Characterization, developmental expression and evolutionary features of the huntingtin gene in the amphioxus Branchiostoma floridae

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Huntington's disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the expansion of an N-terminal polyQ stretch in the huntingtin protein. In order to investigate the hypothesis that huntingtin was already involved in development of the nervous system in the last common ancestor of chordates, we isolated and characterised the huntingtin homologue from the amphioxus <it>Branchiostoma floridae</it>. In the present paper the amphioxus general term must be referred to <it>Branchiostoma floridae</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this report, we show that the exon-intron organization of the amphioxus huntingtin gene is highly conserved with that of other vertebrates species. The AmphiHtt protein has two glutamine residues in the position of the typical vertebrate polyQ tract. Sequence conservation is greater along the entire length of the protein than in a previously identified <it>Ciona </it>huntingtin. The first three N-terminal HEAT repeats are highly conserved in vertebrates and amphioxus, although exon rearrangement has occurred in this region. <it>AmphiHtt </it>expression is detectable by in situ hybridization starting from the early neurula stage, where it is found in cells of the neural plate. At later stages, it is retained in the neural compartment but also it appears in limited and well-defined groups of non-neural cells. At subsequent larval stages, <it>AmphiHtt </it>expression is detected in the neural tube, with the strongest signal being present in the most anterior part.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The cloning of amphioxus huntingtin allows to infer that the polyQ in huntingtin was already present 540 million years ago and provides a further element for the study of huntingtin function and its evolution along the deuterostome branch.</p

Expression of AmphiNaC, a new member of the amiloride-sensitive sodium channel related to degenerins and epithelial sodium channels in amphioxus

Degenerins and amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels form a new family of cationic ion channels (DEG/NaC). DEG/NaC family emerged as common denominator within a metazoan mechanosensory apparatus. In this study, we characterized a new member of such family in amphioxus, Branchiostoma floridae. The AmphiNaC cDNA sequence encodes a protein showing amino acid residues characteristic of DEG/NaC family, such as two hydrophobic domains surrounding a large extracellular loop that includes cystein-rich domains; nevertheless its predicted sequence is quite divergent from other family members. AmphiNaC is expressed at early larval stage in some putative sensory epidermal cells in the middle of the body and in neurons of the posterior cerebral vesicle, as well as in some ventrolateral and mediolateral neurons of the neural tube. In late larvae, AmphiNaC expression is maintained in some neurons of the neural tube, and it is expressed in putative sensory epidermal cells of rostrum and mouth. The analysis of AmphiNaC gene expression pattern suggests that it might be involved in neurotransmission and sensory modulation

A study of neural-related microRNAs in the developing amphioxus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs regulating expression of protein coding genes at post-transcriptional level and controlling several biological processes. At present microRNAs have been identified in various metazoans and seem also to be involved in brain development, neuronal differentiation and subtypes specification. An approach to better understand the role of microRNAs in animal gene expression is to determine temporal and tissue-specific expression patterns of microRNAs in different model organisms. Therefore, we have investigated the expression of six neural related microRNAs in amphioxus, an organism having an important phylogenetic position in terms of understanding the origin and evolution of chordates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In amphioxus, all the microRNAs we examined are expressed in specific regions of the CNS, and some of them are correlated with specific cell types. In addition, miR-7, miR-137 and miR-184 are also expressed in endodermal and mesodermal tissues. Several potential targets expressed in the nervous system of amphioxus have been identified by computational prediction and some of them are coexpressed with one or more miRNAs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We identified six miRNAs that are expressed in the nervous system of amphioxus in a variety of patterns. miR-124 is found in both differentiating and mature neurons, miR-9 in differentiated neurons, miR-7, miR-137 and miR-184 in restricted CNS regions, and miR-183 in cells of sensory organs. Therefore, such amphioxus miRNAs may play important roles in regional patterning and/or specification of neuronal cell types.</p

The synapsin gene family in basal chordates: evolutionary perspectives in metazoans

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Synapsins are neuronal phosphoproteins involved in several functions correlated with both neurotransmitter release and synaptogenesis. The comprehension of the basal role of the synapsin family is hampered in vertebrates by the existence of multiple synapsin genes. Therefore, studying homologous genes in basal chordates, devoid of genome duplication, could help to achieve a better understanding of the complex functions of these proteins.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study we report the cloning and characterization of the <it>Ciona intestinalis </it>and amphioxus <it>Branchiostoma floridae </it>synapsin transcripts and the definition of their gene structure using available <it>C. intestinalis </it>and <it>B. floridae </it>genomic sequences. We demonstrate the occurrence, in both model organisms, of a single member of the synapsin gene family. Full-length synapsin genes were identified in the recently sequenced genomes of phylogenetically diverse metazoans. Comparative genome analysis reveals extensive conservation of the SYN locus in several metazoans. Moreover, developmental expression studies underline that synapsin is a neuronal-specific marker in basal chordates and is expressed in several cell types of PNS and in many, if not all, CNS neurons.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our study demonstrates that synapsin genes are metazoan genes present in a single copy per genome, except for vertebrates. Moreover, we hypothesize that, during the evolution of synapsin proteins, new domains are added at different stages probably to cope up with the increased complexity in the nervous system organization. Finally, we demonstrate that protochordate synapsin is restricted to the post-mitotic phase of CNS development and thereby is a good marker of postmitotic neurons.</p

