1
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Zaafour A, Seeneevassen L, Nguyen TL, Genevois C, Nicolas N, Sifré E, Giese A, Porcheron C, Descarpentrie J, Dubus P, Khatib AM, Varon C. Inhibition of proprotein convertases activity results in repressed stemness and invasiveness of cancer stem cells in gastric cancer. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:292-307. [PMID: 38280128 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC), the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with most deaths caused by advanced and metastatic disease, has limited curative options. Here, we revealed the importance of proprotein convertases (PCs) in the malignant and metastatic potential of GC cells through the regulation of the YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer stem cells (CSC). METHODS The general PCs inhibitor, decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethyl-ketone (CMK), was used to repress PCs activity in CSCs of various GC cell lines. Their tumorigenic properties, drug resistance, YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway activity, and invasive properties were then investigated in vitro, and their metastatic properties were explored in a mouse xenograft model. The prognostic value of PCs in GC patients was also explored in molecular databases of GC. RESULTS Inhibition of PCs activity in CSCs in all GC cell lines reduced tumorsphere formation and growth, drug efflux, EMT phenotype, and invasive properties that are associated with repressed YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway activity in vitro. In vivo, PCs' inhibition in GC cells reduced their metastatic spread. Molecular analysis of tumors from GC patients has highlighted the prognostic value of PCs. CONCLUSIONS PCs are overexpressed in GC and associated with poor prognosis. PCs are involved in the malignant and metastatic potential of CSCs via the regulation of EMT, the YAP/TAZ/TEAD oncogenic pathway, and their stemness and invasive properties. Their repression represents a new strategy to target CSCs and impair metastatic spreading in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Zaafour
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lornella Seeneevassen
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tra Ly Nguyen
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Coralie Genevois
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Vivoptic Platform, CNRS, INSERM TBM-Core UAR3427 US5, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nour Nicolas
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elodie Sifré
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alban Giese
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Chloé Porcheron
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean Descarpentrie
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Dubus
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Histology and Pathology, CHU Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Varon
- BoRdeaux Institute of onCology (BRIC), INSERM U1312, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
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2
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Dzhumashev D, Timpanaro A, Ali S, De Micheli AJ, Mamchaoui K, Cascone I, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Quantum Dot-Based Screening Identifies F3 Peptide and Reveals Cell Surface Nucleolin as a Therapeutic Target for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205048. [PMID: 36291832 PMCID: PMC9600270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205048] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Active drug delivery by tumor-targeting peptides is a promising approach to improve existing therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), by increasing the therapeutic effect and decreasing the systemic toxicity, e.g., by drug-loaded peptide-targeted nanoparticles. Here, we tested 20 different tumor-targeting peptides for their ability to bind to two RMS cell lines, Rh30 and RD, using quantum dots Streptavidin and biotin-peptides conjugates as a model for nanoparticles. Four peptides revealed a very strong binding to RMS cells: NCAM-1-targeting NTP peptide, nucleolin-targeting F3 peptide, and two Furin-targeting peptides, TmR and shTmR. F3 peptide showed the strongest binding to all RMS cell lines tested, low binding to normal control myoblasts and fibroblasts, and efficient internalization into RMS cells demonstrated by the cytoplasmic delivery of the Saporin toxin. The expression of the nucleophosphoprotein nucleolin, the target of F3, on the surface of RMS cell lines was validated by competition with the natural ligand lactoferrin, by colocalization with the nucleolin-binding aptamer AS1411, and by the marked sensitivity of RMS cell lines to the growth inhibitory nucleolin-binding N6L pseudopeptide. Taken together, our results indicate that nucleolin-targeting by F3 peptide represents a potential therapeutic approach for RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhangar Dzhumashev
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Safa Ali
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea J. De Micheli
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 3032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Cascone
- IMRB, INSERM, University Paris Est Creteil, 94010 Creteil, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 3032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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3
