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Qin M, Khan IM, Ding N, Qi S, Dong X, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Aptamer-modified paper-based analytical devices for the detection of food hazards: Emerging applications and future perspective. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108368. [PMID: 38692442 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108368] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Food analysis plays a critical role in assessing human health risks and monitoring food quality and safety. Currently, there is a pressing need for a reliable, portable, and quick recognition element for point-of-care testing (POCT) to better serve the demands of on-site food analysis. Aptamer-modified paper-based analytical devices (Apt-PADs) have excellent characteristics of high portability, high sensitivity, high specificity, and on-site detection, which have been widely used and concerned in the field of food safety. The article reviews the basic components and working principles of Apt-PADs, and introduces their representative applications detecting food hazards. Finally, the advantages, challenges, and future directions of Apt-PADs-based sensing performance are discussed, to provide new directions and insights for researchers to select appropriate Apt-PADs according to specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Imran Mahmood Khan
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, PR China
| | - Ning Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shuo Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoze Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Rifai OM, Waldron FM, O'Shaughnessy J, Read FL, Gilodi M, Pastore A, Shneider N, Tartaglia GG, Zacco E, Spence H, Gregory JM. Amygdala TDP-43 pathology is associated with behavioural dysfunction and ferritin accumulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.01.596819. [PMID: 38854008 PMCID: PMC11160765 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.01.596819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Cognitive and behavioural symptoms associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal spectrum disorders (ALSFTSD) are thought to be driven, at least in part, by the pathological accumulation of TDP-43. Methods Here we examine post-mortem tissue from six brain regions associated with cognitive and behavioural symptoms in a cohort of 30 people with sporadic ALS (sALS), a proportion of which underwent standardized neuropsychological behavioural assessment as part of the Edinburgh Cognitive ALS Screen (ECAS). Results Overall, the behavioural screen performed as part of the ECAS predicted accumulation of pathological phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) with 100% specificity and 86% sensitivity in behaviour-associated brain regions. Notably, of these regions, pathology in the amygdala was the most predictive correlate of behavioural dysfunction in sALS. In the amygdala of sALS patients, we show variation in morphology, cell type predominance, and severity of pTDP-43 pathology. Further, we demonstrate that the presence and severity of intra-neuronal pTDP-43 pathology, but not astroglial pathology, or phosphorylated Tau pathology, is associated with behavioural dysfunction. Cases were also evaluated using a TDP-43 aptamer (TDP-43APT), which revealed that pathology was not only associated with behavioural symptoms, but also with ferritin levels, a measure of brain iron. Conclusions Intra-neuronal pTDP-43 and cytoplasmic TDP-43APT pathology in the amygdala is associated with behavioural symptoms in sALS. TDP-43APT staining intensity is also associated with increased ferritin, regardless of behavioural phenotype, suggesting that ferritin increases may occur upstream of clinical manifestation, in line with early TDP-43APT pathology, representing a potential region-specific imaging biomarker of early disease in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Rifai
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Fiona L Read
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Martina Gilodi
- RNA System Biology Lab, Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Neil Shneider
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- RNA System Biology Lab, Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elsa Zacco
- RNA System Biology Lab, Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Holly Spence
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
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3
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Spence H, Waldron FM, Saleeb RS, Brown AL, Rifai OM, Gilodi M, Read F, Roberts K, Milne G, Wilkinson D, O'Shaughnessy J, Pastore A, Fratta P, Shneider N, Tartaglia GG, Zacco E, Horrocks MH, Gregory JM. RNA aptamer reveals nuclear TDP-43 pathology is an early aggregation event that coincides with STMN-2 cryptic splicing and precedes clinical manifestation in ALS. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:50. [PMID: 38443601 PMCID: PMC10914926 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02705-1] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an aggregation-prone protein which accumulates in the hallmark pathological inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the analysis of deeply phenotyped human post-mortem samples has shown that TDP-43 aggregation, revealed by standard antibody methods, correlates poorly with symptom manifestation. Recent identification of cryptic-splicing events, such as the detection of Stathmin-2 (STMN-2) cryptic exons, are providing evidence implicating TDP-43 loss-of-function as a potential driving pathomechanism but the temporal nature of TDP-43 loss and its relation to the disease process and clinical phenotype is not known. To address these outstanding questions, we used a novel RNA aptamer, TDP-43APT, to detect TDP-43 pathology and used single molecule in situ hybridization to sensitively reveal TDP-43 loss-of-function and applied these in a deeply phenotyped human post-mortem tissue cohort. We demonstrate that TDP-43APT identifies pathological TDP-43, detecting aggregation events that cannot be detected by classical antibody stains. We show that nuclear TDP-43 pathology is an early event, occurring prior to cytoplasmic accumulation and is associated with loss-of-function measured by coincident STMN-2 cryptic splicing pathology. Crucially, we show that these pathological features of TDP-43 loss-of-function precede the clinical inflection point and are not required for region specific clinical manifestation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that gain-of-function in the form of extensive cytoplasmic accumulation, but not loss-of-function, is the primary molecular correlate of clinical manifestation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate implications for early diagnostics as the presence of STMN-2 cryptic exons and early TDP-43 aggregation events could be detected prior to symptom onset, holding promise for early intervention in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Spence
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Fergal M Waldron
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rebecca S Saleeb
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna-Leigh Brown
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Olivia M Rifai
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martina Gilodi
- RNA System Biology Lab, Instituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fiona Read
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kristine Roberts
- Department of Pathology, NHS Grampian Tissue Biorepository, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gillian Milne
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Debbie Wilkinson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Judi O'Shaughnessy
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Neil Shneider
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elsa Zacco
- RNA System Biology Lab, Instituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mathew H Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
- Department of Pathology, NHS Grampian Tissue Biorepository, Aberdeen, UK.
