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Parwana KAK, Kaur Gill P, Njanike R, Yiu HHP, Adams CF, Chari DM, Jenkins SI. Investigating Internalization of Reporter-Protein-Functionalized Polyhedrin Particles by Brain Immune Cells. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:2330. [PMID: 38793398 PMCID: PMC11122724 DOI: 10.3390/ma17102330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Achieving sustained drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is a major challenge for neurological injury and disease, and various delivery vehicles are being developed to achieve this. Self-assembling polyhedrin crystals (POlyhedrin Delivery System; PODS) are being exploited for the delivery of therapeutic protein cargo, with demonstrated efficacy in vivo. However, to establish the utility of PODS for neural applications, their handling by neural immune cells (microglia) must be documented, as these cells process and degrade many biomaterials, often preventing therapeutic efficacy. Here, primary mouse cortical microglia were cultured with a GFP-functionalized PODS for 24 h. Cell counts, cell morphology and Iba1 expression were all unaltered in treated cultures, indicating a lack of acute toxicity or microglial activation. Microglia exhibited internalisation of the PODS, with both cytosolic and perinuclear localisation. No evidence of adverse effects on cellular morphology was observed. Overall, 20-40% of microglia exhibited uptake of the PODS, but extracellular/non-internalised PODS were routinely present after 24 h, suggesting that extracellular drug delivery may persist for at least 24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Runyararo Njanike
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK; (P.K.G.); (R.N.)
| | - Humphrey H. P. Yiu
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Chris F. Adams
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK; (K.A.K.P.); (C.F.A.)
- Neural Tissue Engineering Keele (NTEK), Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Divya Maitreyi Chari
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK; (P.K.G.); (R.N.)
- Neural Tissue Engineering Keele (NTEK), Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Stuart Iain Jenkins
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK; (P.K.G.); (R.N.)
- Neural Tissue Engineering Keele (NTEK), Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
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2
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Eleftheriadou D, Evans RE, Atkinson E, Abdalla A, Gavins FKH, Boyd AS, Williams GR, Knowles JC, Roberton VH, Phillips JB. An alginate-based encapsulation system for delivery of therapeutic cells to the CNS. RSC Adv 2022; 12:4005-4015. [PMID: 35425456 PMCID: PMC8981497 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08563h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease have included the delivery of cells which release dopamine or neurotrophic factors to the brain. Here, we report the development of a novel approach for protecting cells after implantation into the central nervous system (CNS), by developing dual-layer alginate beads that encapsulate therapeutic cells and release an immunomodulatory compound in a sustained manner. An optimal alginate formulation was selected with a view to providing a sustained physical barrier between engrafted cells and host tissue, enabling exchange of small molecules while blocking components of the host immune response. In addition, a potent immunosuppressant, FK506, was incorporated into the outer layer of alginate beads using electrosprayed poly-ε-caprolactone core–shell nanoparticles with prolonged release profiles. The stiffness, porosity, stability and ability of the alginate beads to support and protect encapsulated SH-SY5Y cells was demonstrated, and the release profile of FK506 and its effect on T-cell proliferation in vitro was characterized. Collectively, our results indicate this multi-layer encapsulation technology has the potential to be suitable for use in CNS cell delivery, to protect implanted cells from host immune responses whilst providing permeability to nutrients and released therapeutic molecules. Novel composite cell encapsulation system: dual-layer, micro-scale beads maintain cell survival while releasing immunomodulatory FK506 in a sustained manner. This biotechnology platform could be applicable for treatment of CNS and other disorders.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Eleftheriadou
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Rachael E Evans
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Emily Atkinson
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Ahmed Abdalla
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Francesca K H Gavins
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Ashleigh S Boyd
- UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital London UK
| | - Gareth R Williams
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - Jonathan C Knowles
- Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute London UK
| | - Victoria H Roberton
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
| | - James B Phillips
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London London UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London WC1N 1AX UK
