Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Papi, Matteo Zurlo, Laura Gambari, Andrea Rozzi, Alex Manicardi, Roberto Corradini, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly lethal tumor with no curative treatment available. This study investigated the potential of a combined therapy using sulforaphane (SFN) and a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) to target miR-15b-5p in GBM cells. The results showed that SFN and PNA-a15b synergistically induced apoptosis in GBM cells, suggesting the feasibility of using combined treatments based on PNAs and nutraceuticals to stimulate apoptosis in GBM.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Tamanini, Enrica Fabbri, Tiziana Jakova, Jessica Gasparello, Alex Manicardi, Roberto Corradini, Alessia Finotti, Monica Borgatti, Ilaria Lampronti, Silvia Munari, Maria Cristina Dechecchi, Giulio Cabrini, Roberto Gambari
Summary: Up-regulating the CFTR scaffolding protein NHERF1 using a PNA targeting miR-335-5p could be a potential strategy to increase CFTR expression in bronchial epithelial cells. Further research is needed to verify the effectiveness of this approach in treating cystic fibrosis caused by different mutations in the CFTR gene.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Papi, Jessica Gasparello, Matteo Zurlo, Alex Manicardi, Roberto Corradini, Giulio Cabrini, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: The study found that targeting CFTR-regulating microRNAs with antisense PNAs can increase CFTR production. Particularly, highly effective combinations were identified with PNAs targeting miR-145-5p and miR-101-3p in the treatment of Calu-3 cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Papi, Matteo Zurlo, Laura Gambari, Alex Manicardi, Andrea Rozzi, Matteo Ferrarini, Roberto Corradini, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: Starting from a list of nine dysregulated miRNAs in early-stage CRC patients, the study verified the therapeutic effects of anti-miRNA PNAs targeting the most relevant up-regulated miRNAs. PNAs down-regulated these target miRNAs and induced apoptosis in CRC cellular models. Combining anti-miRNA PNAs with pro-apoptotic compounds like sulforaphane resulted in high levels of apoptosis induction.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yuanxue Yang, Yun Zhang, Aiyu Wang, Ailing Duan, Chao Xue, Kaiyun Wang, Ming Zhao, Jianhua Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda to insecticides and the regulatory roles of miRNAs. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs play an important role in the insecticide resistance of S. frugiperda. Overexpression of specific miRNAs significantly increased the mortality of S. frugiperda to insecticides.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiung-Pang Huang, Chih-Chun Chang, Chao-Yu Kuo, Kuang-Jing Huang, Etienne M. Sokal, Kuan-Hsing Chen, Li-Man Hung
Summary: EXO-miRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for diabetic HFpEF. The study found that miR-30d-5p and miR-126a-5p were associated with HFpEF, and may be important for the development of diagnostic tools for diabetic HFpEF.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zheng He, Meng Tian, Xuan Fu
Summary: miR-30c-5p downregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma is significantly associated with patient survival and tumor size, affecting cell proliferation and migration, with RAB32 identified as a crucial target. These findings highlight the important role of miR-30c-5p in HCC growth and invasion through the miR-30c-5p-RAB32 axis.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sambhavi Bhagavatheeswaran, Vinu Ramachandran, Sambantham Shanmugam, Anandan Balakrishnan
Summary: Isopimpinellin demonstrates significant antiangiogenic effects by inhibiting key steps in angiogenesis in HUVECs and regulating miR-15b-5p and miR-542-3p. In zebrafish embryos, it effectively inhibits the development of intersegmental vessels.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Martino, Nunzia D'Onofrio, Anna Balestrieri, Luigi Mele, Celestino Sardu, Raffaele Marfella, Giuseppe Campanile, Maria Luisa Balestrieri
Summary: In this study, the role of miR-15b-5p and its interaction with SIRT4 in LPS-induced inflammatory pathways were investigated. Inhibition of miR-15b-5p alleviated inflammation, mitochondrial stress, and cell death mechanisms. Furthermore, the inhibition of PCSK9 was found to enhance the protective effect of miR-15b-5p through increased SIRT4 levels.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping Xue, Saihua Huang, Xiao Han, Caiyan Zhang, Lan Yang, Wenfeng Xiao, Jinrong Fu, Hao Li, Yufeng Zhou
