Article
Cell Biology
Francesco Moccia, Estella Zuccolo, Francesca Di Nezza, Giorgia Pellavio, Pawan S. Faris, Sharon Negri, Antonio De Luca, Umberto Laforenza, Luigi Ambrosone, Vittorio Rosti, Germano Guerra
Summary: The study demonstrates that NAADP-induced TPC1-mediated Ca(2+)release can selectively regulate endothelial functions in circulating ECFCs by mobilizing lysosomal Ca(2+)store.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Young Cheol Song, Gyu Tae Park, Hye Ji Moon, Eun-Bae Choi, Mi-Ju Lim, Jung Won Yoon, Nayeon Lee, Sang Mo Kwon, Byung-Joo Lee, Jae Ho Kim
Summary: Hybrid cell spheroids can enhance the survival and therapeutic effects of cell transplantation for peripheral artery disease.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Ding, Ya-Ling Yin, Lin-Hua Jiang
Summary: The article discusses the importance of endothelial cell function in physiological and pathological processes, with a focus on the role of the TRPM2 channel in mediating ROS-induced calcium signaling in endothelial cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Shun Hay Pun, Karla M. O'Neill, Kevin S. Edgar, Eleanor K. Gill, Arya Moez, Hojjat Naderi-Meshkin, Sudhir B. Malla, Michelle B. Hookham, Mohammed Alsaggaf, Vinuthna Vani Madishetti, Bianca Botezatu, William King, Coy Brunssen, Henning Morawietz, Philip D. Dunne, Derek P. Brazil, Reinhold J. Medina, Chris J. Watson, David J. Grieve
Summary: This study aimed to investigate and define the contribution of NOX4 NADPH oxidase to hypoxia-induced dysfunction and explore its potential as a therapeutic target. The results showed that activation of the PLAC8-NOX4 signaling axis improved the angiogenic functions of CB-ECFCs under hypoxic conditions.
Article
Hematology
Gregoire Detriche, Nicolas Gendron, Aurelien Philippe, Maxime Gruest, Paul Billoir, Elisa Rossi, Coralie L. Guerin, Anna Lokajczyk, Severine Brabant, Dominique Prie, Tristan Mirault, David M. Smadja
Summary: Gonadotropins increase ECFC-related angiogenesis and may be involved in thrombin generation in cardiovascular disease. Gonadotropins may act as biomarkers; moreover, we hypothesize that gonadotropin-blocking strategies may be a novel interesting therapeutic approach in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yanfen Cui, Hui Liu, Zhaosong Wang, He Zhang, Jianfei Tian, Zhiyong Wang, Weijie Song, Hui Guo, Liming Liu, Ruinan Tian, Xiaoyan Zuo, Sixin Ren, Fei Zhang, Ruifang Niu
Summary: High fructose intake is associated with increased risk of multiple cancers. Fructose can enhance the biological function of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and promote angiogenesis by activating the Akt and Src signaling pathways. It can also upregulate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in colorectal cancer cells, indirectly enhancing the function of VECs. These findings have been validated in clinical colorectal cancer tissues and mouse models.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kevin T. Campbell, Matthew B. Curtis, Joshua M. Massey, Kajetan Wysoczynski, Dustin J. Hadley, Steve C. George, Eduardo A. Silva
Summary: Lymphatic dysfunction is associated with the progression of several vascular disorders, and there are limited strategies currently available to promote new lymphatic vasculature. This study isolated lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells from human umbilical cord blood and found that they have the potential to promote lymphatic sprouts, highlighting the therapeutic potential of these cells. Delivery of lymphatic EPCs using alginate hydrogels also showed promise for possible therapeutic applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Zoe Guillaume, Marie Auvray, Yann Vano, Stephane Oudard, Dominique Helley, Laetitia Mauge
Summary: This article highlights the role of angiogenesis in renal cancer treatment, suggesting that angiogenesis-related markers can be potential predictors of treatment response. However, there is still limited research on these markers in immunotherapy.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Chi Zhang, Yinuo Lin, Ke Zhang, Luyang Meng, Xinyang Hu, Jinghai Chen, Wei Zhu, Hong Yu
Summary: The study found that GDF11 can enhance the therapeutic effects of stem cells for ischemic diseases by increasing stem cell viability, mobility, and angiogenic paracrine functions.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shu Yan, Ji Hu, Jia Li, Pengchao Wang, Yilong Wang, Zhaohui Wang
Summary: PRMT4 is upregulated in ischemic muscles and promotes angiogenesis. It regulates VEGF expression by interacting with YB1. Knockdown of YB1 attenuates PRMT4-mediated angiogenic effects in vitro.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paolo Armanetti, Anastasia Chilla, Francesca Margheri, Alessio Biagioni, Luca Menichetti, Giancarlo Margheri, Fulvio Ratto, Sonia Centi, Francesca Bianchini, Mirko Severi, Rita Traversi, Daniele Bani, Matteo Lulli, Tommaso Del Rosso, Alessandra Mocali, Elisabetta Rovida, Mario Del Rosso, Gabriella Fibbi, Anna Laurenzana
Summary: This study demonstrated that endothelial colony forming cells can effectively deliver gold nanoparticles to tumors, showing potential in cancer treatment. The AuNP-loaded ECFCs were able to migrate to tumor sites in a mouse model and remain in the tumor mass for an extended period without causing damage to healthy tissue. Additionally, the study showed that the ECFC-loaded AuNPs were efficiently cleared by the liver over time.
