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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and Hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh.
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2
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Kase AM, Gleba J, Miller JL, Miller E, Petit J, Barrett MT, Zhou Y, Parent EE, Cai H, Knight JA, Orme J, Reynolds J, Durham WF, Metz TM, Meurice N, Edenfield B, Alasonyalilar Demirer A, Bilgili A, Hickman PG, Pawlush ML, Marlow L, Wickland DP, Tan W, Copland JA. Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft Study with CDK4/6 Inhibitor Plus AKT Inhibitor for the Management of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:823-835. [PMID: 38442920 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor outcomes. To investigate novel therapeutic strategies, we characterized three new metastatic prostate cancer patient derived-tumor xenograft (PDTX) models and developed 3D spheroids from each to investigate molecular targeted therapy combinations including CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) with AKT inhibitors (ATKi). Metastatic prostate cancer tissue was collected and three PDTX models were established and characterized using whole-exome sequencing. PDTX 3D spheroids were developed from these three PDTXs to show resistance patterns and test novel molecular-targeted therapies. CDK4/6i's were combined with AKTi's to assess synergistic antitumor response to prove our hypothesis that blockade of AKT overcomes drug resistance to CDK4/6i. This combination was evaluated in PDTX three-dimensional (3D) spheroids and in vivo experiments with responses measured by tumor volumes, PSA, and Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET-CT imaging. We demonstrated CDK4/6i's with AKTi's possess synergistic antitumor activity in three mCRPC PDTX models. These models have multiple unique pathogenic and deleterious genomic alterations with resistance to single-agent CDK4/6i's. Despite this, combination therapy with AKTi's was able to overcome resistance mechanisms. The IHC and Western blot analysis confirmed on target effects, whereas tumor volume, serum PSA ELISA, and radionuclide imaging demonstrated response to therapy with statistically significant SUV differences seen with Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET-CT. These preclinical data demonstrating antitumor synergy by overcoming single-agent CDK 4/6i as well as AKTi drug resistance provide the rational for a clinical trial combining a CDK4/6i with an AKTi in patients with mCRPC whose tumor expresses wild-type retinoblastoma 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Kase
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Justyna Gleba
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - James L Miller
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Erin Miller
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Joachim Petit
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona
| | | | - Yumei Zhou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona
| | | | - Hancheng Cai
- Radiology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Joshua A Knight
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Jacob Orme
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jordan Reynolds
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - Thomas M Metz
- Charles River Discovery Research Services Germany, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Meurice
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona
| | | | | | - Ahmet Bilgili
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | | | - Laura Marlow
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Daniel P Wickland
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Winston Tan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
| | - John A Copland
- Cancer Biology Department, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida
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Riaud M, Maxwell J, Soria-Bretones I, Dankner M, Li M, Rose AAN. The role of CRAF in cancer progression: from molecular mechanisms to precision therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:105-122. [PMID: 38195917 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00650-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The RAF family of kinases includes key activators of the pro-tumourigenic mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Hyperactivation of RAF proteins, particularly BRAF and CRAF, drives tumour progression and drug resistance in many types of cancer. Although BRAF is the most studied RAF protein, partially owing to its high mutation incidence in melanoma, the role of CRAF in tumourigenesis and drug resistance is becoming increasingly clinically relevant. Here, we summarize the main known regulatory mechanisms and gene alterations that contribute to CRAF activity, highlighting the different oncogenic roles of CRAF, and categorize RAF1 (CRAF) mutations according to the effect on kinase activity. Additionally, we emphasize the effect that CRAF alterations may have on drug resistance and how precision therapies could effectively target CRAF-dependent tumours. Here, we discuss preclinical and clinical findings that may lead to improved treatments for all types of oncogenic RAF1 alterations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Riaud
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer Maxwell
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabel Soria-Bretones
