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Riitano G, Recalchi S, Capozzi A, Manganelli V, Misasi R, Garofalo T, Sorice M, Longo A. The Role of Autophagy as a Trigger of Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins and Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12764. [PMID: 37628944 PMCID: PMC10454292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by persistent joint inflammation, leading to cartilage and bone destruction. Autoantibody production is directed to post-translational modified (PTM) proteins, i.e., citrullinated or carbamylated. Autophagy may be the common feature in several types of stress (smoking, joint injury, and infections) and may be involved in post-translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins and the generation of citrullinated and carbamylated peptides recognized by the immune system in RA patients, with a consequent breakage of tolerance. Interestingly, autophagy actively provides information to neighboring cells via a process called secretory autophagy. Secretory autophagy combines the autophagy machinery with the secretion of cellular content via extracellular vesicles (EVs). A role for exosomes in RA pathogenesis has been recently demonstrated. Exosomes are involved in intercellular communications, and upregulated proteins and RNAs may contribute to the development of inflammatory arthritis and the progression of RA. In RA, most of the exosomes are produced by leukocytes and synoviocytes, which are loaded with PTM proteins, mainly citrullinated proteins, inflammatory molecules, and enzymes that are implicated in RA pathogenesis. Microvesicles derived from cell plasma membrane may also be loaded with PTM proteins, playing a role in the immunopathogenesis of RA. An analysis of changes in EV profiles, including PTM proteins, could be a useful tool for the prevention of inflammation in RA patients and help in the discovery of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (S.R.); (A.C.); (V.M.); (R.M.); (T.G.); (A.L.)
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Cooper J, Pastorello Y, Slevin M. A meta-analysis investigating the relationship between inflammation in autoimmune disease, elevated CRP, and the risk of dementia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087571. [PMID: 36776896 PMCID: PMC9912841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) represents the most common type of dementia and is becoming a steadily increasing challenge for health systems globally. Inflammation is developing as the main focus of research into Alzheimer's disease and has been demonstrated to be a major driver of the pathologies associated with AD. This evidence introduces an interesting research question, whether chronic inflammation due to pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could lead to a higher risk of developing dementia. In both IBD and RA, increased levels of the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) can be highlighted, the latter being directly implicated in neuroinflammation and AD. In this meta-analysis both the association between chronic inflammatory diseases and elevated levels of CRP during midlife were investigated to examine if they correlated with an augmented risk of dementia. Moreover, the association between increased CRP and modifications in the permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) in the presence of CRP is explored. The results displayed that the odds ratio for IBD and dementia was 1.91 [1.15-3.15], for RA it was 1.90 [1.09-3.32] following sensitivity analysis and for CRP it was 1.62 [1.22-2.15]. These results demonstrate a higher risk of dementia in patients presenting chronic inflammation and that exists an independent association with high CRP in midlife. This paper builds on published research that suggest a critical role for CRP both in stroke and AD and provides an analysis on currently published research on multiple diseases (IBD and RA) in which CRP is raised as well as chronically elevated. CRP and the associated risk of dementia and further research indicated that the monomeric form of CRP can infiltrate the BBB/be released from damaged micro-vessels to access the brain. This meta-analysis provides first-time evidence that chronic elevation of CRP in autoimmune diseases is directly associated with an increased risk of later development of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, greater priority should be provided to the effective control of inflammation in patients with chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions and further long-term assessment of circulating CRP might inform of an individual's relative risk of developing dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Cooper
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ylenia Pastorello
- George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Mark Slevin
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.,George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania
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Han X, Li T, Wang T, Wang B, Li Y, Wang L, Lu Z, Wu A, Liu L, Pan G, Zhao M. Circulating microparticles are associated with plaque burden and cause eNOS uncoupling in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:976644. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.976644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the correlation of different microparticle (MP) phenotypes with plaque burden and their diagnostic value and preliminarily explore the role of MPs in atherosclerosis (AS).Methods: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and maximal plaque area in 23 patients with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and 22 healthy subjects were measured by ultrasound. Transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot were used to identify MPs. Flow cytometry assay measured absolute number of MPs, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the relationship between plaque burden and MPs. To study the preliminary mechanism of MPs in AS, MPs were administered to 32 male Kunming mice, which were randomly divided into control, CAS, healthy, and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blot were adopted to detect relevant indexes 24 h after the injection.Results: The plasma levels of CD45+ leukocyte-derived microparticle (LMP), CD11a+ LMP, CD11a+/CD45+ LMP, and CD31+/CD42b+ platelet-derived microparticle (PMP) in CAS patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects, and were positively correlated with the maximal plaque area. Moreover, the levels of CD11a+ LMP, CD11a+/CD45+ LMP were also positively correlated with CIMT. The area under the ROC curve of the four MPs was 0.689, 0.747, 0.741, and 0.701, respectively. Compared with healthy subjects, MPs from CAS patients resulted in a significantly lower expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dimer/monomer, and BH4 could improve eNOS uncoupling. Moreover, the level of VCAM-1 in intima in the CAS group was significantly higher than in the other three groups.Conclusion: CD11a+ LMP and CD11a+/CD45+ LMP might be potential biomarkers for CAS prediction. BH4-related eNOS uncoupling occurs in CAS patients, and circulating MPs from them lead to endothelial dysfunction through eNOS uncoupling.
