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Kosar M, Sarott RC, Sykes DA, Viray AEG, Vitale RM, Tomašević N, Li X, Ganzoni RLZ, Kicin B, Reichert L, Patej KJ, Gómez-Bouzó U, Guba W, McCormick PJ, Hua T, Gruber CW, Veprintsev DB, Frank JA, Grether U, Carreira EM. Flipping the GPCR Switch: Structure-Based Development of Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Inverse Agonists. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:956-968. [PMID: 38799662 PMCID: PMC11117691 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
We report a blueprint for the rational design of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands with a tailored functional response. The present study discloses the structure-based design of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) selective inverse agonists (S)-1 and (R)-1, which were derived from privileged agonist HU-308 by introduction of a phenyl group at the gem-dimethylheptyl side chain. Epimer (R)-1 exhibits high affinity for CB2R with Kd = 39.1 nM and serves as a platform for the synthesis of a wide variety of probes. Notably, for the first time these fluorescent probes retain their inverse agonist functionality, high affinity, and selectivity for CB2R independent of linker and fluorophore substitution. Ligands (S)-1, (R)-1, and their derivatives act as inverse agonists in CB2R-mediated cAMP as well as G protein recruitment assays and do not trigger β-arrestin-receptor association. Furthermore, no receptor activation was detected in live cell ERK1/2 phosphorylation and Ca2+-release assays. Confocal fluorescence imaging experiments with (R)-7 (Alexa488) and (R)-9 (Alexa647) probes employing BV-2 microglial cells visualized CB2R expressed at endogenous levels. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations corroborate the initial docking data in which inverse agonists restrict movement of toggle switch Trp2586.48 and thereby stabilize CB2R in its inactive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Kosar
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roman C. Sarott
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David A. Sykes
- Faculty
of Medicine & Health Sciences, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.
- Centre
of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham
and University of Nottingham, https://www.birmingham-nottingham.ac.uk/compare
| | - Alexander E. G. Viray
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute
of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research
Council, Via Campi Flegrei
34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse
17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xiaoting Li
- iHuman
Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Rudolf L. Z. Ganzoni
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bilal Kicin
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Reichert
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kacper J. Patej
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Uxía Gómez-Bouzó
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche
Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel,
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter J. McCormick
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University
of Liverpool, Ashton
Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, U.K.
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman
Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse
17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dmitry B. Veprintsev
- Faculty
of Medicine & Health Sciences, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.
- Centre
of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham
and University of Nottingham, https://www.birmingham-nottingham.ac.uk/compare
| | - James A. Frank
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
- Vollum
Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche
Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel,
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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2
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Gloriam D, Thorsen T, Kulkarni Y, Sykes D, Bøggild A, Drace T, Hompluem P, Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Nikas S, Daver H, Makriyannis A, Nissen P, Gajhede M, Veprintsev D, Boesen T, Kastrup J. Structural basis of Δ 9-THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4277209. [PMID: 38826401 PMCID: PMC11142349 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4277209/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa and approved for emetic conditions, appetite stimulation and sleep apnea relief. THC's psychoactive actions are mediated primarily by the cannabinoid receptor CB1. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structure of HU210, a THC analog and widely used tool compound, bound to CB1 and its primary transducer, Gi1. We leverage this structure for docking and 1,000 ns molecular dynamics simulations of THC and 10 structural analogs delineating their spatiotemporal interactions at the molecular level. Furthermore, we pharmacologically profile their recruitment of Gi and β-arrestins and reversibility of binding from an active complex. By combining detailed CB1 structural information with molecular models and signaling data we uncover the differential spatiotemporal interactions these ligands make to receptors governing potency, efficacy, bias and kinetics. This may help explain the actions of abused substances, advance fundamental receptor activation studies and design better medicines.
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Shao W, Liao P, Zhang X, Fan B, Chen R, Chen X, Zhao X, Liu W. Syntheses of Cannabinoid Metabolites: Ajulemic Acid and HU-210. Molecules 2024; 29:526. [PMID: 38276604 PMCID: PMC10818984 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid metabolites have been reported to be more potent than their parent compounds. Among them, ajulemic acid (AJA) is a side-chain analog of Δ9-THC-11-oic acid, which would be a good template structure for the discovery of more potent analogues. Herein, we optimized the key allylic oxidation step to introduce the C-11 hydroxy group with a high yield. A series of compounds was prepared with this condition applied including HU-210, 11-nor-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-carboxylic acid and Δ9-THC-carboxylic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai 200072, China; (W.S.); (P.L.); (R.C.); (X.C.)
- Shanghai Yuansi Standard Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Pingyong Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai 200072, China; (W.S.); (P.L.); (R.C.); (X.C.)
- Shanghai Yuansi Standard Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Collage of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.Z.); (B.F.)
| | - Binbin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, Collage of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.Z.); (B.F.)
| | - Ruijia Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai 200072, China; (W.S.); (P.L.); (R.C.); (X.C.)
- Shanghai Yuansi Standard Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xilong Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai 200072, China; (W.S.); (P.L.); (R.C.); (X.C.)
- Shanghai Yuansi Standard Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xuejun Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai 200072, China; (W.S.); (P.L.); (R.C.); (X.C.)
- Shanghai Yuansi Standard Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai 200072, China; (W.S.); (P.L.); (R.C.); (X.C.)