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Abu El-Asrar AM, Nawaz MI, Ahmad A, Siddiquei MM, Allegaert E, Gikandi PW, De Hertogh G, Opdenakker G. Proprotein convertase furin is a driver and potential therapeutic target in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:632-652. [PMID: 35322530 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Furin converts inactive proproteins into bioactive forms. By activating proinflammatory and proangiogenic factors, furin might play a role in pathophysiology of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS We studied vitreous samples from PDR and nondiabetic patients, epiretinal membranes from PDR patients, retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), retinal Müller cells and rat retinas by ELISA, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy. We performed in vitro angiogenesis assays and assessed adherence of monocytes to HRMECs. RESULTS Furin levels were significantly increased in PDR vitreous samples. In epiretinal membranes, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed furin expression in monocytes/macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. Furin was significantly upregulated in diabetic rat retinas. Hypoxia and TNF-α induced significant upregulation of furin in Müller cells and HRMECs. Furin induced upregulation of phospho-ERK1/2, p65 subunit of NF-κB, ADAM17 and MCP-1 in cultured Müller cells and phospho-ERK1/2 in cultured HRMECs and induced HRMECs migration. Treatment of monocytes with furin significantly increased their adhesion to HRMECs. Intravitreal administration of furin in normal rats induced significant upregulation of p65 subunit of NF-κB, phospho-ERK1/2 and ICAM-1 in the retina. Inhibition of furin with dec-CMK significantly decreased levels of MCP-1 in culture medium of Müller cells and HRMECs and significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of p65 subunit of NF-κB, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HRMECs. Dec-CMK significantly decreased adherence of monocytes to HRMECs and TNF-α-induced upregulation of adherence of monocytes to HRMECs. Treatment of HRMECs with dec-CMK significantly attenuated migration of HRMECs. CONCLUSIONS Furin is a potential driver molecule of PDR-associated inflammation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Research Chair in Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd I Nawaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajmal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad M Siddiquei
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eef Allegaert
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Priscilla W Gikandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gert De Hertogh
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.,Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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4
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Abstract
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence revealed a multibasic furin cleavage site at the S1/S2 boundary of the spike protein distinguishing this virus from SARS-CoV. Furin, the best-characterized member of the mammalian proprotein convertases, is an ubiquitously expressed single pass type 1 transmembrane protein. Cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by furin promotes viral entry into lung cells. While furin knockout is embryonically lethal, its knockout in differentiated somatic cells is not, thus furin provides an exciting therapeutic target for viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections. Several peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors of furin have been recently reported, and select cocrystal structures have been solved, paving the way for further optimization and selection of clinical candidates. This perspective highlights furin structure, substrates, recent inhibitors, and crystal structures with emphasis on furin's role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where the current data strongly suggest its inhibition as a promising therapeutic intervention for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam
Eldin A. Osman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department
of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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5
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He Z, Khatib AM, Creemers JWM. The proprotein convertase furin in cancer: more than an oncogene. Oncogene 2022; 41:1252-1262. [PMID: 34997216 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Furin is the first discovered proprotein convertase member and is present in almost all mammalian cells. Therefore, by regulating the maturation of a wide range of proproteins, Furin expression and/or activity is involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes ranging from embryonic development to carcinogenesis. Since many of these protein precursors are involved in initiating and maintaining the hallmarks of cancer, Furin has been proposed as a potential target for treating several human cancers. In contrast, other studies have revealed that some types of cancer do not benefit from Furin inhibition. Therefore, understanding the heterogeneous functions of Furin in cancer will provide important insights into the design of effective strategies targeting Furin in cancer treatment. Here, we present recent advances in understanding how Furin expression and activity are regulated in cancer cells and their influences on the activity of Furin substrates in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss how Furin represses tumorigenic properties of several cancer cells and why Furin inhibition leads to aggressive phenotypes in other tumors. Finally, we summarize the clinical applications of Furin inhibition in treating human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- INSERM, LAMC, UMR 1029, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire, Pessac, France. .,Institut Bergoinié, Bordeaux, France.
