RESULTS FROM 1 TO 20 OF 3094

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Multiple preferred escape trajectories are explained by a geometric model incorporating prey's turn and predator attack endpoint

Kawabata Yuuki; Akada Hideyuki; Shimatani Ken-ichiro; Nishihara Gregory Naoki; Kimura Hibiki; Nishiumi Nozomi; Domenici Paolo.

The escape trajectory (ET) of prey - measured as the angle relative to the predator's approach path - plays a major role in avoiding predation. Previous geometric models predict a single ET; however, many species show highly variable ETs with multiple preferred directions. Although such a high ET variability may confer unpredictability to avoid predation, the reasons why animals prefer specific multiple ETs remain unclear. Here, we constructed a novel geometric model that incorporates the time required for prey to turn and the predator's position at the end of its attack. The optimal ET was determined by maximizing the time difference of arrival at the edge of the safety zone between the prey and predator. By fitting the model to the experimental data of fish Pagrus major, we show that the model can clearly explain the observed multiple preferred ETs. By changing the parameters of the same model within a realistic range, we were able to produce various patterns of ETs empirically observed in other species (e.g., insects and frogs): a single preferred ET and multiple preferred ETs at small (20-50 degrees) and large (150-180 degrees) angles from the predator. Our results open new avenues of investigation for understanding how animals choose their ETs from behavioral and neurosensory perspectives.

eLife 12

DOI: 10.7554/eLife.77699

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Combined effects of climate change stressors and predators with contrasting feeding-digestion strategies on a mussel species

Manriquez Patricio H.; Gonzalez Claudio P.; Jara Maria Elisa; Watsen Sue-Ann; Torres Rodrigo; Domenici Paolo; Duarte Cristian.

We investigated the combined effects of Ocean Warming (OW), Acidification (OA) and predator cues (Non-Consumptive Effects; NCEs) of two predators with contrasting feeding-digestion strategies on the mussel Peru-mytilus pOuratus. We considered starfish-NCEs (partially external digestion) and snail-NCEs (internal digestion). Mussels were exposed for 13 weeks to cross-factored OA (-500 and-1400 mu atm, pCO2) and OW (-15 and-20 degrees C) conditions, in the presence/absence of NCEs from one or both predators. Mussels exposed to both NCEs exhibited smaller length and buoyant weight growth than those under control or snail-NCEs conditions. Mussels exposed to starfish-NCEs exhibited smaller wet mass than control mussels. OW and starfish-NCEs in isolation or combined with snail-NCEs increased mussel oxygen consumption. Byssal biogenesis was affected by the three-factors interaction. Clearance rates were affected by the OW x OA interaction. We suggest that mainly starfish-NCEs, in isolation or interacting with OA or/and OW, can threat mussel traits and the associated community.

Marine pollution bulletin. 187

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114554

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Machine learning coarse-grained potentials of protein thermodynamics

Majewski, Maciej and Pérez, Adrià and Thölke, Philipp and Doerr, Stefan and Charron, Nicholas E. and Giorgino, Toni and Husic, Brooke E. and Clementi, Cecilia and Noe, Frank and De Fabritiis, Gianni

A generalized understanding of protein dynamics is an unsolved scientific problem, the solution of which is critical to the interpretation of the structure-function relationships that govern essential biological processes. Here, we approach this problem by constructing coarse-grained molecular potentials based on artificial neural networks and grounded in statistical mechanics. For training, we build a unique dataset of unbiased all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of approximately 9 ms for twelve different proteins with multiple secondary structure arrangements. The coarse-grained models are capable of accelerating the dynamics by more than three orders of magnitude while preserving the thermodynamics of the systems. Coarse-grained simulations identify relevant structural states in the ensemble with comparable energetics to the all-atom systems. Furthermore, we show that a single coarse-grained potential can integrate all twelve proteins and can capture experimental structural features of mutated proteins. These results indicate that machine learning coarse-grained potentials could provide a feasible approach to simulate and understand protein dynamics.

