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Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated a critical role for nerves in enabling tumor progression. The association of nerves with cancer cells is well established for a variety of malignant tumors, including pancreatic, prostate and the head and neck cancers. This association is often correlated with poor prognosis. A strong partnership between cancer cells and nerve cells leads to both cancer progression and expansion of the nerve network. This relationship is supported by molecular pathways related to nerve growth and repair. Peripheral nerves form complex tumor microenvironments, which are made of several cell types including Schwann cells. Recent studies have revealed that Schwann cells enable cancer progression by adopting a de-differentiated phenotype, similar to the Schwann cell response to nerve trauma. A detailed understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of cancer progression by the nerves is essential to design strategies to inhibit tumor progression.
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52
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Arifuzzaman S, Das A, Kim SH, Yoon T, Lee YS, Jung KH, Chai YG. Selective inhibition of EZH2 by a small molecule inhibitor regulates microglial gene expression essential for inflammation. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 137:61-80. [PMID: 28431938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have documented that Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) could play a role in inflammation and a wide range of malignancies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unaddressed. Microglial activation is a key process in the production and release of numerous pro-inflammatory mediators that play important roles in inflammation and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether inhibition of EZH2 with the selective small molecule inhibitor EPZ-6438 protects against neonatal microglial activation. First, in mouse primary microglial cells and a microglial cell line, we found that LPS can rapidly increase EZH2 mRNA level and we subsequently performed gene expression profiling and constructed networks in resting, EPZ-6438-treated, LPS-treated and LPS+EPZ-6438-treated primary microglial cells and a microglial cell line using transcriptome RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. By examining the RNA sequencing, we identified EPZ-6438 target genes and co-regulated modules that were critical for inflammation. We also identified unexpected relationships between the inducible transcription factors (TFs), motif strength, and the transcription of key inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, we showed that EPZ-6438 controls important inflammatory gene targets by modulating interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 1, IRF8, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 levels at their promoter sites. Our unprecedented findings demonstrate that pharmacological interventions built upon EZH2 inhibition by EPZ-6438 could be a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases associated with microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarder Arifuzzaman
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Amitabh Das
- Institute of Natural Science & Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun Hwa Kim
- Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taeho Yoon
- Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Seek Lee
- Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoung Hwa Jung
- Institute of Natural Science & Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04673, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
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53
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Das A, Arifuzzaman S, Kim SH, Lee YS, Jung KH, Chai YG. FTY720 (fingolimod) regulates key target genes essential for inflammation in microglial cells as defined by high-resolution mRNA sequencing. Neuropharmacology 2017; 119:1-14. [PMID: 28373076 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although microglial cells have an essential role in the host defense of the brain, the abnormal activation of microglia can lead to devastating outcomes, such as neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence indicates that FTY720 (fingolimod), an FDA-approved drug, has beneficial effects on brain cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and, more recently, immunosuppressive activities in microglia via modulation of the sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) 1 receptor. However, the exact molecular aspects of FTY720 contribution in microglia remain largely unaddressed. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of FTY720 in microglia, we performed gene expression profiling in resting, FTY720, LPS and LPS + FTY720 challenged primary microglial (PM) cells isolated from 3-day-old ICR mice, and we identified FTY720 target genes and co-regulated modules that were critical in inflammation. By examining RNA sequencing and binding motif datasets from FTY720 suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory mediators, we also identified unexpected relationships between the inducible transcription factors (TFs), motif strength, and the transcription of key inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, we showed that FTY720 controls important inflammatory genes targets by modulating STAT1 and IRF8 levels at their promoter site. Our unprecedented findings demonstrate that FTY720 could be a useful therapeutic application for neuroinflammatory diseases associated with microglia activation, as well as provide a rich resource and framework for future analyses of FTY720 effects on microglia interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitabh Das
- Institute of Natural Science & Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sarder Arifuzzaman
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun Hwa Kim
- Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Seek Lee
- Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoung Hwa Jung
- Institute of Natural Science & Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular & Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea.