| | - John W M Creemers
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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6
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Akerman AW, Collins EN, Peterson AR, Collins LB, Harrison JK, DeVaughn A, Townsend JM, Vanbuskirk RL, Riopedre‐Maqueira J, Reyes A, Oh JE, Raybuck CM, Jones JA, Ikonomidis JS. miR-133a Replacement Attenuates Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019862. [PMID: 34387094 PMCID: PMC8475064 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) occur because of abnormal remodeling of aortic extracellular matrix and are accompanied by the emergence of proteolytically active myofibroblasts. The microRNA miR-133a regulates cellular phenotypes and is reduced in clinical TAA specimens. This study tested the hypothesis that miR-133a modulates aortic fibroblast phenotype, and overexpression by lentivirus attenuates the development of TAA in a murine model. Methods and Results TAA was induced in mice. Copy number of miR-133a was reduced in TAA tissue and linear regression analysis confirmed an inverse correlation between aortic diameter and miR-133a. Analyses of phenotypic markers revealed an mRNA expression profile consistent with myofibroblasts in TAA tissue. Fibroblasts were isolated from the thoracic aortae of mice with/without TAA. When compared with controls, miR-133a was reduced, migration was increased, adhesion was reduced, and the ability to contract a collagen disk was increased. Overexpression/knockdown of miR-133a controlled these phenotypes. After TAA induction in mice, a single tail-vein injection of either miR-133a overexpression or scrambled sequence (control) lentivirus was performed. Overexpression of miR-133a attenuated TAA development. The pro-protein convertase furin was confirmed to be a target of miR-133a by luciferase reporter assay. Furin was elevated in this murine model of TAA and repressed by miR-133a replacement in vivo resulting in reduced proteolytic activation. Conclusions miR-133a regulates aortic fibroblast phenotype and over-expression prevented the development of TAA in a murine model. These findings suggest that stable alterations in aortic fibroblasts are associated with development of TAA and regulation by miR-133a may lead to a novel therapeutic strategy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/prevention & control
- Calcium Chloride
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Movement
- Cells, Cultured
- Dilatation, Pathologic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/pathology
- Furin/genetics
- Furin/metabolism
- Genetic Therapy
- Genetic Vectors
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Vascular Remodeling
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Akerman
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Elizabeth N. Collins
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Andrew R. Peterson
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Lauren B. Collins
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Jessica K. Harrison
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Amari DeVaughn
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Jaleel M. Townsend
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Rebecca L. Vanbuskirk
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | | | - Ailet Reyes
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Joyce E. Oh
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Charles M. Raybuck
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
| | - Jeffrey A. Jones
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSC
- Research ServiceRalph H. Johnson VA Medical CenterCharlestonSC
| | - John S. Ikonomidis
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNC
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7
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Zhou B, Gao S. Pan-Cancer Analysis of FURIN as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:648402. [PMID: 33968987 PMCID: PMC8100462 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.648402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Furin is a calcium-dependent protease that processes various precursor proteins through diverse secretory pathways. The deregulation of FURIN correlated with the prognosis of patients in numerous diseases. However, the role of FURIN in human pan-cancer is still largely unknown. Methods Multiple bioinformatic methods were employed to comprehensively analyze the correlation of FURIN expression with prognosis, mismatch repair (MMR), microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB), DNA methylation, tumor immune infiltration, and common immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) from the public database, and aim to evaluate the potential prognostic value of FURIN across cancers. Results FURIN was aberrantly expressed and was strongly correlated with MMR, MSI, TMB, and DNA methylation in multiple types of cancer. Moreover, survival analysis across cancers revealed that FURIN expression was correlated with overall survival (OS) in four cancers, disease-specific survival (DSS) in five cancers, progression-free interval (PFI) in seven cancers, and disease-free interval (DFI) in two cancers. Also, FURIN expression was related to immune cell infiltration in 6 cancers and ImmuneScore/StromalScore in 10 cancers, respectively. In addition, FURIN expression also showed strong association between expression levels and immune checkpoint markers in three cancers. Conclusion FURIN can serve as a significant prognostic biomarker and correlate with tumor immunity in human pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Zhou
- Thoracic Surgery Department, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Thoracic Surgery Department, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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8
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He Z, Thorrez L, Siegfried G, Meulemans S, Evrard S, Tejpar S, Khatib AM, Creemers JWM. The proprotein convertase furin is a pro-oncogenic driver in KRAS and BRAF driven colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2020; 39:3571-3587. [PMID: 32139876 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1238-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS and/or BRAF that activate the ERK kinase are frequently found in colorectal cancer (CRC) and drive resistance to targeted therapies. Therefore, the identification of therapeutic targets that affect multiple signaling pathways simultaneously is crucial for improving the treatment of patients with KRAS or BRAF mutations. The proprotein convertase furin activates several oncogenic protein precursors involved in the ERK-MAPK pathway by endoproteolytic cleavage. Here we show that genetic inactivation of furin suppresses tumorigenic growth, proliferation, and migration in KRAS or BRAF mutant CRC cell lines but not in wild-type KRAS and BRAF cells. In a mouse xenograft model, these KRAS or BRAF mutant cells lacking furin displayed reduced growth and angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis. Mechanistically, furin inactivation prevents the processing of various protein pecursors including proIGF1R, proIR, proc-MET, proTGF-β1 and NOTCH1 leading to potent and durable ERK-MAPK pathway suppression in KRAS or BRAF mutant cells. Furthermore, we identified genes involved in activating the ERK-MAPK pathway, such as PTGS2, which are downregulated in the KRAS or BRAF mutant cells after furin inactivation but upregulated in wild-type KRAS and BRAF cells. Analysis of human colorectal tumor samples reveals a positive correlation between enhanced furin expression and KRAS or BRAF expression. These results indicate that furin plays an important role in KRAS or BRAF-associated ERK-MAPK pathway activation and tumorigenesis, providing a potential target for personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsheng He
