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Hushmandi K, Einollahi B, Saadat SH, Lee EHC, Farani MR, Okina E, Huh YS, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Kumar AP. Amino acid transporters within the solute carrier superfamily: Underappreciated proteins and novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101952. [PMID: 38705513 PMCID: PMC11112377 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solute carrier (SLC) transporters, a diverse family of membrane proteins, are instrumental in orchestrating the intake and efflux of nutrients including amino acids, vitamins, ions, nutrients, etc, across cell membranes. This dynamic process is critical for sustaining the metabolic demands of cancer cells, promoting their survival, proliferation, and adaptation to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Amino acids are fundamental building blocks of cells and play essential roles in protein synthesis, nutrient sensing, and oncogenic signaling pathways. As key transporters of amino acids, SLCs have emerged as crucial players in maintaining cellular amino acid homeostasis, and their dysregulation is implicated in various cancer types. Thus, understanding the intricate connections between amino acids, SLCs, and cancer is pivotal for unraveling novel therapeutic targets and strategies. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we delve into the significant impact of amino acid carriers of the SLCs family on the growth and progression of cancer and explore the current state of knowledge in this field, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms that underlie these relationships and highlighting potential avenues for future research and clinical interventions. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Amino acids transportation by SLCs plays a critical role in tumor progression. However, some studies revealed the tumor suppressor function of SLCs. Although several studies evaluated the function of SLC7A11 and SLC1A5, the role of some SLC proteins in cancer is not studied well. To exert their functions, SLCs mediate metabolic rewiring, regulate the maintenance of redox balance, affect main oncogenic pathways, regulate amino acids bioavailability within the TME, and alter the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutics. However, different therapeutic methods that prevent the function of SLCs were able to inhibit tumor progression. This comprehensive review provides insights into a rapidly evolving area of cancer biology by focusing on amino acids and their transporters within the SLC superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Hushmandi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behzad Einollahi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassan Saadat
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Elena Okina
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Liang J, Lei K, Liang R, Huang J, Tan B, Lin H, Wang M. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the MIF-ACKR3 receptor-ligand interaction between iCAFs and tumor cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111093. [PMID: 38336189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111093] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The heterogeneity of ESCC poses challenges in treatment and contributes to the poor prognosis of patients. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity and identify novel therapeutic targets. METHODS To solve this problem, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of ESCC samples obtained from the GEO database. RESULTS A total of 31,283 single cells were categorized into nine cell types, which included four non-immune cells (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, schwann cells) and five immune cells (T cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, B cells). Our study revealed the presence of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments in ESCC. We have also identified not only inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblast (iCAFs) and myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts (myCAFs) but also a subset of antigen presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts (apCAFs) which express high levels of HLA class II molecules in ESCC. Furthermore, our analysis of cell communication showed up-regulation of MIF-ACKR3 interaction between iCAFs and tumor cells in tumors compared to normal tissues. Finally, it was demonstrated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) facilitates tumor cell migration and invasion through interacting with ACKR3 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This study exposes the features of the tumor microenvironment of ESCC via scRNA-seq and examines the dynamics of various cellular subpopulations, thus facilitating the identification of future therapeutic targets for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruihao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binhua Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huayue Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Minghui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Parol‐Kulczyk M, Durślewicz J, Blonkowska L, Wujec R, Gzil A, Piątkowska D, Ligmanowska J, Grzanka D. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) predicts survival in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e12365. [PMID: 38436543 PMCID: PMC10910479 DOI: 10.1002/2056-4538.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common subtypes of renal cancer, with 30% of patients presenting with systemic disease at diagnosis. This aggressiveness is a consequence of the activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by many different inducers or regulators, signaling cascades, epigenetic regulation, and the tumor environment. Alterations in EMT-related genes and transcription factors are associated with poor prognosis in ccRCC. EMT-related factors suppress E-cadherin expression and are associated with tumor progression, local invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels and prognostic significance of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), β-catenin, and E-cadherin in ccRCC patients. We examined these proteins immunohistochemically in tumor areas and adjacent normal tissues resected from patients with ccRCC. Analysis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort was performed to verify our results. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that median overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in patients with tumors exhibiting high MIFn and MIFm-c levels compared to those with low MIFn and MIFm-c levels (p = 0.03 and p = 0.007, respectively). In the TCGA cohort, there was a significant correlation between MIF expression and OS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this study provides further evidence for the biological and prognostic value of MIF in the context of EMT as a potential early prognostic marker for advanced-stage ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Parol‐Kulczyk