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54
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Amit M, Na'ara S, Leider-Trejo L, Binenbaum Y, Kulish N, Fridman E, Shabtai-Orbach A, Wong RJ, Gil Z. Upregulation of RET induces perineurial invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2017; 36:3232-3239. [PMID: 28092668 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor spread along nerves, a phenomenon known as perineurial invasion, is common in various cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Neural invasion is associated with poor outcome, yet its mechanism remains unclear. Using the transgenic Pdx-1-Cre/KrasG12D /p53R172H (KPC) mouse model, we investigated the mechanism of neural invasion in PDAC. To detect tissue-specific factors that influence neural invasion by cancer cells, we characterized the perineurial microenvironment using a series of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) experiments in transgenic mice expressing single mutations in the Cx3cr1, GDNF and CCR2 genes. Immunolabeling of tumors in KPC mice of different ages and analysis of human cancer specimens revealed that RET expression is upregulated during PDAC tumorigenesis. BMT experiments revealed that BM-derived macrophages expressing the RET ligand GDNF are highly abundant around nerves invaded by cancer. Inhibition of perineurial macrophage recruitment, using the CSF-1R antagonist GW2580 or BMT from CCR2-deficient donors, reduced perineurial invasion. Deletion of GDNF expression by perineurial macrophages, or inhibition of RET with shRNA or a small-molecule inhibitor, reduced perineurial invasion in KPC mice with PDAC. Taken together, our findings show that RET is upregulated during pancreas tumorigenesis and its activation induces cancer perineurial invasion. Trafficking of BM-derived macrophages to the perineurial microenvironment and secretion of GDNF are essential for pancreatic cancer neural spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Amit
- Head and Neck Surgery Department, MD Anderson Cancer Center University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA.,The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, Rambam Medical Center, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - S Na'ara
- The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, Rambam Medical Center, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - L Leider-Trejo
- Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Y Binenbaum
- The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - N Kulish
- The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - E Fridman
- The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, Rambam Medical Center, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - A Shabtai-Orbach
- The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - R J Wong
- Department of Surgery Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Z Gil
- The Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, Rambam Medical Center, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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55
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Huyett P, Gilbert M, Liu L, Ferris RL, Kim S. A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28117782 DOI: 10.3791/55043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is found in approximately 40% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Despite multimodal treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, locoregional recurrences and distant metastases occur at higher rates, and overall survival is decreased by 40% compared to HNSCC without PNI. In vitro studies of the pathways involved in HNSCC PNI have historically been challenging given the lack of a consistent, reproducible assay. Described here is the adaptation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) assay for the examination of PNI in HNSCC. In this model, DRG are harvested from the spinal column of a sacrificed nude mouse and placed within a semisolid matrix. Over the subsequent days, neurites are generated and grow in a radial pattern from the cell bodies of the DRG. HNSCC cell lines are then placed peripherally around the matrix and invade preferentially along the neurites toward the DRG. This method allows for rapid evaluation of multiple treatment conditions, with very high assay success rates and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Huyett
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center;
| | - Mark Gilbert
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
| | - Lijun Liu
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Robert L Ferris
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
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56
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Sroka IC, Chopra H, Das L, Gard JMC, Nagle RB, Cress AE. Schwann Cells Increase Prostate and Pancreatic Tumor Cell Invasion Using Laminin Binding A6 Integrin. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:491-9. [PMID: 26239765 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human pancreatic and prostate cancers metastasize along nerve axons during perineural invasion. The extracellular matrix laminin class of proteins is an abundant component of both myelinated and non-myelinated nerves. Analysis of human pancreatic and prostate tissue revealed both perineural and endoneural invasion with Schwann cells surrounded or disrupted by tumor, respectively. Tumor and nerve cell co-culture conditions were used to determine if myelinating or non-myelinating Schwann cell (S16 and S16Y, respectively) phenotype was equally likely to promote integrin-dependent cancer cell invasion and migration on laminin. Conditioned medium from S16 cells increased tumor cell (DU145, PC3, and CFPAC1) invasion into laminin approximately 1.3-2.0 fold compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS) treated cells. Integrin function (e.g., ITGA6p formation) increased up to 1.5 fold in prostate (DU145, PC3, RWPE-1) and pancreatic (CFPAC1) cells, and invasion was dependent on ITGA6p formation and ITGB1 as determined by function-blocking antibodies. In contrast, conditioned medium isolated from S16Y cells (non-myelinating phenotype) decreased constitutive levels of ITGA6p in the tumor cells by 50% compared to untreated cells and decreased ITGA6p formation 3.0 fold compared to S16 treated cells. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis revealed loss of ITGA6p formation as reversible and independent of overall loss of ITGA6 expression. These results suggest that the myelinating phenotype of Schwann cells within the tumor microenvironment increased integrin-dependent tumor invasion on laminin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis C Sroka
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, 85724
| | - Harsharon Chopra
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, 85724
| | - Lipsa Das
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, 1515 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85724
| | - Jaime M C Gard
