RNA interference and receptors

@article{deFaria2023,

title = {Protocol for the analysis of double-stranded RNAs in virus-infected insect cells using anti-dsRNA antibodies},

author = {Isaque J.S. de Faria and Jean-Luc Imler and João T. Marques},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2022.102033},

doi = {10.1016/j.xpro.2022.102033},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-17},

urldate = {2023-03-17},

journal = {STAR Protocols},

volume = {4},

issue = {1},

abstract = {Characterization of double-stranded (ds)RNAs is relevant to the understanding of viral replication and immune sensing. Here, we provide a protocol describing the use of anti-dsRNA antibodies for immunofluorescence and immunoblotting in virus-infected insect cells, which can also be applied to tissues and other organisms. We describe the procedures to prepare insect cells for viral infection, followed by RNA extraction and in vitro production of synthetic dsRNA controls. We then detail the steps for dsRNA detection by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to de Faria et al. (2022).1},

keywords = {antibody, cell bioloby, Immunology, M3i, Marques, microbiology, Microscopy, Molecular Biology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{schaeffer_dermal_2015b,

title = {Dermal CD14(+) Dendritic Cell and Macrophage Infection by Dengue Virus Is Stimulated by Interleukin-4},

author = {Evelyne Schaeffer and Vincent Flacher and Vasiliki Papageorgiou and Marion Decossas and Jean-Daniel Fauny and Melanie Krämer and Christopher G Mueller},

doi = {10.1038/jid.2014.525},

issn = {1523-1747},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-07-01},

journal = {The Journal of Investigative Dermatology},

volume = {135},

number = {7},

pages = {1743--1751},

abstract = {Dengue virus (DENV) is responsible for the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral infection in humans. Events decisive for disease development occur in the skin after virus inoculation by the mosquito. Yet, the role of human dermis-resident immune cells in dengue infection and disease remains elusive. Here we investigated how dermal dendritic cells (dDCs) and macrophages (dMs) react to DENV and impact on immunopathology. We show that both CD1c(+) and CD14(+) dDC subsets were infected, but viral load greatly increased in CD14(+) dDCs upon IL-4 stimulation, which correlated with upregulation of virus-binding lectins Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Nonintegrin (DC-SIGN/CD209) and mannose receptor (CD206). IL-4 also enhanced T-cell activation by dDCs, which was further increased upon dengue infection. dMs purified from digested dermis were initially poorly infected but actively replicated the virus and produced TNF-α upon lectin upregulation in response to IL-4. DC-SIGN(+) cells are abundant in inflammatory skin with scabies infection or Th2-type dermatitis, suggesting that skin reactions to mosquito bites heighten the risk of infection and subsequent immunopathology. Our data identify dDCs and dMs as primary arbovirus target cells in humans and suggest that dDCs initiate a potent virus-directed T-cell response, whereas dMs fuel the inflammatory cascade characteristic of dengue fever.},

keywords = {Abdominal Wall, Activation, Adhesion, adhesion molecules, Antigen-Presenting Cells, arbovirus, C-Type, Cell Adhesion, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Cell Surface, Cells, Chemistry, Confocal, Cultured, cytokine, Cytokines, cytology, Dendritic Cells, Dengue, Dengue virus, DERMAL DENDRITIC CELLS, Dermatitis, DERMIS, development, disease, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Epidermal Cells, Epidermis, Human, Humans, ICAM-3, IL-4, Immunology, immunopathology, infection, Interleukin-4, Langerhans Cells, LECTIN, Lectins, Lymphocyte Activation, Macrophage, Macrophages, metabolism, Microscopy, pathogenicity, physiopathology, Receptor, Receptors, Scabies, Sensitivity and Specificity, Skin, Skin Diseases, SUBSETS, T CELL ACTIVATION, target, Team-Mueller, TNF ALPHA, Viral, viral Infection, Viral Load, virology, virus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{schaeffer_dermal_2015,

title = {Dermal CD14(+) Dendritic Cell and Macrophage Infection by Dengue Virus Is Stimulated by Interleukin-4},

