Biomedical subjects

Fabio D'Amico

Publications and source records attributed to Fabio D'Amico.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Computing the NMR spectrum of a bulk ionic liquid phase by QM/MM methods.

The dependence of (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([bmim])-based room-temperature ionic liquids on the counteranion ([BF(4)], [MeSO(4)]) is investigated experimentally and computationally. The local structure of the ionic liquids is investigated by means of DFT calculations of the structure of ion pairs and molecular dynamics simulations. Clusters extracted from the simulation runs are used to calculate (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts by means of QM/MM methods with various partition schemes. Proton H2 of the imidazolium ring is the most sensitive to the counteranion; its chemical shift is strongly dependent on subtle details of the arrangement of the two closest anions. It is shown that a correct spacing of signals can be attained by including the two anions closest to C2 and H2 in the QM layer.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Immunolocalization of E-cadherin and alphaE-catenin in rat parotid acinar cell under chronic stimulation of isoproterenol.

E-cadherin and alphaE-catenin were localized in normal and chronically isoproterenol-treated acinar cells of rat parotid gland by means of immunogold labelling of Lowicryl embedded sections. Immunostaining of both experimental groups with polyclonal antibodies to E-cadherin and alphaE-catenin was mainly restricted to the areas of adherens junctions. Surprisingly, in isoproterenol-treated cell alphaE-catenin was also found on the secretory granules periphery and appeared to encircle a secretory vesicle. In isoproterenol-induced cell hyperproliferation, the maintened presence of adherens junctions components, such as E-cadherin and alphaE-catenin molecules, should be an essential prerequisite for tissue integrity. Our data suggest the presence of a correlation between the organization of actin and the localization of alphaE-catenin in the chronically isoproterenol-treated acinar cell of rat parotid gland.

Actins↗

PubMed2006

Detection of BRAF gene mutation in primary choroidal melanoma tissue.

Numerous BRAF mutations have been detected in melanoma biopsy specimens and cell lines. In contrast, several studies report lack of BRAF mutations in uveal melanoma including primary and metastatic choroidal and ciliary body melanomas. To our knowledge, for the first time, here we report a case of choroidal melanoma harboring the BRAF mutation (V600E). The activation of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, although independent of BRAF mutation, was reported in uveal melanoma. The presence of V600E mutation indicates that the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, in addition to cutaneous melanoma progression, may play a role in the choroidal melanoma development.

Choroid Neoplasms↗

PubMed2006

Gene expression in mouse spermatogenesis during ontogenesis.

In this study, we evaluated the expression of genes probably involved in spermatogenesis in the mouse. We examined cytosolic chaperonin theta subunit (CCTtheta), Ngg1 interacting factor 3 like 1 binding protein 1 (NIF3L1 BP1) and apolipoprotein H (ApoH) expression during mouse onto-geny using RT-PCR. Testicular tissue was obtained from mice 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20 and 40 (adult) days after birth. For each mouse, one testis was used for histological examination, whereas RNA was extracted from the controlateral testis for expression analysis. RT-PCR analysis showed that CCTtheta gene expression was low until day 10, but increased drastically afterwards. At this age, spermatocytes started to be present in the mouse testis. Therefore, CCT protein could be involved in chromatin packaging and remodeling during spermiogenesis, as also suggested by other studies. NIF3L1 BP1 expression increased steadily during ontogenesis reaching maximum levels in the adult mouse when all germ cell stages are present. This finding suggests that NIF3L1 BP1 is a gene not expressed by a specific germ cell type. ApoH expression was very low or absent during prepuberal stages, whereas it was detectable in the adult testis when spermatogenesis was completed. This suggests that ApoH may be involved in clearing apoptotic bodies during spermatogenesis since apoptotic events increase during spermatogenesis. This study contributes to understanding the role played by genes important for spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Menkes protein localization in rat parotid acinar cells.

The aim was to study the subcellular localization of the Menkes protein (MNK; ATP7A) in the rat parotid acinar cell. MNK protein is a copper transporting P-type ATPase whose absence or dysfunction causes a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, MNK disease. Rat parotid glands were fixed and low-temperature embedded in Lowicryl K4M resin, and ultrathin sections were prepared for immunocytochemical analysis. Immunolocalization of MNK was demonstrated mainly over the trans Golgi network (TGN) area. Immature and mature secretory granules were also labelled, indicating that MNK protein could be involved here in copper secretion from acinar cells into saliva, consistent with a proposed cariostatic role for copper.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed2005

The effect of the anion on the physical properties of trihalide-based N,N-dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids.

Low viscosity, high density trihalide-based 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids have been prepared and characterised. Key physical properties (density, conductivity, melting point, refractive index, surface tension and diffusion coefficient) of the ionic liquids have been determined and are compared with those of other 1,3-dialkylimidazolium molten salts. The relationship between anion identity and the physical properties of the ionic liquids under investigation is discussed.

Journal Article↗