miR-7 Knockdown by Peptide Nucleic Acids in the Ascidian Ciona intestinalis

Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are synthetic mimics of natural oligonucleotides, which bind complementary DNA/RNA strands with high sequence specificity. They display numerous advantages, but in vivo applications are still rare. One of the main drawbacks of PNAs application is the poor cellular uptake that could be overcome by using experimental models, in which microinjection techniques allow direct delivery of molecules into eggs. Thus, in this communication, we investigated PNAs efficiency in miR-7 downregulation and compared its effects with those obtained with the commercially available antisense molecule, Antagomir (Dharmacon) in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. Ascidians are marine invertebrates closely related to vertebrates, in which PNA techniques have not been applied yet. Our results suggested that anti-miR-7 PNAs were able to reach their specific targets in the developing ascidian embryos with high efficiency, as the same effects were obtained with both PNA and Antagomir. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence that unmodified PNAs can be applied in in vivo knockdown strategies when directly injected into eggs

Case report: Non-invasive cyto-salivary sampling and biomarker detection via ELISA versus histopathology for diagnosing oral potentially malignant disorders - Insights from a case-control study

Oral leukoplakia is classified among oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The visual oral examination (VOE) is the most used method for identifying lesions in their early stages. Given that the diagnosis of oral cancer is often late, there is an urgent need for early detection and examination of oral lesions. Surgical biopsy represents the gold standard as a diagnostic method, but because it is invasive, it cannot be repeated for periodic checks. We report the case of a lesion on the buccal mucosa of a 65-year-old male patient with a malignant appearance. The patient underwent a novel non-invasive cyto-salivary sampling and ELISA immunoassay for tumor biomarker detection and biopsy with histopathological analysis. The rapid ELISA test results excluded signs of malignancy, providing valuable insights into the lesion’s immunophenotypic profile, which were consistent with the histopathological examination findings. This case report highlights the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a lesion with the aspect of Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia (PVL), emphasizing its challenging diagnosis and management. The integration of non-invasive cytobrush sampling with biomarker analysis proved valuable in detecting specific tumor biomarkers, potentially indicating ongoing tumor transformation. Monitoring these markers over time could enhance early detection and management strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes. This approach underscores the utility of non-invasive techniques in phenotyping oral lesions and supporting clinical decision-making in oral medicine

Depigmenting potential of lichen extracts evaluated by in vitro and in vivo tests

Melanin is the main pigment of human skin, playing the primary role of protection from ultraviolet radiation. Alteration of the melanin production may lead to hyperpigmentation diseases, with both aesthetic and health consequences. Thus, suppressors of melanogenesis are considered useful tools for medical and cosmetic treatments. A great interest is focused on natural sources, aimed at finding safe and quantitatively available depigmenting substances. Lichens are thought to be possible sources of this kind of compounds, as the occurrence of many phenolic molecules suggests possible effects on phenolase enzymes involved in melanin synthesis, like tyrosinase. In this work, we used four lichen species, Cetraria islandica Ach., Flavoparmelia caperata Hale, Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue, and Parmotrema perlatum (Hudson) M. Choisy, to obtain extracts in solvents of increasing polarity, viz. chloroform, chloroform-methanol, methanol, and water. Cell-free, tyrosinase inhibition experiments showed highest inhibition for L. vulpina methanol extract, followed by C. islandica chloroform-methanol one. Comparable results for depigmenting activities were observed by means of in vitro and in vivo systems, such as MeWo melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae. Our study provides first evidence of depigmenting effects of lichen extracts, from tyrosinase inhibition to cell and in vivo models, suggesting that L. vulpina and C. islandica extracts deserve to be further studied for developing skin-whitening products

