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Liu HY, Sun XJ, Xiu SY, Zhang XY, Wang ZQ, Gu YL, Yi CX, Liu JY, Dai YS, Yuan X, Liao HP, Liu ZM, Pang XC, Li TC. Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in Wnt signaling: potential therapeutic targets for human cancers. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01270-3. [PMID: 38632318 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Frizzled receptors (FZDs) are key contributors intrinsic to the Wnt signaling pathway, activation of FZDs triggering the Wnt signaling cascade is frequently observed in human tumors and intimately associated with an aggressive carcinoma phenotype. It has been shown that the abnormal expression of FZD receptors contributes to the manifestation of malignant characteristics in human tumors such as enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance as well as the acquisition of cancer stemness. Given the essential roles of FZD receptors in the Wnt signaling in human tumors, this review aims to consolidate the prevailing knowledge on the specific status of FZD receptors (FZD1-10) and elucidate their respective functions in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delineate the structural basis for binding of FZD and its co-receptors to Wnt, and provide a better theoretical foundation for subsequent studies on related mechanisms. Finally, we describe the existing biological classes of small molecule-based FZD inhibitors in detail in the hope that they can provide useful assistance for design and development of novel drug candidates targeted FZDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiao-Jiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Si-Yu Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan-Lun Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Chu-Xiao Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun-Yan Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yu-Song Dai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hua-Peng Liao
- Yizhang County People's Hospital, Chenzhou, 424200, China
| | - Zhen-Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xiao-Cong Pang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Li C, Wu Y, Wang W, Xu L, Zhou Y, Yue Y, Wu T, Yang M, Qiu Y, Huang M, Zhou F, Zhou Y, Hao P, Lin Z, Wang MW, Zhao S, Yang D, Xu F, Tao H. Structure-Based Ligand Discovery Targeting the Transmembrane Domain of Frizzled Receptor FZD7. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11855-11868. [PMID: 37669317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the essential roles of Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in mediating Wnt signaling in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, ligands targeting FZDs are rare. A few antibodies and peptide modulators have been developed that mainly bind to the family-conserved extracellular cysteine-rich domain of FZDs, while the canonical binding sites in the transmembrane domain (TMD) are far from sufficiently addressed. Based on the recent structures of FZDs, we explored small-molecule ligand discovery by targeting TMD. From the ChemDiv library with ∼1.6 million compounds, we identified compound F7H as an antagonist of FZD7 with an IC50 at 1.25 ± 0.38 μM. Focusing on this hit, the structural dissection study, together with computing studies such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and free energy perturbation calculations, defined the binding pocket with key residue recognition. Our results revealed the structural basis of ligand recognition and demonstrated the feasibility of structure-guided ligand discovery for FZD7-TMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuixia Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenli Wang
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Floor 3, Sf Industrial Plant, No. 2 Hongliu Road, Fubao Community, Fubao Street, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, China
| | - Lu Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening, The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yue
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Meifang Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanli Qiu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Minhao Huang
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Floor 3, Sf Industrial Plant, No. 2 Hongliu Road, Fubao Community, Fubao Street, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiqing Zhou
- School of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou 215500, China
| | - Piliang Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Floor 3, Sf Industrial Plant, No. 2 Hongliu Road, Fubao Community, Fubao Street, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203 Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dehua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Houchao Tao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Hua Z, Han Y, Liu K, Yang H, Zhou C, Chen F, Nie S, Li M, Yu Q, Wei Y, Wu CCN, Wang X. Antitumor effect and mechanism of FZD7 polypeptide vaccine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:925495. [PMID: 36276155 PMCID: PMC9579692 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.925495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The resistant cells that proliferate after radiotherapy and chemotherapy are primarily tumor stem cells with high stem marker expression, and their presence is the primary cause of tumor dispersion. The Wnt signaling receptor Frizzled family receptor 7 (FZD7) is linked to the maintenance of stem cell features as well as cancer progression. Frizzled-7 (FZD7), a key receptor for Wnt/-catenin signaling, is overexpressed in TNBC, suggesting that it could be a viable target for cancer therapy. We employed bioinformatics to find the best-scoring peptide, chemically synthesized FZD7 epitope antigen, and binding toll-like receptor 7 agonists (T7). Under GMP conditions, peptides for vaccines were produced and purified (>95%). In vivo and vitro tests were used to assess tumor cell inhibition. In vitro, the FZD7-T7 vaccination can boost the maturity of BMDC cells considerably. In mice, the FZD7 - T7 vaccine elicited the greatest immunological response. Significant tumor development inhibition was seen in BALB/c mice treated with FZD7 - T7 in prevention experiments (P < 0.01). Multiple cytokines that promote cellular immune responses, such as interferon (IFN)-γ (P < 0.05), interleukin (IL)-12 (P < 0.05), and IL-2 (P < 0.01), were shown to be considerably elevated in mice inoculated with FZD7- T7. Furthermore, we evaluated safety concerns in terms of vaccine composition to aid in the creation of successful next-generation vaccines. In conclusion, the FZD7-T7 vaccine can activate the immune response in vivo and in vitro, and play a role in tumor suppression. Our findings reveal a unique tumor-suppressive role for the FZD7 peptide in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongke Hua
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Han
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kan Liu
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua Yang
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cai Zhou
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fengyi Chen
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shenglan Nie
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengqing Li
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinyao Yu
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunpeng Wei
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christina C. N. Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xiaomei Wang, ; Christina C. N. Wu,
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaomei Wang, ; Christina C. N. Wu,
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da Silveira NJF, de Azevedo WF, Guedes RC, Santos LM, Marcelino RC, da Silva Antunes P, Elias TC. Bioinformatics Approach on Bioisosterism Softwares to be Used in Drug
Discovery and Development. Curr Bioinform 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1574893616666210525150747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
In the rational drug development field, bioisosterism is a tool that improves
lead compounds' performance, referring to molecular fragment substitution that has similar
physical-chemical properties. Thus, it is possible to modulate drug properties such as absorption,
toxicity, and half-life increase. This modulation is of pivotal importance in the discovery, development,
identification, and interpretation of the mode of action of biologically active compounds.
