Biology subjects

Russo, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Russo, M..

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Drug-induced colorectal cancer persister cells show increased mutation rate

Compelling evidence shows that cancer persister cells limit the efficacy of targeted therapies. However, it is unclear whether persister cells are induced by anticancer drugs, and if their mutation rate quantitatively increases during treatment. Here, combining experimental characterization and mathematical modeling, we show that, in colorectal cancer, persisters are induced by drug treatment and show a 7- to 50-fold increase of mutation rate when exposed to clinically approved targeted therapies. These findings reveal that treatment may influence persistence and mutability in cancer cells and pinpoints new strategies to restrict tumor recurrence.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2020

A Combined approach of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and multivariate analysis as a potential tool for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in nasopharyngeal swabs.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The rapid, sensitive and specific diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by fast and unambiguous testing is widely recognized to be critical in responding to the ongoing outbreak. Since the current testing capacity of RT-PCR-based methods is being challenged due to the extraordinary demand of supplies, such as RNA extraction kits and PCR reagents worldwide, alternative and/or complementary testing assays should be developed. Here, we exploit the potential of mass spectrometry technology combined with machine learning algorithms as an alternative fast tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection from nasopharyngeal swabs samples. According to our preliminary results, mass spectrometry-based methods combined with multivariate analysis showed an interesting potential as a complementary diagnostic tool and further steps should be focused on sample preparation protocols and the improvement of the technology applied.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

The Seminavis robusta genome provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations of benthic diatoms

Benthic diatoms are the main primary producers in shallow freshwater and coastal environments, fulfilling important ecological functions such as nutrient cycling and sediment stabilization. However, little is known about their evolutionary adaptations to these highly structured but heterogeneous environments. Here, we report a reference genome for the marine biofilm-forming diatom Seminavis robusta, showing that gene family expansions are responsible for a quarter of all 36,254 protein-coding genes. Tandem duplications play a key role in extending the repertoire of specific gene functions, including light and oxygen sensing, which are probably central for its adaptation to benthic habitats. Genes differentially expressed during interactions with bacteria are strongly conserved in other benthic diatoms while many species-specific genes are strongly upregulated during sexual reproduction. Combined with re-sequencing data from 48 strains, our results offer new insights on the genetic diversity and gene functions in benthic diatoms.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2018

Changes in thalamocortical connectivity as a potential mechanism of cross-modal plasticity in congenitally blind individuals

Cross-modal plasticity in blind individuals has been reported over the past decades showing that non-visual information is carried and processed by visual brain structures. However, the structural underpinnings of cross-modal plasticity in congenitally blind individuals remain unclear despite multiple efforts. We mapped thalamocortical connectivity and assessed cortical thickness and integrity of white matter of ten congenitally blind individuals and ten sighted controls. We hypothesized an aberrant thalamocortical pattern of connectivity taking place in the absence of visual stimuli from birth as a potential mechanism of cross-modal plasticity. In addition to the increased cortical thickness of the primary visual cortex and reduced integrity of visual white matter bundles, we observed structural connectivity changes between the thalamus and occipital and temporal cortices. Specifically, the thalamic territory dedicated to connections with the occipital cortex was smaller and displayed weaker connectivity in congenitally blind individuals. In contrast, those connecting with the temporal cortex showed greater volume and increased connectivity compared to sighted controls. The abnormal pattern of thalamocortical connectivity included the lateral and medial geniculate nuclei and the pulvinar nucleus. For the first time in humans, a remapping of structural thalamocortical connections involving both unimodal and multimodal thalamic nuclei has been demonstrated, shedding light on the possible mechanisms of cross-modal plasticity in humans. The present findings may help understand the functional adaptations commonly observed in congenitally blind individuals.

neuroscience↗