author = {Evelyne Schaeffer and Vincent Flacher and Vasiliki Papageorgiou and Marion Decossas and Jean-Daniel Fauny and Melanie Krämer and Christopher G Mueller},

doi = {10.1038/jid.2014.525},

issn = {1523-1747},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {The Journal of Investigative Dermatology},

volume = {135},

number = {7},

pages = {1743--1751},

abstract = {Dengue virus (DENV) is responsible for the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral infection in humans. Events decisive for disease development occur in the skin after virus inoculation by the mosquito. Yet, the role of human dermis-resident immune cells in dengue infection and disease remains elusive. Here we investigated how dermal dendritic cells (dDCs) and macrophages (dMs) react to DENV and impact on immunopathology. We show that both CD1c(+) and CD14(+) dDC subsets were infected, but viral load greatly increased in CD14(+) dDCs upon IL-4 stimulation, which correlated with upregulation of virus-binding lectins Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Nonintegrin (DC-SIGN/CD209) and mannose receptor (CD206). IL-4 also enhanced T-cell activation by dDCs, which was further increased upon dengue infection. dMs purified from digested dermis were initially poorly infected but actively replicated the virus and produced TNF-α upon lectin upregulation in response to IL-4. DC-SIGN(+) cells are abundant in inflammatory skin with scabies infection or Th2-type dermatitis, suggesting that skin reactions to mosquito bites heighten the risk of infection and subsequent immunopathology. Our data identify dDCs and dMs as primary arbovirus target cells in humans and suggest that dDCs initiate a potent virus-directed T-cell response, whereas dMs fuel the inflammatory cascade characteristic of dengue fever.},

keywords = {Abdominal Wall, Antigen-Presenting Cells, C-Type, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Cell Surface, Cells, Confocal, Cultured, Cytokines, Dengue, Dengue virus, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Epidermis, Humans, I2CT, Imagerie, Interleukin-4, Langerhans Cells, Lectins, Lymphocyte Activation, Macrophages, Microscopy, Receptors, Sensitivity and Specificity, Skin Diseases, Team-Mueller, Viral},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hammann_method_2014,

title = {A method to map changes in bacterial surface composition induced by regulatory RNAs in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.},

author = {P Hammann and D Parmentier and M Cerciat and J Reimegård and A-C Helfer and S Boisset and M Guillier and F Vandenesch and G E H Wagner and P Romby and P Fechter},

doi = {10.1016/j.biochi.2014.07.011},

issn = {1638-6183 0300-9084},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Biochimie},

volume = {106},

pages = {175--179},

abstract = {We have adapted a method to map cell surface proteins and to monitor the effect of specific regulatory RNAs on the surface composition of the bacteria. This method involves direct labeling of surface proteins of living bacteria using fluorescent dyes and a subsequent separation of the crude extract by 2D gel electrophoresis. The strategy yields a substantial enrichment in surface proteins over cytoplasmic proteins. We validated this method by monitoring the effect of the regulatory RNA MicA in Escherichia coli, which regulates the synthesis of several outer membrane proteins, and highlighted the role of Staphylococcus aureus RNAIII for the maintenance of cell wall integrity.},

note = {Place: France},

keywords = {Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism, Bacterial Proteins/*metabolism, Bacterial/genetics/*metabolism, Base Sequence, Carbocyanines/metabolism, Cell Membrane/*metabolism, Cell Wall/metabolism, Confocal, DIGE, Electrophoresis, Escherichia coli/genetics/*metabolism, Gel, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization, Microscopy, Molecular Sequence Data, Non-coding RNAs, Post-transcriptional regulation, PPSE, Reproducibility of Results, RNA, Spectrometry, Staining and Labeling/methods, Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/*metabolism, Surface proteins, Two-Dimensional/methods},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{schaeffer_dynamic_2013,

title = {Dynamic micelles of mannoside glycolipids are more efficient than polymers for inhibiting HIV-1 trans-infection},

author = {Evelyne Schaeffer and Laure Dehuyser and David Sigwalt and Vincent Flacher and Serena Bernacchi and Olivier Chaloin and Jean-Serge Remy and Christopher G Mueller and Rachid Baati and Alain Wagner},

