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Bardag-Gorce F, Hoffman C, Meepe I, Ferrini M, Hoft RH, Oliva J, Niihara Y. Thrombospondin-1 induction and VEGF reduction by proteasome inhibition. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13397. [PMID: 36846655 PMCID: PMC9950833 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13397] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study focuses on investigating the expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a natural inhibitor of neovascularization. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the expression of TSP-1 in rabbit corneal tissue with vascularization induced by limbectomy. TSP-1 was detected in healthy and Cultured Autologous Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cell Sheet (CAOMECS) grafted rabbit corneas. TSP-1 was not detected in diseased corneas. Rabbit and human primary oral mucosal and corneal epithelial cells were cultured and treated with proteasome inhibitor (PI) in vitro. Changes in the expression of TSP-1, HIF-1 alpha and 2 alpha, VEGF-A, and VEGF receptor were analyzed by Western blotting. Neovascularization developed in rabbits' corneas as early as 1 month after limbectomy and was stable for at least 3 months. HIF-1 alpha and VEGF-A expression was reduced in CAOMECS grafted corneas, as compared to sham corneas. While TSP-1 expression was decreased in injured corneas, it was expressed in CAOMECS grafted corneas, but still less expressed compared to healthy corneas. PI treatment, of human oral mucosal and corneal epithelial cells increased TSP-1 expression and reduced VEGF-A expression. The results showed that TSP-1 expression was lost in injured corneal surface and that CAOMECS grafting restored TSP-1 expression to certain extent. Proteasome inhibition treatment increased TSP-1 and decreased VEGF-A expression in human oral mucosal and corneal epithelial cells. The result suggests that corneal neovascularization could be managed with the inhibition of the proteasome after CAOMECS grafting and increase corneal transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Bardag-Gorce
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA,Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA,Corresponding author. The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA.
| | - Carter Hoffman
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA,Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Imara Meepe
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Monica Ferrini
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Richard H. Hoft
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Joan Oliva
- Emmaus Medical, 21250 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 800, Torrance, CA, 90505, USA
| | - Yutaka Niihara
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA,Emmaus Medical, 21250 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 800, Torrance, CA, 90505, USA
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Aldehyde Dehydrogenases Expression in Corneal Epithelial Cells with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074032. [PMID: 35409392 PMCID: PMC8999523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074032] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) in rabbit corneas with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and corneas treated with cultured autologous oral mucosa epithelial cell sheet CAOMECS designed to reconstruct the ocular surface with LSCD. Methods: New Zealand white rabbit autologous oral mucosal epithelial cells were isolated from a buccal biopsy and cultured to be grafted back onto corneas of rabbit model of LSCD. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blot analysis were used to compare the expression of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 in healthy, LSCD-diseased, CAOMECS treated corneas. Human oral mucosal and corneal epithelial cells (OMECS and CECs) were cultured and treated with retinoic acid (RA) to further investigate the expression of ALDHs. Results: In healthy corneas, ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 were markedly expressed in basal cells of corneal epithelium. In LSCD diseased corneas, ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 were markedly expressed in the conjunctivalized apical epithelial cells, the goblet cells, and the stroma. CAOMECS grafted corneas showed a decreased expression of ALDHs as compared to LSCD diseased corneas. Western blot analysis confirmed the up regulation of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 expression in LSCD-diseased corneal epithelial cells. CAOMECS expressed low levels of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3, as compared to diseased CECs (D-CEC). When ALDH1A3 was up regulated by retinoic acid treatment in OMECS, Pax-6 expression was down regulated, suggesting a decrease in regenerative capacity when ALDH enzymes are up regulated. Conclusions: These findings report for the first time the up regulation of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 in rabbit corneas with LSCD and document that CAOMECS grafting used to reconstruct corneal epithelium may reduce the expression levels of ALDH enzymes.
