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Che Y, Lu X, Wang X, Liu Z, Guan L, Li X, Du Z, Ren H, Wang J, Zhou Z, Lv L. Does rAj-Tspin, a novel peptide from A. japonicus, exert antihepatocellular carcinoma effects via the ITGB1/ZYX/FAK/AKT signaling pathway? Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:290. [PMID: 39143566 PMCID: PMC11325833 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03468-1] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
rAj-Tspin, a soluble recombinant peptide from Apostichopus japonicus, can inhibit the integrin β1 (ITGB1)/FAK/AKT signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis. Zyxin (ZYX) is a focal adhesion protein that is considered a novel mediator of EMT and apoptosis. However, the inhibitory mechanisms of rAj-Tspin in HCC and whether it is related to ZYX are unclear. We examined the antitumor effect of rAj-Tspin on the Huh7 human HCC cell line and on a nude mouse model generated via subcutaneous injection or orthotopic intrahepatic transplantation of Huh7 cells. Our results revealed that rAj-Tspin strikingly reduced the viability and promoted the apoptosis of Huh7 cells and inhibited HCC tumor growth in nude mice. rAj-Tspin inhibited ITGB1 and ZYX protein expression in vivo and in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, the FAK/AKT signaling pathway and the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells were suppressed upon ITGB1 and ZYX knockdown. Moreover, the effect of ITGB1 overexpression on the growth of HCC cells was inhibited by rAj-Tspin. In contrast, the promoting effect of ITGB1 overexpression could be inhibited by ZYX knockdown. ZYX knockdown had no effect on ITGB1 expression. These findings suggest that ZYX is required for the indispensable role of ITGB1 in rAj-Tspin-alleviated HCC and provide an important therapeutic target for HCC. In summary, the anti-HCC effect of rAj-Tspin potentially involves the regulation of the ITGB1/ZYX/FAK/AKT pathway, which in turn impacts EMT and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Che
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaolong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Xueting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhien Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Liyang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Zaixing Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Hang Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Jihong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zunchun Zhou
- Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning, China.
| | - Li Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China.
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Hong X, Fu R. Construction of a 5-gene prognostic signature based on oxidative stress related genes for predicting prognosis in osteosarcoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295364. [PMID: 38039294 PMCID: PMC10691720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The understanding of the complex biological scenario of osteosarcoma will open the way to identifying new strategies for its treatment. Oxidative stress is a cancer-related biological scenario. At present, it is not clear the oxidative stress genes in affecting the prognosis and progression of osteosarcoma, the underlying mechanism as well as their impact on the classification of osteosarcoma subtypes. METHODS We selected samples and sequencing data from TARGET data set and GSE21257 data set, and downloaded oxidative stress related-genes (OSRGs) from MsigDB. Univariate Cox analysis of OSRG was conducted using TARGET data, and the prognostic OSRG was screened to conduct unsupervised clustering analysis to identify the molecular subtypes of osteosarcoma. Through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and COX regression analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subgroups, a risk assessment system for osteosarcoma was developed. RESULTS 45 prognosis-related OSRGs genes were acquired, and two molecular subtypes of osteosarcoma were clustered. C2 cluster displayed prolonged overall survival (OS) accompanied with high degree of immune infiltration and enriched immune pathways. While cell cycle related pathways were enriched in C2 cluster. Based on DEGs between subgroups and Lasso analysis, 5 hub genes (ZYX, GJA5, GAL, GRAMD1B, and CKMT2) were screened to establish a robust prognostic risk model independent of clinicopathological features. High-risk group had more patients with cancer metastasis and death as well as C1 subtype with poor prognosis. Low-risk group exhibited favorable OS and high immune infiltration status. Additionally, the risk assessment system was optimized by building decision tree and nomogram. CONCLUSIONS This study defined two molecular subtypes of osteosarcoma with different prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment status based on the expression of OSRGs, and provided a new risk assessment system for the prognosis of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Hong
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ribin Fu
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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3
