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Small molecules targeting γ-secretase and their potential biological applications. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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2
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Bhattarai S, Liu L, Wolfe MS. Discovery of aryl aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators with novel effects on amyloid β-peptide production. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 54:128446. [PMID: 34767913 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A series of analogs based on a prototype aryl aminothiazole γ-secretase modulator (GSM) were synthesized and tested for their effects on the profile of 37-to-42-residue amyloid β-peptides (Aβ), generated through processive proteolysis of precursor protein substrate by γ-secretase. Certain substitutions on the terminal aryl D ring resulted in an altered profile of Aβ production compared to that seen with the parent molecule. Small structural changes led to concentration-dependent increases in Aβ37 and Aβ38 production without parallel decreases in their precursors Aβ40 and Aβ42, respectively. The new compounds therefore apparently also stimulate carboxypeptidase trimming of Aβ peptides ≥ 43 residues, providing novel chemical tools for mechanistic studies of processive proteolysis by γ-secretase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Bhattarai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael S Wolfe
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
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3
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Rynearson KD, Ponnusamy M, Prikhodko O, Xie Y, Zhang C, Nguyen P, Hug B, Sawa M, Becker A, Spencer B, Florio J, Mante M, Salehi B, Arias C, Galasko D, Head BP, Johnson G, Lin JH, Duddy SK, Rissman RA, Mobley WC, Thinakaran G, Tanzi RE, Wagner SL. Preclinical validation of a potent γ-secretase modulator for Alzheimer's disease prevention. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211838. [PMID: 33651103 PMCID: PMC7931646 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20202560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A potent γ-secretase modulator (GSM) has been developed to circumvent problems associated with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and to potentially enable use in primary prevention of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD). Unlike GSIs, GSMs do not inhibit γ-secretase activity but rather allosterically modulate γ-secretase, reducing the net production of Aβ42 and to a lesser extent Aβ40, while concomitantly augmenting production of Aβ38 and Aβ37. This GSM demonstrated robust time- and dose-dependent efficacy in acute, subchronic, and chronic studies across multiple species, including primary and secondary prevention studies in a transgenic mouse model. The GSM displayed a >40-fold safety margin in rats based on a comparison of the systemic exposure (AUC) at the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) to the 50% effective AUC or AUCeffective, the systemic exposure required for reducing levels of Aβ42 in rat brain by 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Moorthi Ponnusamy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Olga Prikhodko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Yuhuan Xie
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brenda Hug
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mariko Sawa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brian Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Bahar Salehi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Carlos Arias
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brian P Head
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | | | | - Steven K Duddy
- Integrated Nonclinical Development Solutions, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
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Mehra R, Kepp KP. Computational prediction and molecular mechanism of γ-secretase modulators. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 157:105626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rynearson KD, Buckle RN, Herr RJ, Mayhew NJ, Chen X, Paquette WD, Sakwa SA, Yang J, Barnes KD, Nguyen P, Mobley WC, Johnson G, Lin JH, Tanzi RE, Wagner SL. Design and synthesis of novel methoxypyridine-derived gamma-secretase modulators. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115734. [PMID: 33007551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) through the introduction of novel heterocycles with the goal of aligning activity for reducing the levels of Aβ42 and properties consistent with a drug-like molecule are described. The insertion of a methoxypyridine motif within the tetracyclic scaffold provided compounds with improved activity for arresting Aβ42 production as well as improved properties, including solubility. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that several compounds within the novel series were capable of crossing the BBB and accessing the therapeutic target. Treatment with methoxypyridine-derived compound 64 reduced Aβ42 levels in the plasma of J20 mice, in addition to reducing Aβ42 levels in the plasma and brain of Tg2576 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States.
| | - Ronald N Buckle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - R Jason Herr
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Nicholas J Mayhew
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Xinchao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - William D Paquette
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Samuel A Sakwa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Jinhai Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Keith D Barnes
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States
| | - Graham Johnson
- NuPharmAdvise, 3 Lakeside Drive, Sanbornton, NH 03269, United States
| | - Juinn H Lin
- Biopharm Consulting Partners, 2 Willet Drive, Ambler, PA 19002, United States
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States; Veterans Administrative San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, United States.
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Mekala S, Nelson G, Li YM. Recent developments of small molecule γ-secretase modulators for Alzheimer's disease. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1003-1022. [PMID: 33479693 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00196a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of progressive neurodegenerative disorder, marked by memory loss and a decline in cognitive function. The major hallmarks of AD are the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins and extracellular plaques composed of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ). The amyloid (Aβ) cascade hypothesis proposes that the AD pathogenesis is initiated by the accumulation of Aβ peptides in the parenchyma of the brain. An aspartyl intramembranal protease called γ-secretase is responsible for the production of Aβ by the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Clinical studies of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for AD failed due to the lack of substrate specificity. Therefore, γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) have been developed as potential disease modifying agents to modulate the γ-secretase cleavage activity towards the production of toxic Aβ42 peptides. Following the first-generation 'nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug' (NSAID) based GSMs, second-generation GSMs (carboxylic acid based NSAID derivatives and non-NSAID derived heterocyclic analogues), as well as natural product-based GSMs, have been developed. In this review, we focus on the recent developments of small molecule-based GSMs that show potential improvements in terms of drug-like properties as well as their current status in human clinical trials and the future perspectives of GSM research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekar Mekala
- Chemical Biology Program , Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , New York 10065 , USA . ;
| | - Grady Nelson
- Chemical Biology Program , Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , New York 10065 , USA . ;
| | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program , Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , New York 10065 , USA . ; .,Pharmacology Graduate Program , Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University , New York , New York 10021 , USA
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7
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Krasavin M, Chuprun S, Dar’in D, Kantin G, Zhmurov P. α-Diazoacetamides in Sc(OTf)3-Catalyzed Tiffeneau–Demjanov Ring Expansion: Application towards the Synthesis of Rare Bicyclic Pyrazoles. Synlett 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1690047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed Tiffeneau–Demjanov ring expansion of six-membered cyclic ketones has been developed. The resulting seven-membered cyclic β-keto carboxamides were found to be versatile precursors to rare bicyclic pyrazoles obtained in modest to good yields via condensation with aryl hydrazines in the presence of Lawesson’s reagent.
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Kuo YC, Rajesh R. Challenges in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: recent progress and treatment strategies of pharmaceuticals targeting notable pathological factors. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:623-652. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1621750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chih Kuo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Rajendiran Rajesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Raven F, Ward JF, Zoltowska KM, Wan Y, Bylykbashi E, Miller SJ, Shen X, Choi SH, Rynearson KD, Berezovska O, Wagner SL, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. Soluble Gamma-secretase Modulators Attenuate Alzheimer's β-amyloid Pathology and Induce Conformational Changes in Presenilin 1. EBioMedicine 2017; 24:93-101. [PMID: 28919280 PMCID: PMC5652037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A central pathogenic event of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of the Aβ42 peptide, which is generated from amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) via cleavages by β- and γ-secretase. We have developed a class of soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) that preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels. However, the effects of SGSMs in AD animals and cells expressing familial AD mutations, as well as the mechanism of γ-secretase modulation remain largely unknown. Here, a representative of this SGSM scaffold, SGSM-36, was investigated using animals and cells expressing FAD mutations. SGSM-36 preferentially reduced Aβ42 levels without affecting either α- and β-secretase processing of APP nor Notch processing. Furthermore, an allosteric site was identified within the γ-secretase complex that allowed access of SGSM-36 using cell-based, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy analysis. Collectively, these studies provide mechanistic insights regarding SGSMs of this class and reinforce their therapeutic potential in AD. A novel class soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) are characterized as potential therapeutics for AD. A representative compound, SGSM-36, preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels using animal and cell models of AD. An allosteric site was identified within γ-secretase to be accessible by SGSM-36.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no treatment to slow or halt disease progression. Considerable evidence shows that the primary pathological event leading to AD is the production and accumulation of Aβ42 peptide. We have developed a class of soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) that preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels. The presented studies have primarily elucidated the mechanisms by which our SGSMs decrease Aβ42 levels and attenuate β-amyloid pathology. The results of these experiments will be useful toward the ongoing efforts toward the development of an effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Raven
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph F Ward
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Katarzyna M Zoltowska
- Alzheimer Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Yu Wan
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA; Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, PR China
| | - Enjana Bylykbashi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Sean J Miller
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Xunuo Shen
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0624, USA
| | - Oksana Berezovska
- Alzheimer Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0624, USA; Research Biologist, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, 92161, United States.
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA.
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA.
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Kounnas MZ, Lane-Donovan C, Nowakowski DW, Herz J, Comer WT. NGP 555, a γ-Secretase Modulator, Lowers the Amyloid Biomarker, Aβ 42, in Cerebrospinal Fluid while Preventing Alzheimer's Disease Cognitive Decline in Rodents. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2016; 3:65-73. [PMID: 28497107 PMCID: PMC5421551 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is defined by the progressive accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain which precedes cognitive decline by years. Methods Using amyloid biomarkers, chemical modeling, mouse behavioral models, and drug development techniques, we investigate the properties of NGP 555, a clinical-stage γ-secretase modulator. Results NGP 555 shifts amyloid peptide production to the smaller, nonaggregating forms of amyloid. Our preclinical studies show beneficial effects on amyloid biomarkers, pathology, and cognition. NGP 555 has successfully completed chemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, metabolism, and safety studies. Discussion Abundant data support Aβ42 as a target for prophylactic or early-stage intervention therapies in AD. The γ-secretase modulator, NGP 555 is being actively developed in human clinical trials for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease with the overall aim to achieve an appropriate balance of potency/efficacy on reducing the toxic forms of amyloid versus safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Z. Kounnas
- NeuroGenetic Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Del Mar, CA, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Courtney Lane-Donovan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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