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cG-CAOMECS-clinical-grade cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:47-57. [PMID: 34302219 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study reports the feasibility and successful production of rabbit cG-CAOMECS, designed to reconstruct corneal epithelium of patients with bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. To produce a safe, chemically defined and FDA compliant cG-CAOMECS, oral mucosal epithelial cells were isolated from a biopsy of rabbit buccal tissue and seeded on a cGMP-certified cell culture surface coated with GMP-grade extracellular matrix. A newly designed clinical-grade medium (KaFa™ medium) was utilized to carry out cell expansion. Detachment and harvesting of the produced cell sheet was accomplished using collagenase treatment. Live cell imaging and morphological analysis techniques were used to examine cell growth. Cells attached onto the surface and self-assembled into colony-forming units (CFUs). Microscopic examination showed that CFUs formed during the first 5 days, and basal monolayer cell sheet formed in less than 10 days. Cells expanded to form a multilayered epithelial cell sheet that was harvested after 17-19 days in culture. Immunostaining and Western blot analyses showed that deltaNp63 was expressed in the basal cells and K3/K12 was expressed in the apical cells, indicating the presence of corneal epithelial-like cells in the produced cell sheet. Adhesion molecules, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and Cnx43 were also expressed and exhibited the epithelial integrity of the cell sheet. The expression of integrin-beta1 and beta4 confirmed that the collagenase treatment used for detaching and harvesting the cell sheet did not have adverse effects. Our results showed that the utilization of clinical-grade and FDA-approved reagents successfully supported the production of cG-CAMECS.
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Corneal keratin aggresome (CKAGG) formation and clearance by proteasome activation. Heliyon 2018; 4:e01012. [PMID: 30619956 PMCID: PMC6313837 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To understand the mechanism of corneal keratin expression and clearance in corneal epithelium with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD). The hypothesis is that LSCD-induced proteasome dysfunction is a contributing factor to keratin aggregation, causing corneal keratin aggresome (CKAGG) formation. Method LSCD was surgically induced in rabbit corneas. LSCD corneal epithelial cells (D-CEC) were collected to investigate keratin K4 and K13 expression and CKAGG formation. Oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECS) were isolated and cultured to study K4 and K13 expression. Cultured cells were treated with proteasome inhibitor to induce CKAGG formation. Results K4 and K13 were strongly expressed in D-CEC, with additional higher molecular weight bands of K4 and K13, suggesting CKAGG formation. Double staining of K4/K13 and ubiquitin showed co-localization of these keratins with ubiquitin in D-CEC. Proteasome inhibition also showed K4/K13 modification and accumulation in cultured OMECS, similar to D-CEC. Proteasome activation was then performed in cultured OMEC. There was no accumulation of keratins, and levels of unmodified keratins were found significantly reduced. Conclusion Results showed an abnormal expression of K4 and K13 after LSCD-induced proteasome dysfunction, which coalesce to form CKAGG in Corneal Epithelial Cells (CEC). We propose that CKAGG formation may be one of the causative factors of morphological alterations in the injured corneal epithelium, and that CKAGG could potentially be cleared by enhancing proteasome activity.
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Bardag-Gorce F, Hoft R, Meepe I, Garcia J, Tiger K, Wood A, Laporte A, Pan D, Makalinao A, Niihara R, Oliva J, Florentino A, Gorce AM, Stark J, Cortez D, French SW, Niihara Y. Proteasomes in corneal epithelial cells and cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) graft used for the ocular surface regeneration. Ocul Surf 2017; 15:749-758. [PMID: 28528957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study focuses on characterizing proteasomes in corneal epithelial cells (CEC) and in cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets (CAOMECS) used to regenerate the ocular surface. METHODS Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) was surgically induced in rabbit corneas. CAOMECS was engineered and grafted onto corneas with LSCD to regenerate the ocular surface. RESULTS LSCD caused an increase in inflammatory cells in the ocular surface, an increase in the formation of immunoproteasomes (IPR), and a decrease in the formation of constitutive proteasome (CPR). Specifically, LSCD-diseased CEC (D-CEC) showed a decrease in the CPR chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like and caspase-like activities, while healthy CEC (H-CEC) and CAOMECS showed higher activities. Quantitative analysis of IPR inducible subunit (B5i, B2i, and B1i) were performed and compared to CPR subunit (B5, B2, and B1) levels. Results showed that ratios B5i/B5, B2i/B2 and B1i/B1 were higher in D-CEC, indicating that D-CEC had approximately a two-fold increase in the amount of IPR compared to CAOMECS and H-CEC. Histological analysis demonstrated that CAOMECS-grafted corneas had a re-epithelialized surface, positive staining for CPR subunits, and weak staining for IPR subunits. In addition, digital quantitative measurement of fluorescent intensity showed that the CPR B5 subunit was significantly more expressed in CAOMECS-grafted corneas compared to non-grafted corneas with LSCD. CONCLUSION CAOMECS grafting successfully replaced the D-CEC with oral mucosal epithelial cells with higher levels of CPR. The increase in constitutive proteasome expression is possibly responsible for the recovery and improvement in CAOMECS-grafted corneas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Bardag-Gorce
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
| | - Richard Hoft
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Imara Meepe
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Julio Garcia
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Kumar Tiger
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Andrew Wood
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Amanda Laporte
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Derek Pan
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Andrew Makalinao
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Robert Niihara
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Joan Oliva
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Arjie Florentino