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Morini M, Raggi F, Bartolucci M, Petretto A, Ardito M, Rossi C, Segalerba D, Garaventa A, Eva A, Cangelosi D, Bosco MC. Plasma-Derived Exosome Proteins as Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Neuroblastoma Patients. Cells 2023; 12:2516. [PMID: 37947594 PMCID: PMC10649754 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212516] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor during infancy, causing up to 10% of mortality in children; thus, identifying novel early and accurate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is mandatory. NB-derived exosomes carry proteins (Exo-prots) reflecting the status of the tumor cell of origin. The purpose of this study was to characterize, for the first time, the Exo-prots specifically expressed in NB patients associated with tumor phenotype and disease stage. We isolated exosomes from plasma specimens of 24 HR-NB patients and 24 low-risk (LR-NB) patients at diagnosis and of 24 age-matched healthy controls (CTRL). Exo-prot expression was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The data are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD042422). The NB patients had a different Exo-prot expression profile compared to the CTRL. The deregulated Exo-prots in the NB specimens acted mainly in the tumor-associated pathways. The HR-NB patients showed a different Exo-prot expression profile compared to the LR-NB patients, with the modulation of proteins involved in cell migration, proliferation and metastasis. NCAM, NCL, LUM and VASP demonstrated a diagnostic value in discriminating the NB patients from the CTRL; meanwhile, MYH9, FN1, CALR, AKAP12 and LTBP1 were able to differentiate between the HR-NB and LR-NB patients with high accuracy. Therefore, Exo-prots contribute to NB tumor development and to the aggressive metastatic NB phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (M.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Federica Raggi
- Unit of Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies, Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- Core Facilities, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Martina Ardito
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (M.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Chiara Rossi
- Unit of Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies, Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Daniela Segalerba
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (M.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Pediatric Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Eva
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Clinical Bioinfomatics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Maria Carla Bosco
- Unit of Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies, Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.B.)
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4
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Wei Z, Xia K, Zhou B, Zheng D, Guo W. Zyxin Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Osteosarcoma via Rap1-Mediated Inhibition of the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2314. [PMID: 37626810 PMCID: PMC10452081 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Zyxin (ZYX) is an actin-interacting protein with unknown biological functions in patients with osteosarcoma. This research sought to understand how ZYX affects the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells and to identify the associated mechanism. Firstly, ZYX expression was decreased in osteosarcoma, and its higher expression indicated better outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma. ZYX overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, whereas ZYX silencing resulted in the opposite trend. Subsequently, we found that the Rap1 signaling pathway was significantly correlated with ZYX expression as reported in The Cancer Genome Atlas's database using bioinformatic analysis. Moreover, we found that ZYX overexpression regulated the Rap1/MEK/ERK axis, and osteosarcoma cell growth, migration, and invasion were consequently restrained. Additionally, by administering tumor cells subcutaneously to nude mice, a mouse model of transplanted tumors was created. Compared to the control group, the ZYX overexpression group's tumors were lighter and smaller, and the ZYX/Rap1 axis was activated in the ZYX overexpression group. Taken together, our results suggest that ZYX inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the Rap1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. ZYX might be crucial in the clinical management of osteosarcoma and is a promising novel therapeutic target in patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhun Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Kezhou Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Ezhou Central Hospital, Ezhou 436000, China
| | - Di Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Weichun Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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5
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Liu R, Liang X, Guo H, Li S, Yao W, Dong C, Wu J, Lu Y, Tang J, Zhang H. STNM1 in human cancers: role, function and potential therapy sensitizer. Cell Signal 2023:110775. [PMID: 37331415 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110775] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
STMN1 belongs to the stathmin gene family, it encodes a cytoplasmic phosphorylated protein, stathmin1, which is commonly observed in vertebrate cells. STMN1 is a structural microtubule-associated protein (MAP) that binds to microtubule protein dimers rather than microtubules, with each STMN1 binding two microtubule protein dimers and preventing their aggregation, leading to microtubule instability. STMN1 expression is elevated in a number of malignancies, and inhibition of its expression can interfere with tumor cell division. Its expression can change the division of tumor cells, thereby arresting cell growth in the G2/M phase. Moreover, STMN1 expression affects tumor cell sensitivity to anti-microtubule drug analogs, including vincristine and paclitaxel. The research on MAPs is limited, and new insights on the mechanism of STMN1 in different cancers are emerging. The effective application of STMN1 in cancer prognosis and treatment requires further understanding of this protein. Here, we summarize the general characteristics of STMN1 and outline how STMN1 plays a role in cancer development, targeting multiple signaling networks and acting as a downstream target for multiple microRNAs, circRNAs, and lincRNAs. We also summarize recent findings on the function role of STMN1 in tumor resistance and as a therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Liu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Haiwei Guo
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiping Yao
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Chenfang Dong