doi = {10.1021/bc4000806},

issn = {1520-4812},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-11-01},

journal = {Bioconjugate Chemistry},

volume = {24},

number = {11},

pages = {1813--1823},

abstract = {Mannoside glycolipid conjugates are able to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) trans-infection mediated by human dendritic cells (DCs). The conjugates are formed by three building blocks: a linear or branched mannose head, a hydrophilic linker, and a 24-carbon lipid chain. We have shown that, even as single molecules, these compounds efficiently target mannose-binding lectins, such as DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) important for HIV-1 transmission. With the goal to optimize their inhibitory activity by supramolecular structure formation, we have compared saturated and unsaturated conjugates, as single molecules, self-assemblies of dynamic micelles, and photopolymerized cross-linked polymers. Surface plasmon resonance showed that, unexpectedly, polymers of trivalent conjugates did not display a higher binding affinity for DC-SIGN than single molecules. Interactions on a chip or in solution were independent of calcium; however, binding to DCs was inhibited by a calcium chelator. Moreover, HIV-1 trans-infection was mostly inhibited by dynamic micelles and not by rigid polymers. The inhibition data revealed a clear correlation between the structure and molecular assembly of a conjugate and its biological antiviral activity. We present an interaction model between DC-SIGN and conjugates-either single molecules, micelles, or polymers-that highlights that the most effective interactions by dynamic micelles involve both mannose heads and lipid chains. Our data reveal that trivalent glycolipid conjugates display the highest microbicide potential for HIV prophylaxis, as dynamic micelles conjugates and not as rigid polymers.},

keywords = {Anti-HIV Agents, Calcium, Cells, Chemistry, Cultured, Dendritic Cells, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Electron, fluorescence, Glycolipids, HIV, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Human, Humans, immunodeficiency, immunopathology, inhibition, LECTIN, Lectins, lipid, Mannosides, Micelles, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Microscopy, Models, Molecular, Molecular Structure, Polymers, prophylaxis, Spectrometry, Structure-Activity Relationship, Surface Plasmon Resonance, target, Team-Mueller, Thermodynamics, Transmission, virus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{serag_plant_2012,

title = {The plant cell uses carbon nanotubes to build tracheary elements},

author = {Maged F Serag and Noritada Kaji and Manabu Tokeshi and Alberto Bianco and Yoshinobu Baba},

doi = {10.1039/c2ib00135g},

issn = {1757-9708},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-02-01},

journal = {Integrative Biology: Quantitative Biosciences from Nano to Macro},

volume = {4},

number = {2},

pages = {127--131},

abstract = {Since their discovery, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been eminent members of the nanomaterial family. Because of their unique physical, chemical and mechanical properties, they are regarded as new potential materials to bring enormous benefits in cell biology studies. Undoubtedly, the first step to prove the advantages of CNTs is to understand the basic behavior of CNTs inside the cells. In a number of studies, CNTs have been demonstrated as new carrier systems for the delivery of DNA, proteins and therapeutic molecules into living cells. However, post-uptake behavior of CNTs inside the cells has not received much consideration. Utilizing the plant cell model, we have shown in this study that the plant cells, differentiating into tracheary elements, incorporate cup-stacked carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) into cell structure via oxidative cross-linking of monolignols to the nanotubes surface during lignin biosynthesis. This finding highlights the fate of CNTs inside plant cells and provides an example on how the plant cell can handle internalized carbon nanomaterials.},

keywords = {Arabidopsis, Atomic Force, carbon, Cell Differentiation, Confocal, Endocytosis, I2CT, Lignin, Microscopy, Nanotubes, Plant Cells, Team-Bianco},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{al-jamal_functional_2011,

title = {Functional motor recovery from brain ischemic insult by carbon nanotube-mediated siRNA silencing},

author = {Khuloud T Al-Jamal and Lisa Gherardini and Giuseppe Bardi and Antonio Nunes and Chang Guo and Cyrill Bussy and Antonia M Herrero and Alberto Bianco and Maurizio Prato and Kostas Kostarelos and Tommaso Pizzorusso},

doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100930108},

issn = {1091-6490},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-07-01},

journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},

volume = {108},

number = {27},

pages = {10952--10957},

abstract = {Stroke is the second cause of death worldwide with ischemic stroke accounting for 80% of all stroke insults. Caspase-3 activation contributes to brain tissue loss and downstream biochemical events that lead to programmed cell death after traumatic brain injury. Alleviation of symptoms following ischemic neuronal injury can be potentially achieved by either genetic disruption or pharmacological inhibition of caspases. Here, we studied whether silencing of Caspase-3 using carbon nanotube-mediated in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) could offer a therapeutic opportunity against stroke. Effective delivery of siRNA directly to the CNS has been shown to normalize phenotypes in animal models of several neurological diseases. It is shown here that peri-lesional stereotactic administration of a Caspase-3 siRNA (siCas 3) delivered by functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNT) reduced neurodegeneration and promoted functional preservation before and after focal ischemic damage of the rodent motor cortex using an endothelin-1 induced stroke model. These observations illustrate the opportunity offered by carbon nanotube-mediated siRNA delivery and gene silencing of neuronal tissue applicable to a variety of different neuropathological conditions where intervention at well localized brain foci may offer therapeutic and functional benefits.},

keywords = {Animals, Apoptosis, Base Sequence, Brain Ischemia, carbon, Caspase 3, Caspase Inhibitors, Cell Line, Cells, Cultured, Electron, Endothelin-1, Female, Genetic Therapy, I2CT, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Microscopy, Nanomedicine, Nanotubes, Neurons, Psychomotor Performance, Rats, RNA, RNA Interference, Small Interfering, Sprague-Dawley, Team-Bianco, Transmission},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{van_den_bossche_efficient_2010,

title = {Efficient receptor-independent intracellular translocation of aptamers mediated by conjugation to carbon nanotubes},

author = {Jeroen Van den Bossche and Wafa' T Al-Jamal and Bowen Tian and Antonio Nunes and Chiara Fabbro and Alberto Bianco and Maurizio Prato and Kostas Kostarelos},

doi = {10.1039/c0cc02092c},

issn = {1364-548X},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-10-01},

journal = {Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)},

volume = {46},

number = {39},

pages = {7379--7381},

abstract = {We have covalently grafted aptamers onto carboxylated carbon nanotubes to design a novel vector system that can easily translocate into the cytosol of different cell types independent of receptor-mediated uptake. We propose the use of carbon nanotubes for the efficient intracellular delivery of biologically active aptamers for potential therapeutic applications.},

keywords = {Aptamers, Base Sequence, Biological Transport, carbon, Cell Line, Cell Surface, DNA Primers, Electron, Electrophoresis, Humans, I2CT, Microscopy, Nanotubes, Nucleotide, Polyacrylamide Gel, Receptors, Team-Bianco, Transmission, tumor},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{menard-moyon_functionalized_2010,

title = {Functionalized carbon nanotubes for probing and modulating molecular functions},

author = {Cécilia Ménard-Moyon and Kostas Kostarelos and Maurizio Prato and Alberto Bianco},

doi = {10.1016/j.chembiol.2010.01.009},

issn = {1879-1301},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-02-01},

journal = {Chemistry & Biology},

volume = {17},

number = {2},

pages = {107--115},

abstract = {Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) entered the domain of biological research a few years ago, creating a significant amount of interest due to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. The integration of CNT-based strategies with biology necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that requires competences in the diverse fields of chemistry, physics, and life sciences. In the biomedical domain CNTs are extensively explored as novel drug delivery systems for therapy and diagnosis. Additionally, CNTs can also be designed as new tools for modulation of molecular functions, by directly affecting various biological processes or by interaction with bioactive molecules. The aim of this review is to discuss how CNTs can be exploited as new probes for molecular functions. The different sections illustrate various applications of CNTs, including gene silencing, surface cell interactions via glycoproteins, biosensing, intracellular drug delivery using an atomic force microscopy tip-based nanoinjector, modulation of antibody/antigen interaction and enzyme activity, and blocking of ion channels.},

keywords = {Antibodies, Antigens, Atomic Force, Biosensing Techniques, carbon, Drug Delivery Systems, enzymes, Glycoproteins, I2CT, Ion Channels, Microscopy, Nanotubes, RNA, Small Interfering, Team-Bianco},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{singh_organic_2009,