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4
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Wang B, Kobeissy F, Golpich M, Cai G, Li X, Abedi R, Haskins W, Tan W, Benner SA, Wang KKW. Aptamer Technologies in Neuroscience, Neuro-Diagnostics and Neuro-Medicine Development. Molecules 2024; 29:1124. [PMID: 38474636 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051124] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aptamers developed using in vitro Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) technology are single-stranded nucleic acids 10-100 nucleotides in length. Their targets, often with specificity and high affinity, range from ions and small molecules to proteins and other biological molecules as well as larger systems, including cells, tissues, and animals. Aptamers often rival conventional antibodies with improved performance, due to aptamers' unique biophysical and biochemical properties, including small size, synthetic accessibility, facile modification, low production cost, and low immunogenicity. Therefore, there is sustained interest in engineering and adapting aptamers for many applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics. Recently, aptamers have shown promise as early diagnostic biomarkers and in precision medicine for neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Here, we critically review neuro-targeting aptamers and their potential applications in neuroscience research, neuro-diagnostics, and neuro-medicine. We also discuss challenges that must be overcome, including delivery across the blood-brain barrier, increased affinity, and improved in vivo stability and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- The Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 1501 NW 68th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605, USA
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR), Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Mojtaba Golpich
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Guangzheng Cai
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Reem Abedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - William Haskins
- Gryphon Bio, Inc., 611 Gateway Blvd. Suite 120 #253, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Steven A Benner
- The Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 1501 NW 68th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605, USA
| | - Kevin K W Wang
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR), Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
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5
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Zhu C, Feng Z, Qin H, Chen L, Yan M, Li L, Qu F. Recent progress of SELEX methods for screening nucleic acid aptamers. Talanta 2024; 266:124998. [PMID: 37527564 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences screened by an in vitro methodology called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Known as "chemical antibodies", aptamers can achieve specific recognition towards the targets through conformational changes with high affinity, and possess multiple attractive features including, but not limited to, easy and inexpensive to prepare by chemical synthesis, relatively stable and low batch-to-batch variability, easy modification and signal amplification, and low immunogenicity. Now, aptamers are attracting researchers' attentions from more than 25 disciplines, and have showed great potential for application and economic benefits in disease diagnosis, environmental detection, food security, drug delivery and discovery. Although some aptamers exist naturally as the ligand-binding elements of riboswitches, SELEX is a recognized method for aptamers screening. After thirty-two years of development, a series of SELEX methods have been investigated and developed, as well as have shown unique advantages to improve sequence performances or to explore screening mechanisms. This review would mainly focus on the novel or improved SELEX methods that are available in the past five years. Firstly, we present a clear overview of the aptamer's history, features, and SELEX development. Then, we highlight the specific examples to emphasize the recent progress of SELEX methods in terms of carrier materials, technical improvements, real sample-improved screening, post-SELEX and other methods, as well as their respects of screening strategies, implementation features, screening parameters. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges that have the potential to hinder the success of SELEX and aptamers in practical applications, and provide the suggestions and future directions for developing more convenient, efficient, and stable SELEX methods in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Ziru Feng
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Mengmeng Yan
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Linsen Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Feng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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Rupert J, Monti M, Zacco E, Tartaglia G. RNA sequestration driven by amyloid formation: the alpha synuclein case. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11466-11478. [PMID: 37870427 PMCID: PMC10681735 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids can act as potent modulators of protein aggregation, and RNA has the ability to either hinder or facilitate protein assembly, depending on the molecular context. In this study, we utilized a computational approach to characterize the physico-chemical properties of regions involved in amyloid aggregation. In various experimental datasets, we observed that while the core is hydrophobic and highly ordered, external regions, which are more disordered, display a distinct tendency to interact with nucleic acids. To validate our predictions, we performed aggregation assays with alpha-synuclein (aS140), a non-nucleic acid-binding amyloidogenic protein, and a mutant truncated at the acidic C-terminus (aS103), which is predicted to have a higher tendency to interact with RNA. For both aS140 and aS103, we observed an acceleration of aggregation upon RNA addition, with a significantly stronger effect for aS103. Due to favorable electrostatics, we noted an enhanced nucleic acid sequestration ability for the aggregated aS103, allowing it to entrap a larger amount of RNA compared to the aggregated wild-type counterpart. Overall, our research suggests that RNA sequestration might be a common phenomenon linked to protein aggregation, constituting a gain-of-function mechanism that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Rupert
