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Schnee P, Pleiss J, Jeltsch A. Approaching the catalytic mechanism of protein lysine methyltransferases by biochemical and simulation techniques. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 59:20-68. [PMID: 38449437 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2024.2318547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) transfer up to three methyl groups to the side chains of lysine residues in proteins and fulfill important regulatory functions by controlling protein stability, localization and protein/protein interactions. The methylation reactions are highly regulated, and aberrant methylation of proteins is associated with several types of diseases including neurologic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and various types of cancer. This review describes novel insights into the catalytic machinery of various PKMTs achieved by the combined application of biochemical experiments and simulation approaches during the last years, focusing on clinically relevant and well-studied enzymes of this group like DOT1L, SMYD1-3, SET7/9, G9a/GLP, SETD2, SUV420H2, NSD1/2, different MLLs and EZH2. Biochemical experiments have unraveled many mechanistic features of PKMTs concerning their substrate and product specificity, processivity and the effects of somatic mutations observed in PKMTs in cancer cells. Structural data additionally provided information about the substrate recognition, enzyme-substrate complex formation, and allowed for simulations of the substrate peptide interaction and mechanism of PKMTs with atomistic resolution by molecular dynamics and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods. These simulation technologies uncovered important mechanistic details of the PKMT reaction mechanism including the processes responsible for the deprotonation of the target lysine residue, essential conformational changes of the PKMT upon substrate binding, but also rationalized regulatory principles like PKMT autoinhibition. Further developments are discussed that could bring us closer to a mechanistic understanding of catalysis of this important class of enzymes in the near future. The results described here illustrate the power of the investigation of enzyme mechanisms by the combined application of biochemical experiments and simulation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schnee
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Pleiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Zhu HP, Chai J, Qin R, Leng HJ, Wen X, Peng C, He G, Han B. Discovery of tetrahydrofuranyl spirooxindole-based SMYD3 inhibitors against gastric cancer via inducing lethal autophagy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:115009. [PMID: 36527933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115009] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SMYD3 is a histone methyltransferase involved in transcriptional regulation, and its overexpression in various forms of cancer justifies that blocking SMYD3 functions can serve as a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Herein, a series of novel tetrahydrofuranyl spirooxindoles were designed and synthesized based on a structure-based drug design strategy. Subsequent biochemical analysis suggested that these novel SMYD3 inhibitors showed good anticancer activity against stomach adenocarcinoma both in vitro and in vivo. Among them, compound 7r exhibited potent inhibitory capacities against SMYD3 and BGC823 cells with IC50 values of 0.81 and 0.75 μM, respectively. Mechanistic investigations showed that 7r could suppress Akt methylation and activation by SMYD3 and trigger lethal autophagic flux inhibition via the Akt-mTOR pathway. Collectively, our results may bridge the rational discovery of privileged structures, epigenetic targeting of SMYD3, and regulation of autophagic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Jinlong Chai
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hai-Jun Leng
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Xiang Wen
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Su Z, Su H, Xu J, Wei G, Qu L, Ni T, Yang D, Zhu Y. Histone methyltransferase Smyd2 drives vascular aging by its enhancer-dependent activity. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 15:70-91. [PMID: 36585926 PMCID: PMC9876634 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular aging is one of the important factors contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, the systematic epigenetic regulatory mechanisms during vascular aging are still unclear. Histone methyltransferase SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 (Smyd2) is associated with multiple diseases including cancer and inflammatory diseases, but whether it is involved in endothelial cell senescence and aging-related cardiovascular diseases has not been directly proved. Thus, we aim to address the effects of Smyd2 on regulating angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular endothelial cells (VECs) senescence and its epigenetic mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS The regulatory role of Smyd2 in Ang II-induced VECs senescence was confirmed by performing loss and gain function assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis was used to systematically screen the potential enhancer during VECs senescence. Here, we found that Smyd2 was significantly upregulated in Ang II-triggered VECs, and deficiency of Smyd2 attenuated senescence-associated phenotypes both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, Ang II-induced upregulation of Smyd2 could increase the mono-methylation level of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me1), resulting in a hyper-methylated chromatin state, then further activating enhancers adjacent to key aging-related genes, such as Cdkn1a and Cdkn2a, finally driving the development of vascular aging. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study uncovered that Smyd2 drives a hyper-methylated chromatin state via H3K4me1 and actives the enhancer elements adjacent to key senescence genes such as Cdkn1a and Cdkn2a, and further induces the senescence-related phenotypes. Targeting Smyd2 possibly unveiled a novel therapeutic candidate for vascular aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Su