Nature communications 14 (5739), pp. 1–13

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41343-1

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

2023 Update on European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Statement on Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: new treatments and clinical guidance

Cuchel Marina; Raal Frederick J.; Hegele Robert A.; Al-Rasadi Khalid; Arca Marcello; Averna Maurizio; Bruckert Eric; Freiberger Tomas; Gaudet Daniel; Harada-Shiba Mariko; Hudgins Lisa C.; Kayikcioglu Meral; Masana Luis; Parhofer Klaus G.; Roeters van Lennep Jeanine E.; Santos Raul D.; Stroes Erik S. G.; Watts Gerald F.; Wiegman Albert; Stock Jane K.; Tokgoezoglu Lale S.; Catapano Alberico L.; Ray Kausik K.

This 2023 statement updates clinical guidance for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH), explains the genetic complexity, and provides pragmatic recommendations to address inequities in HoFH care worldwide. Key strengths include updated criteria for the clinical diagnosis of HoFH and the recommendation to prioritize phenotypic features over genotype. Thus, a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >10 mmol/L (>400 mg/dL) is suggestive of HoFH and warrants further evaluation. The statement also provides state-of-the art discussion and guidance to clinicians for interpreting the results of genetic testing and for family planning and pregnancy. Therapeutic decisions are based on the LDL-C level. Combination LDL-C-lowering therapy-both pharmacologic intervention and lipoprotein apheresis (LA)-is foundational. Addition of novel, efficacious therapies (i.e. inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, followed by evinacumab and/or lomitapide) offers potential to attain LDL-C goal or reduce the need for LA. To improve HoFH care around the world, the statement recommends the creation of national screening programmes, education to improve awareness, and management guidelines that account for the local realities of care, including access to specialist centres, treatments, and cost. This updated statement provides guidance that is crucial to early diagnosis, better care, and improved cardiovascular health for patients with HoFH worldwide.

European heart journal 44 (25), pp. 2277–2291

DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad197

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

The Akt/mTOR and MNK/eIF4E pathways rewire the prostate cancer translatome to secrete HGF, SPP1 and BGN and recruit suppressive myeloid cells

Brina Daniela; Ponzoni Adele; Troiani Martina; Cali Bianca; Pasquini Emiliano; Attanasio Giuseppe; Mosole Simone; Mirenda Michela; D'Ambrosio Mariantonietta; Colucci Manuel; Guccini Ilaria; Revandkar Ajinkya; Alajati Abdullah; Tebaldi Toma; Donzel Deborah; Lauria Fabio; Parhizgari Nahjme; Valdata Aurora; Maddalena Martino; Calcinotto Arianna; Bolis Marco; Rinaldi Andrea; Barry Simon; Rueschoff Jan Hendrik; Sabbadin Marianna; Sumanasuriya Semini; Crespo Mateus; Sharp Adam; Yuan Wei; Grinu Mathew; Boyle Alexandra; Miller Cynthia; Trotman Lloyd; Delaleu Nicolas; Fassan Matteo; Moch Holger; Viero Gabriella; de Bono Johann; Alimonti Andrea

Cancer is highly infiltrated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Currently available immunotherapies do not completely eradicate MDSCs. Through a genome-wide analysis of the translatome of prostate cancers driven by different genetic alterations, we demonstrate that prostate cancer rewires its secretome at the translational level to recruit MDSCs. Among different secreted proteins released by prostate tumor cells, we identified Hgf, Spp1 and Bgn as the key factors that regulate MDSC migration. Mechanistically, we found that the coordinated loss of Pdcd4 and activation of the MNK/eIF4E pathways regulate the mRNAs translation of Hgf, Spp1 and Bgn. MDSC infiltration and tumor growth were dampened in prostate cancer treated with the MNK1/2 inhibitor eFT508 and/or the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib, either alone or in combination with a clinically available MDSC-targeting immunotherapy. This work provides a therapeutic strategy that combines translation inhibition with available immunotherapies to restore immune surveillance in prostate cancer. Alimonti and colleagues show that coordinated activation of the Akt/mTOR and MNK/eIF4E pathways rewires the prostate cancer translatome to secrete HGF, SPP1 and BGN and recruit suppressive myeloid cells, which can be therapeutically targeted

Nature reviews. Cancer (Online)

DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00594-z

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Interrogating colorectal cancer metastasis to liver: a search for clinically viable compounds and mechanistic insights in colorectal cancer Patient Derived Organoids