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Michele Monti
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Elsa Zacco
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Held A, Adler M, Marques C, Reyes CJ, Kavuturu AS, Quadros ARAA, Ndayambaje IS, Lara E, Ward M, Lagier-Tourenne C, Wainger BJ. iPSC motor neurons, but not other derived cell types, capture gene expression changes in postmortem sporadic ALS motor neurons. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113046. [PMID: 37651231 PMCID: PMC10622181 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron degeneration, the defining feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a primary example of cell-type specificity in neurodegenerative diseases. Using isogenic pairs of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) harboring different familial ALS mutations, we assess the capacity of iPSC-derived lower motor neurons, sensory neurons, astrocytes, and superficial cortical neurons to capture disease features including transcriptional and splicing dysregulation observed in human postmortem neurons. At early time points, differentially regulated genes in iPSC-derived lower motor neurons, but not other cell types, overlap with one-third of the differentially regulated genes in laser-dissected motor neurons from ALS compared with control postmortem spinal cords. For genes altered in both the iPSC model and bona fide human lower motor neurons, expression changes correlate between the two populations. In iPSC-derived lower motor neurons, but not other derived cell types, we detect the downregulation of genes affected by TDP-43-dependent splicing. This reduction takes place exclusively within genotypes known to involve TDP-43 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Held
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michelle Adler
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christine Marques
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Charles Jourdan Reyes
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; The Collaborative Center for X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Amey S Kavuturu
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ana R A A Quadros
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - I Sandra Ndayambaje
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Erika Lara
- iPSC Neurodegenerative Research Initiative, Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge MA 02142, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge MA 02142, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA 02114, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA 02138, USA.
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8
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Broadhead MJ, Ayvazian-Hancock A, Doucet K, Kantelberg O, Motherwell L, Zhu F, Grant SGN, Horrocks MH, Miles GB. Synaptic expression of TAR-DNA-binding protein 43 in the mouse spinal cord determined using super-resolution microscopy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1027898. [PMID: 37671010 PMCID: PMC10475998 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1027898] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by a loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that is preceded by early-stage changes in synapses that may be associated with TAR-DNA-Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology. Cellular inclusions of hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) are a key hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such ALS. However, there has been little characterisation of the synaptic expression of TDP-43 inside subpopulations of spinal cord synapses. This study utilises a range of high-resolution and super-resolution microscopy techniques with immunolabelling, as well as an aptamer-based TDP-43 labelling strategy visualised with single-molecule localisation microscopy, to characterise and quantify the presence of pTDP-43 in populations of excitatory synapses near where motor neurons reside in the lateral ventral horn of the mouse lumbar spinal cord. We observe that TDP-43 is expressed in approximately half of spinal cord synapses as nanoscale clusters. Synaptic TDP-43 clusters are found most abundantly at synapses associated with VGLUT1-positive presynaptic terminals, compared to VGLUT2-associated synapses. Our nanoscopy techniques showed no difference in the subsynaptic expression of pTDP-43 in the ALS mouse model, SOD1G93a, compared to healthy controls, despite prominent structural deficits in VGLUT1-associated synapses in SOD1G93a mice. This research characterises the basic synaptic expression of TDP-43 with nanoscale precision and provides a framework with which to investigate the potential relationship between TDP-43 pathology and synaptic pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Broadhead
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Super-Resolution Imaging Consortium, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ani Ayvazian-Hancock
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Doucet
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Kantelberg
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lesley Motherwell
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
- Centre of Biophotonics, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Zhu
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Seth G. N. Grant
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain (SIDB), Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew H. Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth B. Miles
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
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Jiang M, Fang X, Diao H, Lv S, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Chen Z, Luo Z. Semi-automated and efficient parallel SELEX of aptamers for multiple targets. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:2039-2043. [PMID: 37066673 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00367a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we constructed and optimized a semi-automatic instrument to perform aptamer SELEX targeting multiple proteins simultaneously. Our work provides a simple SELEX platform characterized by real-time feedback, which is time efficient and can reduce human intervention. A number of aptamers were rapidly screened by this method. Moreover, the binding affinities of these aptamers were verified by various methods, including SPR and flow cytometry, which supports the applicability and reliability of our newly established aptamer SELEX system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jiang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, China.