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanwei Lu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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6
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Ghosh A, Ghosh A, Sinha A, Mathai S, Bhaumik J, Mukhopadhyay A, Maitra A, Biswas NK, Majumder PP, Sengupta S. Identification of HPV16 positive cervical cancer subsets characterized by divergent immune and oncogenic phenotypes with potential implications for immunotherapy. Tumour Biol 2023; 45:55-69. [PMID: 37599552 DOI: 10.3233/tub-220035] [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] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancers (CaCx), like many other cancer types, portray high molecular heterogeneity that affects response to therapy, including immunotherapy. In India and other developing countries, CaCx mortality rates are very high because women report to the clinics with advanced cancers in absence of organized screening programs. This calls for implementation of newer therapeutic regimens for CaCx, like immunotherapy, which is again not used commonly in such countries. OBJECTIVE Therefore, we focused on dissecting tumour immune heterogeneity, if any, identify immune gene-based biomarkers of heterogeneity and subsets of such cancers with the potential for immunotherapy. We also attempted to characterize the cancer-associated phenotypes of such subsets, including viral load, to decipher the relationship of tumour immunogenicity with oncogenicity. METHODS Employing RNA-seq analysis of 44 HPV16 positive CaCx patients, immune subtypes were identified by unsupervised hierarchical clustering of global immune-gene expression profiles. Proportions of tumor infiltrating immune cells in the tumor milieu were estimated, employing Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT), using gene expression data from RNA-seq. The oncogenic phenotypes of the immune subtypes of CaCx were deciphered through differential gene expression (DEGs) and pathway enrichment analysis. Viral load was estimated through TaqMan-based qRT-PCR analysis. RESULTS Analysis revealed the presence of two immune subtypes of CaCx, A (26/44; 59.09%) and B (18/44; 40.90%). Compared to Subtype-A, Subtype-B portrayed overexpression of immune genes and high infiltration of immune cells, specifically CD8+ T cells (p < 0.0001). Besides, a significant correlation between PD-1 and PD-L1 co-expression among Subtype-B, as opposed to Subtype-A, confirmed the interactive roles of these immune checkpoint molecules in Subtype B. Stepwise discriminant analysis pin-pointed ten immune-genes that could classify 100% of the patients significantly (p < 0.0001) into the two immune subtypes and serve as potential biomarkers of CaCx immunity. Differential gene expression analysis between the subtypes unveiled that Subtype-B was more biologically aggressive than Subtype-A, reflecting loss of structural integrity and promotion of cancer progression. The viral load was significantly lower in Subtype-B (average viral load = 10.74/100 ng of genomic DNA) compared to Subtype-A (average viral load = 14.29/100 ng of genomic DNA). Thus viral load and the ten-gene panel underscore their association with immunogenicity and oncogenicity. CONCLUSION Our study provides strong evidence that only a subset, about 41% of HPV16 positive CaCx patients in India, portray immune enrichment of the tumor milieu coupled with aggressive phenotypes. Such subtypes are therefore likely to benefit through checkpoint molecule-based or tumor infiltrating lymphocyte-based immunotherapy, which could be a leap forward in tackling aggressive forms of such CaCx in India and other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisikta Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Abarna Sinha
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Sonia Mathai
- Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Asima Mukhopadhyay
- Kolkata Gynecological Oncology Trials and Translational Research Group, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arindam Maitra
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Nidhan K Biswas
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Partha P Majumder
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Sharmila Sengupta
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
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The Role of Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) Proteins in Controlling the Phagocytic Activity of Microglia In Vitro: Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010013. [PMID: 36613460 PMCID: PMC9820364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010013] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The correct phagocytic activity of microglia is a prerequisite for maintaining homeostasis in the brain. In the analysis of mechanisms regulating microglial phagocytosis, we focused on the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins: Brd2, Brd3, and Brd4, the acetylation code readers that control gene expression in cooperation with transcription factors. We used pharmacological (JQ1) and genetic (siRNA) inhibition of BET proteins in murine microglial cell line BV2. Inhibition of BET proteins reduced the phagocytic activity of BV2, as determined by using a fluorescent microspheres-based assay and fluorescently labelled amyloid-beta peptides. Gene silencing experiments demonstrated that all brain-existing BET isoforms control phagocytosis in microglia. From a set of 84 phagocytosis-related genes, we have found the attenuation of the expression of 14: Siglec1, Sirpb1a, Cd36, Clec7a, Itgam, Tlr3, Fcgr1, Cd14, Marco, Pld1, Fcgr2b, Anxa1, Tnf, Nod1, upon BET inhibition. Further analysis of the mRNA level of other phagocytosis-related genes which were involved in the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease demonstrated that JQ1 significantly reduced the expression of Cd33, Trem2, and Zyx. Our results indicate the important role of BET proteins in controlling microglial phagocytosis; therefore, targeting BET may be the efficient method of modulating microglial activity.