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, 1515 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85724
| | - Raymond B Nagle
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, 85724
| | - Anne E Cress
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, 1515 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85724.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, 85724
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57
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Abstract
The local extension of cancer cells along nerves is a frequent clinical finding for various tumours. Traditionally, nerve invasion was assumed to occur via the path of least resistance; however, recent animal models and human studies have revealed that cancer cells have an innate ability to actively migrate along axons in a mechanism called neural tracking. The tendency of cancer cells to track along nerves is supported by various cell types in the perineural niche that secrete multiple growth factors and chemokines. We propose that the perineural niche should be considered part of the tumour microenvironment, describe the molecular cues that facilitate neural tracking and suggest methods for its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Amit
- Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haalia Street No. 8, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shorook Na'ara
- Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haalia Street No. 8, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ziv Gil
- Laboratory for Applied Cancer Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center, Rambam Healthcare Campus, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Rappaport Institute of Medicine and Research, The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haalia Street No. 8, Haifa, Israel
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58
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Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the neoplastic invasion of nerves. PNI is widely recognized as an important adverse pathological feature of many malignancies, including pancreatic, prostate, and head and neck cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the clinical significance of PNI, the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Recent theories of PNI pathogenesis have placed a significant emphasis on the active role of the nerve microenvironment, with PNI resulting from well-orchestrated reciprocal interactions between cancer and host. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in PNI may translate into targeted therapies for this ominous process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Bakst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, United States
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
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59
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Saloman JL, Albers KM, Li D, Hartman DJ, Crawford HC, Muha EA, Rhim AD, Davis BM. Ablation of sensory neurons in a genetic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma slows initiation and progression of cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3078-83. [PMID: 26929329 PMCID: PMC4801275 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1512603113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by an exuberant inflammatory desmoplastic response. The PDAC microenvironment is complex, containing both pro- and antitumorigenic elements, and remains to be fully characterized. Here, we show that sensory neurons, an under-studied cohort of the pancreas tumor stroma, play a significant role in the initiation and progression of the early stages of PDAC. Using a well-established autochthonous model of PDAC (PKC), we show that inflammation and neuronal damage in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) occurs as early as the pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) 2 stage. Also at the PanIN2 stage, pancreas acinar-derived cells frequently invade along sensory neurons into the spinal cord and migrate caudally to the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions. Sensory neuron ablation by neonatal capsaicin injection prevented perineural invasion (PNI), astrocyte activation, and neuronal damage, suggesting that sensory neurons convey inflammatory signals from Kras-induced pancreatic neoplasia to the CNS. Neuron ablation in PKC mice also significantly delayed PanIN formation and ultimately prolonged survival compared with vehicle-treated controls (median survival, 7.8 vs. 4.5 mo; P = 0.001). These data establish a reciprocal signaling loop between the pancreas and nervous system, including the CNS, that supports inflammation associated with oncogenic Kras-induced neoplasia. Thus, pancreatic sensory neurons comprise an important stromal cell population that supports the initiation and progression of PDAC and may represent a potential target for prevention in high-risk populations.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma in Situ/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma in Situ/physiopathology
- Afferent Pathways
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Capsaicin/administration & dosage
- Capsaicin/pharmacology
- Capsaicin/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/etiology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/physiopathology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/prevention & control
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/therapy
- Ceruletide/toxicity
- Denervation
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/physiopathology
- Genes, ras
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Myelitis/complications
- Myelitis/genetics
- Myelitis/physiopathology
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Pancreas/innervation
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/etiology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/physiopathology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy
- Pancreatitis/chemically induced
- Pancreatitis/complications
- Pancreatitis/physiopathology
- Precancerous Conditions/chemically induced
- Precancerous Conditions/complications
- Precancerous Conditions/physiopathology
- Sensory Receptor Cells/drug effects
- Sensory Receptor Cells/physiology
- Spinal Cord/physiopathology
- Spinothalamic Tracts/physiopathology
- Thoracic Vertebrae
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami L Saloman
- Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Kathryn M Albers
- Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Dongjun Li
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Douglas J Hartman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Howard C Crawford
- Department of Internal Medicine, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Emily A Muha
- Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Andrew D Rhim
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109;
| | - Brian M Davis
- Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261;
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