anthropogenic activities, such as the acoustic and chemical impacts on the physiological and behavioral responses of invertebrate organisms, such as Arbacia lixula and Mytilus galloprovincialis, and of fishes, such as Sparus aurata, evaluating not only adult stage but also embryonic stage [1,2]. From a sustainable
development perspective, we have recently turned our attention to an evaluation of the nutritional potential of aquaculture species which are recent additions to farming in Sicily: Cherax quadricarinatus and Cherax destructor [3]. However, biodiversity, as well as needing our protection, is also a resource which we can seek to harness in an eco-sustainable way. In recent years, research in our group has focused on the extraction of bioactive molecules from invertebrates and vertebrate living organisms (including from waste from the processing industry), with evident antimicrobial, anticancer and food preservation potential [4]. Last but not least, the regenerative capacities of invertebrate organisms such as Holothuria tubulosa [5] were evaluated with the possibility of transferring this knowledge to the biomedical sector. In addition to carrying out the aforementioned research, we are currently working on a nationally funded PON research project to conduct a
freshwater biodiversity census in Palermo, including environmental DNA evaluation
EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS FROM Posidonia oceanica SEAGRASS ON MOUSE MACROPHAGES AND HUMAN BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER
Full text linkThe gelatinase MMP-9like is involved in regulation of LPS inflammatory response in Ciona robusta
No full textMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases collectively able to degrade the components of
the extracellular matrix (ECM), with important roles in many biological processes, such as embryogenesis,
normal tissue remodelling, angiogenesis and wound healing. New views on the function of MMPs reveal that
they regulate inflammatory response and therefore might represent an early step in the evolution of the immune
system. MMPs can affect the activity of cytokines involved in inflammation including TGF-β and TNF-α. MMPs
are widely distributed in all kingdoms of life and have likely evolved from a single-domain protein which
underwent successive rounds of duplications. In this study, we focused on the Ciona robusta (formerly known as
Ciona intestinalis) MMP gelatinase homologue. Gene organization, phylogenetic analysis and 3D modeling supported
the closest correlation of C. robusta gelatinase with the human MMP-9. Real-time PCR analysis and
zymographic assay showed a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation and an upregulation of enzymatic
activity. Furthermore, we showed that before of the well-known increase of TGF-β and TNF-α levels, a MMP-
9like boost occurred, suggesting a possible involvement of MMP-9like in regulating inflammatory response in C.
robusta
Transcriptional and in silico analyses of MIF cytokine and TLR signalling interplay in the LPS inflammatory response of Ciona robusta
Full text linkThe close phylogenetic relationship between Ciona robusta and vertebrates makes it a powerful
model for studying innate immunity and the evolution of immune genes. To elucidate the nature and
dynamics of the immune response, the molecular mechanisms by which bacterial infection is detected
and translated into inflammation and how potential pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are involved
in pathogen recognition in tunicate C. robusta (formerly known as Ciona intestinalis), we applied
an approach combining bacterial infections, next-generation sequencing, qRT-PCR, bioinformatics
and in silico analyses (criteria of a p-value < 0.05 and FDR < 0.05). A STRING analysis indicated a
functional link between components of the Tlr/MyD88-dependent signalling pathway (Tlr2, MyD88,
and Irak4) and components of the Nf-κB signalling pathway (Nf-κB, IκBα, and Ikkα) (p-value < 0.05,
FDR < 0.05). A qRT-PCR analysis of immune genes selected from transcriptome data revealed Mif as
more frequently expressed in the inflammatory response than inflammation mediator or effector
molecules (e.g., Il-17s, Tnf-α, Tgf-β, Mmp9, Tlrs, MyD88, Irak4, Nf-κB, and galectins), suggesting close
interplay between Mif cytokines and Nf-κB signalling pathway components in the biphasic activation
of the inflammatory response. An in silico analyses of the 3′-UTR of Tlr2, MyD88, IκBα, Ikk, and Nf-κB
transcripts showed the presence of GAIT elements, which are known to play key roles in the regulation
of immune gene-specific translation in humans. These findings provide a new level of understanding
of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the C. robusta inflammatory response induced by
LPS and suggest that in C. robusta, as in humans, a complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional
control mechanism is involved in the regulation of several inflammatory genes
Modulation of Glucose Consumption and Uptake in HepG2 Cells by Aqueous Extracts from the Coelomic Fluid of the Edible Holothuria tubulosa Sea Cucumber
