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  1. Article ; Online: What's Wrong in a Jump? Prediction and Validation of Splice Site Variants.

    Riolo, Giulia / Cantara, Silvia / Ricci, Claudia

    Methods and protocols

    2021  Volume 4, Issue 3

    Abstract: Alternative splicing (AS) is a crucial process to enhance gene expression driving organism development. Interestingly, more than 95% of human genes undergo AS, producing multiple protein isoforms from the same transcript. Any alteration (e.g., nucleotide ...

    Abstract Alternative splicing (AS) is a crucial process to enhance gene expression driving organism development. Interestingly, more than 95% of human genes undergo AS, producing multiple protein isoforms from the same transcript. Any alteration (e.g., nucleotide substitutions, insertions, and deletions) involving consensus splicing regulatory sequences in a specific gene may result in the production of aberrant and not properly working proteins. In this review, we introduce the key steps of splicing mechanism and describe all different types of genomic variants affecting this process (splicing variants in acceptor/donor sites or branch point or polypyrimidine tract, exonic, and deep intronic changes). Then, we provide an updated approach to improve splice variants detection. First, we review the main computational tools, including the recent Machine Learning-based algorithms, for the prediction of splice site variants, in order to characterize how a genomic variant interferes with splicing process. Next, we report the experimental methods to validate the predictive analyses are defined, distinguishing between methods testing RNA (transcriptomics analysis) or proteins (proteomics experiments). For both prediction and validation steps, benefits and weaknesses of each tool/procedure are accurately reported, as well as suggestions on which approaches are more suitable in diagnostic rather than in clinical research.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-09-05
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ISSN 2409-9279
    ISSN (online) 2409-9279
    DOI 10.3390/mps4030062
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Molecular Genetic Features of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM) Patients: An Overall View from Genes to Endothelial Cells.

    Riolo, Giulia / Ricci, Claudia / Battistini, Stefania

    Cells

    2021  Volume 10, Issue 3

    Abstract: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that affect predominantly microvasculature in the brain and spinal cord. CCM can occur either in sporadic or familial form, characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and development of ... ...

    Abstract Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that affect predominantly microvasculature in the brain and spinal cord. CCM can occur either in sporadic or familial form, characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and development of multiple lesions throughout the patient's life. Three genes associated with CCM are known:
    MeSH term(s) Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism ; Brain/blood supply ; Carrier Proteins/genetics ; Carrier Proteins/metabolism ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/genetics ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/metabolism ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/pathology ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism ; Endothelial Cells/pathology ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; KRIT1 Protein/genetics ; KRIT1 Protein/metabolism ; Membrane Proteins/genetics ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism ; Signal Transduction
    Chemical Substances Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; CCM2 protein, human ; Carrier Proteins ; KRIT1 Protein ; KRIT1 protein, human ; Membrane Proteins ; PDCD10 protein, human ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-03-22
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2661518-6
    ISSN 2073-4409 ; 2073-4409
    ISSN (online) 2073-4409
    ISSN 2073-4409
    DOI 10.3390/cells10030704
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article ; Online: miRNA Targets: From Prediction Tools to Experimental Validation.

    Riolo, Giulia / Cantara, Silvia / Marzocchi, Carlotta / Ricci, Claudia

    Methods and protocols

    2020  Volume 4, Issue 1

    Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in both animals and plants. By pairing to microRNA responsive elements (mREs) on target mRNAs, miRNAs play gene-regulatory roles, producing remarkable changes in several ... ...

    Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in both animals and plants. By pairing to microRNA responsive elements (mREs) on target mRNAs, miRNAs play gene-regulatory roles, producing remarkable changes in several physiological and pathological processes. Thus, the identification of miRNA-mRNA target interactions is fundamental for discovering the regulatory network governed by miRNAs. The best way to achieve this goal is usually by computational prediction followed by experimental validation of these miRNA-mRNA interactions. This review summarizes the key strategies for miRNA target identification. Several tools for computational analysis exist, each with different approaches to predict miRNA targets, and their number is constantly increasing. The major algorithms available for this aim, including Machine Learning methods, are discussed, to provide practical tips for familiarizing with their assumptions and understanding how to interpret the results. Then, all the experimental procedures for verifying the authenticity of the identified miRNA-mRNA target pairs are described, including High-Throughput technologies, in order to find the best approach for miRNA validation. For each strategy, strengths and weaknesses are discussed, to enable users to evaluate and select the right approach for their interests.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-12-24
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ISSN 2409-9279
    ISSN (online) 2409-9279
    DOI 10.3390/mps4010001
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: KRIT1 Gene in Patients with Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: Clinical Features and Molecular Characterization of Novel Variants.

    Ricci, Claudia / Cerase, Alfonso / Riolo, Giulia / Manasse, Giuditta / Battistini, Stefania

    Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN

    2021  Volume 71, Issue 9, Page(s) 1876–1883

    Abstract: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations that may result in headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and hemorrhage. CCMs occur sporadically (80%) or in familial form (20%), with autosomal dominant inheritance. Among ... ...

    Abstract Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations that may result in headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and hemorrhage. CCMs occur sporadically (80%) or in familial form (20%), with autosomal dominant inheritance. Among the three CCM-related genes, mutations in KRIT1 account for 53-65% of familial cases and more than 100 different mutations have been identified so far. In the present work, we describe the clinical, neuroradiological, and genetic findings of sixteen CCM Italian patients, 13 belonging to 4 unrelated families and 3 sporadic cases. Six distinct KRIT1 gene variants, two novel (c.1730+1_1730+3del, c.1664 C>T) and four previously described (c.966G>A, c.1255-1G>A c.1197_1200del, c.1255-1_1256del), were identified, including a possible de novo mutation. All the variants resulted in a premature stop codon. Cerebral 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple CCMs in all the mutation carriers for whom it was available, including sporadic cases. One patient had also cutaneous angiomas. Among the mutation carriers, symptomatic patients constituted 66% and a variable phenotypic expression was observed. Our data confirms phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance of neurological symptoms in KRIT1-positive families, expands the mutational spectrum of this gene, and highlights how sporadic cases with multiple lesions need an approach similar to individuals with familial CCM.
    MeSH term(s) Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/genetics ; Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/pathology ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Infant ; KRIT1 Protein/genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype
    Chemical Substances KRIT1 Protein ; KRIT1 protein, human
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-03-02
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Case Reports ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1043392-2
    ISSN 1559-1166 ; 0895-8696
    ISSN (online) 1559-1166
    ISSN 0895-8696
    DOI 10.1007/s12031-021-01814-w
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article: The Tardigrade Damage Suppressor Protein Modulates Transcription Factor and DNA Repair Genes in Human Cells Treated with Hydroxyl Radicals and UV-C

    Ricci, Claudia / Riolo, Giulia / Marzocchi, Carlotta / Brunetti, Jlenia / Pini, Alessandro / Cantara, Silvia

    Biology. 2021 Sept. 27, v. 10, no. 10

    2021  

    Abstract: The Ramazzottius varieornatus tardigrade is an extremotolerant terrestrial invertebrate with a length of 0.1–1.0 mm. These small animals show an extraordinary tolerance to extreme conditions such as high pressure, irradiation, chemicals and dehydration. ... ...

