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Fioretto L, Ziaco M, Mercogliano M, Gallo C, Nuzzo G, d'Ippolito G, Castiglia D, Fontana A, Manzo E. The Janus effect of colloidal self-assembly on the biological response of amphiphilic drugs. Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107400. [PMID: 39251100 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
In aqueous environment amphiphilic molecules organize themselves into supramolecular structures deeply affecting the chemo-physical properties. Supramolecular assemby is also crucial in the pharmaceutical development of bioactive lipophilic molecules whose attitude to self-aggregate is a recognized factor affecting the in vivo pharmacokinetic, but can also play a crucial role in the interaction with the biological targets in in vitro tests. In aqueous solution, amphiphilic drugs exist in a complex equilibrium involving free monomers, oligomers and larger supramolecular aggregates held together by noncovalent bonds. In this review we focus our attention on the dual effect of drugs self-assembly, which can both reduce the availability of active compounds and create multivalent scaffolds, potentially improving binding affinity and avidity to cellular targets. We examine the effect of aggregation on different classes of amphiphatic molecules with significant biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, and antibiotic. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of how supramolecular chemistry influences the pharmacological and biological responses of amphiphilic molecules, emphasizing the need to consider these effects in early-stage drug development and in vitro testing. By elucidating these phenomena, this review aims to offer insights into optimizing drug design and formulation to overcome challenges posed by self-aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fioretto
- CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Marcello Ziaco
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marcello Mercogliano
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; University of Naples Federico II, Dept. of Chemical Science, Via Cinthia, Napoli 80126, Italy
| | - Carmela Gallo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Genoveffa Nuzzo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuliana d'Ippolito
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Castiglia
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Fontana
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; University of Naples Federico II, Dept. of Biology, Via Cinthia, Napoli 80126, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Manzo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
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Fioretto L, Ziaco M, Gallo C, Nuzzo G, d'Ippolito G, Lupetti P, Paccagnini E, Gentile M, DellaGreca M, Appavou MS, Paduano L, De Palma R, Fontana A, Manzo E. Direct evidence of the impact of aqueous self-assembly on biological behavior of amphiphilic molecules: The case study of molecular immunomodulators Sulfavants. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 611:129-136. [PMID: 34933191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sulfavant A and Sulfavant R, sulfoquinovoside-glycerol lipids under study as vaccine adjuvants, structurally differ only for the configuration of glyceridic carbon, R/S and R respectively. The in vitro activity of these substances follows a bell-shaped dose-response curve, but Sulfavant A gave the best response around 20 µM, while Sulfavant R at 10 nM. Characterization of aqueous self-assembly of these molecules by a multi-technique approach clarified the divergent and controversial biological outcome. Supramolecular structures were present at concentrations much lower than critical aggregation concentration for both products. The kind and size of these aggregates varied as a function of the concentration differently for Sulfavant A and Sulfavant R. At nanomolar range, Sulfavant A formed cohesive vesicles, while Sulfavant R arranged in spherical micellar particles whose reduced stability was probably responsible for an increase of monomer concentration in accordance with immunomodulatory profile. Instead, at micromolar concentrations transition from micellar to vesicular state of Sulfavant R occurred and thermodynamic stability of the aggregates, assessed by surface tensiometry, correlated with the bioactivity of Sulfavant A at 20 µM and the complete loss of efficacy of Sulfavant R. The study of Sulfavants provides clear evidence of how self-aggregation, often neglected, and the equilibria between monomers and aqueous supramolecular forms of lipophilic molecules deeply determine the overall bio-response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fioretto
- Consorzio Italbiotec, Via Fantoli, 16/15, 20138 Milano, Italy.
| | - Marcello Ziaco
- BioSearch Srl., Villa Comunale c/o Stazione Zoologica "A. Dohrn" 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Carmela Gallo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Genoveffa Nuzzo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giuliana d'Ippolito
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Pietro Lupetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, San Miniato, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Paccagnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, San Miniato, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Gentile
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, San Miniato, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Marina DellaGreca
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 4, 80136 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Marie-Sousai Appavou
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Forschungszentrum, Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany.
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia 4, 80136 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Raffaele De Palma
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; Medicina Interna, Immunologia Clinica e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Genova and IRCCS-Ospedale S. Martino, 16131 Genova, Italy.
| | - Angelo Fontana
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; University of Naples Federico II, Dept. of Biology, Via Cinthia - Bld. 7, 80126 -Napoli, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Manzo
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
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Preparation, Supramolecular Aggregation and Immunological Activity of the Bona Fide Vaccine Adjuvant Sulfavant S. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18090451. [PMID: 32872423 PMCID: PMC7551793 DOI: 10.3390/md18090451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In aqueous conditions, amphiphilic bioactive molecules are able to form self-assembled colloidal structures modifying their biological activity. This behavior is generally neglected in preclinical studies, despite its impact on pharmacological development. In this regard, a significative example is represented by a new class of amphiphilic marine-inspired vaccine adjuvants, collectively named Sulfavants, based on the β-sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglyceride skeleton. The family includes the lead product Sulfavant A (1) and two epimers, Sulfavant R (2) and Sulfavant S (3), differing only for the stereochemistry at C-2 of glycerol. The three compounds showed a significant difference in immunological potency, presumably correlated with change of the aggregates in water. Here, a new synthesis of diastereopure 3 was achieved, and the study of the immunomodulatory behavior of mixtures of 2/3 proved that the bizarre in vitro response to 1–3 effectively depends on the supramolecular aggregation states, likely affecting the bioavailability of agonists that can effectively interact with the cellular targets. The evidence obtained with the mixture of pure Sulfavant R (2) and Sulfavant S (3) proves, for the first time, that supramolecular organization of a mixture of active epimers in aqueous solution can bias evaluation of their biological and pharmacological potential.
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Manzo E, Gallo C, Fioretto L, Nuzzo G, Barra G, Pagano D, Krauss IR, Paduano L, Ziaco M, DellaGreca M, De Palma R, Fontana A. Diasteroselective Colloidal Self-Assembly Affects the Immunological Response of the Molecular Adjuvant Sulfavant. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:7807-7814. [PMID: 31459869 PMCID: PMC6711358 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b03304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvants are components of vaccine that enhance the specific immune response against co-inoculated antigens. Recently, we reported the characterization of a synthetic sulfolipid named Sulfavant A (1) as a promising candidate of a novel class of molecular adjuvants based on the sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerol skeleton. Here, we report an improved synthesis of the sulfolipid scaffold, as well as the preparation of two analogs named Sulfavant-S (2) and Sulfavant-R (3) with enhanced property to modulate master immune targets such as human dendritic cells (DCs). According to the present approach, synthesis of 1 is reduced from 14 to 11 steps with nearly triplication of the overall yield (11%). The new members 2 and 3 elicit DC maturation at a concentration of 10 nM, which is 1000 times more potent than the parent molecule 1. Analysis of dynamic light scattering indicates self-assembly of Sulfavants and formation of colloidal particles with a small hydrodynamic radius (50 nm) for the epimers 2 and 3 and a larger radius (150 nm) for 1. The colloidal aggregates are responsible for the bell-shaped dose-response curve of these products. We conclude that the particle size also affects the equilibrium with free monomers, thus determining the effective concentration of the sulfolipid molecule at the cellular targets and the different immunological efficacy of 1-3. Sulfavants (1-3) do not show in vitro cytotoxicity at concentrations 105 higher than the dose that triggers maximal immune response, thus predicting a low level of toxicological risk in their formulation in vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Manzo
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmela Gallo
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Fioretto
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples
Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80136 Napoli, Italy
| | - Genoveffa Nuzzo
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giusi Barra
- Dept.
of Precision Medicine, Second University
of Naples, c/o II Policlinico
(Bd. 3), Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Dario Pagano
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Irene Russo Krauss
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples
Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80136 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Paduano
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples
Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80136 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marcello Ziaco
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina DellaGreca
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples
Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80136 Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Palma
- Dept.
of Precision Medicine, Second University
of Naples, c/o II Policlinico
(Bd. 3), Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Fontana
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry Unit, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular
Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
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Chattopadhyay S, Chen JY, Chen HW, Hu CMJ. Nanoparticle Vaccines Adopting Virus-like Features for Enhanced Immune Potentiation. Nanotheranostics 2017; 1:244-260. [PMID: 29071191 PMCID: PMC5646730 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.19796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic nanoparticles play an increasingly significant role in vaccine design and development as many nanoparticle vaccines show improved safety and efficacy over conventional formulations. These nanoformulations are structurally similar to viruses, which are nanoscale pathogenic organisms that have served as a key selective pressure driving the evolution of our immune system. As a result, mechanisms behind the benefits of nanoparticle vaccines can often find analogue to the interaction dynamics between the immune system and viruses. This review covers the advances in vaccine nanotechnology with a perspective on the advantages of virus mimicry towards immune potentiation. It provides an overview to the different types of nanomaterials utilized for nanoparticle vaccine development, including functionalization strategies that bestow nanoparticles with virus-like features. As understanding of human immunity and vaccine mechanisms continue to evolve, recognizing the fundamental semblance between synthetic nanoparticles and viruses may offer an explanation for the superiority of nanoparticle vaccines over conventional vaccines and may spur new design rationales for future vaccine research. These nanoformulations are poised to provide solutions towards pressing and emerging human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saborni Chattopadhyay