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Haibi Su
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Lefeng Qu
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Ting Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Di Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, P.R. China
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Razmi M, Yazdanpanah A, Etemad-Moghadam S, Alaeddini M, Angelini S, Eini L. Clinical prognostic value of the SMYD2/3 as new epigenetic biomarkers in solid cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:1-15. [PMID: 36346387 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2144235] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SET and MYND domain-containing protein (SMYD) family with methyltransferase activity is involved in cancer progression. This novel meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of SMYD family with the clinical and survival outcomes in solid cancer patients. METHODS We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to select relevant articles. Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals were extracted. Heterogeneity was evaluated by chi-square-based Q and I2 tests, while publication bias by funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS Thirty-two articles (4,826 patients) met inclusion criteria. SMYD2/3 overexpression was statistically associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.794, P < 0.001), disease/relapse/progression-free survival (HR = 2.114, P < 0.001), disease/cancer-specific survival (HR = 3.220, P = 0.003), larger tumor size (OR = 1.963, P < 0.001), advanced TNM stage (OR = 2.066, P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.054, P < 0.001), and distant metastasis (OR = 1.978, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed more significant association between SMYD2 overexpression and reduced survival outcomes than that in SMYD3. Conversely, the relationship between SMYD3 and various clinicopathologic factors was stronger compared to SMYD2. CONCLUSION Enhanced SMYD2/3 expression may be an unfavorable clinical prognostic factor in different solid cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Razmi
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ayna Yazdanpanah
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahroo Etemad-Moghadam
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Alaeddini
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (Fabit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leila Eini
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Histology, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Novel insights into SMYD2 and SMYD3 inhibitors: from potential anti-tumoural therapy to a variety of new applications. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7499-7508. [PMID: 34510321 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06701-6] [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: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The revelance of the epigenetic regulation of cancer led to the design and testing of many drugs targeting epigenetic modifiers. The Su(Var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste and Trithorax (SET) and myeloid, Nervy, and DEAF-1 (MYND) domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) and 3 (SMYD3) are methyltransferases which act on histone and non-histone proteins to promote tumorigenesis in many cancer types. In addition to their oncogenic roles, SMYD2 and SMYD3 are involved in many other physiopathological conditions. In this review we will focus on the advances made in the last five years in the field of pharmacology regarding drugs targeting SMYD2 (such as LLY-507 or AZ505) and SMYD3 (such as BCI-121 or EPZ031686) and their potential cellular and molecular mechanisms of action and application in anti-tumoural therapy and/or against other diseases.
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SMYD3: An Oncogenic Driver Targeting Epigenetic Regulation and Signaling Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010142. [PMID: 31935919 PMCID: PMC7017119 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SMYD3 is a member of the SMYD lysine methylase family and plays an important role in the methylation of various histone and non-histone targets. Aberrant SMYD3 expression contributes to carcinogenesis and SMYD3 upregulation was proposed as a prognostic marker in various solid cancers. Here we summarize SMYD3-mediated regulatory mechanisms, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of cancer, as drivers of distinct oncogenic pathways. We describe SMYD3-dependent mechanisms affecting cancer progression, highlighting SMYD3 interplay with proteins and RNAs involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We also address the effectiveness and mechanisms of action for the currently available SMYD3 inhibitors. The findings analyzed herein demonstrate that a complex network of SMYD3-mediated cytoplasmic and nuclear interactions promote oncogenesis across different cancer types. These evidences depict SMYD3 as a modulator of the transcriptional response and of key signaling pathways, orchestrating multiple oncogenic inputs and ultimately, promoting transcriptional reprogramming and tumor transformation. Further insights into the oncogenic role of SMYD3 and its targeting of different synergistic oncogenic signals may be beneficial for effective cancer treatment.