Summary: Exosomal miRNAs, such as miR-101-3p and miR-423-5p, play important roles as tumor suppressors in mediating the progression of medulloblastoma by inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, and promoting apoptosis. These exosomal miRNAs can be delivered to tumor cells via exosomes and directly target genes like FOXP4 and EZH2, reinforcing their tumor inhibitory effects. Overexpression of miR-101-3p and miR-423-5p has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in vivo in a xenograft mouse model, indicating a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of children with medulloblastoma.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yu-kun Zheng, Zhong-shi Zhou, Guang-zhong Wang, Ji-yuan Tu, Huan-bo Cheng, Shang-zhi Ma, Chang Ke, Yan Wang, Qi-pan Jian, Yu-hang Shu, Xiao-wei Wu
Summary: This study found that inhibiting miR-122-5p can activate p53 and hinder the progression of the MVA pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This leads to a decrease in cell proliferation and migration, and an increase in apoptosis. miR-122-5p interacts with p53 and is negatively correlated with its expression. Thus, miR-122-5p regulates NSCLC by targeting p53, offering potential molecular targets for targeted drug development.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samaneh Harimi, Behzad Khansarinejad, Farzaneh Fesahat, Mahdieh Mondanizadeh
Summary: Osteoblast differentiation is regulated by the hedgehog signaling pathway. This study identified two miRNAs that target the Ihh gene and found that they have an antithetical regulation during the differentiation process. These findings support the hypothesis that these miRNAs could target Ihh in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rukiye Tekdemir, Yavuz Selvi, Kursat Altinbas, Nadir Kocak
Summary: This study found that miRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder and may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and screening of the disorder.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra Ioana Moatar, Aimee Rodica Chis, Mirabela Romanescu, Paula-Diana Ciordas, Diana Nitusca, Catalin Marian, Cristian Oancea, Ioan-Ovidiu Sirbu
Summary: This study evaluated the early level of circulating miR-195 in Covid-19 patients and found it to be a potential biomarker of disease severity. miR-195 is associated with several clinical and paraclinical parameters and can effectively discriminate between severe and mild forms of the disease. The study also suggests a possible role of miR-195 in long Covid and chronic fatigue syndrome.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kai Guo, Di Qi, Bo Huang
Summary: The study revealed that lncRNA MEG8 plays a critical role in the development of NSCLC by modulating the miR-15a/b-5p/PSAT1 axis, indicating that lncRNA MEG8, miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, and PSAT1 may serve as potential targets for NSCLC therapy.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Papi, Matteo Zurlo, Laura Gambari, Andrea Rozzi, Alex Manicardi, Roberto Corradini, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly lethal tumor with no curative treatment available. This study investigated the potential of a combined therapy using sulforaphane (SFN) and a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) to target miR-15b-5p in GBM cells. The results showed that SFN and PNA-a15b synergistically induced apoptosis in GBM cells, suggesting the feasibility of using combined treatments based on PNAs and nutraceuticals to stimulate apoptosis in GBM.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matteo Zurlo, Romeo Romagnoli, Paola Oliva, Jessica Gasparello, Alessia Finotti, Roberto Gambari
Summary: The study demonstrates that a combination therapy using an anti-miR-10b-5p and a 1-(3',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-aryl-1H-imidazole derivative is an encouraging strategy to enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapies while reducing side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Papi, Jessica Gasparello, Matteo Zurlo, Alex Manicardi, Roberto Corradini, Giulio Cabrini, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: The study found that targeting CFTR-regulating microRNAs with antisense PNAs can increase CFTR production. Particularly, highly effective combinations were identified with PNAs targeting miR-145-5p and miR-101-3p in the treatment of Calu-3 cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Matteo Zurlo, Francesco Nicoli, Davide Proietto, Beatrice Dallan, Cristina Zuccato, Lucia Carmela Cosenza, Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Papi, Elisabetta d'Aversa, Monica Borgatti, Chiara Scapoli, Alessia Finotti, Roberto Gambari
Summary: Inhibitors of mTOR, such as Sirolimus, can enhance vaccine responses in the elderly. Testing Sirolimus and other geroprotective drugs might be a key strategy to improve the overall health resilience of aged populations. This study analyzed the activity of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in beta-Thalassemia patients treated with Sirolimus and found that it positively impacted the biological activity and number of memory T cells.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enrico Cadoni, Lessandro De Paepe, Gertjan Colpaert, Ruben Tack, Dries Waegeman, Alex Manicardi, Annemieke Madder