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Amalric M, Pattij T, Sotiropoulos I, Silva JM, Sousa N, Ztaou S, Chiamulera C, Wahlberg LU, Emerich DF, Paolone G. Where Dopaminergic and Cholinergic Systems Interact: A Gateway for Tuning Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:661973. [PMID: 34366802 PMCID: PMC8340002 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.661973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, many investigations into neurodegenerative diseases have focused on alterations in specific neuronal populations such as, for example, the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) and loss of cholinergic transmission in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it has become increasingly clear that mammalian brain activities, from executive and motor functioning to memory and emotional responses, are strictly regulated by the integrity of multiple interdependent neuronal circuits. Among subcortical structures, the dopaminergic nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways as well as cholinergic innervation from basal forebrain and brainstem, play pivotal roles in orchestrating cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms in PD and AD. Understanding the functional interactions of these circuits and the consequent neurological changes that occur during degeneration provides new opportunities to understand the fundamental inter-workings of the human brain as well as develop new potential treatments for patients with dysfunctional neuronal circuits. Here, excerpted from a session of the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society meeting (Braga, Portugal, August 2019), we provide an update on our recent work in behavioral and cellular neuroscience that primarily focuses on interactions between cholinergic and dopaminergic systems in PD models, as well as stress in AD. These brief discussions include descriptions of (1) striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs) and PD, (2) dopaminergic and cholinergic modulation of impulse control, and (3) the use of an implantable cell-based system for drug delivery directly the into brain and (4) the mechanisms through which day life stress, a risk factor for AD, damage protein and RNA homeostasis leading to AD neuronal malfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Amalric
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7291, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Aix-Marseille University (AMU), Marseille, France
| | - Tommy Pattij
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana M. Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Samira Ztaou
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7291, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Aix-Marseille University (AMU), Marseille, France
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cristiano Chiamulera
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Sadanandan N, Saft M, Gonzales-Portillo B, Borlongan CV. Multipronged Attack of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating the Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:596287. [PMID: 33815100 PMCID: PMC8010689 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.596287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy stands as a life-threatening disease that is characterized by unprovoked seizures. However, an important characteristic of epilepsy that needs to be examined is the neuropsychiatric aspect. Epileptic patients endure aggression, depression, and other psychiatric illnesses. Therapies for epilepsy can be divided into two categories: antiepileptic medications and surgical resection. Antiepileptic drugs are used to attenuate heightened neuronal firing and to lessen seizure frequency. Alternatively, surgery can also be conducted to physically cut out the area of the brain that is assumed to be the root cause for the anomalous firing that triggers seizures. While both treatments serve as viable approaches that aim to regulate seizures and ameliorate the neurological detriments spurred by epilepsy, they do not serve to directly counteract epilepsy's neuropsychiatric traits. To address this concern, a potential new treatment involves the use of stem cells. Stem cell therapy has been employed in experimental models of neurological maladies, such as Parkinson's disease, and neuropsychiatric illnesses like depression. Cell-based treatments for epilepsy utilizing stem cells such as neural stem cells (NSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and interneuron grafts have been explored in preclinical and clinical settings, highlighting both the acute and chronic stages of epilepsy. However, it is difficult to create an animal model to capitalize on all the components of epilepsy due to the challenges in delineating the neuropsychiatric aspect. Therefore, further preclinical investigation into the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in addressing both the neurological and the neuropsychiatric components of epilepsy is warranted in order to optimize cell dosage, delivery, and timing of cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
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5
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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Paolone G. From the Gut to the Brain and Back: Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Network Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2020; 11:557928. [PMID: 33117258 PMCID: PMC7575743 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.557928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, multisystem, progressive, degenerative disorder characterized by severe, debilitating motor dysfunction, cognitive impairments, and mood disorders. Although preclinical research has traditionally focused on the motor deficits resulting from the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, up to two thirds of PD patients present separate and distinct behavioral changes. Loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons occurs as early as the loss of dopaminergic cells and contributes to the cognitive decline in PD. In addition, attentional deficits can limit posture control and movement efficacy caused by dopaminergic cell loss. Complicating the picture further is intracellular α-synuclein accumulation beginning in the enteric nervous system and