Article
Cell Biology
Aikaterini Gatsiou, Kateryna Sopova, Alexandros Tselepis, Konstantinos Stellos
Summary: Platelets are immune cells known for their haemostatic properties and play a key role in vascular regeneration and angiogenesis by releasing growth factors. The IL-17A/IL-17RA axis selectively induces the release of pro-angiogenic factors from platelets, affecting endothelial cells and driving them towards a pro-angiogenic state.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nadia Meyer, Lars Brodowski, Katja Richter, Constantin S. von Kaisenberg, Bianca Schroeder-Heurich, Frauke von Versen-Hoeynck
Summary: Pravastatin enhances the functional capacities of ECFCs and promotes angiogenic signaling and protein expression, improving endothelial health. These effects may offer a promising option for ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and understanding the pleiotropic function of statins.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yaqi Tang, Lu Yin, Shuai Gao, Xiaojing Long, Zhanhui Du, Yingchao Zhou, Shuiyan Zhao, Yue Cao, Silin Pan
Summary: Combining synthetic polymers and biomacromolecules can prevent thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia in small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs). In this study, a bi-layered scaffold using electrospinning poly (L)-lactic acid (PLLA) is developed to promote the capture and differentiation of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and prevent thrombosis after implantation. The scaffold consists of an outer PLLA scaffold and an inner PLLA biomimetic membrane containing heparin, the peptide Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (GGG-REDV), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The modified SDVGs showed improved hemocompatibility and successful capture and differentiation of ECFCs.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rahul Mallick, Erika Gurzeler, Pyry I. Toivanen, Tiina Nieminen, Seppo Yla-Herttuala
Summary: VEGF-B186R127S induces vascular growth in mouse heart by recruiting EPCs. It is a novel therapeutic agent for cardiac therapeutic angiogenesis to rescue myocardial tissue after an ischemic insult.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sharon Negri, Pawan Faris, Gabriele Tullii, Mauro Vismara, Alessandro F. Pellegata, Francesco Lodola, Gianni Guidetti, Vittorio Rosti, Maria Rosa Antognazza, Francesco Moccia
Summary: Optical excitation of rr-P3HT was found to activate TRPV1 in ECFCs, leading to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This Ca2+ response was triggered by extracellular Ca2+ entry through TRPV1 and subsequent release from the endoplasmic reticulum.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesco Moccia, Sharon Negri, Pawan Faris, Carlotta Ronchi, Francesco Lodola
Summary: Therapeutic neovascularization is a promising strategy to restore vascular network and organ function in cardiovascular disorders. Endothelial colony forming cells are considered the most suitable tool for this. Optical stimulation using photosensitive organic semiconductors can offer a reliable strategy to stimulate neovascularization.
VASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Angelica Perna, Maria A. Carleo, Silvia Mascolo, Alessandra Guida, Marcella Contieri, Carmine Sellitto, Eleonora Hay, Paolo De Blasiis, Angela Lucariello, Germano Guerra, Alfonso Baldi, Antonio De Luca, Paolo Maggi, Vincenzo Esposito
Summary: In-vitro experiments demonstrated that integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) can promote adipocyte differentiation and induce fibroblastic features in a cell line. Furthermore, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) inhibit adipocyte differentiation, especially when used in combination with INSTIs. These findings suggest a potential role of INSTIs and NRTIs in adipogenesis and fibroblast differentiation.
