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  1. Article ; Online: Deciphering the Tubulin Language

    Riccardo Zocchi / Claudia Compagnucci / Enrico Bertini / Antonella Sferra

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 24, Iss 2781, p

    Molecular Determinants and Readout Mechanisms of the Tubulin Code in Neurons

    2023  Volume 2781

    Abstract: Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic components of the cell cytoskeleton involved in several cellular functions, such as structural support, migration and intracellular trafficking. Despite their high similarity, MTs have functional heterogeneity that is ... ...

    Abstract Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic components of the cell cytoskeleton involved in several cellular functions, such as structural support, migration and intracellular trafficking. Despite their high similarity, MTs have functional heterogeneity that is generated by the incorporation into the MT lattice of different tubulin gene products and by their post-translational modifications (PTMs). Such regulations, besides modulating the tubulin composition of MTs, create on their surface a “biochemical code” that is translated, through the action of protein effectors, into specific MT-based functions. This code, known as “tubulin code”, plays an important role in neuronal cells, whose highly specialized morphologies and activities depend on the correct functioning of the MT cytoskeleton and on its interplay with a myriad of MT-interacting proteins. In recent years, a growing number of mutations in genes encoding for tubulins, MT-interacting proteins and enzymes that post-translationally modify MTs, which are the main players of the tubulin code, have been linked to neurodegenerative processes or abnormalities in neural migration, differentiation and connectivity. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms through which the cell writes and, downstream, MT-interacting proteins decipher the tubulin code are still largely uncharted. The purpose of this review is to describe the molecular determinants and the readout mechanisms of the tubulin code, and briefly elucidate how they coordinate MT behavior during critical neuronal events, such as neuron migration, maturation and axonal transport.
    Keywords microtubules ; tubulins ; tubulin post-translational modifications ; tubulin code ; neurons ; axonogenesis ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Subject code 612
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Programmed Cell Death Not as Sledgehammer but as Chisel

    Claudia Compagnucci / Kira Martinus / John Griffin / Michael J. Depew

    Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Vol

    Apoptosis in Normal and Abnormal Craniofacial Patterning and Development

    2021  Volume 9

    Abstract: Coordination of craniofacial development involves an complex, intricate, genetically controlled and tightly regulated spatiotemporal series of reciprocal inductive and responsive interactions among the embryonic cephalic epithelia (both endodermal and ... ...

    Abstract Coordination of craniofacial development involves an complex, intricate, genetically controlled and tightly regulated spatiotemporal series of reciprocal inductive and responsive interactions among the embryonic cephalic epithelia (both endodermal and ectodermal) and the cephalic mesenchyme — particularly the cranial neural crest (CNC). The coordinated regulation of these interactions is critical both ontogenetically and evolutionarily, and the clinical importance and mechanistic sensitivity to perturbation of this developmental system is reflected by the fact that one-third of all human congenital malformations affect the head and face. Here, we focus on one element of this elaborate process, apoptotic cell death, and its role in normal and abnormal craniofacial development. We highlight four themes in the temporospatial elaboration of craniofacial apoptosis during development, namely its occurrence at (1) positions of epithelial-epithelial apposition, (2) within intra-epithelial morphogenesis, (3) during epithelial compartmentalization, and (4) with CNC metameric organization. Using the genetic perturbation of Satb2, Pbx1/2, Fgf8, and Foxg1 as exemplars, we examine the role of apoptosis in the elaboration of jaw modules, the evolution and elaboration of the lambdoidal junction, the developmental integration at the mandibular arch hinge, and the control of upper jaw identity, patterning and development. Lastly, we posit that apoptosis uniquely acts during craniofacial development to control patterning cues emanating from core organizing centres.
    Keywords craniofacial ; hinge and caps ; Satb2 ; Fgf8 ; Foxg1 ; Pbx ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: New Insights into the Neurodegeneration Mechanisms Underlying Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency (RTD)

    Fiorella Colasuonno / Chiara Marioli / Marco Tartaglia / Enrico Bertini / Claudia Compagnucci / Sandra Moreno

    Biomedicines, Vol 10, Iss 1329, p

    Involvement of Energy Dysmetabolism and Cytoskeletal Derangement

    2022  Volume 1329

    Abstract: Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by motor, sensory and cranial neuropathy. This childhood-onset neurodegenerative disease is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in either SLC52A2 or SLC52A3 genes, ... ...