    Abstract The Ramazzottius varieornatus tardigrade is an extremotolerant terrestrial invertebrate with a length of 0.1–1.0 mm. These small animals show an extraordinary tolerance to extreme conditions such as high pressure, irradiation, chemicals and dehydration. These abilities are linked to a recently discovered damage suppressor protein (Dsup). Dsup is a nucleosome-binding protein that avoids DNA damage after X-ray and oxidative stress exposure without impairing cell life in Dsup-transfected animal and plant cells. The exact “protective” role of this protein is still under study. In human cells, we confirmed that Dsup confers resistance to UV-C and H₂O₂ exposure compared to untransfected cells. A different transcription factor activation was also observed. In addition, a different expression of endogenous genes involved in apoptosis, cell survival and DNA repair was found in Dsup+ cells after H₂O₂ and UV-C. In UV-C exposed cells, Dsup efficiently upregulates DNA damage repair genes, while H₂O₂ treatment only marginally involves the activation of pathways responsible for DNA repair in Dsup+ cells. These data are in agreement with the idea of a direct protective effect of the protein on DNA after oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data may help to outline the different mechanisms by which the Dsup protein works in response to different insults.
    Keywords DNA ; DNA damage ; DNA repair ; Tardigrada ; X-radiation ; apoptosis ; cell viability ; humans ; invertebrates ; irradiation ; oxidative stress ; protective effect ; transcription factors
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2021-0927
    Publishing place Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 2661517-4
    ISSN 2079-7737
    ISSN 2079-7737
    DOI 10.3390/biology10100970
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  6. Article: A Novel Variant in Superoxide Dismutase 1 Gene (p.V119M) in Als Patients with Pure Lower Motor Neuron Presentation

    Ricci, Claudia / Giannini, Fabio / Riolo, Giulia / Bocci, Silvia / Casali, Stefania / Battistini, Stefania

    Genes. 2021 Sept. 29, v. 12, no. 10

    2021  

    Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Most cases of ALS appear sporadically, but 5–10% of patients have a family history ...

    Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Most cases of ALS appear sporadically, but 5–10% of patients have a family history of disease. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) have been found in 12–23% of familial cases and in 1–2% of sporadic cases. Currently, more than 180 different SOD1 gene variants have been identified in ALS patients. Here, we describe two apparently sporadic ALS patients carrying the same SOD1 c.355G>A variant, leading to the p.V119M substitution, not previously described. Both the patients showed pure lower motor neuron phenotype. The former presented with the flail leg syndrome, a rare ALS variant, characterized by progressive distal onset weakness and atrophy of lower limbs, slow progression and better survival than typical ALS. The latter exhibited rapidly progressive weakness of upper and lower limbs, neither upper motor neuron nor bulbar involvement, and shorter survival than typical ALS. We provide an accurate description of the phenotype, and a bioinformatics analysis of the p.V119M variant on protein structure. This study may increase the knowledge about genotype-phenotype correlations in ALS and improve the approach to ALS patients.
    Keywords amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ; atrophy ; bioinformatics ; brain stem ; cerebral cortex ; genes ; genotype-phenotype correlation ; motor neurons ; phenotype ; protein structure ; spinal cord ; superoxide dismutase
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2021-0929
    Publishing place Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 2527218-4
    ISSN 2073-4425
    ISSN 2073-4425
    DOI 10.3390/genes12101544
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  7. Article ; Online: A Novel Variant in Superoxide Dismutase 1 Gene (

    Ricci, Claudia / Giannini, Fabio / Riolo, Giulia / Bocci, Silvia / Casali, Stefania / Battistini, Stefania

    Genes

    2021  Volume 12, Issue 10

    Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Most cases of ALS appear sporadically, but 5-10% of patients have a family history ...

    Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Most cases of ALS appear sporadically, but 5-10% of patients have a family history of disease. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (
    MeSH term(s) Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics ; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Mutation, Missense ; Phenotype ; Protein Conformation ; Superoxide Dismutase-1/chemistry ; Superoxide Dismutase-1/genetics
    Chemical Substances SOD1 protein, human ; Superoxide Dismutase-1 (EC 1.15.1.1)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-09-29
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Case Reports ; Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2527218-4
    ISSN 2073-4425 ; 2073-4425
    ISSN (online) 2073-4425
    ISSN 2073-4425
    DOI 10.3390/genes12101544
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article: The Tardigrade Damage Suppressor Protein Modulates Transcription Factor and DNA Repair Genes in Human Cells Treated with Hydroxyl Radicals and UV-C.