title = {Organic functionalisation and characterisation of single-walled carbon nanotubes},

author = {Prabhpreet Singh and Stéphane Campidelli and Silvia Giordani and Davide Bonifazi and Alberto Bianco and Maurizio Prato},

doi = {10.1039/b518111a},

issn = {1460-4744},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-08-01},

journal = {Chemical Society Reviews},

volume = {38},

number = {8},

pages = {2214--2230},

abstract = {Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) display unique structures and remarkable physical properties, a variety of applications have emerged in both materials and life sciences. In terms of applications, the functionalisation of nanotubes is extremely important, as it increases their solubility and processability, and combines the unique properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with those of other classes of materials. A number of methods have been developed, which can be divided into two major approaches: (1) non-covalent supramolecular modifications, and (2) covalent functionalisation. In this tutorial review, we survey the covalent modification of SWCNTs with organic moieties, and illustrate the major analytical techniques routinely used to characterise the functionalised materials.},

keywords = {Alkylation, carbon, Esterification, Free Radicals, Halogenation, I2CT, Microscopy, Nanotubes, Oxidation-Reduction, Spectrum Analysis, Team-Bianco},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bosisio_ultrasound_2009,

title = {Ultrasound biomicroscopy: a powerful tool probing murine lymph node size in vivo},

author = {M R Bosisio and C Maisonneuve and S Gregoire and A Kettaneh and C G Mueller and S L Bridal},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-07-01},

journal = {Ultrasound Med.Biol.},

volume = {35},

number = {1879-291X (Electronic)},

pages = {1209--1216},

abstract = {Invasive cell-counting in lymph node (LN) is the current reference to assess LN changes due to inflammation, immunodeficiency and cancer in murine models. This work evaluates whether ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) can measure LN size alterations noninvasively for a large range of sizes (0.1 mm3 to 22 mm3). Correlation was assessed (rho = 0.91, p textless 0.0001) between invasive cell count and LN volume estimated with UBM (24, 2 to 28-week-old, C57BL/6 mice; 13 same-strain, transgenic mice presenting LN hyperplasia). UBM LN modification screening was applied in a skin-graft rejection model and compared with cell-counting (15 mice). UBM LN-size follow-up with fine temporal sampling was demonstrated from 9 d of age (minimum area 0.13 mm2). Reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] textgreater 0.84) and variability of UBM evaluations compared favourably with invasive cell count. UBM provides a noninvasive alternative to cell-counting in mice for early detection and longitudinal screening of LN modifications. This can enable significant reduction in the number of mice and exploration of LNs that would be too small to dissect for cell count},

keywords = {Acoustic, Animals, Axilla, cancer, Cell Count, Female, Graft Rejection, Hyperplasia, immunodeficiency, In vivo, Inbred C57BL, inflammation, LYMPH, LYMPH NODE, Lymph Nodes, Male, methods, Mice, Microscopy, murine, Observer Variation, pathology, SKIN GRAFT, Skin Transplantation, Team-Mueller, transgenic, TRANSGENIC MICE, ultrasonography},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lacerda_carbon-nanotube_2008,

title = {Carbon-nanotube shape and individualization critical for renal excretion},

author = {Lara Lacerda and Maria A Herrero and Kerrie Venner and Alberto Bianco and Maurizio Prato and Kostas Kostarelos},

doi = {10.1002/smll.200800323},

issn = {1613-6829},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-08-01},

journal = {Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)},

volume = {4},

number = {8},

pages = {1130--1132},

keywords = {Animals, Biological Transport, carbon, Electron, Female, Glomerular Filtration Rate, I2CT, Inbred BALB C, Kidney Glomerulus, Mice, Microscopy, Nanoparticles, nanotechnology, Nanotubes, Team-Bianco, Transmission},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{fabre_covalent_2008,

title = {Covalent assembly and micropatterning of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes to monolayer-modified Si(111) surfaces},