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Dankner
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Meredith Li
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - April A N Rose
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Lv Y, Li J, Li Y, Su J, Ding X, Yuan Y, Liu S, Mou Y, Li G, Zhang L. Unveiling the potential mechanisms of Amomi fructus against gastric ulcers via integrating network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117179. [PMID: 37777029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, Amomi fructus (A. fructus) (Sharen) has been used therapeutically to treat gastrointestinal illnesses, including gastric ulcer (GU). The mechanism underlying this impact is still not fully known, though. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the hidden mechanism by which A. fructus influences the pathogenesis of GU, we employed network pharmacology approaches and in vivo validated studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multiple public databases were used to compile information on bioactive compounds, potential targets of A. fructus, and associated genes of GU. Then, the STRING database's protein-protein interaction (PPI) data of the drug-disease overlapping gene targets was obtained, and the core targets for A. fructus against GU were discovered. Additionally, molecular docking was done to examine the binding capabilities of the active substances and core targets. Then, the pathways of A. fructus that target GU were examined using the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID)'s Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway studies. In a mouse model of acute stomach mucosal damage brought on by absolute ethanol, the findings of network pharmacology were finally validated. RESULTS In total, 610 targets derived from the 196 bioactive compounds in A. fructus, were discovered, and along with 115 A. fructus target genes for therapy of GU. Then, ten core targets associated with apoptosis and inflammation were determined based on node degree, and ALB, AKT1, TNF, EGFR, MAPK3, CASP3, MMP9, STAT3, SRC, and HRAS were identified as promising therapeutic targets of A. fructus against GU. The results of molecular docking also revealed that 65 active compounds had strong binding activity with the core targets, with volatile chemicals being the most significant active ingredients. So, for following in vivo tests, A. fructus volatile oils (AVO) were used. The KEGG analysis showed that the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway may be crucial for the therapeutic mechanism of GU. In experiments that were validated in vivo, AVO considerably decreased the ulcer area and enhanced the histological appearance of the gastric tissues. In addition, compared to the model group, up-regulated the expression of IGF-1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT and down-regulated the protein levels of TNF-α and Caspase 3 in the stomach tissues. CONCLUSION According to preliminary findings from this work, A. fructus may influence inflammatory response and apoptosis via regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and associated gene targets. Importantly, our research might offer a theoretical foundation for future research into the intricate anti-GU mechanism of A. fructus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Lv
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, 150006, China.
| | - Yao Li
- West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali, 671006, China.
| | - Jing Su
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Xuan Ding
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Yin Yuan
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Shifang Liu
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Yan Mou
- Yuxi Normal College, Yuxi, 653100, China.
| | - Guang Li
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Yunnan Branch of Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinghong, 666100, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Jinghong, 666100, China.
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5
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Yang D, Duan Z, Yuan P, Ding C, Dai X, Chen G, Wu D. How does TCR-T cell therapy exhibit a superior anti-tumor efficacy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 687:149209. [PMID: 37944471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149209] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
TCR-engineered T cells have achieved great progress in solid tumor therapy, some of which have been applicated in clinical trials. Deep knowledge about the current progress of TCR-T in tumor therapy would be beneficial to understand the direction. Here, we classify tumor antigens into tumor-associated antigens, tumor-specific antigens, tumor antigens expressed by oncogenic viruses, and tumor antigens caused by abnormal protein modification; Then we detail the TCR-T cell therapy effects targeting those tumor antigens in clinical or preclinical trials, and propose that neoantigen specific TCR-T cell therapy is expected to be a promising approach for solid tumors; Furthermore, we summarize the optimization strategies, such as tumor microenvironment, TCR pairing and affinity, to improve the therapeutic effect of TCR-T. Overall, this review provides inspiration for the antigen selection and therapy strategies of TCR-T in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhihui Duan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Chengming Ding
