Roberto Dominici
Sapienza University of Rome
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Featured researches published by Roberto Dominici.
The Journal of Pathology | 2009
Luca Lavra; Alessandra Ulivieri; Cinzia Rinaldo; Roberto Dominici; Marco Volante; Emidio Luciani; Armando Bartolazzi; Francesco Frasca; Silvia Soddu; Salvatore Sciacchitano
Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) is an anti‐apoptotic molecule of the β‐galactoside‐binding lectin family. Gal‐3 is down‐regulated by wt‐p53 and this repression is required for p53‐induced apoptosis. Since poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDTCs) and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) frequently harbour p53 mutations, we asked whether Gal‐3 expression and activity could be influenced by such mutations in these tumours. We found a positive correlation between Gal‐3 expression and p53 mutation in human thyroids and in thyroid carcinoma cell lines (TCCLs) harbouring different p53 mutations. Gal‐3 was over‐expressed in most ATCs and TCCLs, especially those with the most frequently detected p53 mutation (p53R273H). Over‐expression of p53R273H in two p53‐null cells (SAOS‐2 and SW‐1736) as well as in two wt‐p53‐carrying TCCLs (TPC‐1 and K1), stimulated Gal‐3 expression, while interference with p53R273H endogenous expression in ARO cells down‐regulated Gal‐3 expression. Conversely, over‐expression of wt‐p53 in ARO cells restored the inhibitory effect on Gal‐3 expression. ARO cells are highly resistant to apoptosis and express both p53 and Gal‐3, which are increased upon cisplatin treatment. Interference with Gal‐3 expression in these cells stimulated their chemosensitivity. In conclusion, gain‐of‐function p53 mutant acquires the de novo ability to stimulate Gal‐3 expression and to increase chemoresistance in ATCs. Copyright
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B | 1981
Fabrizio Monaco; Roberto Dominici; Mario Andreoli; Roberto De Pirro; Jean Roche
Abstract 1. 1. Thyroglobulin (Tg) biosynthesis in the endostyles of Amphioxus ( Branchiostoma lanceolatum Pallas) has been demonstrated. 2. 2. The protein molecule shows characteristics similar to those of Tg from ammocoetes of fresh-water lampreys, sedimenting with a coefficient of 17-19S and incorporating in vivo 125 I. 3. 3. Iodothyronine synthesis occurs in thyroglobulin in animals incorporating 125 I both after in vivo and after in vitro iodination with lactoperoxidase in presence of labelled iodide. 4. 4. Labelled T3 and T4 are present in the Tg molecule of Amphioxus as in control mammalian Tg and practically in the same molecular rates. 5. 5. Thus thyroid hormones are present in thyroglobulin included in the cells of endostyles. 6. 6. It is shown that in evolution of Chordates the synthesis of thyroglobulin, as the site of formation of thyroid hormones, preceeds the morphological differentiation of thyroid cells and the folliclular organization out (fishes) or into the thyroid glands of higher vertebrates.
The Journal of Pathology | 2008
Alessandra Ulivieri; Luca Lavra; Roberto Dominici; Laura Giacomelli; E Brunetti; L Sciacca; Maria Trovato; T Foukakis; L Jia-Jing; C Larsson; Armando Bartolazzi; Salvatore Sciacchitano
The mechanisms of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) transformation and progression are not well understood. Previously, we detected LOH at 7q21 in all FTCs examined, indicating that loss of genetic material in that region is a common trait in these lesions. To analyse the effects of LOH on gene expression, we performed an analysis of the mRNA expression levels of six different genes, located at 7q21.1–7q21.3. A total of 23 lesions, including eight follicular hyperplasias (FHs), eight follicular adenomas (FAs), two FTCs and five papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) were analysed. The Frizzled‐1 (FZD‐1) gene, located at 7q21.13, showed the lowest levels of mRNA expression. Down‐regulation of FZD‐1 expression was also confirmed in an independent series of 69 follicular neoplastic lesions compared to 25 PTCs, analysed by quantitative RT–PCR. In vitro studies showed that FZD‐1 expression was also markedly reduced at both protein and mRNA levels in three FTC‐derived cell lines (FRO, WRO and FTC‐133), while it was normal in the three PTC‐derived cell lines (Ca300, Ca301 and K1) examined. We demonstrated that over‐expression of FZD‐1 in 3 FTC‐derived cells decreased invasiveness and proliferation rate, indicating a possible pathogenetic role. In addition, FZD‐1 RNA interference in the PTC‐derived cell line K1 increased invasiveness. Our data indicated that FZD‐1 is involved in growth of follicular tumours and may be considered as a novel marker of this type of tumour. Copyright
Virchows Archiv | 2007
Maria Trovato; Maria D’Armiento; Luca Lavra; Alessandra Ulivieri; Roberto Dominici; Enrica Vitarelli; Maddalena Grosso; Raffaella Vecchione; Salvatore Sciacchitano