| | - Xiaona Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Han Diao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Shaokang Lv
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Zheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Xiang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, China.
- Institute of Food and Nutrition Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, P. R. China
- School of Agriculture Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, P. R. China
| | - Zhaofeng Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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10
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Chappard A, Leighton C, Saleeb RS, Jeacock K, Ball SR, Morris K, Kantelberg O, Lee J, Zacco E, Pastore A, Sunde M, Clarke DJ, Downey P, Kunath T, Horrocks MH. Single-Molecule Two-Color Coincidence Detection of Unlabeled alpha-Synuclein Aggregates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216771. [PMID: 36762870 PMCID: PMC10946743 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216771] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation into oligomeric and fibrillar structures is a common feature of many neurogenerative disorders. Single-molecule techniques have enabled characterization of these lowly abundant, highly heterogeneous protein aggregates, previously inaccessible using ensemble averaging techniques. However, they usually rely on the use of recombinantly-expressed labeled protein, or on the addition of amyloid stains that are not protein-specific. To circumvent these challenges, we have made use of a high affinity antibody labeled with orthogonal fluorophores combined with fast-flow microfluidics and single-molecule confocal microscopy to specifically detect α-synuclein, the protein associated with Parkinson's disease. We used this approach to determine the number and size of α-synuclein aggregates down to picomolar concentrations in biologically relevant samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chappard
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Craig Leighton
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
- Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH16 4UUUK
| | - Rebecca S. Saleeb
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Kiani Jeacock
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Sarah R. Ball
- School of Medical SciencesFaculty of Medicine and Health, and Sydney NanoThe University of SydneySydneyNSW 2006Australia
| | - Katie Morris
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Owen Kantelberg
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Ji‐Eun Lee
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Elsa Zacco
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT)Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)Via Enrico Melen, 8316152GenovaItaly
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Ave des Martyrs38000GrenobleFrance
| | - Margaret Sunde
- School of Medical SciencesFaculty of Medicine and Health, and Sydney NanoThe University of SydneySydneyNSW 2006Australia
| | - David J. Clarke
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | | | - Tilo Kunath
- Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH16 4UUUK
| | - Mathew H. Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
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11
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Chappard A, Leighton C, Saleeb RS, Jeacock K, Ball SR, Morris K, Kantelberg O, Lee J, Zacco E, Pastore A, Sunde M, Clarke DJ, Downey P, Kunath T, Horrocks MH. Single-Molecule Two-Color Coincidence Detection of Unlabeled alpha-Synuclein Aggregates. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 135:e202216771. [PMID: 38516037 PMCID: PMC10952349 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202216771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation into oligomeric and fibrillar structures is a common feature of many neurogenerative disorders. Single-molecule techniques have enabled characterization of these lowly abundant, highly heterogeneous protein aggregates, previously inaccessible using ensemble averaging techniques. However, they usually rely on the use of recombinantly-expressed labeled protein, or on the addition of amyloid stains that are not protein-specific. To circumvent these challenges, we have made use of a high affinity antibody labeled with orthogonal fluorophores combined with fast-flow microfluidics and single-molecule confocal microscopy to specifically detect α-synuclein, the protein associated with Parkinson's disease. We used this approach to determine the number and size of α-synuclein aggregates down to picomolar concentrations in biologically relevant samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chappard
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Craig Leighton
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
- Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH16 4UUUK
| | - Rebecca S. Saleeb
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Kiani Jeacock
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Sarah R. Ball
- School of Medical SciencesFaculty of Medicine and Health, and Sydney NanoThe University of SydneySydneyNSW 2006Australia
| | - Katie Morris
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Owen Kantelberg
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Ji‐Eun Lee
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | - Elsa Zacco
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT)Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)Via Enrico Melen, 8316152GenovaItaly
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Ave des Martyrs38000GrenobleFrance
| | - Margaret Sunde
- School of Medical SciencesFaculty of Medicine and Health, and Sydney NanoThe University of SydneySydneyNSW 2006Australia
| | - David J. Clarke
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
| | | | - Tilo Kunath
- Centre for Regenerative MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell ResearchSchool of Biological SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH16 4UUUK
| | - Mathew H. Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of ChemistryThe University of EdinburghEdinburghEH9 3FJUK