- Shanghai Yuansi Standard Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200072, China
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4
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Lindner H, Amberg WM, Carreira EM. Iron-Mediated Photochemical Anti-Markovnikov Hydroazidation of Unactivated Olefins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:22347-22353. [PMID: 37811819 PMCID: PMC10591317 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Unactivated olefins are converted to alkyl azides with bench-stable NaN3 in the presence of FeCl3·6H2O under blue-light irradiation. The products are obtained with anti-Markovnikov selectivity, and the reaction can be performed under mild ambient conditions in the presence of air and moisture. The transformation displays broad functional group tolerance, which renders it suitable for functionalization of complex molecules. Mechanistic investigations are conducted to provide insight into the hydroazidation reaction and reveal the role of water from the iron hydrate as the H atom source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lindner
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Willi M. Amberg
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Docampo-Palacios ML, Ramirez GA, Tesfatsion TT, Okhovat A, Pittiglio M, Ray KP, Cruces W. Saturated Cannabinoids: Update on Synthesis Strategies and Biological Studies of These Emerging Cannabinoid Analogs. Molecules 2023; 28:6434. [PMID: 37687263 PMCID: PMC10490552 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176434] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural and non-natural hexahydrocannabinols (HHC) were first described in 1940 by Adam and in late 2021 arose on the drug market in the United States and in some European countries. A background on the discovery, synthesis, and pharmacology studies of hydrogenated and saturated cannabinoids is described. This is harmonized with a summary and comparison of the cannabinoid receptor affinities of various classical, hybrid, and non-classical saturated cannabinoids. A discussion of structure-activity relationships with the four different pharmacophores found in the cannabinoid scaffold is added to this review. According to laboratory studies in vitro, and in several animal species in vivo, HHC is reported to have broadly similar effects to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, as demonstrated both in vitro and in several animal species in vivo. However, the effects of HHC treatment have not been studied in humans, and thus a biological profile has not been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite L. Docampo-Palacios
- Colorado Chromatography Labs, 10505 S. Progress Way, Unit 105, Parker, CO 80134, USA; (G.A.R.); (T.T.T.); (A.O.); (M.P.); (K.P.R.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Westley Cruces
- Colorado Chromatography Labs, 10505 S. Progress Way, Unit 105, Parker, CO 80134, USA; (G.A.R.); (T.T.T.); (A.O.); (M.P.); (K.P.R.)
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6
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Graziano S, Varì MR, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Cassano T, Di Trana A. Hexahydrocannabinol Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Analysis: The First Evidence for a Recent New Psychoactive Substance. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2424-2430. [PMID: 37357519 PMCID: PMC10616920 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230623104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last two years, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), the hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol has been freely sold by internet websites as a "legal" replacement to THC and cannabis in a range of highly attractive branded and unbranded products, some of which are sold as "legal highs". Potentially, there could be a large demand for HHC products by individuals in Europe and internationally. METHODS Studies reporting HHC pharmacology, toxicology and analysis were identified from Pubmed and Scopus databases, and official international organizations' websites were considered. RESULTS HHC showed the effects of the typical cannabinoid on the central nervous system, with lower potency than Δ9-THC. A few studies highlighted that 9(R)-HHC is more potent than 9(S)-HHC. This molecule showed an affinity for cannabinoid receptor CB1 both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect in several pathologies. However, the affinity for the CB1 receptor suggests a possible addiction potential, inducing the users to misuse it. Since actual intoxication cases have not yet been reported, the HHC harmful potential was not described, probably due to the lack of effective analytical methods to detect HHC in biological matrices. Conversely, different analytical assays were developed and validated to separate HHC epimers in natural and non-natural sources. CONCLUSION Similarly to other NPS, the HHC represents a cheaper alternative to the controlled Δ9-THC. Its monitoring is a crucial challenge for toxicological and forensic purposes. To this concern, it is essential to further investigate HHC to support health providers in the identification of related intoxications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Graziano
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Varì
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto, c/o Policlinico “Riuniti” di Foggia, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
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7
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Liddle I, Glass M, Tyndall JDA, Vernall AJ. Covalent cannabinoid receptor ligands - structural insight and selectivity challenges. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:497-510. [PMID: 35694688 PMCID: PMC9132230 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00006g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray crystallography and cryogenic electronic microscopy have provided significant advancement in the knowledge of GPCR structure and have allowed the rational design of GPCR ligands. The class A GPCRs cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 are implicated in many pathophysiological processes and thus rational design of drug and tool compounds is of great interest. Recent structural insight into cannabinoid receptors has already led to a greater understanding of ligand binding sites and receptor residues that likely contribute to ligand selectivity. Herein, classes of heterocyclic covalent cannabinoid receptor ligands are reviewed in light of the recent advances in structural knowledge of cannabinoid receptors, with particular discussion regarding covalent ligand selectivity and rationale design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Liddle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand +64 3 479 5214
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Andrea J Vernall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand +64 3 479 5214
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8
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Improved cyclobutyl nabilone analogs as potent CB1 receptor agonists. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 230:114027. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Duan W, Sun Y, Wu M, Zhang Z, Zhang T, Wang H, Li F, Yang L, Xu Y, Liu ZJ, Hua T, Nie H, Cheng J. Carbon-silicon switch led to the discovery of novel synthetic cannabinoids with therapeutic effects in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113878. [PMID: 34634742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113878] [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: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are widely studied as therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases. Among them, THC and CBD are two important phytocannabinoids which have served as structural templates for the design of synthetic analogs. In this study, we designed and synthesized a variety of novel cannabinoids based on the structural backbones of THC and CBD using the carbon-silicon switch strategy. A dimethyl silyl group was introduced as the tail group and two series of novel compounds were designed and synthesized, which showed a wide range of binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Among them, compound 15b was identified as a non-selective CB1 and CB2 agonist and 38b as a selective agonist for the CB2 receptor. Preliminary screening showed that both compounds have improved metabolic stability than their carbon analogs and good in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles. Furthermore, both 15b and 38b significantly alleviated the phenotype of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Duan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Meng Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Taotao Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Huan Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Fei Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Lingyun Yang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yueming Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Sciences and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Sciences and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Hong Nie
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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