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Laura Blonkowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Radosław Wujec
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Daria Piątkowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Joanna Ligmanowska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in BydgoszczNicolaus Copernicus UniversityTorunPoland
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Wu P, Zhao L, Kong G, Song B. Study on the Role and Mechanism of SLC3A2 in Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization and Bladder Cancer Cells Growth. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241246649. [PMID: 38656249 PMCID: PMC11044785 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241246649] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) is highly expressed in various types of cancers, including bladder cancer (BLCA). However, the role and mechanism of SLC3A2 in the onset and progression of BLCA are still unclear. Methods: The interfering plasmid for SLC3A2 was constructed and transfected into BLCA cells. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities were assessed to evaluate the impact of SLC3A2 silencing on BLCA cell growth. M1 and M2 macrophage polarization markers were detected to evaluate macrophage polarization. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and Fe2+, as well as the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, were measured to assess the occurrence of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis inhibitors were used to verify the mechanism. Results: The experimental results showed that SLC3A2 was highly expressed in BLCA cell lines. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of BLCA cells were reduced after interfering with SLC3A2. Interference with SLC3A2 led to increase the expression of M1 macrophage markers and decreased the expression of M2 macrophage markers in M0 macrophages co-cultured with tumor cells. Additionally, interference with SLC3A2 led to increased levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and Fe2+, downregulated the expression of solute carrier family 7 member11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), while upregulated the expression of acyl-coA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) in BLCA cells. However, the impact of SLC3A2 interference on cell proliferation and macrophage polarization was impeded by ferroptosis inhibitors. Conclusion: Interference with SLC3A2 inhibited the growth of BLCA cells and the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by promoting ferroptosis in BLCA cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishan Wu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingna Zhao
- Department of Urology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangqi Kong
- Department of Urology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Song
- Department of Urology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Zhong X, He Z, Yin L, Fan Y, Tong Y, Kang Y, Bi Q. Glutamine metabolism in tumor metastasis: Genes, mechanisms and the therapeutic targets. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20656. [PMID: 37829798 PMCID: PMC10565784 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20656] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently change their metabolism from aerobic glycolysis to lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism to adapt to the malignant biological behaviours of infinite proliferation and distant metastasis. The significance of metabolic substances and patterns in tumour cell metastasis is becoming increasingly prominent. Tumour metastasis involves a series of significant steps such as the shedding of cancer cells from a primary tumour, resistance to apoptosis, and colonisation of metastatic sites. However, the role of glutamine in these processes remains unclear. This review summarises the key enzymes and transporters involved in glutamine metabolism that are related to the pathogenesis of malignant tumour metastasis. We also list the roles of glutamine in resisting oxidative stress and promoting immune escape. Finally, the significance of targeting glutamine metabolism in inhibiting tumour metastasis was proposed, research in this field improving our understanding of amino acid metabolism rewiring and simultaneously bringing about new and exciting therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xugang Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeju He
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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Xia P, Dubrovska A. CD98 heavy chain as a prognostic biomarker and target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1251100. [PMID: 37823053 PMCID: PMC10562705 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1251100] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The SLC3A2 gene encodes for a cell-surface transmembrane protein CD98hc (4F2). CD98hc serves as a chaperone for LAT1 (SLC7A5), LAT2 (SLC7A8), y+LAT1 (SLC7A7), y+LAT2 (SLC7A6), xCT (SLC7A11) and Asc1 (SLC7A10) providing their recruitment to the plasma membrane. Together with the light subunits, it constitutes heterodimeric transmembrane amino acid transporters. CD98hc interacts with other surface molecules, such as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer CD147 (EMMPRIN) and adhesion receptors integrins, and regulates glucose uptake. In this way, CD98hc connects the signaling pathways sustaining cell proliferation and migration, biosynthesis and antioxidant defense, energy production, and stem cell properties. This multifaceted role makes CD98hc one of the critical regulators of tumor growth, therapy resistance, and metastases. Indeed, the high expression levels of CD98hc were confirmed in various tumor tissues, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, colon adenocarcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and others. A high expression of CD98hc has been linked to clinical prognosis and response to chemo- and radiotherapy in several types of cancer. In this mini-review, we discuss the physiological functions of CD98hc, its role in regulating tumor stemness, metastases, and therapy resistance, and the clinical significance of CD98hc as a tumor marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Xia