Neural tube defects (NTD) are morphogenetic alterations due to a defective closure of neural tube. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-met system plays a role in morphogenesis of nervous system, lung, and kidney. HGF/c-met morphogenetic effects are mediated by signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)3 and both HGF and c-met genes are regulated from p53. The aim of our study was to analyze mRNA and protein expressions of p53, HGF, c-met, and STAT3 in fetuses with NTD. By reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed neural tissues from four NTD fetuses and the corresponding non-malformed lungs, kidneys and placentas. We found a reduced mRNA expression of HGF/c-met/STAT3 pathway, in the malformed nervous systems and placentas. The reduced expression of this pathway correlated with the absence of p53 in all these samples. On the contrary, detectable expression levels of p53, HGF, c-met, and STAT3 were observed in non-malformed lungs and kidneys obtained from the same fetuses. Comparable results were obtained by immunohistochemistry, with the exception of p53, which was undetected in all fetal tissues. In conclusion, in NTD fetuses, both the defective neural tube tissue and the placenta have a reduction in all components of the p53/HGF/c-met/STAT3 cascade. This raises the possibility of using the suppression of these genes for early diagnosis of NTD especially on chorionic villus sampling.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation | 1980
I. Antonozzi; Roberto Dominici; Mario Andreoli; Fabrizio Monaco
A multiple screening program to establish the frequency of congenital hypothyroidism (CH), phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria and hypertyrosinemia in endemic and sporadic goitrous regions of Italy is being carried out. Valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine, eluted from a single spot and separated by column chromatography, are measured, using whole blood adsorbed on filter paper. CH is detected by RIA assay of TSH eluted from dried blood spot. A cut-off of 100 gmU/ml for TSH is used providing a recall rate of 0.38%. Out of 116,000 newborn infants screened for àminoacidopathies (since 1974), 16 PKU patients, 3 affected by MSUD, 2 homocystinuric babies have been detected. Out of 25,400 newborn infants screened for CH, 5 patients were affected by permanent CH and 29 by transient hyperthyrotropinemia. Thus PKU shows a frequency of 1∶7,200 newborn infants, and permanent congenital hypothyroidism 1∶5,080. The coordination of screening programs for congenital metabolic diseases in a single central unit allows: — the unification of the input of samples and output of data in a single data bank; — a minimization of the physical and psychological stress to the patients and their families; — and a more satisfactory cost/benefit ratio.
Cancer | 1984
Fabrizio Monaco; Carla Carducci; Michele De Luca; Mario Andreoli; Roberto Dominici
Thyroglobulin (Tg) biosynthesis and secretion have been studied in one case of undifferentiated small spindle cell human thyroid carcinoma. From tumor tissue were extracted 32 mg of soluble proteins per gram of wet tissue, compared with 54 mg from control gland; after ammonium sulfate fractionation, density gradient centrifugation, and immunoprecipitation, 1.3 mg of Tg per gram of wet tissue, compared with 31.2 mg from control, were purified. By incubating in vitro up to 3 hours tumor slices with tritiated leucine, galactose, and 125I, the rate of incorporation of leucine and galactose increased with time in tumor tissue. However 125I incorporation into soluble proteins from tumor, at 3 hours of incubation, was only 1.7% of control value. By density gradient centrifugation of labeled soluble proteins a well‐separated component sedimenting in the 19S peak was identified. No radioiodine was detected in the 19S fraction which showed the immunoreactive properties of 19s and was poor in 127I and sialic acid. In the incubation medium of tumor were secreted 0.4 mg of 19S Tg per gram of wet tissue compared with 48 mg of tissue in the control gland. Thus the undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma synthesizes a protein with the phys‐icochemical and immunologic properties of 19S Tg. The undifferentiation of thyroid cells does not affect the biochemical steps involved in the synthesis of Tg.
La Ricerca in Clinica E in Laboratorio | 1980
Roberto Dominici; Fabrizio Monaco; Silvana Morano; Italo Antonozzi
SummaryA method for blood spot immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) determination suitable for neonatal mass screening, and the preliminary steps towards its large-scale application are described. The method showed a highly significant correlation between blood spot and plasma values, and a study of plasma reference values in a population of 1,050 newborn infants demonstrated a log-normal distribution with a mean IRT concentration of 238.3 ng/ml. The results and their implications for neonatal mass screening are discussed.
Endocrine-related Cancer | 2004
Maria Trovato; Alessandra Ulivieri; Roberto Dominici; Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri; Enrica Vitarelli; Salvatore Benvenga; Francesco Trimarchi; Ercole Brunetti; Aldo Vecchione; Mario Andreoli; Salvatore Sciacchitano
Endocrinology | 1975
Fabrizio Monaco; Settimio Grimaldi; Roberto Dominici; Jacob Robbins
/data/revues/07533322/00600008/06002083/ | 2008
Luca Lavra; Alessandra Ulivieri; Roberto Dominici; Maria Trovato; Armando Bartolazzi; Silvia Soddu; Salvatore Sciacchitano