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Amber M Gorce
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Jeremy Stark
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Daileen Cortez
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Samuel W French
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Yutaka Niihara
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
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Bardag-Gorce F, Hoft RH, Wood A, Oliva J, Niihara H, Makalinao A, Thropay J, Pan D, Meepe I, Tiger K, Garcia J, Laporte A, French SW, Niihara Y. The Role of E-Cadherin in Maintaining the Barrier Function of Corneal Epithelium after Treatment with Cultured Autologous Oral Mucosa Epithelial Cell Sheet Grafts for Limbal Stem Deficiency. J Ophthalmol 2016; 2016:4805986. [PMID: 27777792 PMCID: PMC5061954 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4805986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of E-cadherin in epithelial barrier function of cultured autologous oral mucosa epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) grafts was examined. CAOMECS were cultured on a temperature-responsive surface and grafted onto rabbit corneas with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD). E-cadherin levels were significantly higher in CAOMECS compared to normal and LSCD epithelium. Beta-catenin colocalized with E-cadherin in CAOMECS cell membranes while phosphorylated beta-catenin was significantly increased. ZO-1, occludin, and Cnx43 were also strongly expressed in CAOMECS. E-cadherin and beta-catenin localization at the cell membrane was reduced in LSCD corneas, while CAOMECS-grafted corneas showed a restoration of E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression. LSCD corneas did not show continuous staining for ZO-1 or for Cnx43, while CAOMECS-grafted corneas showed a positive expression of ZO-1 and Cnx43. Cascade Blue® hydrazide did not pass through CAOMECS. Because E-cadherin interactions are calcium-dependent, EGTA was used to chelate calcium and disrupt cell adhesion. EGTA-treated CAOMECS completely detached from cell culture surface, and E-cadherin levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, E cadherin high expression contributed to CAOMECS tight and gap junction protein recruitment at the cell membrane, thus promoting cellular adhesion and a functional barrier to protect the ocular surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Bardag-Gorce
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Richard H. Hoft
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Andrew Wood
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Joan Oliva
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Hope Niihara
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Andrew Makalinao
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Thropay
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Derek Pan
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Imara Meepe
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Kumar Tiger
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Julio Garcia
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Amanda Laporte
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Samuel W. French
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Yutaka Niihara
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
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Direct labeling of 19F-perfluorocarbon onto multilayered cell sheet for MRI-based non-invasive cell tracking. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13770-014-0092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Jia L, Ghezzi CE, Kaplan DL. Optimization of silk films as substrate for functional corneal epithelium growth. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2015; 104:431-41. [PMID: 25891207 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is the first cellular barrier to protect the cornea. Thus, functional tissue engineering of the corneal epithelium is a strategy for clinical transplantation. In this study, the optimization of silk films (SFs) as substrates for functional human corneal epithelium growth was investigated with primary human corneal epithelial cells on SFs, poly-D-lysine (PDL) coated SFs, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) modified SFs and PDL blended SFs. PDL coated SFs significantly promoted cell adhesion at early phases in comparison to the other study groups, while PDL blended SF significantly promoted cell migration in a "wound healing" model. All film modifications promoted cell proliferation and viability, and a multi-layered epithelium was achieved in 4 weeks of culture. The epithelia formed were tightly apposed and maintained an intact barrier function against rose bengal dye penetration. The results suggested that a differentiated human corneal epithelium can be established with primary corneal epithelial cells on SFs in vitro, by optimizing SF composition with PDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachuttes, 02155.,Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachuttes, 02155
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachuttes, 02155
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Ghezzi CE, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Kaplan DL. Corneal tissue engineering: recent advances and future perspectives. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2015; 21:278-87. [PMID: 25434371 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2014.0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To address the growing need for corneal transplants two main approaches are being pursued: allogenic and synthetic materials. Allogenic tissue from human donors is currently the preferred choice; however, there is a worldwide shortage in donated corneal tissue. In addition, tissue rejection often limits the long-term success of this approach. Alternatively, synthetic homologs to donor corneal grafts are primarily considered temporary replacements until suitable donor tissue becomes available, as they result in a high incidence of graft failure. Tissue engineered cornea analogs would provide effective cornea tissue substitutes and alternatives to address the need to reduce animal testing of commercial products. Recent progress toward these needs is reviewed here, along with future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara E Ghezzi
- 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
- 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.,2Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - David L Kaplan
- 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
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