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Bracha S, Johnson HJ, Pranckevicius NA, Catto F, Economides AE, Litvinov S, Hassi K, Rigoli MT, Cheroni C, Bonfanti M, Valenti A, Stucchi S, Attreya S, Ross PD, Walsh D, Malachi N, Livne H, Eshel R, Krupalnik V, Levin D, Cobb S, Koumoutsakos P, Caporale N, Testa G, Aguzzi A, Koshy AA, Sheiner L, Rechavi O. Engineering Toxoplasma gondii secretion systems for intracellular delivery of multiple large therapeutic proteins to neurons. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:2051-2072. [PMID: 39075233 PMCID: PMC11306108 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01750-6] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Delivering macromolecules across biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier limits their application in vivo. Previous work has demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that naturally travels from the human gut to the central nervous system (CNS), can deliver proteins to host cells. Here we engineered T. gondii's endogenous secretion systems, the rhoptries and dense granules, to deliver multiple large (>100 kDa) therapeutic proteins into neurons via translational fusions to toxofilin and GRA16. We demonstrate delivery in cultured cells, brain organoids and in vivo, and probe protein activity using imaging, pull-down assays, scRNA-seq and fluorescent reporters. We demonstrate robust delivery after intraperitoneal administration in mice and characterize 3D distribution throughout the brain. As proof of concept, we demonstrate GRA16-mediated brain delivery of the MeCP2 protein, a putative therapeutic target for Rett syndrome. By characterizing the potential and current limitations of the system, we aim to guide future improvements that will be required for broader application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Bracha
- Department of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Hannah J Johnson
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, College of Medicine, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nicole A Pranckevicius
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Francesca Catto
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Athena E Economides
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergey Litvinov
- Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Karoliina Hassi
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marco Tullio Rigoli
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Valenti
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah Stucchi
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Shruti Attreya
- Undergraduate Biology Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Paul D Ross
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Walsh
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stuart Cobb
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Petros Koumoutsakos
- Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolò Caporale
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anita A Koshy
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, College of Medicine, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Oded Rechavi
- Department of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Ma N, Wibowo YC, Wirtz P, Baltus D, Wieland T, Jansen S. Tankyrase inhibition interferes with junction remodeling, induces leakiness, and disturbs YAP1/TAZ signaling in the endothelium. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1763-1789. [PMID: 37741944 PMCID: PMC10858845 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Tankyrase inhibitors are increasingly considered for therapeutic use in malignancies that are characterized by high intrinsic β-catenin activity. However, how tankyrase inhibition affects the endothelium after systemic application remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate how the tankyrase inhibitor XAV939 affects endothelial cell function and the underlying mechanism involved. Endothelial cell function was analyzed using sprouting angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, junctional dynamics, and permeability using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and explanted mouse retina. Underlying signaling was studied using western blot, immunofluorescence, and qPCR in HUVEC in addition to luciferase reporter gene assays in human embryonic kidney cells. XAV939 treatment leads to altered junctional dynamics and permeability as well as impaired endothelial migration. Mechanistically, XAV939 increased stability of the angiomotin-like proteins 1 and 2, which impedes the nuclear translocation of YAP1/TAZ and consequently suppresses TEAD-mediated transcription. Intriguingly, XAV939 disrupts adherens junctions by inducing RhoA-Rho dependent kinase (ROCK)-mediated F-actin bundling, whereas disruption of F-actin bundling through the ROCK inhibitor H1152 restores endothelial cell function. Unexpectedly, this was accompanied by an increase in nuclear TAZ and TEAD-mediated transcription, suggesting differential regulation of YAP1 and TAZ by the actin cytoskeleton in endothelial cells. In conclusion, our findings elucidate the complex relationship between the actin cytoskeleton, YAP1/TAZ signaling, and endothelial cell function and how tankyrase inhibition disturbs this well-balanced signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ma
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yohanes Cakrapradipta Wibowo
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Phillip Wirtz
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Doris Baltus
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Wieland
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- DZHK, German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Sepp Jansen
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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3
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Antonopoulos SR, Scharnhorst M, Nalley N, Durham PL. Method for cryopreservation of trigeminal ganglion for establishing primary cultures of neurons and glia. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110034. [PMID: 38072069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary neuronal cultures are used to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in disease pathology and modulation by pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. However, preparation of primary neuronal cultures from rodent embryos is labor-intensive, and it can be difficult to produce high-quality consistent cultures. To overcome these issues, cryopreservation can be used to obtain standardized, high-quality stocks of neuronal cultures. NEW METHOD In this study, we present a simplified cryopreservation method for rodent primary trigeminal ganglion neurons and glia from Sprague-Dawley neonates, using a 90:10 (v/v) fetal bovine serum/dimethyl sulfoxide cell freezing medium. RESULTS Cryopreserved trigeminal ganglion cells stored for up to one year in liquid nitrogen exhibited similar neuronal and glial cell morphology to fresh cultures and retained high cell viability. Proteins implicated in inflammation and pain signaling were expressed in agreement with the reported subcellular localization. Additionally, both neurons and glial cells exhibited an increase in intracellular calcium levels in response to a depolarizing stimulus. Cryopreserved cells were also transiently transfected with reporter genes. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our method is simple, does not require special reagents or equipment, will save time and money, increase flexibility in study design, and produce consistent cultures. CONCLUSIONS This method for the preparation and cryopreservation of trigeminal ganglia results in primary cultures of neurons and glia similar in viability and morphology to fresh preparations that could be utilized for biochemical, cellular, and molecular studies, increase reproducibility, and save laboratory resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia R Antonopoulos
- Missouri State University, Jordan Valley Innovation Center/Department of Biology, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
| | - Mikayla Scharnhorst
- Missouri State University, Jordan Valley Innovation Center/Department of Biology, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
| | - Nicole Nalley
- Missouri State University, Jordan Valley Innovation Center/Department of Biology, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
| | - Paul L Durham
- Missouri State University, Jordan Valley Innovation Center/Department of Biology, Springfield, MO 65806, USA.