Article
Biology
Angelica Perna, Eleonora Hay, Paolo De Blasiis, Marco La Verde, Francesca Caprio, Marco Torella, Maddalena Morlando, Carmine Sellitto, Germano Guerra, Angela Lucariello, Alfonso Baldi, Antonio De Luca
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes, such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders. Infection during the third trimester can result in significant alterations in placental vascular development, including fibrin deposits, lymphocyte infiltration, edema, and thrombi. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved and develop therapeutic strategies.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Angelica Perna, Eleonora Hay, Carmine Sellitto, Emiliano Del Genio, Maria De Falco, Germano Guerra, Antonio De Luca, Paolo De Blasiis, Angela Lucariello
Summary: Nutraceuticals have gained interest in managing viral infections, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Turmeric and spirulina have become important nutraceuticals in recent years. This review aims to collect scientific evidence on the role of these compounds, with turmeric showing potential against COVID-19 and limited information on spirulina's role against SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral properties of spirulina and its potential synergistic effect with curcumin suggest its importance in fighting COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pasquale Mone, Giuseppe Martinelli, Angela Lucariello, Anna Luisa Leo, Anna Marro, Stefano De Gennaro, Stefania Marzocco, Divina Moriello, Salvatore Frullone, Luigi Cobellis, Gaetano Santulli
Summary: Women with diabetes and hypertension are at higher risk of frailty and cognitive impairment. A recently introduced extended-release formulation of metformin has shown positive effects in attenuating frailty in post-menopausal women. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the favorable effects of extended-release metformin on cognitive impairment in frail women with diabetes and hypertension.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Moccia, Valentina Brunetti, Angelica Perna, Germano Guerra, Teresa Soda, Roberto Berra-Romani
Summary: Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous mode of Ca2+ influx that regulates various functions in vascular endothelial cells. The activation mechanisms of endothelial SOCE have been controversial, with traditional assumptions of two distinct ion channels complexes, STIM1/Orai1 and STIM1/TRPC1/TRPC4. Recent evidence suggests that Orai1 can assemble with TRPC1 and TRPC4 to form a non-selective cation channel. Here, we summarize the different mechanisms of endothelial SOCE in the vascular tree of multiple species, proposing the involvement of three distinct currents mediated by STIM1, Orai1, TRPC1, and TRPC4.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Soda, Valentina Brunetti, Roberto Berra-Romani, Francesco Moccia
Summary: NMDARs are ion channels activated by glutamate that play crucial roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. They are not only present in neurons but also in non-neuronal cells and have important functions in the cardiovascular system. Excessive NMDAR activity can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Angelica Perna, Alessia Tani, Carmine Sellitto, Mirca Marini, Marco La Verde, Antonio De Luca, Germano Guerra, Angela Lucariello, Mirko Manetti, Eleonora Sgambati
Summary: Recent investigations have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection can have negative effects on pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to explore changes in the distribution and content of sialic acids (Sias) in placentas from pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during different trimesters. The results indicated lower levels of alpha 2,3 Galactose-linked Sias in placentas from women infected during the second and third trimester, as well as higher levels of PolySia during the same periods. These findings suggest that alterations in sialylation status may contribute to placental histopathological changes and gestational complications in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnancies during the second and third trimester.
Article
Neurosciences
Lisa Zanoletti, Aurora Valdata, Kristina Nehlsen, Pawan Faris, Claudio Casali, Rosalia Cacciatore, Ilaria Sbarsi, Francesca Carriero, Davide Arfini, Lies van Baarle, Veronica De Simone, Giulia Barbieri, Elena Raimondi, Tobias May, Francesco Moccia, Mauro Bozzola, Gianluca Matteoli, Sergio Comincini, Federico Manai
Summary: For the first time, a human immortalized enteric glial cell line (referred as ClK) was developed through a validated lentiviral transgene protocol. The phenotypic glial features of ClK cells were confirmed through morphological and molecular evaluations, along with providing detailed information about their chromosomal rearrangements and HLA-related genotypes. Furthermore, the response of EGCs markers (GFAP, SOX10, S100 beta, PLP1, and CCL2) upon inflammatory stimuli was investigated, further confirming the glial nature of the analyzed cells. Overall, this study provided a novel in vitro tool to characterize the behavior of EGCs under physiological and pathological conditions in humans.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pasquale Mone, Urna Kansakar, Angela Lucariello, Anna Marro, Antonella Pansini, Fahimeh Varzideh, Giovanna Nittolo, Lino De Angelis, Valentina Trimarco, Giuseppe Martinelli, Antonio De Luca, Gaetano Santulli
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Francesco Moccia, Daniela Montagna
Summary: Moderate levels of ROS can promote tumor metastasis and invasion, while excessive levels of ROS can impair tumor growth and metastasis by inducing cancer cell death. Malignant cells have developed a sophisticated antioxidant defense mechanism to cope with oxidative stress. Targeting the antioxidant capacity of cancer cells or enhancing their sensitivity to ROS-dependent cell death can be a promising alternative anticancer treatment strategy.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco Moccia, Valentina Brunetti, Teresa Soda, Pawan Faris, Giorgia Scarpellino, Roberto Berra-Romani
Summary: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive substitution of cardiomyocytes with fibrofatty scar tissue, leading to life-threatening arrhythmic events. Flecainide has been used to treat ACM by targeting both Nav1.5 and RyR(2), but recent studies have shown its ability to inhibit fibro-adipogenic differentiation by suppressing spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations. This article explores the pathogenesis and therapies of ACM, as well as the molecular mechanisms targeted by flecainide and its role in suppressing fibro-adipogenic differentiation through inhibiting constitutive SOCE.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Roberto Berra-Romani, Valentina Brunetti, Giorgia Pellavio, Teresa Soda, Umberto Laforenza, Giorgia Scarpellino, Francesco Moccia
Summary: A recent study found that allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a major active constituent of cruciferous vegetables, can stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO) in human brain capillary endothelial cells, which can regulate cerebral blood flow and restore neurovascular function.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Giuseppe della Vecchia, Alfonso Baldi, Maria Beatrice Passavanti, Angela Lucariello, Antonio De Luca, Paolo De Blasiis
Summary: This study reports a clinical case of acute non-traumatic foot drop caused by peroneal intraneural ganglion and reviews the methodological management of this disease. The results show that careful clinical examination and differential diagnosis can effectively manage acute foot drop caused by peroneal intraneural ganglion and achieve satisfactory motor recovery through surgery and rehabilitation.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)