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xiaoming Dai
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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6
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Liu Y, Li H, Zeng T, Wang Y, Zhang H, Wan Y, Shi Z, Cao R, Tang H. Integrated bulk and single-cell transcriptomes reveal pyroptotic signature in prognosis and therapeutic options of hepatocellular carcinoma by combining deep learning. Brief Bioinform 2023; 25:bbad487. [PMID: 38197309 PMCID: PMC10777172 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad487] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Although some pyroptosis-related (PR) prognostic models for cancers have been reported, pyroptosis-based features have not been fully discovered at the single-cell level in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, by deeply integrating single-cell and bulk transcriptome data, we systematically investigated significance of the shared pyroptotic signature at both single-cell and bulk levels in HCC prognosis. Based on the pyroptotic signature, a robust PR risk system was constructed to quantify the prognostic risk of individual patient. To further verify capacity of the pyroptotic signature on predicting patients' prognosis, an attention mechanism-based deep neural network classification model was constructed. The mechanisms of prognostic difference in the patients with distinct PR risk were dissected on tumor stemness, cancer pathways, transcriptional regulation, immune infiltration and cell communications. A nomogram model combining PR risk with clinicopathologic data was constructed to evaluate the prognosis of individual patients in clinic. The PR risk could also evaluate therapeutic response to neoadjuvant therapies in HCC patients. In conclusion, the constructed PR risk system enables a comprehensive assessment of tumor microenvironment characteristics, accurate prognosis prediction and rational therapeutic options in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hanlin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Tianyu Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Ying Wan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Renzhi Cao
- Department of Computer Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington 98447, USA
| | - Hua Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases,Ministry of Education, Luzhou 646000, China
- Medical Engineering & Medical Informatics Integration and Transformational Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou City, Luzhou 646000, China
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Qu W, Jeong A, Zhong R, Thieschafer JS, Gram A, Li L. Deletion of Small GTPase H-Ras Rescues Memory Deficits and Reduces Amyloid Plaque-Associated Dendritic Spine Loss in Transgenic Alzheimer's Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:495-511. [PMID: 36287323 PMCID: PMC10771223 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03082-0] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of lives without a cure. While the molecular mechanism of AD remains obscure, emerging evidence suggests that small GTPases, a group of GTP-binding proteins that regulate a plethora of essential cellular events, modulate the pathogenic process of AD. Among those, the small GTPase H-Ras, extensively studied in cancer, regulates synaptic function, and both upstream and downstream signaling pathways of H-Ras have been implicated in AD. However, the role of H-Ras per se in AD pathogenesis had not been explored previously. In the present study, the impact of Hras deletion on cognitive function and amyloid pathology was investigated in transgenic APP/PS1 mice of AD. Behavioral assessments showed that the absence of Hras rescued spatial memory deficit in APP/PS1 mice at 9 months of age. The pathological evaluation demonstrated that Hras deletion reduced cortical amyloid deposition and astrogliosis. Furthermore, Hras deficiency protected against amyloid plaque-associated loss of dendritic spines in APP/PS1 mice. Intriguingly, canonical signaling pathways downstream of H-Ras were not affected by the absence of Hras in the brain. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis revealed that lack of H-Ras affected the expression of select genes in the brain of AD mice and identified a novel connection between H-Ras and Annexin A4, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that has been shown to regulate membrane repair, neuroinflammation, and calcium homeostasis. Taken together, these data indicate that H-Ras modifies the pathogenic process of AD and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rui Zhong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Josslen S Thieschafer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Andrea Gram