Cioce Mario; Fumagalli Maria Rita; Donzelli Sara; Goeman Frauke; Canu Valeria; Rutigliano Daniela; Orlandi Giulia; Sacconi Andrea; Pulito Claudio; Palcau Alina Catalina; Fanciulli Maurizio; Morrone Aldo; Diodoro Maria Grazia; Caricato Marco; Crescenzi Anna; Verri Martina; Fazio Vito Michele; Zapperi Stefano; Levrero Massimo; Strano Sabrina; Grazi Gian Luca; La Porta Caterina; Blandino Giovanni

BackgroundApproximately 20-50% of patients presenting with localized colorectal cancer progress to stage IV metastatic disease (mCRC) following initial treatment and this is a major prognostic determinant. Here, we have interrogated a heterogeneous set of primary colorectal cancer (CRC), liver CRC metastases and adjacent liver tissue to identify molecular determinants of the colon to liver spreading. Screening Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs for their ability to interfere with an identified colon to liver metastasis signature may help filling an unmet therapeutic need.MethodsRNA sequencing of primary colorectal cancer specimens vs adjacent liver tissue vs synchronous and asynchronous liver metastases. Pathways enrichment analyses. The Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS)-based and Connectivity Map (CMAP)-mediated identification of FDA-approved compounds capable to interfere with a 22 gene signature from primary CRC and liver metastases. Testing the identified compounds on CRC-Patient Derived Organoid (PDO) cultures. Microscopy and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) based analysis of the treated PDOs.ResultsWe have found that liver metastases acquire features of the adjacent liver tissue while partially losing those of the primary tumors they derived from. We have identified a 22-gene signature differentially expressed among primary tumors and metastases and validated in public databases. A pharmacogenomic screening for FDA-approved compounds capable of interfering with this signature has been performed. We have validated some of the identified representative compounds in CRC-Patient Derived Organoid cultures (PDOs) and found that pentoxyfilline and, to a minor extent, dexketoprofen and desloratadine, can variably interfere with number, size and viability of the CRC -PDOs in a patient-specific way. We explored the pentoxifylline mechanism of action and found that pentoxifylline treatment attenuated the 5-FU elicited increase of ALDHhigh cells by attenuating the IL-6 mediated STAT3 (tyr705) phosphorylation.ConclusionsPentoxifylline synergizes with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in attenuating organoid formation. It does so by interfering with an IL-6-STAT3 axis leading to the emergence of chemoresistant ALDHhigh cell subpopulations in 5-FU treated PDOs. A larger cohort of CRC-PDOs will be required to validate and expand on the findings of this proof-of-concept study.

Journal (Avon Gardens Trust) 42 (1)

DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02754-6

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Genetic Downregulation of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 5 Dampens the Reactive and Neurotoxic Phenotype of Adult ALS Astrocytes

Torazza Carola; Provenzano Francesca; Gallia Elena; Cerminara Maria; Balbi Matilde; Bonifacino Tiziana; Tessitore Sara; Ravera Silvia; Usai Cesare; Musante Ilaria; Puliti Aldamaria; Van Den Bosh Ludo; Jafar-nejad Paymaan; Rigo Frank; Milanese,Marco; Bonanno Giambattista

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Astrocytes display a toxic phenotype in ALS, which results in MN damage. Glutamate (Glu)-mediated excitotoxicity and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play a pathological role in the disease progression. We previously demonstrated that in vivo genetic ablation or pharmacological modulation of mGluR5 reduced astrocyte activation and MN death, prolonged survival and ameliorated the clinical progression in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of ALS. This study aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of mGluR5 downregulation on the reactive spinal cord astrocytes cultured from adult late symptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice. We observed that mGluR5 downregulation in SOD1(G93A) astrocytes diminished the cytosolic Ca2+ overload under resting conditions and after mGluR5 simulation and reduced the expression of the reactive glial markers GFAP, S100 & beta; and vimentin. In vitro exposure to an anti-mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotide or to the negative allosteric modulator CTEP also ameliorated the altered reactive astrocyte phenotype. Downregulating mGluR5 in SOD1(G93A) mice reduced the synthesis and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 & beta;, IL-6 and TNF-& alpha; and ameliorated the cellular bioenergetic profile by improving the diminished oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis and by lowering the excessive lactate dehydrogenase activity. Most relevantly, mGluR5 downregulation hampered the neurotoxicity of SOD1(G93A) astrocytes co-cultured with spinal cord MNs. We conclude that selective reduction in mGluR5 expression in SOD1(G93A) astrocytes positively modulates the astrocyte reactive phenotype and neurotoxicity towards MNs, further supporting mGluR5 as a promising therapeutic target in ALS.