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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Liu J, Chen Y, Chen H, Wang Y, Li D, Zhang Q, Chai L, Qiu Y, Zhang J, Shen N, Wang Q, Wang J, Li M. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor exacerbates asthmatic airway remodeling via dynamin-related protein 1-mediated autophagy activation. Respir Res 2023; 24:216. [PMID: 37674165 PMCID: PMC10481618 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02526-y] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-dependent aberrant mitochondrial fission are closely linked to the pathogenesis of asthma. However, it is unclear whether Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and its downstream targets mediate MIF-induced proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in vitro and airway remodeling in chronic asthma models. The present study aims to clarify these issues. METHODS In this study, primary cultured ASMCs and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic rats were applied. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and EdU assays. Western blotting was used to detect extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, Drp1, autophagy-related markers and E-cadherin protein phosphorylation and expression. Inflammatory cytokines production, airway reactivity test, histological staining and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to evaluate the development of asthma. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure. RESULTS In primary cultured ASMCs, MIF increased the phosphorylation level of Drp1 at the Ser616 site through activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which further activated autophagy and reduced E-cadherin expression, ultimately leading to ASMCs proliferation. In OVA-induced asthmatic rats, MIF inhibitor 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP) treatment, suppression of mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 or inhibiting autophagy with chloroquine phosphate (CQ) all attenuated the development of airway remodeling. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides novel insights that MIF promotes airway remodeling in asthma by activating autophagy and degradation of E-cadherin via ERK/Drp1 signaling pathway, suggesting that targeting MIF/ERK/Drp1 might have potential therapeutic value for the prevention and treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqian Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Danyang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Chai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanjie Qiu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Nirui Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingting Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Manxiang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Ralchev Ralchev N, Lyubenova Bradyanova S, Valerieva Doneva Y, Mihaylova N, Vikentieva Elefterova-Florova E, Ivanov Tchorbanov A, Munoz-Valle JF, Petralia MC, Checconi P, Nicoletti F, Fagone P. Exploring the Role of CD74 and D-Dopachrome Tautomerase in COVID-19: Insights from Transcriptomic and Serum Analyses. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5037. [PMID: 37568438 PMCID: PMC10419634 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155037] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to public health worldwide. While some patients experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, others develop severe illness, which can lead to death. The host immune response is believed to play a crucial role in determining disease severity. In this study, we investigated the involvement of CD74 and D-DT in COVID-19 patients with different disease severities, by employing an in silico analysis of a publicly available transcriptomic dataset and by measuring their serum levels by ELISA. Our results showed a significant increase in MIF levels in PBMCs from COVID-19 patients, as well as a significant increase in the D-DT levels in PBMCs. However, we observed no modulation in the serum levels of D-DT. We also observed a concordant reduction in the serum levels and PBMCs expression levels of CD74. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between CD74 serum levels and IL-13. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the involvement of CD74 and D-DT in COVID-19, with potential implications for disease severity and treatment. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observations and to explore the potential therapeutic value of targeting CD74 and IL-13 in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Ralchev Ralchev
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Yana Valerieva Doneva
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Immunology, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolina Mihaylova
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Andrey Ivanov Tchorbanov
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - José Francisco Munoz-Valle
- University Center for Health Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Checconi