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Cafaro G, Petito E, Bistoni O, Falcinelli E, Cipriani S, Borghi MC, Bonifacio AF, Giglio E, Alunno A, Perricone C, Gerli R, Gresele P, Bartoloni E. Methotrexate improves endothelial function in early rheumatoid arthritis patients after 3 months of treatment. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:236. [PMID: 36280849 PMCID: PMC9590167 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial dysfunction contributes to increased cardiovascular (CV) disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Angiogenic T cells (Tang) are a key regulator of vascular function via their interaction with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methotrexate (MTX) has been associated to reduced CV disease risk, but its effects on endothelial homeostasis have been poorly explored. We investigated MTX effects on endothelial homeostasis in early, treatment-naïve RA patients. Methods Fifteen untreated, early RA patients and matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. RA patients with long-standing disease in remission or low disease activity treated with MTX for at least 6 months were selected as controls. Circulating CD28+ and CD28null Tang cell, endothelial microparticle (EMP), EPC and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 levels were measured. Results Tang percentage was higher in early RA than in HCs and significantly increased after 3-month MTX treatment. Tang cells in RA were characterized by higher percentage of CD28null and lower CD28-positive cells than HCs. MTX restored a Tang cell phenotype similar to HCs. Altered sVCAM-1, EMP and EPC were restored to levels similar to HCs after a 3-month MTX. Biomarker levels after 3 months of MTX were not different to those of patients with long-standing treatment. Conclusions MTX has a positive effect on Tang, sVCAM-1, EPCs and EMPs in RA. Restoration of imbalance between CD28 + and CD28null Tang by MTX may be one of the mechanisms underlying its favourable effects on endothelial dysfunction. These effects seem to be long-lasting and independent from systemic inflammation reduction, suggesting a direct effect of MTX on the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Cafaro
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Petito
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Onelia Bistoni
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Falcinelli
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Cipriani
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Borghi
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo F. Bonifacio
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Giglio
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Alunno
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy ,grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Internal Medicine and Nephrology Unit, Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Carlo Perricone
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gresele
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Rheumatology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Stojanovic A, Veselinovic M, Zong Y, Jakovljevic V, Pruner I, Antovic A. Increased Expression of Extracellular Vesicles Is Associated With the Procoagulant State in Patients With Established Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718845. [PMID: 34394126 PMCID: PMC8358654 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study sought to identify different subpopulations of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in plasma from female patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in relation to the activation of coagulation and fibrin formation in these patients. Forty women were included in the study, 20 patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls. The mean disease duration in patients was 13.0 (5.0-25.0) years, with medium to high disease activity despite ongoing treatment with low-dose prednisolone and methotrexate. There were no differences between the investigated groups regarding the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The concentration of phosphatidylserine-positive (PS+) EVs; platelet (CD42a+), leucocyte (CD45+), monocyte (CD14+), and endothelial (CD144+)-derived EVs; and EVs-expressing tissue factor (CD142+), P-selectin (CD62P+), and E-selectin (CD62E+) were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Overall hemostasis potential (OHP) was assessed to follow the hemostatic disturbances, including the parameters for overall coagulation potential (OCP) and overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP). Fibrin clot turbidity was measured together with clot lysis time, and scanning electron microscopy was performed. Increased concentrations of PS+, CD42a+, CD142+, CD45+, CD14+, and CD62P+ EVs were found in plasma from patients with RA compared to healthy controls, and the concentrations of PS+, CD42a+, CD14+, and CD62P+ EVs were positively correlated with the inflammatory parameters in RA patients. Positive correlations were also found between the levels of PS+ and CD42a+ EVs and OCP as well as between the levels of PS+, CD42a+, and CD62P+EVs and OHP. The levels of PS+, CD42a+, CD14+, CD62P+, and CD62E+ EVs were negatively correlated with OFP. Elevated levels of circulating EVs of different cell origins were found in patients with established RA, in relation to the inflammatory burden and coagulation activation in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Stojanovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Veselinovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Yanan Zong