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Bahmad HF, Elhammady G, Gass JM, Paramo JC, Poppiti R, Alexis J. PIK3R1, HRAS and AR Gene Alterations Associated with Sclerosing Polycystic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:954-962. [PMID: 36826006 PMCID: PMC9955459 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020061] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerosing polycystic adenoma (SPA) is a rare neoplasm occurring in the salivary glands, mainly the parotid gland. Although it was originally thought to represent a non-neoplastic process, recent genetic data have proven its monoclonality, supporting its neoplastic origin. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with left neck swelling and pain. A 3 cm hypoechoic, heterogeneous, solid mass was identified on neck ultrasonography within the left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration revealed benign acinar cells and lymphocytes. Left partial superficial parotidectomy was performed and a diagnosis of SPA was made. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed three clinically significant alterations in the PIK3R1, HRAS, and AR genes. Alterations in the PIK3R1 gene have been previously reported in cases of SPA; however, this study is the first to report two novel clinically significant genomic alterations in the HRAS and AR genes. AR protein expression by immunohistochemistry was strongly and diffusely positive in the neoplastic epithelial cells compared to the adjacent normal salivary gland tissue, which was dead negative for AR. This molecular profile will enhance our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying the development of this tumor. Although this entity was initially thought to be a reactive process, evidence from our case and similar cases strongly support the notion that it is neoplastic due to the presence of specific genetic alterations linked to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-305-674-2277
| | - Gina Elhammady
- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Fort Myers, FL 33916, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gass
- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Fort Myers, FL 33916, USA
| | - Juan C. Paramo
- Department of General Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert Poppiti
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - John Alexis
- The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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9
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Cao Y, Liang W, Fang L, Liu M, Zuo J, Peng Y, Shan J, Sun R, Zhao J, Wang J. PD-L1/PD-L1 signalling promotes colorectal cancer cell migration ability through RAS/MEK/ERK. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:1281-1293. [PMID: 36050267 PMCID: PMC9826327 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is widely known as an immune checkpoint, and immunotherapy through the inhibition of checkpoint molecules has become an important component in the successful treatment of tumours via programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signalling pathways. However, its biological functions and expression profile in colorectal cancer (CRC) are elusive. We previously found that PD-L1 can bind to PD-L1 and cause cell detachment. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of how PD-L1 binds to PD-L1 and how it transmits signals to the cell remain unclear. In this study, we disclosed that PD-L1 expression was dramatically upregulated in CRC compared to normal tissues. Ectopic expression of PD-L1 inhibits cell adhesive capacity and promotes cell migration in CRC cell lines, while silencing PD-L1 had the opposite effects and suppressed invasion and proliferation. Mechanistically, PD-L1 was found to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the ERK signalling molecule pathway and interacted with the 1-86 aa fragment of KRAS to transduce signals. Collectively, our study demonstrated the role of PD-L1 after binding to PD-L1 in CRC, thereby providing a new theoretical basis for further improving immunotherapy with anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Cao
- School of Biology and Biological EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Weiye Liang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Lian Fang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Ming‐kai Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Jia Zuo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Ying‐long Peng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Jia‐jie Shan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Rui‐xia Sun
- Bioscience LaboratoryBIOS bioscience and Technology Limited CompanyGuangzhouChina
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Biology and Biological EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina,Department of Neurobiology, School of MedicineSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina,Bioscience LaboratoryBIOS bioscience and Technology Limited CompanyGuangzhouChina
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10
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Rokni M, Sadeghi Shaker M, Kavosi H, Shokoofi S, Mahmoudi M, Farhadi E. The role of endothelin and RAS/ERK signaling in immunopathogenesis-related fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis: an updated review with therapeutic implications. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:108. [PMID: 35562771 PMCID: PMC9102675 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease of connective tissue with high rate of morbidity and mortality highlighted by extreme fibrosis affecting various organs such as the dermis, lungs, and heart. Until now, there is no specific cure for the fibrosis occurred in SSc disease. The SSc pathogenesis is yet unknown, but transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and Ras-ERK1/2 cascade are the main factors contributing to the tissue fibrosis through extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Several studies have hallmarked the association of ET-1 with or without TGF-β and Ras-ERK1/2 signaling in the development of SSc disease, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the dermis, lungs, and several organs. Accordingly, different