    Abstract Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by motor, sensory and cranial neuropathy. This childhood-onset neurodegenerative disease is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in either SLC52A2 or SLC52A3 genes, resulting in insufficient supply of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and consequent impairment of flavoprotein-dependent metabolic pathways. Current therapy, empirically based high-dose riboflavin supplementation, ameliorates the progression of the disease, even though response to treatment is variable and partial. Recent studies have highlighted concurrent pathogenic contribution of cellular energy dysmetabolism and cytoskeletal derangement. In this context, patient specific RTD models, based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, have provided evidence of redox imbalance, involving mitochondrial and peroxisomal dysfunction. Such oxidative stress condition likely causes cytoskeletal perturbation, associated with impaired differentiation of RTD motor neurons. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings obtained using different RTD models. Relevantly, the integration of data from innovative iPSC-derived in vitro models and invertebrate in vivo models may provide essential information on RTD pathophysiology. Such novel insights are expected to suggest custom therapeutic strategies, especially for those patients unresponsive to high-dose riboflavin treatments.
    Keywords riboflavin transporter deficiency ; riboflavin ; fatty acid oxidation ; energy metabolism ; oxidative stress ; cytoskeleton ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: Modeling PCDH19-CE

    Rossella Borghi / Valentina Magliocca / Marina Trivisano / Nicola Specchio / Marco Tartaglia / Enrico Bertini / Claudia Compagnucci

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 23, Iss 3506, p

    From 2D Stem Cell Model to 3D Brain Organoids

    2022  Volume 3506

    Abstract: PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is a genetic disease characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum ranging from focal epilepsy with rare seizures and normal cognitive development to severe drug-resistant epilepsy associated with ... ...

    Abstract PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is a genetic disease characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum ranging from focal epilepsy with rare seizures and normal cognitive development to severe drug-resistant epilepsy associated with intellectual disability and autism. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathogenic mechanism underlying this disease and an effective treatment is lacking. Studies with zebrafish and murine models have provided insights on the function of PCDH19 during brain development and how its altered function causes the disease, but these models fail to reproduce the human phenotype. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has provided a complementary experimental approach for investigating the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in PCDH19-CE during neurogenesis and studying the pathology in a more physiological three-dimensional (3D) environment through the development of brain organoids. We report on recent progress in the development of human brain organoids with a particular focus on how this 3D model may shed light on the pathomechanisms implicated in PCDH19-CE.
    Keywords PCDH19 ; iPSCs ; neurons ; brain organoids ; neurogenesis ; disease model ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Subject code 616
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: The Potential of iPSCs for the Treatment of Premature Aging Disorders

    Claudia Compagnucci / Enrico Bertini

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 18, Iss 11, p

    2017  Volume 2350

    Abstract: Premature aging disorders including Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and Werner syndrome, are a group of rare monogenic diseases leading to reduced lifespan of the patients. Importantly, these disorders mimic several features of physiological ... ...

    Abstract Premature aging disorders including Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and Werner syndrome, are a group of rare monogenic diseases leading to reduced lifespan of the patients. Importantly, these disorders mimic several features of physiological aging. Despite the interest on the study of these diseases, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unknown and no treatment is available. Recent studies on HGPS (due to mutations of the LMNA gene encoding for the nucleoskeletal proteins lamin A/C) have reported disruptions in cellular and molecular mechanisms modulating genomic stability and stem cell populations, thus giving the nuclear lamina a relevant function in nuclear organization, epigenetic regulation and in the maintenance of the stem cell pool. In this context, modeling premature aging with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers the possibility to study these disorders during self-renewal and differentiation into relevant cell types. iPSCs generated by cellular reprogramming from adult somatic cells allows researchers to understand pathophysiological mechanisms and enables the performance of drug screenings. Moreover, the recent development of precision genome editing offers the possibility to study the complex mechanisms underlying senescence and the possibility to correct disease phenotypes, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
    Keywords induced pluripotent stem cells ; premature aging syndromes ; cell senescence ; lamins ; stem cell metabolism ; mitochondria ; nucleoskeleton ; CRISPR/Cas9 technology ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Subject code 610
    Language English
    Publishing date 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Altered cytoskeletal arrangement in induced pluripotent stem cells and motor neurons from patients with riboflavin transporter deficiency

    Alessia Niceforo / Chiara Marioli / Fiorella Colasuonno / Stefania Petrini / Keith Massey / Marco Tartaglia / Enrico Bertini / Sandra Moreno / Claudia Compagnucci

    Disease Models & Mechanisms, Vol 14, Iss

    2021  Volume 2

    Abstract: The cytoskeletal network plays a crucial role in the differentiation, morphogenesis, function and homeostasis of the nervous tissue, so that alterations in any of its components may lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Riboflavin transporter deficiency ( ... ...