Full text linkThe cell-free aqueous extract from the coelomic fluid of Holothuria tubulosa was prepared and examined for its glucose-lowering effect on HepG2 cells in vitro. In particular, employing a combination of cytochemical, flow cytometric, PCR, and protein blot techniques, we evaluated its role on glucose internalization and storage and on the upregulation and surface translocation of the two glucose transporters GLUT-2 and -4. The changes in expression, synthesis, and/or activation of the GLUT2-related transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1α) and the GLUT-4-translocation regulatory factors insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and AKT were also studied. Our results showed the improved glucose response by HepG2 cells, leading to an evident increase in glucose consumption/uptake and glycogen storage upon exposure. Moreover, the extract induced molecular reprogramming involving the upregulation of (i) IRS1 gene expression, (ii) the transcription and translation levels of HNF1α, AKT, and GLUT-4, (iii) the phosphorylation level of AKT, (iv) the synthesis of GLUT-2 protein, and (v) the translocation of GLUT-2 and -4 transporters onto the plasma membrane. Cumulatively, our results suggest that the coelomic fluid extract from H. tubulosa can be taken into consideration for the development of novel treatment agents against diabetes mellitus
Bioactive Molecules from the Innate Immunity of Ascidians and Innovative Methods of Drug Discovery: A Computational Approach Based on Artificial Intelligence
Full text linkThe study of bioactive molecules of marine origin has created an important bridge between biological knowledge and its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Current studies in different research fields, such as biomedicine, aim to discover marine molecules characterized by biological activities that can be used to produce potential drugs for human use. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to a particular group of marine invertebrates, the Ascidians, as they are a source of bioactive products. We describe omics data and computational methods relevant to identifying the mechanisms and processes of innate immunity underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, focusing on innovative computational approaches based on Artificial Intelligence. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of marine invertebrates’ innate immunity
ENVIRONMENTAL DNA: A POSSIBLE TOOL TO EVALUATE THE VERTEBRATE BIODIVERSITY USING WATER SAMPLES OF THREE SICILIAN LAKE
No full textFreshwater ecosystems play a key role for the biogeochemical cycles and are subject to several anthropic impact that cause a biodiversity loss. Conventional census methods seem to be insufficient and not very convenient for the detection of species. The organisms inhabiting these sites continuously release DNA, called "environmental DNA" (eDNA), through cells, excrement, gametes and/or decomposing material and its evaluation could revolutionize the monitoring of biodiversity (HARPER et al., 2019; SCHENEKAR, 2023). On the other hand, today there are considerable doubts about it: seems to be the non-existence of well-defined protocols which depend on the sampling site, environmental factors and extraction methods; degradation processes are very rapid and the costs of evaluations are very high (many samples are needed in different points). The aim of this study (part of RTDA-PON project) was to fine-tune the sampling and eDNA extraction protocol, reducing the costs and evaluating the potential of this method compared to the conventional methods. Another aim was evaluating the biodiversity of vertebrate in some Sicilian Lake for which until to date no more is known. In this study, the eDNA technique was used for the first time in three Sicilian lakes: Poma Lake, Piana degli Albanesi Lake and Scanzano Lake.The water sampled in each site was filtered and eDNA was extracted using extraction kit. Metabarcoding analysis was performed by IGA Technology Services s.r.l. The results showed the possibility to understand which types of phyla, class, order, family, gender, or species lives in these sites. The species not captured or not sighted using conventional methods were detected thanks to the use of eDNA and vice versa highlighting that the evaluation of eDNA can be useful to evaluate not only aquatic species but also other species that use these sites as a source of supply. Another important result was the possibility to detect DNA of species not typical of freshwater sites highlighting the contamination process. eDNA is a very important tool to evaluate the biodiversity and the health status of the environment, but on the other hand, for a more complete census, it is very important use also other conventional methods at the same times. Our preliminary results showed that eDNA method have the potential to replace the traditional methods of census but it is not yet the time to do it, using both methods is surely the best approach
ceRNA Network Regulation of TGF-β, WNT, FOXO, Hedgehog Pathways in the Pharynx of Ciona robusta