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, 20132 Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Krup AL, Winchester SAB, Ranade SS, Agrawal A, Devine WP, Sinha T, Choudhary K, Dominguez MH, Thomas R, Black BL, Srivastava D, Bruneau BG. A Mesp1-dependent developmental breakpoint in transcriptional and epigenomic specification of early cardiac precursors. Development 2023; 150:dev201229. [PMID: 36994838 PMCID: PMC10259516 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201229] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional networks governing cardiac precursor cell (CPC) specification are incompletely understood owing, in part, to limitations in distinguishing CPCs from non-cardiac mesoderm in early gastrulation. We leveraged detection of early cardiac lineage transgenes within a granular single-cell transcriptomic time course of mouse embryos to identify emerging CPCs and describe their transcriptional profiles. Mesp1, a transiently expressed mesodermal transcription factor, is canonically described as an early regulator of cardiac specification. However, we observed perdurance of CPC transgene-expressing cells in Mesp1 mutants, albeit mislocalized, prompting us to investigate the scope of the role of Mesp1 in CPC emergence and differentiation. Mesp1 mutant CPCs failed to robustly activate markers of cardiomyocyte maturity and crucial cardiac transcription factors, yet they exhibited transcriptional profiles resembling cardiac mesoderm progressing towards cardiomyocyte fates. Single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis defined a Mesp1-dependent developmental breakpoint in cardiac lineage progression at a shift from mesendoderm transcriptional networks to those necessary for cardiac patterning and morphogenesis. These results reveal Mesp1-independent aspects of early CPC specification and underscore a Mesp1-dependent regulatory landscape required for progression through cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Leigh Krup
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sarah A. B. Winchester
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sanjeev S. Ranade
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ayushi Agrawal
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - W. Patrick Devine
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tanvi Sinha
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Krishna Choudhary
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Martin H. Dominguez
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Reuben Thomas
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian L. Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Deepak Srivastava
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Benoit G. Bruneau
- Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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10
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Ramsey A, Akana L, Miyajima E, Douglas S, Gray J, Rowland A, Sharma KD, Xu J, Xie JY, Zhou GL. CAP1 (cyclase-associated protein 1) mediates the cyclic AMP signals that activate Rap1 in stimulating matrix adhesion of colon cancer cells. Cell Signal 2023; 104:110589. [PMID: 36621727 PMCID: PMC9908859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that CAP1 (Cyclase-Associated Protein 1) regulates matrix adhesion in mammalian cells through FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase). More recently, we discovered a phosphor-regulation mechanism for CAP1 through the Ser307/Ser309 tandem site that is of critical importance for all CAP1 functions. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the CAP1 function in adhesion and its regulation remain largely unknown. Here we report that Rap1 also facilitates the CAP1 function in adhesion, and more importantly, we identify a novel signaling pathway where CAP1 mediates the cAMP signals, through the cAMP effectors Epac (Exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP) and PKA (Protein Kinase A), to activate Rap1 in stimulating matrix adhesion in colon cancer cells. Knockdown of CAP1 led to opposite adhesion phenotypes in SW480 and HCT116 colon cancer cells, with reduced matrix adhesion and reduced FAK and Rap1 activities in SW480 cells while it stimulated matrix adhesion as well as FAK and Rap1 activities in HCT116 cells. Importantly, depletion of CAP1 abolished the stimulatory effects of the cAMP activators forskolin and isoproterenol, as well as that of Epac and PKA, on matrix adhesion in both cell types. Our results consistently support a required role for CAP1 in the cAMP activation of Rap1. Identification of the key role for CAP1 in linking the major second messenger cAMP to activation of Rap1 in stimulating adhesion, which may potentially also regulate proliferation in other cell types, not only vertically extends our knowledge on CAP biology, but also carries important translational potential for targeting CAP1 in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auburn Ramsey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Lokesh Akana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Erina Miyajima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Spencer Douglas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Joshua Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Alyssa Rowland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Krishna Deo Sharma
- Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA; Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA; College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Xie
- Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA; Department of Basic Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Guo-Lei Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA; Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, USA.
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11
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Hallmarks of Cancer Affected by the MIF Cytokine Family. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020395. [PMID: 36672343 PMCID: PMC9856758 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020395] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
New diagnostic methods and treatments have significantly decreased the mortality rates of cancer patients, but further improvements are warranted based on the identification of novel tumor-promoting molecules that can serve as therapeutic targets. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) family of cytokines, comprising MIF and DDT (also known as MIF2), are overexpressed in almost all cancer types, and their high expressions are related to a worse prognosis for the patients. MIF is involved in 9 of the 10 hallmarks of cancer, and its inhibition by antibodies, nanobodies, or small synthetic molecules has shown promising results. Even though DDT is also proposed to be involved in several of the hallmarks of cancer, the available information about its pro-tumoral role and mechanism of action is more limited. Here, we provide an overview of the involvement of both MIF and DDT in cancer, and we propose that blocking both cytokines is needed to obtain the maximum anti-tumor response.