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Thorrez
- Interdisciplinary Research Facility, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Sandra Meulemans
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Serge Evrard
- INSERM, LAMC, UMR, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire, 1029, Pessac, France.,Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- Digestive Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - John W M Creemers
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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9
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Farhat D, Ghayad SE, Icard P, Le Romancer M, Hussein N, Lincet H. Lipoic acid-induced oxidative stress abrogates IGF-1R maturation by inhibiting the CREB/furin axis in breast cancer cell lines. Oncogene 2020; 39:3604-3610. [PMID: 32060422 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1211-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of lipoic acid (LA) in cancer treatment have been well documented in the last decade. Indeed, LA exerts crucial antiproliferative effects by reducing breast cancer cell viability, cell cycle progression and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the mechanisms of action (MOA) underlying these antiproliferative effects remain to be elucidated. Recently, we demonstrated that LA decreases breast cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting IGF-1R maturation via the downregulation of the proprotein convertase furin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the MOA by which LA inhibits furin expression in estrogen receptor α (ERα) (+) and (-) breast cancer cell lines. We unveil that LA exerts a pro-oxidant effect on these cell lines, the resulting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated being responsible for the reduction in the expression of the major (CREB) protein. This transcription factor is overexpressed in many types of cancers and regulates the expression of furin in breast cancer cells independently of ERα, as evidenced herein by the inhibition of furin expression following CREB silencing. Consequently, our findings expose for the first time the complete MOA of LA via the CREB/furin axis leading to inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Farhat
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Cancer biology Stem Cells and Molecular Immunology, Hadath-Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sandra E Ghayad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Philippe Icard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CHU de Caen Normandie, Unité de recherche BioTICLA INSERM U 119, 14000, Caen, France.,Service de chirurgie thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
| | - Nader Hussein
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Cancer biology Stem Cells and Molecular Immunology, Hadath-Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hubert Lincet
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France. .,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France. .,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France. .,ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lyon, France.
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10
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Gonzalez-Molina J, Gramolelli S, Liao Z, Carlson JW, Ojala PM, Lehti K. MMP14 in Sarcoma: A Regulator of Tumor Microenvironment Communication in Connective Tissues. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090991. [PMID: 31466240 PMCID: PMC6770050 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are deadly malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin occurring at all ages. The expression and function of the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 is closely related to the mesenchymal cell phenotype, and it is highly expressed in most sarcomas. MMP14 regulates the activity of multiple extracellular and plasma membrane proteins, influencing cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) communication. This regulation mediates processes such as ECM degradation and remodeling, cell invasion, and cancer metastasis. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the biology of MMP14 in sarcomas will shed light on the mechanisms controlling the key processes in these diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the function and regulation of MMP14 and we discuss their relationship with clinical and pre-clinical MMP14 data in both adult and childhood sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Gonzalez-Molina
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Silvia Gramolelli
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zehuan Liao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Joseph W Carlson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Päivi M Ojala
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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11
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Baumann J, Huang SF, Gassmann M, Tsao CC, Ogunshola OO. Furin inhibition prevents hypoxic and TGFβ-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption. Exp Cell Res 2019; 383:111503. [PMID: 31336100 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is a common feature of CNS diseases however mechanisms underlying barrier disturbance are still largely unknown. This study investigated the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), a cytokine known to induce expression of the proprotein convertase Furin, in hypoxia-mediated barrier compromise. We show that exposure of brain endothelial cells (ECs) to hypoxia (1% O2) rapidly stimulates their migration. Additional exogenous TGFβ (0.4 nM) exposure potentiated this effect and increased Furin expression in a TGFβ type I receptor activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5) - dependent manner (prevented by 10 μM SB431542). Furin inhibition prevented hypoxia-induced EC migration and blocked TGFβ-induced potentiation suggesting existence of a feedback loop. TGFβ and Furin were also critical for hypoxia-induced BBB dysfunction. TGFβ treatment aggravated hypoxia-induced BBB permeability but ALK5 or Furin blockade reversed injury-induced permeability changes. Thus during insult Furin compromises endothelial integrity by mediating the effects of TGFβ. Targeting the Furin or ALK5 pathway may offer novel therapeutic strategies for improving BBB stability and CNS function during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Baumann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center Integrative Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center Integrative Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Gassmann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center Integrative Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chih-Chieh Tsao