Cells 12 (15)

DOI: 10.3390/cells12151952

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Plant electrophysiology with conformable organic electronics: Deciphering the propagation of Venus flytrap action potentials

Armada-Moreira Adam; Dar Abdul Manan; Zhao Zifang; Cea Claudia; Gelinas Jennifer; Berggren Magnus; Costa Alex; Khodagholy Dion; Stavrinidou Eleni

Electrical signals in plants are mediators of long-distance signaling and correlate with plant movements and responses to stress. These signals are studied with single surface electrodes that cannot resolve signal propagation and integration, thus impeding their decoding and link to function. Here, we developed a conformable multielectrode array based on organic electronics for large-scale and high-resolution plant electrophysiology. We performed precise spatiotemporal mapping of the action potential (AP) in Venus flytrap and found that the AP actively propagates through the tissue with constant speed and without strong directionality. We also found that spontaneously generated APs can originate from unstimulated hairs and that they correlate with trap movement. Last, we demonstrate that the Venus flytrap circuitry can be activated by cells other than the sensory hairs. Our work reveals key properties of the AP and establishes the capacity of organic bioelectronics for resolving electrical signaling in plants contributing to the mechanistic understanding of long-distance responses in plants.

Science Advances 9 (30)

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh4443

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Infiltration of tumor spheroids by activated immune cells

Mukherjee Mrinmoy; Chepizhko Oleksandr; Lionetti Maria Chiara; Zapperi Stefano; La Porta Caterina A. M.; Levine Herbert

Recent years have seen a tremendous growth of interest in understanding the role that the adaptive immune system could play in interdicting tumor progression. In this context, it has been shown that the density of adaptive immune cells inside a solid tumor serves as a favorable prognostic marker across different types of cancer. The exact mechanisms underlying the degree of immune cell infiltration is largely unknown. Here, we quantify the temporal dynamics of the density profile of activated immune cells around a solid tumor spheroid. We propose a computational model incorporating immune cells with active, persistent movement and a proliferation rate that depends on the presence of cancer cells, and show that the model able to reproduce semi-quantitatively the experimentally measured infiltration profile. Studying the density distribution of immune cells inside a solid tumor can help us better understand immune trafficking in the tumor micro-environment, hopefully leading towards novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

Physical biology (Print) 20 (5)

DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ace0ee

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Vacuolar sugar transporter EARLY RESPONSE TO DEHYDRATION6-LIKE4 affects fructose signaling and plant growth

Khan Azkia; Cheng Jintao; Kitashova Anastasia; Fuertauer Lisa; Naegele Thomas; Picco Cristiana; Scholz-Starke Joachim; Keller Isabel; Neuhaus H. Ekkehard; Pommerrenig Benjamin

The activity of a vacuolar sugar transporter ensures balanced cytosolic monosaccharide homeostasis and influences plant growth and cold response in Arabidopsis. Regulation of intracellular sugar homeostasis is maintained by regulation of activities of sugar import and export proteins residing at the tonoplast. We show here that the EARLY RESPONSE TO DEHYDRATION6-LIKE4 (ERDL4) protein, a member of the monosaccharide transporter family, resides in the vacuolar membrane in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Gene expression and subcellular fractionation studies indicated that ERDL4 participates in fructose allocation across the tonoplast. Overexpression of ERDL4 increased total sugar levels in leaves due to a concomitantly induced stimulation of TONOPLAST SUGAR TRANSPORTER 2 (TST2) expression, coding for the major vacuolar sugar loader. This conclusion is supported by the finding that tst1-2 knockout lines overexpressing ERDL4 lack increased cellular sugar levels. ERDL4 activity contributing to the coordination of cellular sugar homeostasis is also indicated by 2 further observations. First, ERDL4 and TST genes exhibit an opposite regulation during a diurnal rhythm, and second, the ERDL4 gene is markedly expressed during cold acclimation, representing a situation in which TST activity needs to be upregulated. Moreover, ERDL4-overexpressing plants show larger rosettes and roots, a delayed flowering time, and increased total seed yield. Consistently, erdl4 knockout plants show impaired cold acclimation and freezing tolerance along with reduced plant biomass. In summary, we show that modification of cytosolic fructose levels influences plant organ development and stress tolerance.