clinical and experimental studies have indicated the potential therapeutic role of ET-1 and Ras antagonists in these situations in SSc. In addition, ET-1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a cofactor of the TGF-β cascade play a substantial initiative role in inducing fibrosis. Once initiated, TGF-β alone or in combination with ET-1 and CTGF can activate several kinase proteins such as the Ras-ERK1/2 pathway that serve as the fundamental factor for developing fibrosis. Furthermore, Salirasib is a synthetic small molecule that is able to inhibit all Ras forms. Therefore, it can be used as a potent therapeutic factor for fibrotic disorders. So, this review discusses the role of TGF-β/ET-1/Ras signaling and their involvement in SSc pathogenesis, particularly in its fibrotic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rokni
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Sadeghi Shaker
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Kavosi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Shokoofi
- Rheumatology Department, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Wang C, Chen H, Ma ST, Mao BB, Chen Y, Xu HN, Yu H. A Network Pharmacology Approach for Exploring the Mechanisms of Panax notoginseng Saponins in Ischaemic Stroke. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:5582782. [PMID: 34434246 PMCID: PMC8382556 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5582782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been deemed effective herb compounds for treating ischaemic stroke (IS) and improving the quality of life of IS patients. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PNS in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology. METHODS PNS were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and their possible targets were predicted using the PharmMapper database. IS-related targets were identified from the GeneCards database, OMIM database, and DisGeNET database. A herb-compound-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established with STRING. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using DAVID. The binding of the compounds and key targets was validated by molecular docking studies using AutoDock Vina. The neuroprotective effect of TFCJ was substantiated in terms of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde) and the levels of IGF1/PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. RESULTS A total of 375 PNS targets and 5111 IS-related targets were identified. Among these targets, 241 were common to PNS, and IS network analysis showed that MAPK1, AKT1, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK8, EGFR, IGF1, HRAS, RHOA, and HSP90AA1 are key targets of PNS against IS. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PNS probably exert therapeutic effects against IS by regulating many pathways, such as the Ras, oestrogen, FoxO, prolactin, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, insulin, PPAR, and thyroid hormone signalling pathways. Molecular docking studies further corroborated the experimental results.The network pharmacology results were further verified by molecular docking and in vivo experiments. CONCLUSIONS The ameliorative effects of PNS against IS were predicted to be associated with the regulation of the IGF1-PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 may play an important role in the treatment of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Hao Chen
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Shi-tang Ma
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Bin-bin Mao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Hao-Nan Xu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
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12
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Luo Q, Zhang Q, Shen J, Guan W, Li M, Zhang J, Tan Z. Expanding mutational spectrum of HRAS by a patient with Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome. J Dermatol 2021; 48:1273-1276. [PMID: 34109654 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
As one of the epidermal nevus syndromes, Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims (SFM) is characterized by craniofacial nevus sebaceous (NS) and extracutaneous abnormalities (e.g., brain, eyes, and bone). Here, we report a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with significant skin abnormalities (NS in the scalp, extensive epidermal nevus along Blaschko's lines), ocular abnormalities (strabismus), central nervous system abnormalities (seizure and mental retardation), lymphatic dysplasia (chylous pleural and pericardial effusion), cardiac abnormalities (patent foramen ovale), urogenital system abnormalities (cryptorchidism, hypospadias), and a tumor predisposition (embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma). DNA samples from NS, rhabdomyosarcoma, and peripheral blood leukocytes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. A novel mutation in the HRAS gene (c.38G>T; p.Gly13Val) was detected in a mosaic state in NS, rhabdomyosarcoma, and peripheral blood leukocytes, with different ratio of heterozygous mutation (HRAS c.38G>T) of 39.90% (9412/23 588 reads), 73.03% (205 562/281 468 reads), and 14.16% (15 837/111 842 reads), respectively. By predicting the impact of the mutation on the biological function of protein, we found that the novel HRAS mutation (c.38G>T; p.Gly13Val) had the highest damaging scores among other HRAS mutations reported so far. This is the first reported SFM syndrome patient with novel mosaic HRAS mutation, which may help to expand the mutational spectrum of HRAS and better understand the role of HRAS in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Luo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwen Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Guan