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12
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Yu Z, Tong S, Wang C, Wu Z, Ye Y, Wang S, Jiang K. PPy@Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of CRC via suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting ferroptosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1001994. [PMID: 36177184 PMCID: PMC9513590 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1001994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers of the digestive tract, and patients with advanced-stage cancer have poor survival despite the use of multidrug conventional chemotherapy regimens. Intra-tumor heterogeneity of cancerous cells is the main obstacle in the way to effective cancer treatments. Therefore, we are looking for novel approaches to eliminate just cancer cells including nanoparticles (NPs). PPy@Fe3O4 NPs were successfully synthesized through a portable method. The characterization of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transformed infrared spectrometer, and X-ray powder diffraction have further proved successful preparation of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs. NIR irradiation was used to test the photothermal properties of NPs and an infrared camera was used to record their temperature. The direct effects of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs on colorectal cancer cell DLD1 were assessed using CCK8, plate clone, transwell, flow cytometry, and western blotting in CRC cell. The effect of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs on neoplasm growth in nude mice was evaluated in vivo. This study demonstrated that PPy@ Fe3O4 NPs significantly inhibit the growth, migration, and invasion and promote ferroptosis to the untreated controls in colorectal cancer cells. Mechanical exploration revealed that PPy@Fe3O4 NPs inhibit the multiplication, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, Ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 can reverse the changes in metastasis-associated proteins caused by NPs treatment. Collectively, our observations revealed that PPy@Fe3O4 NPs were blockers of tumor progression and metastasis in CRC. This study brought new insights into bioactive NPs, with application potential in curing CRC or other human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Yu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshi Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zizhen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kewei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Santos MF, Rappa G, Fontana S, Karbanová J, Aalam F, Tai D, Li Z, Pucci M, Alessandro R, Morimoto C, Corbeil D, Lorico A. Anti-Human CD9 Fab Fragment Antibody Blocks the Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Increase in Malignancy of Colon Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:2474. [PMID: 36010551 PMCID: PMC9406449 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication between cancer cells themselves or with healthy cells in the tumor microenvironment and/or pre-metastatic sites plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. In addition to ligand-receptor signaling complexes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as novel mediators of intercellular communication both in tissue homeostasis and in diseases such as cancer. EV-mediated transfer of molecular activities impacting morphological features and cell motility from highly metastatic SW620 cells to non-metastatic SW480 cells is a good in vitro example to illustrate the increased malignancy of colorectal cancer leading to its transformation and aggressive behavior. In an attempt to intercept the intercellular communication promoted by EVs, we recently developed a monovalent Fab fragment antibody directed against human CD9 tetraspanin and showed its effectiveness in blocking the internalization of melanoma cell-derived EVs and the nuclear transfer of their cargo proteins into recipient cells. Here, we employed the SW480/SW620 model to investigate the anti-cancer potential of the anti-CD9 Fab antibody. We first demonstrated that most EVs derived from SW620 cells contain CD9, making them potential targets. We then found that the anti-CD9 Fab antibody, but not the corresponding divalent antibody, prevented internalization of EVs from SW620 cells into SW480 cells, thereby inhibiting their phenotypic transformation, i.e., the change from a mesenchymal-like morphology to a rounded amoeboid-like shape with membrane blebbing, and thus preventing increased cell migration. Intercepting EV-mediated intercellular communication in the tumor niche with an anti-CD9 Fab antibody, combined with direct targeting of cancer cells, could lead to the development of new anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F. Santos
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
| | - Germana Rappa
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
| | - Simona Fontana
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Jana Karbanová
- Tissue Engineering Laboratories, Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Feryal Aalam
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
| | - Derek Tai
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
| | - Zhiyin Li
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
| | - Marzia Pucci
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Alessandro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chikao Morimoto
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Denis Corbeil
- Tissue Engineering Laboratories, Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Aurelio Lorico
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
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