Plant physiology (Bethesda)

DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad403

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

HINT, a code for understanding the interaction between biomolecules: a tribute to Donald J. Abraham

Kellogg Glen. E. E.; Marabotti Anna; Spyrakis Francesca; Mozzarelli Andrea

A long-lasting goal of computational biochemists, medicinal chemists, and structural biologists has been the development of tools capable of deciphering the molecule-molecule interaction code that produces a rich variety of complex biomolecular assemblies comprised of the many different simple and biological molecules of life: water, small metabolites, cofactors, substrates, proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. Software applications that can mimic the interactions amongst all of these species, taking account of the laws of thermodynamics, would help gain information for understanding qualitatively and quantitatively key determinants contributing to the energetics of the bimolecular recognition process. This, in turn, would allow the design of novel compounds that might bind at the intermolecular interface by either preventing or reinforcing the recognition. HINT, hydropathic interaction, was a model and software code developed from a deceptively simple idea of Donald Abraham with the close collaboration with Glen Kellogg at Virginia Commonwealth University. HINT is based on a function that scores atom-atom interaction using LogP, the partition coefficient of any molecule between two phases; here, the solvents are water that mimics the cytoplasm milieu and octanol that mimics the protein internal hydropathic environment. This review summarizes the results of the extensive and successful collaboration between Abraham and Kellogg at VCU and the group at the University of Parma for testing HINT in a variety of different biomolecular interactions, from proteins with ligands to proteins with DNA.

Frontiers (Tor.) 10

DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1194962

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Multiparametric Orthogonal Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles by Liquid Chromatography Combined with In-Line Light Scattering and Fluorescence Detection

Normak Karl; Papp Marcell; Ullmann Michael; Paganini Carolina; Manno Mauro; Bongiovanni Antonella; Bergese Paolo; Arosio Paolo

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed biological nanoparticles withpotential as diagnostic markers and carriers for therapeutics. Characterizationof EVs poses severe challenges due to their complex structure andcomposition, requiring the combination of orthogonal analytical techniques.Here, we demonstrate how liquid chromatography combined with multi-anglelight scattering (MALS) and fluorescence detection in one single apparatuscan provide multiparametric characterization of EV samples, includingconcentration of particles, average diameter of the particles, proteinamount to particle number ratio, presence of EV surface markers andlipids, EV shape, and sample purity. The method requires a small amountof sample of approximately 10(7) EVs, limited handling ofthe sample and data analysis time in the order of minutes; it is fullyautomatable and can be applied to both crude and purified samples.

Analytical chemistry (Wash.) 95 (33), pp. 12443–12451

DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02108

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Lemon-derived nanovesicles achieve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects activating the AhR/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Urzi Ornella; Cafora Marco; Ganji Nima Rabienezhad; Tinnirello Vincenza; Gasparro Roberta; Raccosta Samuele; Manno Mauro; Corsale Anna Maria; Conigliaro Alice; Pistocchi Anna; Raimondo Stefania; Alessandro Riccardo

In the last years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different plant matrices have been isolated and gained the interest of the scientific community for their intriguing biological properties. In this study, we isolated and characterized nano -vesicles from lemon juice (LNVs) and evaluated their antioxidant effects. We tested LNV antioxidant activity using human dermal fibroblasts that were pre-treated with LNVs for 24 h and then stimulated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and UVB irradiation. We found that LNV pre-treatment reduced ROS levels in fi-broblasts stimulated with H2O2 and UVB. This reduction was associated with the activation of the AhR/Nrf2 signaling pathway, whose protein expression and nu-clear localization was increased in fibroblasts treated with LNVs. By using zebra -fish embryos as in vivo model, we confirmed the antioxidant effects of LNVs. We found that LNVs reduced ROS levels and neutrophil migration in zebrafish em-bryos stimulated with LPS.