Full text linkThe transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of cytokines performs a multifunctional signaling, which is integrated and coordinated in a signaling network that involves other pathways, such as Wintless, Forkhead box-O (FOXO) and Hedgehog and regulates pivotal functions related to cell fate in all tissues. In the hematopoietic system, TGF-β signaling controls a wide spectrum of biological processes, from immune system homeostasis to the quiescence and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Recently an important role in post-transcription regulation has been attributed to two type of ncRNAs: microRNAs and pseudogenes. Ciona robusta, due to its philogenetic position close to vertebrates, is an excellent model to investigate mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation evolutionarily highly conserved in immune homeostasis. The combined use of NGS and bioinformatic analyses suggests that in the pharynx, the hematopoietic organ of Ciona robusta, the Tgf-β, Wnt, Hedgehog and FoxO pathways are involved in tissue homeostasis, as they are in human. Furthermore, ceRNA network interactions and 3′UTR elements analyses of Tgf-β, Wnt, Hedgehog and FoxO pathways genes suggest that different miRNAs conserved (cin-let-7d, cin-mir-92c, cin-mir-153), species-specific (cin-mir-4187, cin-mir-4011a, cin-mir-4056, cin-mir-4150, cin-mir-4189, cin-mir-4053, cin-mir-4016, cin-mir-4075), pseudogenes (ENSCING00000011392, ENSCING00000018651, ENSCING00000007698) and mRNA 3′UTR elements are involved in post-transcriptional regulation in an integrated way in C. robusta
MACROALGA EXTRACT EFFECT’S ON BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF SEA URCHINS ARBACIA LIXULA (Linnaeus, 1758)
No full textMarine algae produce important secondary metabolites that vary between the different species, spatial distribution and the seasonal period. The production of these secondary metabolites by macroalgae allows to protect themselves from environmental stress conditions (competitors, pathogens, grazers, epiphytes). Several studies report different biological properties of the extracts or molecules obtained from these macroalgae such us: immunomodulatory (RAPOSO et al., 2016), antioxidant (FISCH et al., 2003), anticancer (ABU-KHUDIR et al., 2021) and antimicrobial (PINTEUS et al., 2015).
In light of that, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extract the macroalga Ericaria crinita (J. Agardh, Molinari and Guiry, 2020), on the innate immune system of sea urchin A. lixula. The animals were in vivo treated with macroalgae extract and the effects were analysed after three hours sampling coelomic fluid in which total cells counts were evaluated. Then, the cells were separated from cell free. On cellular lysate and on cell free protein concentration, enzyme activity and antioxidant responses (inhibition of oxidative stress through the evaluation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) and glutathione (GSH) levels) were evaluated. Our results showed important changes in enzymatic activities and decrease in the inflammatory marker nitric oxide (NO). Further studies are needed to better understand the action of these bioactive molecules however, these results are certainly encouraging and prompt us to investigate the potential use that can be made of these compounds produced by macroalgae in the bio-medical and industrial fields
Transcriptomic and Bioinformatic Analyses Identifying a Central Mif-Cop9-Nf-kB Signaling Network in Innate Immunity Response of Ciona robusta
Full text linkThe Ascidian C. robusta is a powerful model for studying innate immunity. LPS induction activates inflammatory-like reactions in the pharynx and the expression of several innate immune genes in granulocyte hemocytes such as cytokines, for instance, macrophage migration inhibitory factors (CrMifs). This leads to intracellular signaling involving the Nf-kB signaling cascade that triggers downstream pro-inflammatory gene expression. In mammals, the COP9 (Constitutive photomorphogenesis 9) signalosome (CSN) complex also results in the activation of the NF-kB pathway. It is a highly conserved complex in vertebrates, mainly engaged in proteasome degradation which is essential for maintaining processes such as cell cycle, DNA repair, and differentiation. In the present study, we used bioinformatics and in-silico analyses combined with an in-vivo LPS exposure strategy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and qRT-PCR to elucidate molecules and the temporal dynamics of Mif cytokines, Csn signaling components, and the Nf-κB signaling pathway in C. robusta. A qRT-PCR analysis of immune genes selected from transcriptome data revealed a biphasic activation of the inflammatory response. A phylogenetic and STRING analysis indicated an evolutionarily conserved functional link between the Mif-Csn-Nf-kB axis in ascidian C. robusta during LPS-mediated inflammation response, finely regulated by non-coding molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs)
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