Summary: The importance of non-canonical DNA structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4) and intercalating-motifs (iMs) in cellular processes has been demonstrated. Developing tools for specific targeting of these structures is crucial. This study presents a simple methodology for sequence-specific targeting of G4 and iM DNA structures using a multi-component system.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Matteo Zurlo, Jessica Gasparello, Lucia Carmela Cosenza, Giulia Breveglieri, Chiara Papi, Cristina Zuccato, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: The objective of this study was to develop an experimental model system for studying the reduction of toxic alpha-globin aggregates in beta-thalassemia. K562 cellular clones were produced that stably produced high levels of alpha-globin protein and showed increased apoptosis and autophagy. This model system can be used to screen pharmacological agents that activate autophagy and reduce alpha-globin accumulation, as well as for new therapeutic approaches targeting the reduction of alpha-globin gene expression.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Alex Manicardi, Atiruj Theppawong, Marleen Van Troys, Annemieke Madder
Summary: 1,4-Dione-containing peptides are generated from the cleavage of 2,5-disubstituted furan-containing systems. The generated electrophilic systems react with a-effect nucleophiles, following a Paal-Knorr-like mechanism, to form macrocyclic peptides after resuspension in water. Detailed investigation of the reaction characteristics was performed on supramolecular coiled-coil systems.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
D. Aerssens, L. Miret-Casals, D. Gomez, D. Sousa-Neves, Y. Levy, M. De Vleesschouwer, A. Manicardi, A. Madder
Summary: We report the co-existence of parallel and antiparallel conformations of E3/K3 and E3/R3 heterodimeric coiled-coil systems in solution for the first time. Introducing a furanylated amino acid in the (EIAALEK)(3) sequence enabled the freezing of the respective coiled-coil complexes through photo-induced covalent crosslinking. Computational simulations and fluorescence experiments based on pyrene-pyrene stacking further confirmed the presence of both conformations in solution.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Papi, Matteo Zurlo, Laura Gambari, Alex Manicardi, Andrea Rozzi, Matteo Ferrarini, Roberto Corradini, Roberto Gambari, Alessia Finotti
Summary: Starting from a list of nine dysregulated miRNAs in early-stage CRC patients, the study verified the therapeutic effects of anti-miRNA PNAs targeting the most relevant up-regulated miRNAs. PNAs down-regulated these target miRNAs and induced apoptosis in CRC cellular models. Combining anti-miRNA PNAs with pro-apoptotic compounds like sulforaphane resulted in high levels of apoptosis induction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Zuccato, Lucia Carmela Cosenza, Matteo Zurlo, Giulia Breveglieri, Nicoletta Bianchi, Ilaria Lampronti, Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Scapoli, Monica Borgatti, Alessia Finotti, Roberto Gambari
Summary: The human homologue of mouse Ly-1 antibody reactive clone protein (LYAR) is a potential regulator of gamma-globin gene transcription. The LYAR rs368698783 (G > A) polymorphism is present in beta-thalassemia patients and reduces the LYAR binding efficiency to the A gamma-globin gene. This study aimed to stratify beta-thalassemia patients based on the rs368698783 (G > A) polymorphism and investigate their erythroid precursor cells' response to selected HbF inducers in vitro.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alessio Bucciarelli, Mauro Petretta, Brunella Grigolo, Laura Gambari, Alessandra Maria Bossi, Francesco Grassi, Devid Maniglio
Summary: In this study, a crosslinked methacrylated silk (Sil-MA) grid structure was developed, which can recover its shape under UV light and has biocompatibility and osteogenic support. Sil-MA was chemically and physically characterized, and tested for its biocompatibility according to ISO protocols. Digital Light Processing and pneumatic extrusion techniques were used to manufacture the Sil-MA grid structure, demonstrating its shape memory property and potential application in bone regeneration.
Article
Hematology
Cristina Zuccato, Lucia Carmela Cosenza, Matteo Zurlo, Jessica Gasparello, Chiara Papi, Elisabetta D'Aversa, Giulia Breveglieri, Ilaria Lampronti, Alessia Finotti, Monica Borgatti, Chiara Scapoli, Alice Stievano, Monica Fortini, Eric Ramazzotti, Nicola Marchetti, Marco Prosdocimi, Maria Rita Gamberini, Roberto Gambari
Summary: The study demonstrates that low-dose sirolimus treatment in patients with beta-thalassemia can increase the expression of gamma-globin genes and reduce biochemical markers associated with ineffective erythropoiesis. This finding provides important insights for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN HEMATOLOGY
(2022)