diffusing to the substantia nigra through the dorsal motor neurons of the vagus nerve. It seems that α-synuclein's role is that of mediating dopamine synthesis, storage, and release, and its function has not been completely understood. Treating a complex, multistage network disorder, such as PD, likely requires a multipronged approach. Here, we describe a few approaches that could be used alone or perhaps in combination to achieve a greater mosaic of behavioral benefit. These include (1) using encapsulated, genetically modified cells as delivery vehicles for administering neuroprotective trophic factors, such as GDNF, in a direct and sustained means to the brain; (2) immunotherapeutic interventions, such as vaccination or the use of monoclonal antibodies against aggregated, pathological α-synuclein; (3) the continuous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa through an intestinal gel pad to attenuate the loss of dopaminergic function and manage the motor and non-motor complications in PD patients; and (4) specific rehabilitation treatment programs for drug-refractory motor complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health - Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Chmielarz P, Saarma M. Neurotrophic factors for disease-modifying treatments of Parkinson's disease: gaps between basic science and clinical studies. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1195-1217. [PMID: 32700249 PMCID: PMC7550372 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Background Neurotrophic factors are endogenous proteins promoting the survival of different neural cells. Therefore, they elicited great interest as a possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, scientifically characterized more than 200 years ago and initially linked with motor abnormalities. Currently, the disease is viewed as a highly heterogeneous, progressive disorder with a long presymptomatic phase, and both motor and non-motor symptoms. Presently only symptomatic treatments for PD are available. Neurohistopathological changes of PD affected brains have been described more than 100 years ago and characterized by the presence of proteinaceous inclusions known as Lewy bodies and degeneration of dopamine neurons. Despite more than a century of investigations, it has remained unclear why dopamine neurons die in PD. Methods This review summarizes literature data from preclinical studies and clinical trials of neurotrophic factor based therapies for PD and discuss it from the perspective of the current understanding of PD biology. Results Newest data point towards dysfunctions of mitochondria, autophagy-lysosomal pathway, unfolded protein response and prion protein-like spreading of misfolded alpha-synuclein that is the major component of Lewy bodies. Yet, the exact chain of events leading to the demise of dopamine neurons is unclear and perhaps different in subpopulations of patients. Conclusions Gaps in our understanding of underlying disease etiology have hindered our attempts to find treatments able to slow down the progression of PD. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Chmielarz
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Wahlberg LU, Emerich DF, Kordower JH, Bell W, Fradet T, Paolone G. Long-term, stable, targeted biodelivery and efficacy of GDNF from encapsulated cells in the rat and Goettingen miniature pig brain. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2020; 1:19-29. [PMID: 34909639 PMCID: PMC8663965 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to the brain is a potential treatment for Parkinson's Disease (PD). Here we use an implantable encapsulated cell technology that uses modified human clonal ARPE-19 cells to deliver of GDNF to the brain. In vivo studies demonstrated sustained delivery of GDNF to the rat striatum over 6 months. Anatomical benefits and behavioral efficacy were shown in 6-OHDA lesioned rats where nigral dopaminergic neurons were preserved in neuroprotection studies and dopaminergic fibers were restored in neurorecovery studies. When larger, clinical-sized devices were implanted for 3 months into the putamen of Göttingen minipigs, GDNF was widely distributed throughout the putamen and caudate producing a significant upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. These results are the first to provide clear evidence that implantation of encapsulated GDNF-secreting cells deliver efficacious and biologically relevant amounts of GDNF in a sustained and targeted manner that is scalable to treat the large putamen in patients with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona P.le, LA Scuro, Verona, Italy
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Orive G, Echave MC, Pedraz JL, Golafshan N, Dolatshahi-Pirouz A, Paolone G, Emerich D. Advances in cell-laden hydrogels for delivering therapeutics. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:1219-1222. [PMID: 31414944 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1654452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gorka Orive
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology - UIRMI (UPV/EHU-Fundación Eduardo Anitua), Vitoria, Spain.,Discovery Tower, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mari Carmen Echave
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - José Luis Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Nasim Golafshan
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz
- Department of Health Technology, Center for Intestinal Absorption and Transport of Biopharmaceuticals, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.,Department of Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dwaine Emerich
- Gloriana Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly NsGene Inc.), Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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