author = {Bruno Fabre and Fanny Hauquier and Cyril Herrier and Giorgia Pastorin and Wei Wu and Alberto Bianco and Maurizio Prato and Philippe Hapiot and Dodzi Zigah and Mauro Prasciolu and Lisa Vaccari},

doi = {10.1021/la800358w},

issn = {0743-7463},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-06-01},

journal = {Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids},

volume = {24},

number = {13},

pages = {6595--6602},

abstract = {Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) covalently bound to monocrystalline p-type Si(111) surfaces have been prepared by attaching soluble amine-functionalized MWNTs onto a preassembled undecanoic acid monolayer using carbodiimide coupling. SEM analysis of these functionalized surfaces shows that the bound MWNTs are parallel to the surface rather than perpendicular. The voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal that the electron transfer at the MWNT-modified surface is faster than that observed at a MWNT-free alkyl monolayer. We have also demonstrated that it is possible to prepare MWNT micropatterns using this surface amidation reaction and a "reagentless" UV photolithography technique. Following this approach, MWNT patterns surrounded by n-dodecyl areas have been produced and the local electrochemical properties of these micropatterned surfaces have been examined by scanning electrochemical microscopy. In particular, it is demonstrated that the MWNT patterns allow a faster charge transfer which is consistent with the results obtained for the uniformly modified surfaces.},

keywords = {Atomic Force, carbon, Electrochemistry, Electron, I2CT, Microscopy, Nanotubes, scanning, Silicon, Surface Properties, Team-Bianco},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{bianco_opportunities_2008,

title = {Opportunities and challenges of carbon-based nanomaterials for cancer therapy},

author = {Alberto Bianco and Kostas Kostarelos and Maurizio Prato},

doi = {10.1517/17425247.5.3.331},

issn = {1742-5247},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-01-01},

journal = {Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery},

volume = {5},

number = {3},

pages = {331--342},

abstract = {The possibility of incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials into living systems has opened the way for the investigation of their potential applications in the emerging field of nanomedicine. A wide variety of different nanomaterials based on allotropic forms of carbon, such as nanotubes, nanohorns and nanodiamonds, are currently being explored towards different biomedical applications. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the development of these novel nanomaterials for cancer therapy. A comparison between the characteristics, the advantages, the drawbacks, the benefits and the risks associated with these novel biocompatible forms of carbon is presented here.},

keywords = {Animals, carbon, Electron, Humans, I2CT, Microscopy, Nanomedicine, Nanostructures, Nanotubes, Neoplasms, Pharmaceutical, Team-Bianco, Technology, Transmission},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ali-boucetta_multiwalled_2008,

title = {Multiwalled carbon nanotube-doxorubicin supramolecular complexes for cancer therapeutics},

author = {Hanene Ali-Boucetta and Khuloud T Al-Jamal and David McCarthy and Maurizio Prato and Alberto Bianco and Kostas Kostarelos},

doi = {10.1039/b712350g},

issn = {1359-7345},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-01-01},

journal = {Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)},

number = {4},

pages = {459--461},

abstract = {Multiwalled carbon nanotube aqueous dispersions using block copolymers are able to form supramolecular complexes with the aromatic chromophore and anticancer agent doxorubicin via pi-pi stacking and enhance its cytotoxic activity.},

keywords = {Antineoplastic Agents, Breast Neoplasms, carbon, Cultured, Doxorubicin, Electron, Humans, I2CT, Microscopy, Nanotubes, Team-Bianco, Transmission, Tumor Cells},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nehme_model_2007b,

title = {A model of bacterial intestinal infections in Drosophila melanogaster},

author = {Nadine T Nehme and Samuel Liégeois and Beatrix Kele and Philippe Giammarinaro and Elizabeth Pradel and Jules A Hoffmann and Jonathan J Ewbank and Dominique Ferrandon},

doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.0030173},

issn = {1553-7374},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {PLoS Pathog.},