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center Integrative Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Omolara O Ogunshola
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center Integrative Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Shi LY, Ma Y, Zhu GY, Liu JW, Zhou CX, Chen LJ, Wang Y, Li RC, Yang ZX, Zhang D. Placenta‐specific 1 regulates oocyte meiosis and fertilization through furin. FASEB J 2018; 32:5483-5494. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700922rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ya Shi
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yang Ma
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Gang-Yi Zhu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jin-Wei Liu
- Department of GynecologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Chun-Xiang Zhou
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Jiangsu ProvinceAffiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Liang-Jian Chen
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | | | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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13
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Yamada M, Hayashi H, Yuuki M, Matsushima N, Yuan B, Takagi N. Furin inhibitor protects against neuronal cell death induced by activated NMDA receptors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5212. [PMID: 29581474 PMCID: PMC5980093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The proprotein convertases (PCs) act as serine proteases and are known to convert diverse precursor proteins into their active forms. Among the PCs, furin has been considered to play a crucial role not only in embryogenesis, but also in the initiation and progression of certain pathologic conditions. However, the roles played by furin with respect to neuronal cell injuries remain to be determined. An excessive influx of Ca2+ through the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been associated with diverse neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to achieve further insight into the pathophysiologic roles of furin in cultured cortical neurons. We demonstrated that furin inhibitors dose-dependently prevented neuronal injury induced by NMDA treatment. Neuronal injury induced by NMDA treatment was attenuated by the calpain inhibitor calpeptin. And the increase observed in the activity of calpain after NMDA treatment was significantly inhibited by these furin inhibitors. Furthermore, calpain-2 activity, which was evaluated by means of the immunoblotting assay, was increased by NMDA treatment. It was noteworthy that this increased activity was almost completely inhibited by a furin inhibitor. Our findings suggested that furin is involved in NMDA-induced neuronal injury by acting upstream of calpain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Yamada
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayashi
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Moe Yuuki
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Nahoko Matsushima
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Norio Takagi
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan.
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14
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Jaaks P, Bernasconi M. The proprotein convertase furin in tumour progression. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:654-663. [PMID: 28369813 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases are proteases that have been implicated in the activation of a wide variety of proteins. These proteins are generally synthesised as precursor proteins and require limited proteolysis for conversion into their mature bioactive counterparts. Many of these proteins, including metalloproteases, growth factors and their receptors or adhesion molecules, have been shown to facilitate tumour formation and progression. Hence, this review will focus on the proprotein convertase furin and its role in cancer. The expression of furin has been confirmed in a large spectrum of cancers such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma. Functional studies modulating furin activity uncovered its importance for the processing of many cancer-related substrates and strongly indicate that high furin activity promotes the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise the expression and function of furin in different cancer types, discuss its role in processing cancer-related proproteins and give examples of potential therapeutic approaches that take advantage of the proteolytic activity of furin in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jaaks
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Roveri M, Pfohl A, Jaaks P, Alijaj N, Leroux JC, Luciani P, Bernasconi M. Prolonged circulation and increased tumor accumulation of liposomal vincristine in a mouse model of rhabdomyosarcoma. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12:1135-1151. [PMID: 28447920 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Our goal was to improve vincristine (VCR) based rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) therapy by encapsulating the drug into liposomes. A targeting strategy was attempted to enhance tumor accumulation. MATERIALS & METHODS VCR was loaded in control and peptide-decorated liposomes via an active method. The interaction of an RMS-specific peptide with the presumed target furin and the cellular uptake of both liposomal groups were studied in vitro. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of VCR-containing liposomes were assessed in an RMS xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Liposomes ensured high VCR concentration in plasma and in the tumor. Peptide-decorated liposomes showed modest uptake in RMS cells. CONCLUSION The investigated peptide-modified liposomal formulation may not be optimal for furin-mediated RMS targeting. Nevertheless, VCR-loaded liposomes could serve as a delivery platform for experimental RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Roveri
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alice Pfohl
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Jaaks
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nagjie Alijaj
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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