    Abstract The cytoskeletal network plays a crucial role in the differentiation, morphogenesis, function and homeostasis of the nervous tissue, so that alterations in any of its components may lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD), a childhood-onset disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons (MNs), is caused by biallelic mutations in genes encoding the human riboflavin (RF) transporters. In a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) model of RTD, we recently demonstrated altered cell-cell contacts, energy dysmetabolism and redox imbalance. The present study focuses on cytoskeletal composition and dynamics associated to RTD, utilizing patients' iPSCs and derived MNs. Abnormal expression and distribution of α- and β-tubulin (α- and β-TUB), as well as imbalanced tyrosination of α-TUB, accompanied by an impaired ability to re-polymerize after nocodazole treatment, were found in RTD patient-derived iPSCs. Following differentiation, MNs showed consistent changes in TUB content, which was associated with abnormal morphofunctional features, such as neurite length and Ca2+ homeostasis, suggesting impaired differentiation. Beneficial effects of RF supplementation, alone or in combination with the antioxidant molecule N-acetyl cystine (NAC), were assessed. RF administration resulted in partially improved cytoskeletal features in patients' iPSCs and MNs, suggesting that redundancy of transporters may rescue cell functionality in the presence of adequate concentrations of the vitamin. Moreover, supplementation with NAC was demonstrated to be effective in restoring all the considered parameters, when used in combination with RF, thus supporting the therapeutic use of both compounds.
    Keywords riboflavin transporter deficiency ; ipscs ; motor neurons ; tubulin ; riboflavin ; nac ; Medicine ; R ; Pathology ; RB1-214
    Subject code 616
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher The Company of Biologists
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article ; Online: Dissecting the Role of PCDH19 in Clustering Epilepsy by Exploiting Patient-Specific Models of Neurogenesis

    Rossella Borghi / Valentina Magliocca / Stefania Petrini / Libenzio Adrian Conti / Sandra Moreno / Enrico Bertini / Marco Tartaglia / Claudia Compagnucci

    Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol 10, Iss 2754, p

    2021  Volume 2754

    Abstract: PCDH19-related epilepsy is a rare genetic disease caused by defective function of PCDH19, a calcium-dependent cell–cell adhesion protein of the cadherin superfamily. This disorder is characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum, with partial and ... ...

    Abstract PCDH19-related epilepsy is a rare genetic disease caused by defective function of PCDH19, a calcium-dependent cell–cell adhesion protein of the cadherin superfamily. This disorder is characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum, with partial and generalized febrile convulsions that are gradually increasing in frequency. Developmental regression may occur during disease progression. Patients may present with intellectual disability (ID), behavioral problems, motor and language delay, and a low motor tone. In most cases, seizures are resistant to treatment, but their frequency decreases with age, and some patients may even become seizure-free. ID generally persists after seizure remission, making neurological abnormalities the main clinical issue in affected individuals. An effective treatment is lacking. In vitro studies using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reported accelerated neural differentiation as a major endophenotype associated with PCDH19 mutations. By using this in vitro model system, we show that accelerated in vitro neurogenesis is associated with a defect in the cell division plane at the neural progenitors stage. We also provide evidence that altered PCDH19 function affects proper mitotic spindle orientation. Our findings identify an altered equilibrium between symmetric versus asymmetric cell division as a previously unrecognized mechanism contributing to the pathogenesis of this rare epileptic encephalopathy.
    Keywords iPSCs ; neurons ; PCDH19 ; neuronal progenitor cells ; neurogenesis ; disease modeling ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 616
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  8. Article ; Online: Antioxidant Amelioration of Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency in Motoneurons Derived from Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

    Chiara Marioli / Valentina Magliocca / Stefania Petrini / Alessia Niceforo / Rossella Borghi / Sara Petrillo / Piergiorgio La Rosa / Fiorella Colasuonno / Tiziana Persichini / Fiorella Piemonte / Keith Massey / Marco Tartaglia / Sandra Moreno / Enrico Bertini / Claudia Compagnucci

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 21, Iss 7402, p

    2020  Volume 7402

    Abstract: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key element in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD). This is a rare, childhood-onset disease characterized by motoneuron degeneration and caused by mutations in ... ...