I, science (Print) 26 (7)

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107041

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Combination of hydrophobicity and codon usage bias determines sorting of model K+ channel protein to either mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum

Engel Anja J.; Paech Steffen; Langhans Markus; van Etten James L.; Moroni Anna; Thiel Gerhard; Rauh Oliver

When the K+ channel-like protein Kesv from Ectocarpus siliculosus virus 1 is heterologously expressed in mammalian cells, it is sorted to the mitochondria. This targeting can be redirected to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by altering the codon usage in distinct regions of the gene or by inserting a triplet of hydrophobic amino acids (AAs) into the protein's C-terminal transmembrane domain (ct-TMD). Systematic variations in the flavor of the inserted AAs and/or its codon usage show that a positive charge in the inserted AA triplet alone serves as strong signal for mitochondria sorting. In cases of neutral AA triplets, mitochondria sorting are favored by a combination of hydrophilic AAs and rarely used codons; sorting to the ER exhibits the inverse dependency. This propensity for ER sorting is particularly high when a common codon follows a rarer one in the AA triplet; mitochondria sorting in contrast is supported by codon uniformity. Since parameters like positive charge, hydrophobic AAs, and common codons are known to facilitate elongation of nascent proteins in the ribosome the data suggest a mechanism in which local changes in elongation velocity and co-translational folding in the ct-TMD influence intracellular protein sorting.

Traffic (Copenhagen. Print)

DOI: 10.1111/tra.12915

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

T-type Ca2+and persistent Na plus currents synergistically elevate ventral, not dorsal, entorhinal cortical stellate cell excitability

Topczewska Aleksandra; Giacalone Elisabetta; Pratt Wendy S.; Migliore Michele; Dolphin Annette C.; Shah Mala M.

Dorsal and ventral medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) regions have distinct neural network firing patterns to differentially support functions such as spatial memory. Accordingly, mEC layer II dorsal stellate neurons are less excitable than ventral neurons. This is partly because the densities of inhibitory conductances are higher in dorsal than ventral neurons. Here, we report that T-type Ca2+ currents increase 3-fold along the dorsal-ventral axis in mEC layer II stellate neurons, with twice as much CaV3.2 mRNA in ventral mEC compared with dorsal mEC. Long depolarizing stimuli trigger T-type Ca2+ currents, which interact with persistent Na+ currents to elevate the membrane voltage and spike firing in ventral, not dorsal, neurons. T-type Ca2+ currents themselves prolong excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) to enhance their summation and spike coupling in ventral neurons only. These findings indicate that T-type Ca2+ currents critically influence the dorsal-ventral mEC stellate neuron excitability gradient and, thereby, mEC dorsal-ventral circuit activity.

Cell reports 42 (7)

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112699

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Head or tail? A molecular dynamic approach to the complex structure of TNF-associated factor TRAF2

Minicozzi Velia; Erba Fulvio; Di Paola Luisa; Di Venere Almerinda; Mastrangelo Eloise; Cossu Federica; Mei Giampiero

Meeting Abstract

European biophysics journal 52 (1)

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Water mass age and dissolved organic matter properties drive the diversity of pelagic prokaryotes in the Western Mediterranean Sea

Quero Grazia Marina; Brogi Simona Retelletti; Santinelli Chiara; Luna Gian Marco

The deep sea is among the largest, yet still poorly known, ecosystems on Earth. This knowledge gap is particularly evident for the bathypelagic layer (between 1000 and 4000 m) of the deep Mediterranean Sea (MS), characterized by peculiar environmental conditions at meso- and bathypelagic depths, such as the thermal signature of the deep waters, showing temperatures approximately 10 degrees C higher than any oceanic system at comparable depths. This sustains high rates of prokaryotic activities and fast dissolved organic matter (DOM) mineralization rates, and likely selects for unique microbial assemblages. We collected seawater samples in stations representative of different areas of the Western Mediterranean Sea (Algero-Provencal Basin, Alboran Sea and Gulf of Lion), from the surface to the bathypelagic layer (down to 2680 m) and in different water masses, and described the composition of pelagic prokaryotic communities, along with measurements of the main physicalchemical variables, concentration and optical properties (absorption and fluorescence) of DOM. Remarkable differences in DOM optical properties were observed among water masses, with highest dissolved organic carbon (DOC) values in surface waters and lowest in the oldest water masses represented by the Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW) and the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW), which were characterized by the highest concentration of recalcitrant DOM. The water mass had a significant partitioning effect on microbial community composition, which showed the highest richness in LIW. DOC, the marine humic-like component of DOM (C1mh) and oxygen were the main drivers of prokaryotic community structure. Changes in quality of DOM were reflected in shifts in community composition, supporting the existence of strong relationships between DOM quality and microbial community composition in the deep MS. Our data shed light on the community composition and diversity patterns of prokaryotic plankton in the deep western MS, helping to elucidate the major microbial players in the DOM cycling, and to progress towards a better comprehension of its future trends in light of changing conditions that are modifying the oceanography of the entire MS basin.