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12
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Emerging Roles for the RNA-Binding Protein HuD (ELAVL4) in Nervous System Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314606. [PMID: 36498933 PMCID: PMC9736382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314606] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The main goal of this review is to provide an updated overview of the involvement of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) HuD, encoded by the ELAVL4 gene, in nervous system development, maintenance, and function, and its emerging role in nervous system diseases. A particular focus is on recent studies reporting altered HuD levels, or activity, in disease models and patients. Substantial evidence suggests HuD involvement in Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Interestingly, while possible disease-causing mutations in the ELAVL4 gene remain elusive, a common theme in these diseases seems to be the altered regulation of HuD at multiple steps, including post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. In turn, the changed activity of HuD can have profound implications for its target transcripts, which are overly stabilized in case of HuD gain of function (as proposed in PD and ALS) or reduced in case of decreased HuD binding (as suggested by some studies in AD). Moreover, the recent discovery that HuD is a component of pathological cytoplasmic inclusion in both familial and sporadic ALS patients might help uncover the common molecular mechanisms underlying such complex diseases. We believe that deepening our understanding of the involvement of HuD in neurodegeneration could help developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
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13
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Selection of an Aptamer against the Enzyme 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate Reductoisomerase from Plasmodium falciparum. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112515. [PMID: 36432706 PMCID: PMC9695703 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112515] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis is essential for malaria parasites and also for several human pathogenic bacteria, thus representing an interesting target for future antimalarials and antibiotics and for diagnostic strategies. We have developed a DNA aptamer (D10) against Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), the second enzyme of this metabolic route. D10 binds in vitro to recombinant DXR from P. falciparum and Escherichia coli, showing at 10 µM a ca. 50% inhibition of the bacterial enzyme. In silico docking analysis indicates that D10 associates with DXR in solvent-exposed regions outside the active center pocket. According to fluorescence confocal microscopy data, this aptamer specifically targets in P. falciparum in vitro cultures the apicoplast organelle where the MEP pathway is localized and is, therefore, a highly specific marker of red blood cells parasitized by Plasmodium vs. naïve erythrocytes. D10 is also selective for the detection of MEP+ bacteria (e.g., E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) vs. those lacking DXR (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis). Based on these results, we discuss the potential of DNA aptamers in the development of ligands that can outcompete the performance of the well-established antibody technology for future therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
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14
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Delli Ponti R, Broglia L, Vandelli A, Armaos A, Torrent Burgas M, Sanchez de Groot N, Tartaglia GG. A high-throughput approach to predict A-to-I effects on RNA structure indicates a change of double-stranded content in non-coding RNAs. IUBMB Life 2022; 75:411-426. [PMID: 36057100 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA molecules undergo a number of chemical modifications whose effects can alter their structure and molecular interactions. Previous studies have shown that RNA editing can impact the formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes and influence the assembly of membrane-less organelles such as stress-granules. For instance, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) enhances SG formation and N1-methyladenosine (m1A) prevents their transition to solid-like aggregates. Yet, very little is known about adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) modification that is very abundant in human cells and not only impacts mRNAs but also non-coding RNAs. Here, we built the CROSSalive predictor of A-to-I effects on RNA structure based on high-throughput in-cell experiments. Our method shows an accuracy of 90% in predicting the single and double-stranded content of transcripts and identifies a general enrichment of double-stranded regions caused by A-to-I in long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs). For the individual cases of NEAT1, NORAD and XIST, we investigated the relationship between A-to-I editing and interactions with RNA-binding proteins using available CLIP data and catRAPID predictions. We found that A-to-I editing is linked to alteration of interaction sites with proteins involved in phase-separation, which suggests that RNP assembly can be influenced by A-to-I. CROSSalive is available at http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/crossalive. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Delli Ponti
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore
| | - Laura Broglia
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Vandelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandros Armaos
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marc Torrent Burgas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Sanchez de Groot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen 83, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Biology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, Rome, Italy
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