Objective:
Our purpose here is to review the development and application of bioisosterism in drug
discovery. In this study history, applications, and use of bioisosteric molecules to create new drugs
with high binding affinity in the protein-ligand complexes are described.
Method:
It is an approach for molecular modification of a prototype based on the replacement of
molecular fragments with similar physicochemical properties, being related to the pharmacokinetic
and pharmacodynamic phase, aiming at the optimization of the molecules.
Results:
Discovery, development, identification, and interpretation of the mode of action of biologically
active compounds are the most important factors for drug design. The strategy adopted for
the improvement of leading compounds is bioisosterism.
Conclusion:
Bioisosterism methodology is a great advance for obtaining new analogs to existing
drugs, enabling the development of new drugs with reduced toxicity, in a comparative analysis with
existing drugs. Bioisosterism has a wide spectrum to assist in several research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson José Freitas da Silveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation, Department of Exact Science, Federal University of
Alfenas/UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Walter Filgueira de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Computational Systems Biology, School of Health and Life Sciences,
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rita Cardoso Guedes
- The Research Institute for
Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa) and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Leandro Marcos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation, Department of Exact Science, Federal University of
Alfenas/UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Cabral Marcelino
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation, Department of Exact Science, Federal University of
Alfenas/UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Patrícia da Silva Antunes
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation, Department of Exact Science, Federal University of
Alfenas/UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castilho Elias
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computer Simulation, Department of Exact Science, Federal University of
Alfenas/UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Brazil
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Raut D, Vora A, Bhatt LK. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway in breast cancer therapy: a pre-clinical perspective of its targeting for clinical translation. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 22:97-114. [PMID: 34927527 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2016398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite various treatments available, there is still a high mortality rate in breast cancer patients. Thus, there exists an unmet need for new therapeutic interventions. Studies show that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in breast cancer metastasis because of its transcriptional control on epithelial to mesenchymal transition. AREAS COVERED This comprehensive review explores the Wnt signaling pathway as a potential target for treating breast cancer and other breast cancer subtypes. We discuss the Wnt signaling pathway, its role in breast cancer metastasis, and its effect on breast cancer stem cells. Further, endogenous agents that cause Wnt pathway inactivation are outlined. Finally, various natural and chemical compounds modulating the Wnt pathway used in pre-clinical or clinical trials for breast cancer treatment are discussed. EXPERT OPINION In vitro and in vivo studies indicate an immense potential of agents targeting the Wnt signaling pathway to prevent and manage breast cancer. Still, more clinical studies are required to support their use in humans. Apart from the agents already in clinical trials, several drug combinations discussed may be translated into clinical practice in a few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezaree Raut
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Amisha Vora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
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Larasati Y, Boudou C, Koval A, Katanaev VL. Unlocking the Wnt pathway: Therapeutic potential of selective targeting FZD 7 in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:777-792. [PMID: 34915171 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling is of paramount pathophysiological importance. Despite showing promising anticancer activities in pre-clinical studies, current Wnt pathway inhibitors face complications in clinical trials resulting from on-target toxicity. Hence, the targeting of pathway component(s) that are essential for cancer but dispensable for normal physiology is key to the development of a safe Wnt signaling inhibitor. Frizzled7 (FZD7) is a Wnt pathway receptor that is redundant in healthy tissues but crucial in various cancers. FZD7 modulates diverse aspects of carcinogenesis, including cancer growth, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and chemoresistance. In this review, we describe state-of-the-art knowledge of the functions of FZD7 in carcinogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Next, we overview the development of small molecules and biomolecules that target FZD7. Finally, we discuss challenges and possibilities in developing FZD7-selective antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonika Larasati
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Boudou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Koval
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir L Katanaev
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia.
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Azbazdar Y, Karabicici M, Erdal E, Ozhan G. Regulation of Wnt Signaling Pathways at the Plasma Membrane and Their Misregulation in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:631623. [PMID: 33585487 PMCID: PMC7873896 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.631623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key signaling pathways that govern numerous physiological activities such as growth, differentiation and migration during development and homeostasis. As pathway misregulation has been extensively linked to pathological processes including malignant tumors, a thorough understanding of pathway regulation is essential for development of effective therapeutic approaches. A prominent feature of cancer cells is that they significantly differ from healthy cells with respect to their plasma membrane composition and lipid organization. Here, we review the key role of membrane composition and lipid order in activation of Wnt signaling pathway by tightly regulating formation and interactions of the Wnt-receptor complex. We also discuss in detail how plasma membrane components, in particular the ligands, (co)receptors and extracellular or membrane-bound modulators, of Wnt pathways are affected in lung, colorectal, liver and breast cancers that have been associated with abnormal activation of Wnt signaling. Wnt-receptor complex components and their modulators are frequently misexpressed in these cancers and this appears to correlate with metastasis and cancer progression. Thus, composition and organization of the plasma membrane can be exploited to develop new anticancer drugs that are targeted in a highly specific manner to the Wnt-receptor complex, rendering a more effective therapeutic outcome possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Azbazdar
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Karabicici
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdal
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
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