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Jakovljevic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Human Pathology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Iva Pruner
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aleksandra Antovic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Specialist Center, Center for Rheumatology, Stockholm Health Services, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wu WC, Song SJ, Zhang Y, Li X. Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Autoimmune Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:579043. [PMID: 33072123 PMCID: PMC7538611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.579043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are conditions that emerge from abnormal immune responses to natural parts of the body. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures found in almost all types of cells. Because EVs often transport “cargo” between cells, their ability to crosstalk may be an important communication pathway within the body. The pathophysiological role of EVs is increasingly recognized in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid disease. EVs are considered as biomarkers of these diseases. This article outlines existing knowledge on the biogenesis of EVs, their role as messegers in cellular communication and the function in T/B cell differentiation and maturation, and focusing on their potential application in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sheng-Jiao Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xing Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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Liu S, Sun J, Xing L, Pang Y, Yang J, Ma C, Zhang L. Left Ventricular Thrombus and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Assessment Using Serial Echocardiography. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:e010222. [PMID: 32460530 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.119.010222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning (S.L., J.S., Y.P., J.Y., C.M., L.Z.)
| | - Jinglun Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning (S.L., J.S., Y.P., J.Y., C.M., L.Z.)
| | - Liying Xing
- Department of Chronic Disease, Disease Control and Prevention of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (L.X.)
| | - Yanmin Pang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning (S.L., J.S., Y.P., J.Y., C.M., L.Z.)
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning (S.L., J.S., Y.P., J.Y., C.M., L.Z.)
| | - Chunyan Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning (S.L., J.S., Y.P., J.Y., C.M., L.Z.)
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning (S.L., J.S., Y.P., J.Y., C.M., L.Z.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Toubi
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
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Xiao L, Xiao Y. The Autophagy in Osteoimmonology: Self-Eating, Maintenance, and Beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:490. [PMID: 31428045 PMCID: PMC6689986 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been long realized that the immune and skeletal systems are closely linked. This crosstalk, also known as osteoimmunology, is a primary process required for bone health. For example, the immune system acts as a key regulator in osteoclasts-osteoblasts coupling to maintain the balanced bone remodeling. Osteoimmunology is achieved through many cellular and molecular processes, among which autophagy has recently been found to play an indispensable role. Autophagy is a highly conserved process in eukaryotic cells, by which the cytoplasm components such as dysfunctional organelles are degraded through lysosomes and then returned to the cytosol for reuse. Autophagy is present in all cells at basal levels to maintain homeostasis and to promote cell survival in response to cellular stress conditions such as nutrition deprivation and hypoxia. Autophagy is a required process in immune cell activation/polarization and osteoclast differentiation, which protecting cells from oxidative stress. The essential of autophagy in osteogenesis is its involvement in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, especially the role of autophagosome in extracellular calcium transportation. The modulatory feature of autophagy in both immune and skeleton systems suggests its crucial roles in osteoimmunology. Furthermore, autophagy also participates in the maintenance of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell niche. The focus of this review is to highlight the role of autophagy in the immune-skeleton interactions and the effects on bone physiology, as well as the future application in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The Australia-China Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (ACCTERM), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The Australia-China Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (ACCTERM), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Yin Xiao
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