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Donato L, Mordà D, Scimone C, Alibrandi S, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. From powerhouse to regulator: The role of mitoepigenetics in mitochondrion-related cellular functions and human diseases. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 218:105-119. [PMID: 38565400 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Beyond their crucial role in energy production, mitochondria harbor a distinct genome subject to epigenetic regulation akin to that of nuclear DNA. This paper delves into the nascent but rapidly evolving fields of mitoepigenetics and mitoepigenomics, exploring the sophisticated regulatory mechanisms governing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These mechanisms encompass mtDNA methylation, the influence of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and post-translational modifications of mitochondrial proteins. Together, these epigenetic modifications meticulously coordinate mitochondrial gene transcription, replication, and metabolism, thereby calibrating mitochondrial function in response to the dynamic interplay of intracellular needs and environmental stimuli. Notably, the dysregulation of mitoepigenetic pathways is increasingly implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and a spectrum of human pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge, emphasizing recent breakthroughs and innovations in the field. It discusses the potential of high-resolution mitochondrial epigenome mapping, the diagnostic and prognostic utility of blood or tissue mtDNA epigenetic markers, and the promising horizon of mitochondrial epigenetic drugs. Furthermore, it explores the transformative potential of mitoepigenetics and mitoepigenomics in precision medicine. Exploiting a theragnostic approach to maintaining mitochondrial allostasis, this paper underscores the pivotal role of mitochondrial epigenetics in charting new frontiers in medical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Domenico Mordà
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy.
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.) 90139 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy.
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Liu X, Zhang X, Zhao L, Long J, Feng Z, Su J, Gao F, Liu J. Mitochondria as a sensor, a central hub and a biological clock in psychological stress-accelerated aging. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 93:102145. [PMID: 38030089 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The theory that oxidative damage caused by mitochondrial free radicals leads to aging has brought mitochondria into the forefront of aging research. Psychological stress that encompasses many different experiences and exposures across the lifespan has been identified as a catalyst for accelerated aging. Mitochondria, known for their dynamic nature and adaptability, function as a highly sensitive stress sensor and central hub in the process of accelerated aging. In this review, we explore how mitochondria as sensors respond to psychological stress and contribute to the molecular processes in accelerated aging by viewing mitochondria as hormonal, mechanosensitive and immune suborganelles. This understanding of the key role played by mitochondria and their close association with accelerated aging helps us to distinguish normal aging from accelerated aging, correct misconceptions in aging studies, and develop strategies such as exercise and mitochondria-targeted nutrients and drugs for slowing down accelerated aging, and also hold promise for prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyun Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Lin Zhao
- Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Jiangang Long
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhihui Feng
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China; School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Naue J. Getting the chronological age out of DNA: using insights of age-dependent DNA methylation for forensic DNA applications. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:1239-1261. [PMID: 37253906 PMCID: PMC10504122 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01392-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA analysis for forensic investigations has a long tradition with important developments and optimizations since its first application. Traditionally, short tandem repeats analysis has been the most powerful method for the identification of individuals. However, in addition, epigenetic changes, i.e., DNA methylation, came into focus of forensic DNA research. Chronological age prediction is one promising application to allow for narrowing the pool of possible individuals who caused a trace, as well as to support the identification of unknown bodies and for age verification of living individuals. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge, possibilities, and (current) limitations about DNA methylation-based chronological age prediction with emphasis on forensic application. METHODS The development, implementation and application of age prediction tools requires a deep understanding about the biological background, the analysis methods, the age-dependent DNA methylation markers, as well as the mathematical models for age prediction and their evaluation. Furthermore, additional influences can have an impact. Therefore, the literature was evaluated in respect to these diverse topics. CONCLUSION The numerous research efforts in recent years have led to a rapid change in our understanding of the application of DNA methylation for chronological age prediction, which is now on the way to implementation and validation. Knowledge of the various aspects leads to a better understanding and allows a more informed interpretation of DNAm quantification results, as well as the obtained results by the age prediction tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Naue
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Donato L, Mordà D, Scimone C, Alibrandi S, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. How Many Alzheimer-Perusini's Atypical Forms Do We Still Have to Discover? Biomedicines 2023; 11:2035. [PMID: 37509674 PMCID: PMC10377159 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer-Perusini's (AD) disease represents the most spread dementia around the world and constitutes a serious problem for public health. It was first described by the two physicians from whom it took its name. Nowadays, we have extensively expanded our knowledge about this disease. Starting from a merely clinical and histopathologic description, we have now reached better molecular comprehension. For instance, we passed from an old conceptualization of the disease based on plaques and tangles to a more modern vision of mixed proteinopathy in a one-to-one relationship with an alteration of specific glial and neuronal phenotypes. However, no disease-modifying therapies are yet available. It is likely that the only way to find a few "magic bullets" is to deepen this aspect more and more until we are able to draw up specific molecular profiles for single AD cases. This review reports the most recent classifications of AD atypical variants in order to summarize all the clinical evidence using several discrimina (for example, post mortem neurofibrillary tangle density, cerebral atrophy, or FDG-PET studies). The better defined four atypical forms are posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (LvPPA), behavioral/dysexecutive variant and AD with corticobasal degeneration (CBS). Moreover, we discuss the usefulness of such classifications before outlining the molecular-genetic aspects focusing on microglial activity or, more generally, immune system control of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Via Michele Miraglia, 98139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Domenico Mordà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Via Michele Miraglia, 98139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Via Michele Miraglia, 98139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Mongelli A, Mengozzi A, Geiger M, Gorica E, Mohammed SA, Paneni F, Ruschitzka F, Costantino S. Mitochondrial epigenetics in aging and cardiovascular diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1204483. [PMID: 37522089 PMCID: PMC10382027 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1204483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles which generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules for the maintenance of cellular energy through the oxidative phosphorylation. They also regulate a variety of cellular processes including apoptosis and metabolism. Of interest, the inner part of mitochondria-the mitochondrial matrix-contains a circular molecule of DNA (mtDNA) characterised by its own transcriptional machinery. As with genomic DNA, mtDNA may also undergo nucleotide mutations that have been shown to be responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction. During physiological aging, the mitochondrial membrane potential declines and associates with enhanced mitophagy to avoid the accumulation of damaged organelles. Moreover, if the dysfunctional mitochondria are not properly cleared, this could lead to cellular dysfunction and subsequent development of several comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as inflammatory disorders and psychiatric diseases. As reported for genomic DNA, mtDNA is also amenable to chemical modifications, namely DNA methylation. Changes in mtDNA methylation have shown to be associated with altered transcriptional programs and mitochondrial dysfunction during aging. In addition, other epigenetic signals have been observed in mitochondria, in particular the interaction between mtDNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Mitoepigenetic modifications are also involved in the pathogenesis of CVDs where oxygen chain disruption, mitochondrial fission, and ROS formation alter cardiac energy metabolism leading to hypertrophy, hypertension, heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the present review, we summarize current evidence on the growing importance of epigenetic changes as modulator of mitochondrial function in aging. A better understanding of the mitochondrial epigenetic landscape may pave the way for personalized therapies to prevent age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Mongelli
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Mengozzi
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Geiger
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Era Gorica
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shafeeq Ahmed Mohammed
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Ruschitzka
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kong Y, Mead EA, Fang G. Navigating the pitfalls of mapping DNA and RNA modifications. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:363-381. [PMID: 36653550 PMCID: PMC10722219 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications to nucleic acids occur across the kingdoms of life and carry important regulatory information. Reliable high-resolution mapping of these modifications is the foundation of functional and mechanistic studies, and recent methodological advances based on next-generation sequencing and long-read sequencing platforms are critical to achieving this aim. However, mapping technologies may have limitations that sometimes lead to inconsistent results. Some of these limitations are technical in nature and specific to certain types of technology. Here, however, we focus on common (yet not always widely recognized) pitfalls that are shared among frequently used mapping technologies and discuss strategies to help technology developers and users mitigate their effects. Although the emphasis is primarily on DNA modifications, RNA modifications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Kong
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward A Mead
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gang Fang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Chatterjee D, Das P, Chakrabarti O. Mitochondrial Epigenetics Regulating Inflammation in Cancer and Aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:929708. [PMID: 35903542 PMCID: PMC9314556 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.929708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a defining factor in disease progression; epigenetic modifications of this first line of defence pathway can affect many physiological and pathological conditions, like aging and tumorigenesis. Inflammageing, one of the hallmarks of aging, represents a chronic, low key but a persistent inflammatory state. Oxidative stress, alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and mis-localized extra-mitochondrial mtDNA are suggested to directly induce various immune response pathways. This could ultimately perturb cellular homeostasis and lead to pathological consequences. Epigenetic remodelling of mtDNA by DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of mtDNA binding proteins and regulation of mitochondrial gene expression by nuclear DNA or mtDNA encoded non-coding RNAs, are suggested to directly correlate with the onset and progression of various types of cancer. Mitochondria are also capable of regulating immune response to various infections and tissue damage by producing pro- or anti-inflammatory signals. This occurs by altering the levels of mitochondrial metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Since mitochondria are known as the guardians of the inflammatory response, it is plausible that mitochondrial epigenetics might play a pivotal role in inflammation. Hence, this review focuses on the intricate dynamics of epigenetic alterations of inflammation, with emphasis on mitochondria in cancer and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debmita Chatterjee
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- *Correspondence: Oishee Chakrabarti, ; Debmita Chatterjee, ; Palamou Das,
| | - Palamou Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- *Correspondence: Oishee Chakrabarti, ; Debmita Chatterjee, ; Palamou Das,
| | - Oishee Chakrabarti
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- *Correspondence: Oishee Chakrabarti, ; Debmita Chatterjee, ; Palamou Das,
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Zorina A, Zorin V, Kudlay D, Kopnin P. Age-Related Changes in the Fibroblastic Differon of the Dermis: Role in Skin Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116135. [PMID: 35682813 PMCID: PMC9181700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin aging is a multi-factorial process that affects nearly every aspect of skin biology and function. The processes developing in the skin during aging are based on fundamental molecular mechanisms associated with fibroblasts, the main cellular population of the dermis. It has been revealed that the amount of fibroblasts decreases markedly with age and their functional activity is also reduced. This inevitably leads to a decrease in the regenerative abilities of the skin and the progression of its aging. In this review we consider the mechanisms underlying these processes, mainly the changes observed with age in the stem/progenitor cells that constitute the fibroblastic differon of the dermis and form their microenvironment (niches). These changes lead to the depletion of stem cells, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the number of differentiated (mature) dermal fibroblasts responsible for the production of the dermal extracellular matrix and its remodeling. We also describe in detail DNA damages, their cellular and systemic consequences, molecular mechanisms of DNA damage response, and also the role of fibroblast senescence in skin aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Zorina
- Human Stem Cells Institute, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.Z.); (V.Z.)
| | - Vadim Zorin
- Human Stem Cells Institute, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.Z.); (V.Z.)
| | - Dmitry Kudlay
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel Kopnin
- N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Oncology Center, Ministry of Health of Russia, 115478 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-49-9324-1739
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