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Yi X, Jiang XJ, Fang ZM. Histone methyltransferase SMYD2: ubiquitous regulator of disease. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:112. [PMID: 31370883 PMCID: PMC6670139 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SET (Suppressor of variegation, Enhancer of Zeste, Trithorax) and MYND (Myeloid-Nervy-DEAF1) domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is a protein methyltransferase that methylates histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) or lysine 36 (H3K36) and diverse nonhistone proteins. SMYD2 activity is required for normal organismal development and the regulation of a series of pathophysiological processes. Since aberrant SMYD2 expression and its dysfunction are often closely related to multiple diseases, SMYD2 is a promising candidate for the treatment of these diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here, we present an overview of the complex biology of SMYD2 and its family members and their context-dependent nature. Then, we discuss the discovery, structure, inhibitors, roles, and molecular mechanisms of SMYD2 in distinct diseases, with a focus on cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xue-Jun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ze-Min Fang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Chandramouli B, Melino G, Chillemi G. Smyd2 conformational changes in response to p53 binding: role of the C-terminal domain. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1450-1461. [PMID: 31069954 PMCID: PMC6547616 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Smyd2 lysine methyltransferase regulates monomethylation of histone and nonhistone lysine residues using S‐adenosylmethionine cofactor as the methyl donor. The nonhistone interactors include several tumorigenic targets, including p53. Understanding this interaction would allow the structural principles that underpin Smyd2‐mediated p53 methylation to be elucidated. Here, we performed μ‐second molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on binary Smyd2‐cofactor and ternary Smyd2‐cofactor‐p53 peptide complexes. We considered both unmethylated and monomethylated p53 peptides (at Lys370 and Lys372). The results indicate that (a) the degree of conformational freedom of the C‐terminal domain of Smyd2 is restricted by the presence of the p53 peptide substrate, (b) the Smyd2 C‐terminal domain shows distinct dynamic properties when interacting with unmethylated and methylated p53 peptides, and (c) Lys372 methylation confines the p53 peptide conformation, with detectable influence on Lys370 accessibility to the cofactor. These MD results are therefore of relevance for studying the biology of p53 in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Italy.,Medical Research Council, Toxicology Unit, Department of Pathology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Giovanni Chillemi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.,National Council of Research, CNR, Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Bari, Italy
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Small-molecule inhibitors of lysine methyltransferases SMYD2 and SMYD3: current trends. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:901-921. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine methyltransferases SMYD2 and SMYD3 are involved in the epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation and functioning. Overexpression and deregulation of these enzymes have been correlated to the insurgence and progression of different tumors, making them promising molecular targets in cancer therapy even if their role in tumors is not yet fully understood. In this light, selective small-molecule inhibitors are required to fully understand and validate these enzymes, as this is a prerequisite for the development of successful targeted therapeutic strategies. The present review gives a systematic overview of the chemical probes developed to selectively target SMYD2 and SMYD3, with particular focus on the structural features important for high inhibitory activity, on the mode of inhibition and on the efficacy in cell-based and in in vivo models.
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Chandramouli B, Del Galdo S, Mancini G, Tasinato N, Barone V. Tailor-made computational protocols for precise characterization of small biological building blocks using QM and MM approaches. Biopolymers 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.23109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Balasubramanian Chandramouli
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7; Pisa 56126 Italy
- Compunet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30; Genova Italy
| | - Sara Del Galdo
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7; Pisa 56126 Italy
| | - Giordano Mancini
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7; Pisa 56126 Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) sezione di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3; Pisa 56127 Italy
| | - Nicola Tasinato
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7; Pisa 56126 Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barone
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7; Pisa 56126 Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) sezione di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3; Pisa 56127 Italy
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