    Abstract Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key element in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD). This is a rare, childhood-onset disease characterized by motoneuron degeneration and caused by mutations in SLC52A2 and SLC52A3 , encoding riboflavin (RF) transporters (RFVT2 and RFVT3, respectively), resulting in muscle weakness, ponto-bulbar paralysis and sensorineural deafness. Based on previous findings, which document the contribution of oxidative stress in RTD pathogenesis, we tested possible beneficial effects of several antioxidants (Vitamin C, Idebenone, Coenzyme Q 10 and EPI-743, either alone or in combination with RF) on the morphology and function of neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two RTD patients. To identify possible improvement of the neuronal morphotype, neurite length was measured by confocal microscopy after β-III tubulin immunofluorescent staining. Neuronal function was evaluated by determining superoxide anion generation by MitoSOX assay and intracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) levels, using the Fluo-4 probe. Among the antioxidants tested, EPI-743 restored the redox status, improved neurite length and ameliorated intracellular calcium influx into RTD motoneurons. In conclusion, we suggest that antioxidant supplementation may have a role in RTD treatment.
    Keywords neurodegenerative disease ; motoneurons ; mitochondria ; oxidative stress ; RTD syndrome ; riboflavin transporters ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-10-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: Sam68 promotes self-renewal and glycolytic metabolism in mouse neural progenitor cells by modulating Aldh1a3 pre-mRNA 3'-end processing

    Piergiorgio La Rosa / Pamela Bielli / Claudia Compagnucci / Eleonora Cesari / Elisabetta Volpe / Stefano Farioli Vecchioli / Claudio Sette

    eLife, Vol

    2016  Volume 5

    Abstract: The balance between self-renewal and differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) dictates neurogenesis and proper brain development. We found that the RNA- binding protein Sam68 (Khdrbs1) is strongly expressed in neurogenic areas of the neocortex ... ...

    Abstract The balance between self-renewal and differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) dictates neurogenesis and proper brain development. We found that the RNA- binding protein Sam68 (Khdrbs1) is strongly expressed in neurogenic areas of the neocortex and supports the self-renewing potential of mouse NPCs. Knockout of Khdrbs1 constricted the pool of proliferating NPCs by accelerating their cell cycle exit and differentiation into post-mitotic neurons. Sam68 function was linked to regulation of Aldh1a3 pre-mRNA 3'-end processing. Binding of Sam68 to an intronic polyadenylation site prevents its recognition and premature transcript termination, favoring expression of a functional enzyme. The lower ALDH1A3 expression and activity in Khdrbs1-/- NPCs results in reduced glycolysis and clonogenicity, thus depleting the embryonic NPC pool and limiting cortical expansion. Our study identifies Sam68 as a key regulator of NPC self-renewal and establishes a novel link between modulation of ALDH1A3 expression and maintenance of high glycolytic metabolism in the developing cortex.
    Keywords Sam68 ; pre-mRNA processing ; alternative splicing ; ALDH1A3 ; neural progenitor cells ; glycolytic metabolism ; Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Subject code 571
    Language English
    Publishing date 2016-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher eLife Sciences Publications Ltd
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Type-1 (CB1) cannabinoid receptor promotes neuronal differentiation and maturation of neural stem cells.

    Claudia Compagnucci / Sara Di Siena / Maria Blaire Bustamante / Daniele Di Giacomo / Monia Di Tommaso / Mauro Maccarrone / Paola Grimaldi / Claudio Sette

    PLoS ONE, Vol 8, Iss 1, p e

    2013  Volume 54271

    Abstract: Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing cells that can differentiate into multiple neural lineages and repopulate regions of the brain after injury. We have investigated the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs), endogenous cues that modulate neuronal ... ...

    Abstract Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing cells that can differentiate into multiple neural lineages and repopulate regions of the brain after injury. We have investigated the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs), endogenous cues that modulate neuronal functions including neurogenesis, and their receptors CB(1) and CB(2) in mouse NSCs. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses indicated that CB(1) is present at higher levels than CB(2) in NSCs. The eCB anandamide (AEA) or the CB(1)-specific agonist ACEA enhanced NSC differentiation into neurons, but not astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, whereas the CB(2)-specific agonist JWH133 was ineffective. Conversely, the effect of AEA was inhibited by CB(1), but not CB(2), antagonist, corroborating the specificity of the response. CB(1) activation also enhanced maturation of neurons, as indicated by morphometric analysis of neurites. CB(1) stimulation caused long-term inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway recapitulated the effects exerted by CB(1) activation on neuronal differentiation and maturation. Lastly, gene array profiling showed that CB(1) activation augmented the expression of genes involved in neuronal differentiation while decreasing that of stemness genes. These results highlight the role of CB(1) in the regulation of NSC fate and suggest that its activation may represent a pro-neuronal differentiation signal.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 571
    Language English
    Publishing date 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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