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Parker SS, Ly KT, Grant AD, Sweetland J, Wang AM, Parker JD, Roman MR, Saboda K, Roe DJ, Padi M, Wolgemuth CW, Langlais P, Mouneimne G. EVL and MIM/MTSS1 regulate actin cytoskeletal remodeling to promote dendritic filopodia in neurons. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202106081. [PMID: 36828364 PMCID: PMC9998662 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202106081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are the postsynaptic compartment of a neuronal synapse and are critical for synaptic connectivity and plasticity. A developmental precursor to dendritic spines, dendritic filopodia (DF), facilitate synapse formation by sampling the environment for suitable axon partners during neurodevelopment and learning. Despite the significance of the actin cytoskeleton in driving these dynamic protrusions, the actin elongation factors involved are not well characterized. We identified the Ena/VASP protein EVL as uniquely required for the morphogenesis and dynamics of DF. Using a combination of genetic and optogenetic manipulations, we demonstrated that EVL promotes protrusive motility through membrane-direct actin polymerization at DF tips. EVL forms a complex at nascent protrusions and DF tips with MIM/MTSS1, an I-BAR protein important for the initiation of DF. We proposed a model in which EVL cooperates with MIM to coalesce and elongate branched actin filaments, establishing the dynamic lamellipodia-like architecture of DF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Parker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kenneth Tran Ly
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Adam D. Grant
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jillian Sweetland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ashley M. Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - James D. Parker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mackenzie R. Roman
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kathylynn Saboda
- University of Arizona Cancer Center and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Denise J. Roe
- University of Arizona Cancer Center and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Megha Padi
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Charles W. Wolgemuth
- University of Arizona Cancer Center and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Langlais
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ghassan Mouneimne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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5
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Kochanowsky JA, Chandrasekaran S, Sanchez JR, Thomas KK, Koshy AA. ROP16-mediated activation of STAT6 enhances cyst development of type III Toxoplasma gondii in neurons. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011347. [PMID: 37068104 PMCID: PMC10138205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii establishes a long-lived latent infection in the central nervous system (CNS) of its hosts. Reactivation in immunocompromised individuals can lead to life threatening disease. Latent infection is driven by the ability of the parasite to convert from the acute-stage tachyzoite to the latent-stage bradyzoite which resides in long-lived intracellular cysts. While much work has focused on the parasitic factors that drive cyst development, the host factors that influence encystment are not well defined. Here we show that a polymorphic secreted parasite kinase (ROP16), that phosphorylates host cell proteins, mediates efficient encystment of T. gondii in a stress-induced model of encystment and primary neuronal cell cultures (PNCs) in a strain-specific manner. Using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdowns in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and PNCs from transgenic mice, we determined that ROP16's cyst enhancing abilities are mediated, in part, by phosphorylation-and therefore activation-of the host cell transcription factor STAT6. To test the role of STAT6 in vivo, we infected wild-type (WT) and STAT6KO mice, finding that, compared to WT mice, STAT6KO mice have a decrease in CNS cyst burden but not overall parasite burden or dissemination to the CNS. Finally, we found a similar ROP16-dependent encystment defect in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Together, these findings identify a host cell factor (STAT6) that T. gondii manipulates in a strain-specific manner to generate a favorable encystment environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Kochanowsky
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | - Jacqueline R. Sanchez
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin K. