1,158 research outputs found

    Characterization of the biological role of RIPK2 in carcinogenesis

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    Background. Cell survival, inflammation and cell death are the main processes involved in cellular homeostasis. The deregulation of these events can lead to the onset of several pathologies, including cancer. Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 2 (RIPK2) plays a key signalling role in host defence, inflammation as well as in regulated cell death (1). Till now, it is known that RIPK2, through its CARD functional domain, is able to trigger the activation of NF-kB or the MAP kinase pathway playing a fundamental role in the immune response and inflammation (2) but little scientific evidence explain the direct involvement of the protein kinase in cancer, particularly in haematological malignancies (3). Hence, more studies are necessary to better clarify its involvement in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Aim: The aim of our work is to better define the biological role of RIPK2 in cancer with a particular focus in leukaemia, in order to clarify its molecular mechanisms. Here we also provide a deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of action of new epi-drugs, highlighting their ability to directly target RIPK2. Methods: To achieve the various objectives, we have made use of RT-qPCR, Western Blot, Flow Cytometry, Immunoprecipitation, Immunofluorescence. Results. RIPK2 is differentially expressed in tumour cell lines. In particular, we focused our attention on two myeloid cell lines (U-937 and HL-60) with a different degree of differentiation for subsequent proteomic analyses and cellular localization studies. Furthermore, RIPK2 appears to be modulated after the treatment with a previously characterized epi-drug, highlighting the possible involvement of RIPK2 in the cell death process. Conclusions. The effects observed by the compound strengthen its potential role as an anti-tumor agent in leukaemia mediated by RIPK2 expression. However, further molecular and enzymatic investigations will be necessary to better understand the biological role of RIPK2 in carcinogenesis, especially in hematological malignancies

    NETosis in pathologies: a preliminary study for NETs detection in vitro

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    Background: Neutrophils are the major participants in NETosis, a novel kind of regulated cell death (RCD) that has recently emerged. As a result, neutrophils not only serve as the initial line of defense for the host, but they also help to mediate the new RCD by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).1 NETosis is characterized by sequence of events: intracellular membranes disintegrate and proteases from granules enter the nucleus, followed by hypercitrullination of histones, chromatin decondensation and extrusion of nuclear material from the cell. Then, NETs decorated by decondensed chromatin, modified histones and granular enzymes are released from cells. 2 Physiologically, NETs entrap bacteria and provide a natural defence against inflammation but an exacerbated release of NETs markers can exert pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory effects and are resulted implicated in many diseases such as hyperglycaemia, diabetes and its complications. 3 Aim: The project has the purpose to to study in depth NETosis pathway and its implications in pathogenesis. Specifically, will be characterize the epi-modulation of NETs formation in samples derived from cancer and diabetic patients. Materials and methods: differentiation of HL60 FOR 5 days with Dimethyl sulfoxide or All-trans retinoic acid. May Grunwald Giemsa staining. Immunofluorescence staining Anti-MPO and H3cit. Flow based assay to detect NETs. ROS assay. Result: several methods have been developed o investigate NETosis. NETs formation has been identified after epi drugs induction. The methods we are using to detect NETs and to evaluate NETosis markers are efficient to study NETosis in blood samples from patients. Conclusions: NETosis is a recent discovered RCD that resulted de-regulated in many pathologies. The characterization of NETosis mechanism and complete understanding of NETosis role in pathogenesis could provide new prognostic markers and novels therapeutic targets

    Giulia Veronica Varisco

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    The headword explains the biography and the contribution of the author Giulia Varisco to the children's literatur

    IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF POLYPHENOLIC EXTRACTS FROM STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS

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    Background: In recent years, strawberry has received much attention for its high nutritional value and potential benefits for human health due to its rich phytochemical profile and low observed toxicity1. Previous research has shown that polyphenols have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, diabetic, and neuroprotective properties2. However, their individual effects on different cell signalling pathways remain to be elucidated3. Aim: This study will aim to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of four strawberry cultivars (Marimbella, Red Sara, Gioelita, Melissa) in order to identify their potential anticancer role. Methods: Strawberry extracts were used to treat in vitro cellular models of THP1-derived macrophages induced with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Techniques as Western blot, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, Griess assay were additionally performed. Results. Given the strong interaction between immune cells and the tumour microenvironment in mediating the inflammatory response, we determined i) the release of specific pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators into the tumour microenvironment, ii) the inhibition of both nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and iii) the modulation of regulated cell death pathways (RCD) involved in inflammation. Conclusions: Defining the immunomodulatory effects induced by polyphenolic extracts of strawberry cultivars will provide useful information on the restoration of the compromised immune system in cancer. This scenario highlights the fundamental role of phenolic substances in exerting anti-tumour mechanisms

    POLYPHENOLIC EXTRACTS FROM STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS MODULATE INFLAMMATION IN HUMAN LEUKEMIA CELLS

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    Introduction: In recent years strawberry has received much attention for its high nutritional value and potential benefits for human health1. The fruit, in fact, is a rich source of polyphenols whose role is well known in the maintenance and prevention of diseases such as cancer2. Therefore, with this study we aim to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of four Italian strawberry cultivars (Marimbella, Red Sara, Gioelita, Melissa) in the human myeloid leukemia cell line U-937. Methods: To study the anti-inflammatory effect, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed after the cells were first stimulated with 1 μg/mL of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then treated with the crude strawberry extract. Results: In our cellular model, after LPS stimulation, polyphenolic extracts significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 by lowering TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Furthermore, these derivatives were able to inhibit both nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conclusion: Our experiments suggest a potential anti-inflammatory effect induced by the polyphenolic extracts of the four Italian strawberry cultivars. Hence, this preliminary study is ideal for increasing our understanding of inflammatory processes in cancer, in particular, in leukemia regulated by natural compounds

    Role of Ferroptosis in AML Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Strategies

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    Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death marked by lipid per oxidation, is critically implicated in the pathology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The dysregulation of iron metabolism and ferroptotic regulators, such as GPX4, the cystine/glutamate antiporter System Xc−, and several iron homeostasis proteins, contributes to leukemic cell survival and therapy resistance. These disruptions not only facilitate the survival and proliferation of leukemic cells but also enable them to evade traditional apoptotic pathways, thereby increasing resistance to standard therapeutic interventions. Recent studies have focused on identifying specific targets within the ferroptosis pathway that are aberrantly expressed in AML, highlighting potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapeutic benefit. Promising com pounds such as Erastin and RSL3 have emerged as effective inducers of ferroptosis in AML cells, demonstrating the capacity to circumvent resistance mechanisms. These agents function by inhibiting GPX4 and disrupting cystine uptake, which culminates in enhanced lipid peroxidation and cell death. This chapter explores the therapeutic potential of targeting ferroptosis in AML, with a particular focus on modulating iron metabolism and key regulatory pathways. By exploiting the vulnerabilities in fer roptotic processes, these strategies offer a novel approach to enhancing therapeutic efficacy and addressing the critical challenge of drug resistance in AM

    Trasferimento di innovazione per la valorizzazione del castagno da frutto

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    Il volume raccoglie vari contributi (autori: Andrea Becchimanzi, Marina Maura Calandrelli, Mario Conti, Emiddio de Franciscis di Casanova, Luigi De Masi, Flora Della Valle, Franco Di Pippo, Elvira Ferrara, Rosario Nicoletti, Angelina Nunziata, Milena Petriccione, Giulia Verrilli) di partecipanti al progetto "CASTARRAY", coordinato dal Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (Crea) e di cui il Cnr è partner, le cui attività sono state finanziate dalla Regione Campania in attuazione del Piano di Sviluppo Rurale (PSR) 2014-2020. L'obiettivo è quello di contribuire a tutelare il grande giacimento di risorse genetiche insito nella castanicoltura campana, e ad introdurre innovazioni sostenibili nella gestione degli impianti già esistenti o da realizzarsi, quale volano di sviluppo per il comparto nevralgico dell’agricoltura campana sia in termini economici che per i suoi insostituibili riverberi ambientali, paesaggistici e di difesa idrogeologica
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