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Angiocrine extracellular vesicles impose mesenchymal reprogramming upon proneural glioma stem cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5494. [PMID: 36123372 PMCID: PMC9485157 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable form of primary astrocytic brain tumor driven by glioma stem cell (GSC) compartment closely associated with the vascular niche. GSC phenotypes are heterogeneous and range from proneural to mesenchymal-like, the latter characterised by greater invasiveness. Here we document the secretory (angiocrine) role of endothelial cells and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drivers of proneural-to-mesenchymal reprogramming of GSCs. These changes involve activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and NFκB, and inactivation of NOTCH, while altering responsiveness to chemotherapy and driving infiltrative growth in the brain. Our findings suggest that EV-mediated angiocrine interactions impact the nature of cellular stemness in GBM with implications for disease biology and therapy.
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Hu Z, Zhang H, Fan F, Wang Z, Xu J, Huang Y, Dai Z, Cao H, Zhang X, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Identification of Methylation Immune Subtypes and Establishment of a Prognostic Signature for Gliomas Using Immune-Related Genes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:737650. [PMID: 34804019 PMCID: PMC8600480 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation patterns are essential in understanding carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between DNA methylation and the immune process has not been clearly established—this study aimed at elucidating the interaction between glioma and DNA methylation, consolidating glioma classification and prognosis. A total of 2,483 immune-related genes and 24,556 corresponding immune-related methylation probes were identified. From the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioma cohort, a total of 683 methylation samples were stratified into two different clusters using unsupervised clustering, and eight types of other cancer samples from the TCGA database were shown to exhibit excellent distributions. A total of 3,562 differentially methylated probes (DMPs) were selected and used for machine learning. A five-probe signature was established to evaluate the prognosis of glioma as well as the potential benefits of radiotherapy and Procarbazine, CCNU, Vincristine (PCV) treatment. Other prognostic clinical models, such as nomogram and decision tree, were also evaluated. Our findings confirmed the interactions between immune-related methylation patterns and glioma. This novel approach for cancer molecular characterization and prognosis should be validated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiahao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunying Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziyu Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, The Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Adaptive mechanoproperties mediated by the formin FMN1 characterize glioblastoma fitness for invasion. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2841-2855.e8. [PMID: 34559979 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma are heterogeneous tumors composed of highly invasive and highly proliferative clones. Heterogeneity in invasiveness could emerge from discrete biophysical properties linked to specific molecular expression. We identified clones of patient-derived glioma propagating cells that were either highly proliferative or highly invasive and compared their cellular architecture, migratory, and biophysical properties. We discovered that invasiveness was linked to cellular fitness. The most invasive cells were stiffer, developed higher mechanical forces on the substrate, and moved stochastically. The mechano-chemical-induced expression of the formin FMN1 conferred invasive strength that was confirmed in patient samples. Moreover, FMN1 expression was also linked to motility in other cancer and normal cell lines, and its ectopic expression increased fitness parameters. Mechanistically, FMN1 acts from the microtubule lattice and promotes a robust mechanical cohesion, leading to highly invasive motility.
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11
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Wang P, Gong S, Pan J, Wang J, Zou D, Xiong S, Zhao L, Yan Q, Deng Y, Wu N, Liao B. Hyperbaric oxygen promotes not only glioblastoma proliferation but also chemosensitization by inhibiting HIF1α/HIF2α-Sox2. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:103. [PMID: 33986256 PMCID: PMC8119469 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There exists a consensus that combining hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and chemotherapy promotes chemotherapy sensitivity in GBM cells. However, few studies have explored the mechanism involved. HIF1α and HIF2α are the two main molecules that contribute to GBM malignant progression by inhibiting apoptosis or maintaining stemness under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, Sox2, a marker of stemness, also contributes to GBM malignant progression through stemness maintenance or cell cycle arrest. Briefly, HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 are highly expressed under hypoxia and contribute to GBM growth and chemoresistance. However, after exposure to HBO for GBM, whether the expression of the above factors is decreased, resulting in chemosensitization, remains unknown. Therefore, we performed a series of studies and determined that the expression of HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 was decreased after HBO and that HBO promoted GBM cell proliferation through cell cycle progression, albeit with a decrease in stemness, thus contributing to chemosensitization via the inhibition of HIF1α/HIF2α-Sox2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China.,Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Jinyu Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Dewei Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Shuanglong Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Yangming Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China.