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yi Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Nanotechnology and Infectious Diseases, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Ming Jack Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Nanotechnology and Infectious Diseases, Taipei, Taiwan
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Naumann I, Klein BC, Bartel SJ, Darsow KH, Buchholz R, Lange HA. Identification of sulfoquinovosyldiacyglycerides from Phaeodactylum tricornutum by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization QTrap time-of-flight hybrid mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2011; 25:2517-2523. [PMID: 21818812 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.5137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry is interested in identifying novel target compounds. Due to their versatile pharmacological activities (e.g. antiviral, anti-carcinogen and immunosuppressive) sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerides (SQDGs) are potential drug candidates. The present publication deals with the purification and structural characterization of SQDGs from three different strains of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Besides detection of SQDGs (sn-1: C16:1/sn-2: C16:0 and sn-1: C20:5/sn-2: C16:0), two novel 2'-O-acylsulfoquinovosyldiacylglyerides (Ac-SQDGs, sn-1: C16:0/ sn-2: C16:0/2' C20:5 and sn-1: C20:5/sn-2: C16:0/2' C20:5) were identified by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) QTrap time-of-flight (ToF) hybrid mass spectrometry (MS) with multistage MS(n). The analytical method enables the sn-position verification of fatty acids (MS(2)) as well as the confirmation of the regioposition of eicospentanoic acid at the sulfoquinovose (MS(3)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Naumann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Shima H, Tsuruma T, Sahara H, Takenouchi M, Takahashi N, Iwayama Y, Yagihashi A, Watanabe N, Sato N, Hirata K. Protective mechanism of beta-SQAG9 liposome, a sulfonoglycolipid extracted from sea urchin intestines, against hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury. Shock 2007; 28:94-100. [PMID: 17483740 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e31802fa13d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that beta-SQAG9 liposome, a sulfonoglycolipid extracted from sea urchin intestines, had a protective effect against hepatic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we made a detailed investigation of this protective effect and its mechanism. Rats were pretreated either with beta-SQAG9 liposome (treated group) or with phosphate-buffered saline solution (control group). Thereafter, they were subjected to partial hepatic I/R. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase were measured, and histological damage was evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining. To investigate the protective mechanism of beta-SQAG9 liposome on I/R injury, the serum levels and the tissue messenger RNA levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were measured, and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration was histologically evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, to investigate an interaction between beta-SQAG9 liposome and L-selectin on PMNs, flow cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence were performed. beta-SQAG9 liposome reduced the hepatic I/R injury. The pretreatment with beta-SQAG9 liposome reduced the PMN infiltration into the liver parenchyma. On the other hand, there was no apparent difference in the serum levels and the tissue messenger RNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines between the two groups. Thus, beta-SQAG9 liposome might reduce the hepatic I/R injury by inhibition of the PMN infiltration into the liver parenchyma, which was independent of the regulation of cytokine production. Moreover, we demonstrated that beta-SQAG9 liposome specifically bound to L-selectin on PMN cell surface, which mediated the PMN infiltration. beta-SQAG9 liposome might competitively antagonize L-selectin on PMNs and suppress the subsequent PMN infiltration, resulting in the reduction in I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Shima
- Department of Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan
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Aoki S, Ohta K, Matsumoto K, Sakai H, Abe M, Miura M, Sugawara F, Sakaguchi K. An emulsion of sulfoquinovosylacylglycerol with long-chain alkanes increases its permeability to tumor cells. J Membr Biol 2007; 213:11-8. [PMID: 17347779 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-006-0054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2006] [Revised: 10/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The alpha-anomer form of sulfoquinovosyl-monoacylglycerol with a saturated C18 fatty acid (alpha-SQMG-C(18:0)) is a natural sulfolipid that is a clinically promising antitumor agent. It forms vesicles, micelles or an emulsion in water, depending on several physicochemical conditions. The type of aggregate formed appears to strongly influence the bioactivity level. Thus, we investigated the nature of the aggregates in relation to their bioactivities. The structure of the alpha-SQMG-C(18:0) assembly was greatly affected by the type of additive used in the preparation. Emulsification with ethanol and n-decane might be more effective at inhibiting tumor cell growth than the micelle or vesicle preparations. alpha-SQMG-C(18:0) formed an "emulsion-like-aggregate" in ethanol containing an n-decane concentration in the range of 1.03-103 mM: . These ethanol/n-alkane/alpha-SQMG-C(18:0) aggregates inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, under optimum conditions (i.e., ethanol containing 103 mM: of n-decane or n-dodecane dispersed in phosphate-buffered saline or culture medium). Based on these data, we discuss the relationship between the molecular action of and antitumor activity by alpha-SQMG-C(18:0).
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Aoki
- Department of Applied of Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda-shi, Chiba-ken 278-8510, Japan
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