- Department of Pathology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Small Molecules in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Focus on Indirubins. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081770. [PMID: 33917267 PMCID: PMC8068014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, the genetic landscape of squamous cell carcinoma is related to the potential targets of indirubin-based small molecules in cancer therapy. Being a component of traditional Chinese medicine, indirubins are used to treat chronic or inflammatory diseases, and have received increasing attention in cancer treatment due to their proapoptotic and antiproliferative activity. Frequent genetic alterations of squamous cell carcinomas are summarized, and it is discussed how these may render tumors susceptible to indirubin-based small molecule inhibitors. Abstract Skin cancers are the most common malignancies in the world. Among the most frequent skin cancer entities, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) ranks second (~20%) after basal cell carcinoma (~77%). In early stages, a complete surgical removal of the affected tissue is carried out as standard therapy. To treat advanced and metastatic cancers, targeted therapies with small molecule inhibitors are gaining increasing attention. Small molecules are a heterogeneous group of protein regulators, which are produced by chemical synthesis or fermentation. The majority of them belong to the group of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs), which specifically bind to certain RTKs and directly influence the respective signaling pathway. Knowledge of characteristic molecular alterations in certain cancer entities, such as SCC, can help identify tumor-specific substances for targeted therapies. Most frequently, altered genes in SCC include TP53, NOTCH, EGFR, and CCND1. For example, the gene CCND1, which codes for cyclin D1 protein, is upregulated in nearly half of SCC cases and promotes proliferation of affected cells. A treatment with the small molecule 5′-nitroindirubin-monoxime (INO) leads to inhibition of cyclin D1 and thus inhibition of proliferation. As a component of Danggui Longhui Wan, a traditional Chinese medicine, indirubins are used to treat chronic diseases and have been shown to inhibit inflammatory reactions. Indirubins are pharmacologically relevant small molecules with proapoptotic and antiproliferative activity. In this review, we discuss the current literature on indirubin-based small molecules in cancer treatment. A special focus is on the molecular biology of squamous cell carcinomas, their alterations, and how these are rendered susceptible to indirubin-based small molecule inhibitors. The potential molecular mechanisms of the efficacy of indirubins in killing SCC cells will be discussed as well.
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14
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Jiang X, Xing L, Chen Y, Qin R, Song S, Lu Y, Xie S, Wang L, Pu H, Gui X, Li T, Xu J, Li J, Jia S, Lu D. CircMEG3 inhibits telomerase activity by reducing Cbf5 in human liver cancer stem cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:310-323. [PMID: 33425489 PMCID: PMC7779543 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (CircRNA) is a newly identified special class of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that plays an important regulatory role in the progression of certain diseases. Herein, our results indicate that CircMEG3 is downregulated expression and negatively correlated with the expression of telomerase-related gene Cbf5 in human liver cancer. Moreover, CircMEG3 inhibits the growth of human liver cancer stem cells in vivo and in vitro. CircMEG3 inhibits the expression of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 dependent on HULC. Moreover, CircMEG3 inhibits the expression of Cbf5, a component of telomere synthetase H/ACA ribonucleoprotein (RNP; catalyst RNA pseudouracil modification) through METTL3 dependent on HULC. Thereby, CircMEG3 inhibits telomerase activity and shortens telomere lifespan dependent on HULC and Cbf5 in human liver cancer stem cell. Strikingly, increased Cbf5 abrogates the ability of CircMEG3 to inhibit malignant differentiation of human liver cancer stem cells. In summary, these observations provide important basic information for finding effective liver cancer therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Jiang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Libo Xing
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yingjie Chen
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rushi Qin
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuting Song
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanan Lu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sijie Xie
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hu Pu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xin Gui
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tianming Li
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiao Li
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Song Jia
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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