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China.
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12
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Bioinformatic Analysis of Structure and Function of LIM Domains of Human Zyxin Family Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052647. [PMID: 33808029 PMCID: PMC7961639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the human Zyxin family are LIM domain-containing proteins that perform critical cellular functions and are indispensable for cellular integrity. Despite their importance, not much is known about their structure, functions, interactions and dynamics. To provide insights into these, we used a set of in-silico tools and databases and analyzed their amino acid sequence, phylogeny, post-translational modifications, structure-dynamics, molecular interactions, and functions. Our analysis revealed that zyxin members are ohnologs. Presence of a conserved nuclear export signal composed of LxxLxL/LxxxLxL consensus sequence, as well as a possible nuclear localization signal, suggesting that Zyxin family members may have nuclear and cytoplasmic roles. The molecular modeling and structural analysis indicated that Zyxin family LIM domains share similarities with transcriptional regulators and have positively charged electrostatic patches, which may indicate that they have previously unanticipated nucleic acid binding properties. Intrinsic dynamics analysis of Lim domains suggest that only Lim1 has similar internal dynamics properties, unlike Lim2/3. Furthermore, we analyzed protein expression and mutational frequency in various malignancies, as well as mapped protein-protein interaction networks they are involved in. Overall, our comprehensive bioinformatic analysis suggests that these proteins may play important roles in mediating protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions.
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Melchionna R, Trono P, Tocci A, Nisticò P. Actin Cytoskeleton and Regulation of TGFβ Signaling: Exploring Their Links. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020336. [PMID: 33672325 PMCID: PMC7926735 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human tissues, to maintain their architecture and function, respond to injuries by activating intricate biochemical and physical mechanisms that regulates intercellular communication crucial in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Coordination of the communication occurs through the activity of different actin cytoskeletal regulators, physically connected to extracellular matrix through integrins, generating a platform of biochemical and biomechanical signaling that is deregulated in cancer. Among the major pathways, a controller of cellular functions is the cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), which remains a complex and central signaling network still to be interpreted and explained in cancer progression. Here, we discuss the link between actin dynamics and TGFβ signaling with the aim of exploring their aberrant interaction in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Melchionna
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Paola Trono
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, via Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tocci
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.T.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0652662539
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Wang Y, Wu B, Long S, QiangLiu, Li G. WNK3 promotes the invasiveness of glioma cell lines under hypoxia by inducing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Transl Neurosci 2021; 12:320-329. [PMID: 34513083 PMCID: PMC8389507 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2020-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The primary features of malignant glioma include high rates of mortality and recurrence, uncontrollable invasiveness, strong angiogenesis, and widespread hypoxia. The hypoxic microenvironment is an important factor affecting the malignant progression of glioma. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma adaption in hypoxic microenvironments are poorly understood. Objective The work presented in this paper focuses on the role of WNK3 gene in glioma invasion under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, we aim to explore its role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods ShRNA targeting WNK3 transfection was used to knockdown the WNK3 expression in U87 cells. We used western blot analysis to detect the relative expression of proteins in U87 cells. The effect of WNK3 on cell migration was explored using a transwell assay in the U87 cell line. We also evaluated WNK3 expression levels in glioma samples by immunohistochemistry analysis. Results WNK3 expression was significantly higher in high-grade (III and IV) gliomas than in low-grade (I and II) gliomas. WNK3 expression was up-regulated in U87 cells when cultured in a hypoxic environment in addition; WNK3 knockdown inhibited the invasion of U87 glioma cells by regulating the EMT, especially under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion These findings suggested that WNK3 plays an important role in the hypoxic microenvironment of glioma and might also be a candidate for therapeutic application in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Shengrong Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - QiangLiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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Glioblastoma CUSA Fluid Protein Profiling: A Comparative Investigation of the Core and Peripheral Tumor Zones. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010030. [PMID: 33374813 PMCID: PMC7795841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The biological processes responsible for the high infiltration and recurrence rate of glioblastoma multiforme, the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumor (GBM), are still under investigation. By the original analysis of cavitating ultrasound aspirator fluid as the biological specimen, the present study aimed to preliminarily explore and compare the protein profiles of the tumor core and tumor periphery, as defined by 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence, in newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma sampled pools. The results showed distinguished protein elements in the different tumor and peritumoral zones, as well as in the two tumor states (newly diagnosed vs recurrent), and suggested the presence of pathological aspects in the fluorescent negative periphery, possibly contributing to the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying this tumor’s onset and development, opening to potential clinical applications. Abstract The present investigation aimed to characterize the protein profile of cavitating ultrasound aspirator fluid of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma comparing diverse zones of collection, i.e., tumor core and tumor periphery, with the aid of 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence. The samples were pooled and analyzed in triplicate by LC-MS following the shotgun proteomic approach. The identified proteins were then grouped to disclose elements exclusive and common to the tumor state or tumor zones and submitted to gene ontology classification and pathway overrepresentation analysis. The proteins common to the distinct zones were further investigated by relative quantitation, following a label free approach, to disclose possible differences of expression. Nine proteins, i.e., tubulin 2B chain, CD59, far upstream element-binding, CD44, histone H1.4, caldesmon, osteopontin, tropomyosin chain and metallothionein-2, marked the core of newly diagnosed glioblastoma with respect to tumor periphery. Considering the tumor zone, including the core and the fluorescence positive periphery, the serine glycine biosynthesis, pentose phosphate, 5-hydroxytryptamine degredation, de novo purine biosynthesis and huntington disease pathways resulted statistically significantly overrepresented with respect to the human genome of reference. The fluorescence negative zone shared several protein elements with the tumor zone, possibly indicating the presence of pathological aspects of glioblastoma rather than of normal brain parenchyma. On the other hand, its exclusive protein elements were considered to represent the healthy zone and, accordingly, exhibiting no pathways overrepresentation. On the contrary to newly diagnosed glioblastoma, pathway overrepresentation was recognized only in the healthy zone of recurrent glioblastoma. The TGFβ signaling pathway, exclusively classified in the fluorescence negative periphery in newly diagnosed glioblastoma, was instead the exclusive pathway classified in the tumor core of recurrent glioblastoma. These results, preliminary obtained on sample pools, demonstrated the potential of cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirate fluid for proteomic profiling of glioblastoma able to distinguish molecular features specific of the diverse tumor zones and tumor states, possibly contributing to the understanding of the highly infiltrative capability and recurrent rate of this aggressive brain tumor and opening to potential clinical applications to be further investigated.
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Podleśny-Drabiniok A, Marcora E, Goate AM. Microglial Phagocytosis: A Disease-Associated Process Emerging from Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:965-979. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Sabino F, Madzharova E, Auf dem Keller U. Cell density-dependent proteolysis by HtrA1 induces translocation of zyxin to the nucleus and increased cell survival. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:674. [PMID: 32826880 PMCID: PMC7442833 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteases modulate critical processes in cutaneous tissue repair to orchestrate inflammation, cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. However, the functional consequences and implications in healing impairments of most cleavage events are not understood. Using iTRAQ-based Terminal Amine Isotopic Labeling of Substrates (TAILS) we had characterized proteolytic signatures in a porcine wound healing model and identified two neo-N termini derived from proteolytic cleavage of the focal adhesion protein and mechanotransducer zyxin. Here, we assign these proteolytic events to the activity of either caspase-1 or serine protease HtrA1 and analyze the biological relevance of the resultant zyxin truncations. By cellular expression of full-length and truncated zyxin proteins, we demonstrate nuclear translocation of a C-terminal zyxin fragment that could also be generated in vitro by HtrA1 cleavage and provide evidence for its anti-apoptotic activities, potentially by regulating the expression of modulators of cell proliferation, protein synthesis and genome stability. Targeted degradomics correlated endogenous generation of the same zyxin fragment with increased cell density in human primary dermal fibroblasts. Hence, this newly identified HtrA1-zyxin protease signaling axis might present a novel mechanism to transiently enhance cell survival in environments of increased cell density like in wound granulation tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Sabino
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Søltofts Plads, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeta Madzharova
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Søltofts Plads, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- ETH Zurich, Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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