    Ricci, Claudia / Riolo, Giulia / Marzocchi, Carlotta / Brunetti, Jlenia / Pini, Alessandro / Cantara, Silvia

    Biology

    2021  Volume 10, Issue 10

    Abstract: ... ...

    Abstract The
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-09-27
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2661517-4
    ISSN 2079-7737
    ISSN 2079-7737
    DOI 10.3390/biology10100970
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  9. Article: BDNF and Pro-BDNF in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A New Perspective for Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration.

    Riolo, Giulia / Ricci, Claudia / De Angelis, Nicoletta / Marzocchi, Carlotta / Guerrera, Gisella / Borsellino, Giovanna / Giannini, Fabio / Battistini, Stefania

    Brain sciences

    2022  Volume 12, Issue 5

    Abstract: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper or lower motor neurons, leading to muscle wasting and paralysis, resulting in respiratory failure and death. The precise ALS aetiology is poorly understood, ... ...

    Abstract Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper or lower motor neurons, leading to muscle wasting and paralysis, resulting in respiratory failure and death. The precise ALS aetiology is poorly understood, mainly due to clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Thus, the identification of reliable biomarkers of disease could be helpful in clinical practice. In this study, we investigated whether the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor Pro-BDNF in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may reflect the pathological changes related to ALS. We found higher BDNF and lower Pro-BDNF levels in ALS sera compared to healthy controls. BDNF/Pro-BDNF ratio turned out to be accurate in distinguishing ALS patients from controls. Then, the correlations of these markers with several ALS clinical variables were evaluated. This analysis revealed three statistically significant associations: (1) Patients carrying the
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-05-09
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2651993-8
    ISSN 2076-3425
    ISSN 2076-3425
    DOI 10.3390/brainsci12050617
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article ; Online: Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Can Promote Opposite Effects on Adhesion and Directional Migration of Different Cancer Cells.

    Depau, Lorenzo / Brunetti, Jlenia / Falciani, Chiara / Mandarini, Elisabetta / Riolo, Giulia / Zanchi, Marta / Karousou, Evgenia / Passi, Alberto / Pini, Alessandro / Bracci, Luisa

    Journal of medicinal chemistry

    2020  Volume 63, Issue 24, Page(s) 15997–16011

    Abstract: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans take part in crucial events of cancer progression, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and cell invasion. Through sulfated groups on their glycosaminoglycan chains, heparan sulfate proteoglycans ... ...

    Abstract Heparan sulfate proteoglycans take part in crucial events of cancer progression, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and cell invasion. Through sulfated groups on their glycosaminoglycan chains, heparan sulfate proteoglycans interact with growth factors, morphogens, chemokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The amount and position of sulfated groups are highly variable, thus allowing differentiated ligand binding and activity of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. This variability and the lack of specific ligands have delayed comprehension of the molecular basis of heparan sulfate proteoglycan functions. Exploiting a tumor-targeting peptide tool that specifically recognizes sulfated glycosaminoglycans, we analyzed the role of membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the adhesion and migration of cancer cell lines. Starting from the observation that the sulfated glycosaminoglycan-specific peptide exerts a different effect on adhesion, migration, and invasiveness of different cancer cell lines, we identified and characterized three cell migration phenotypes, where different syndecans are associated with alternative signaling for directional cell migration.
    MeSH term(s) Cell Adhesion/drug effects ; Cell Movement/drug effects ; Glypicans/metabolism ; Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans/pharmacology ; Humans ; Neoplasms/drug therapy ; Neoplasms/metabolism ; Neoplasms/pathology ; Signal Transduction ; Syndecans/metabolism ; Tumor Cells, Cultured
    Chemical Substances Glypicans ; Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans ; Syndecans
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-12-07
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 218133-2
    ISSN 1520-4804 ; 0022-2623
    ISSN (online) 1520-4804
    ISSN 0022-2623
    DOI 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01848
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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