Deep-sea research. Part 1. Oceanographic research papers 196

DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2023.104022

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Incorporation of Copper Nanoparticles on Electrospun Polyurethane Membrane Fibers by a Spray Method

Al Kayal Tamer; Giuntoli Giulia; Cavallo Aida; Pisani Anissa; Mazzetti Paola; Fonnesu Rossella; Rosellini Alfredo; Pistello Mauro; D'Acunto Mario; Soldani Giorgio; Losi Paola

Electrospinning is an easy and versatile technique to obtain nanofibrous membranes with nanosized fibers, high porosity, and pore interconnectivity. Metal nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, Cu, ZnO) exhibit excellent biocide properties due to their size, shape, release of metal ions, or reactive oxygen species production, and thus are often used as antimicrobial agents. In this study, a combined electrospinning/spray technique was employed to fabricate electrospun polyurethane membranes loaded with copper nanoparticles at different surface densities (10, 20, 25, or 30 mu g/cm(2)). This method allows particle deposition onto the surface of the membranes without the use of chemical agents. SEM images showed that polyurethane fibers own homogeneous thickness (around 650 nm), and that spray-deposited copper nanoparticles are evenly distributed. STEM-EDX demonstrated that copper nanoparticles are deposited onto the surface of the fibers and are not covered by polyurethane. Moreover, a uniaxial rupture test showed that particles are firmly anchored to the electrospun fibers. Antibacterial tests against model microorganisms Escherichia coli indicated that the prepared electrospun membranes possess good bactericidal effect. Finally, the antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 was about 90% after 1 h of direct contact. The obtained results suggested that the electrospun membranes possess antimicrobial activities and can be used in medical and industrial applications.

Molecules (Basel, Online) 28 (16)

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165981

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Nanoplastic uptake temporarily affects the pulsing behavior in ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp

Costa Elisa; Gambardella Chiara; Miroglio Roberta; Di Giannantonio Michela; Lavorano Silvia; Minetti Roberta; Sbrana Francesca; Piazza Veronica; Faimali Marco; Garaventa Francesca

The aim of this study is to investigate for the first time the uptake and ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) in a marine cnidarian. Ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. of different ages (0 and 7 days old) were exposed to negatively charged polystyrene NPs for 24 h; then, the uptake was assessed through traditional and novel techniques, namely microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) holotomography. Immobility and behavioral responses (frequency of pulsations) of ephyrae were also investigated to clarify if NP toxicity differed along the first life stages. NP uptake was observed in ephyrae thanks to the 3D technique. Such internalization did not affect survival, but it temporarily impaired the pulsation mode only in 0 day old ephyrae. This may be ascribed to the negative charged NPs, contributing to jellyfish behavioral alteration. These findings promote 3D holotomography as a suitable tool to detect NPs in marine organisms. Moreover, this study recommends the use of cnidarians of different ages to better assess NP ecotoxicological effects in these organisms, key components of the marine food web.

Ecotoxicology (Lond.) 32 (5), pp. 618–627

DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02669-0

2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG

Functional characterisation of electron currents in plant vacuoles: direct recordings of cytochrome b561A activity

Carpaneto Armando; Gradogna Antonella; Lagostena Laura; Beltrami Sara; Tosato Edoardo; Picco Cristiana; Scholz-Starke Joachim; Sparla Francesca; Trost Paolo

Meeting Abstract

European biophysics journal 52 (1), pp. S64–S64
InstituteSelected 1/199

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    ISTI, Istituto di scienza e tecnologie dell'informazione "Alessandro Faedo" (16395)
    ISPC, Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale (9564)
    IFC, Istituto di fisiologia clinica (7773)
    ISMAR, Istituto di scienze marine (7664)
    ISAC, Istituto di scienze dell'atmosfera e del clima (7466)
    IRPI, Istituto di ricerca per la protezione idrogeologica (7354)
    IGAG, Istituto di geologia ambientale e geoingegneria (7114)
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    ICB, Istituto di chimica biomolecolare (6479)
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    Bulone Donatella (229)
    Martorana Vincenzo (204)
    Dalla Serra Mauro (177)
    Manno Mauro (169)
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    Migliore Michele (114)
    Giacomazza Daniela (101)
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