Case Report: A Peculiar Case of Inflammatory Colitis After SARS-CoV-2 Infection

open14noWe report a case of inflammatory colitis after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with no additional co-morbidity who died within three weeks of hospitalization. As it is becoming increasingly clear that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause immunological alterations, we investigated the expression of the inhibitory checkpoint PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 to explore the potential role of this axis in the break of self-tolerance. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in colon tissue was demonstrated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical localization of the nucleocapsid protein. Expression of lymphocyte markers, PD-1, and PD-L1 in colon tissue was investigated by IHC. SARSCoV- 2-immunoreactive cells were detected both in the ulcerated and non-ulcerated mucosal areas. Compared to healthy tissue, where PD-1 is weakly expressed and PD-L1 is absent, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression appears in the inflamed mucosal tissue, as expected, but was mainly confined to non-ulcerative areas. At the same time, these markers were virtually undetectable in areas of mucosal ulceration. Our data show an alteration of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and suggest a link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and an aberrant autoinflammatory response due to concomitant breakdown of the PD-1/ PD-L1 interaction leading to early death of the patient.openRutigliani, Mariangela; Bozzo, Matteo; Barberis, Andrea; Greppi, Marco; Anelli, Emanuela; Castellaro, Luca; Bonsignore, Alessandro; Azzinnaro, Antonio; Pesce, Silvia; Filauro, Marco; Rollandi, Gian Andrea; Castagnola, Patrizio; Candiani, Simona; Marcenaro, EmanuelaRutigliani, Mariangela; Bozzo, Matteo; Barberis, Andrea; Greppi, Marco; Anelli, Emanuela; Castellaro, Luca; Bonsignore, Alessandro; Azzinnaro, Antonio; Pesce, Silvia; Filauro, Marco; Rollandi, Gian Andrea; Castagnola, Patrizio; Candiani, Simona; Marcenaro, Emanuel

New miRNA Signature Heralds Human NK Cell Subsets at Different Maturation Steps: Involvement of miR-146a-5p in the Regulation of KIR Expression

Natural killer cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that play an important role for early host defenses against infectious pathogens and surveillance against tumor. In humans, NK cells may be divided in various subsets on the basis of the relative CD56 expression and of the low-affinity FcγRIIIA CD16. In particular, the two main NK cell subsets are represented by the CD56bright/CD16−/dim and the CD56dim/CD16bright NK cells. Experimental evidences indicate that CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells represent different maturative stages of the NK cell developmental pathway. We identified multiple miRNAs differentially expressed in CD56bright/CD16− and CD56dim/CD16bright NK cells using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Among these, we found a few miRNAs with a consistent differential expression in the two NK cell subsets, and with an intermediate expression in the CD56bright/CD16dim NK cell subset, representing a transitional step of maturation of NK cells. These analyses allowed us to establish the existence of a miRNA signature able to efficiently discriminate the two main NK cell subsets regardless of their surface phenotype. In addition, by analyzing the putative targets of representative miRNAs we show that hsa-miR-146a-5p, may be involved in the regulation of killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) expression. These results contribute to a better understanding of the physiologic significance of miRNAs in the regulation of the development/function of human NK cells. Moreover, our results suggest that hsa-miR-146a-5p targeting, resulting in KIR down-regulation, may be exploited to generate/increment the effect of NK KIR-mismatching against HLA-class I+ tumor cells and thus improve the NK-mediated anti-tumor activity

Colorectal cancer-infiltrating NK cell landscape analysis unravels tissue-resident PD-1+ NK cells in microsatellite instability tumors

BackgroundNatural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes endowed with potent cytotoxic activity. The presence of tumor-associated NK cells has been correlated with better prognosis in several solid tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). This malignant disease is the second cause of cancer death worldwide and is in urgent need for novel approaches to improve current immunotherapies. Since CRC microenvironment can induce NK cell dysfunction and hinder cancer control, understanding tumor-associated NK cell features is mandatory to fully unlock their immunotherapeutic potential.PurposeOur study aims at elucidating the molecular and functional characteristics of tumor-associated NK cells in CRC focusing on the expression of immune checkpoints that critically regulate NK cell function. We performed an in-depth cytofluorimetric analysis of tumor-associated NK cells obtained by tissue dissociation of samples derived from 80 CRC patients comparing tumor with matched tumor-free tissue and peripheral blood, stratifying patients by tumor stage or MSI/MSS condition. Tumor tissue was also analyzed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsNK cells expressing immune checkpoints (i.e., KIR, NKG2A and TIM-3) were significantly enriched in tumor compared to tumor-free tissue, and an increase in PD-1+ NK cells was observed in tumors compared to peripheral blood and tumor-free tissue, indicating TME-induced modulation. Notably, tumor-associated PD-1+ NK cells characterized MSI rather than MSS CRC. In addition, tumor-associated NK cells also expressed tissue residency markers (CD103 and/or CD49a) and displayed a distinct profile also including the PD-1+ NK cell subset in MSI CRC, possibly representing NK cells recruited from circulation, retained in tumors, and reconfigured by TME signals. Importantly, tissue resident NK cells adequately expressed activating NK receptors and cytotoxic molecules.ConclusionsThese results suggest, together with an increased PD-L1 expression on MSI tumor cells, that the efficacy of immunotherapies in MSI CRC based on PD-1/PD-L1 blockade could also rely on a superior anti-tumor potential of PD-1+ NK cells. Conversely, MSS CRC, in which tumor-associated PD-1+ NK cells are scarce, could benefit more from immunotherapies blocking NKG2A and/or KIRs. Thus, novel approaches based on NK cell features related to CRC type, fully exploiting circulating and resident NK cell anti-tumor activity, could be key to next-generation therapies