volume = {3},

number = {11},

pages = {e173},

abstract = {Serratia marcescens is an entomopathogenic bacterium that opportunistically infects a wide range of hosts, including humans. In a model of septic injury, if directly introduced into the body cavity of Drosophila, this pathogen is insensitive to the host's systemic immune response and kills flies in a day. We find that S. marcescens resistance to the Drosophila immune deficiency (imd)-mediated humoral response requires the bacterial lipopolysaccharide O-antigen. If ingested by Drosophila, bacteria cross the gut and penetrate the body cavity. During this passage, the bacteria can be observed within the cells of the intestinal epithelium. In such an oral infection model, the flies succumb to infection only after 6 days. We demonstrate that two complementary host defense mechanisms act together against such food-borne infection: an antimicrobial response in the intestine that is regulated by the imd pathway and phagocytosis by hemocytes of bacteria that have escaped into the hemolymph. Interestingly, bacteria present in the hemolymph elicit a systemic immune response only when phagocytosis is blocked. Our observations support a model wherein peptidoglycan fragments released during bacterial growth activate the imd pathway and do not back a proposed role for phagocytosis in the immune activation of the fat body. Thanks to the genetic tools available in both host and pathogen, the molecular dissection of the interactions between S. marcescens and Drosophila will provide a useful paradigm for deciphering intestinal pathogenesis.},

keywords = {Animal, Animals, Disease Models, Electron, ferrandon, fluorescence, Hemolymph, hoffmann, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Immunohistochemistry, Intestines, M3i, Microscopy, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Serratia Infections, Serratia marcescens, Transmission},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{shiao_fz2_2006,

title = {Fz2 and cdc42 mediate melanization and actin polymerization but are dispensable for Plasmodium killing in the mosquito midgut},

author = {Shin-Hong Shiao and Miranda M A Whitten and Daniel Zachary and Jules A Hoffmann and Elena A Levashina},

doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.0020133},

issn = {1553-7374},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-12-01},

journal = {PLoS Pathog.},

volume = {2},

number = {12},

pages = {e133},

abstract = {The midgut epithelium of the mosquito malaria vector Anopheles is a hostile environment for Plasmodium, with most parasites succumbing to host defenses. This study addresses morphological and ultrastructural features associated with Plasmodium berghei ookinete invasion in Anopheles gambiae midguts to define the sites and possible mechanisms of parasite killing. We show by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence that the majority of ookinetes are killed in the extracellular space. Dead or dying ookinetes are surrounded by a polymerized actin zone formed within the basal cytoplasm of adjacent host epithelial cells. In refractory strain mosquitoes, we found that formation of this zone is strongly linked to prophenoloxidase activation leading to melanization. Furthermore, we identify two factors controlling both phenomena: the transmembrane receptor frizzled-2 and the guanosine triphosphate-binding protein cell division cycle 42. However, the disruption of actin polymerization and melanization by double-stranded RNA inhibition did not affect ookinete survival. Our results separate the mechanisms of parasite killing from subsequent reactions manifested by actin polymerization and prophenoloxidase activation in the A. gambiae-P. berghei model. These latter processes are reminiscent of wound healing in other organisms, and we propose that they represent a form of wound-healing response directed towards a moribund ookinete, which is perceived as damaged tissue.},

keywords = {Actins, Animals, Anopheles, Carrier Proteins, cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein, Double-Stranded, Electron, Frizzled Receptors, Gastrointestinal Tract, hoffmann, Host-Parasite Interactions, Immunity, Innate, Insect Vectors, Intestinal Mucosa, M3i, Melanins, Microarray Analysis, Microscopy, Plasmodium berghei, Polymers, Protozoan, RNA, scanning, telomerase},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pastorin_double_2006,

title = {Double functionalization of carbon nanotubes for multimodal drug delivery},

author = {Giorgia Pastorin and Wei Wu and Sébastien Wieckowski and Jean-Paul Briand and Kostas Kostarelos and Maurizio Prato and Alberto Bianco},

doi = {10.1039/b516309a},

issn = {1359-7345},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-03-01},

journal = {Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)},

number = {11},

pages = {1182--1184},

abstract = {Multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been covalently functionalized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with orthogonally protected amino functions that can be selectively deprotected and subsequently modified with drugs and fluorescent probes.},

keywords = {Azo Compounds, carbon, Cyclization, Drug Carriers, I2CT, Microscopy, Nanotubes, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Scanning Tunneling, Solubility, Team-Bianco},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}