Francesco De Pascali

Dr. Francesco De Pascali


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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FPFrancesco De Pascali
Francesco De Pascali
MAMohammed Akli Ayoub
Mohammed Akli Ayoub
RBRiccardo Benevelli
Riccardo Benevelli
SSSilvia Sposini
Silvia Sposini
JLJordan Lehoux
Jordan Lehoux
EREric Reiter
Eric Reiter
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) plays a key role in reproduction through the activation of multiple signaling pathways. Low molecular weight (LMW) ligands composed of biased agonist properties are highly valuable tools to decipher complex signaling mechanisms as they allow selective activation of discrete signaling cascades. However, available LMW FSHR ligands have not been fully characterized yet. In this context, we explored the pharmacological diversity of three benzamide and two thiazolidinone derivatives compared to FSH. Concentration/activity curves were generated for Gαs, Gαq, Gαi, β-arrestin 2 recruitment, and cAMP production, using BRET assays in living cells. ERK phosphorylation was analyzed by Western blotting, and CRE-dependent transcription was assessed using a luciferase reporter assay. All assays were done in either wild-type, Gαs or β-arrestin 1/2 CRISPR knockout HEK293 cells. Bias factors were calculated for each pair of read-outs by using the operational model. Our results show that each ligand presented a discrete pharmacological efficacy compared to FSH, ranging from super-agonist for β-arrestin 2 recruitment to pure Gαs bias. Interestingly, LMW ligands generated kinetic profiles distinct from FSH (i.e., faster, slower or transient, depending on the ligand) and correlated with CRE-dependent transcription. In addition, clear system biases were observed in cells depleted of either Gαs or β-arrestin genes. Such LMW properties are useful pharmacological tools to better dissect the multiple signaling pathways activated by FSHR and assess their relative contributions at the cellular and physio-pathological levels.

15 February 2024 in Frontiers in Endocrinology
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Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FPFrancesco De Pascali
Francesco De Pascali
AHAylin Hanyaloglu
Aylin Hanyaloglu
FJFrederic Jean-Alphonse
Frederic Jean-Alphonse
FPFrancesco Potì
Francesco Potì
EREric Reiter
Eric Reiter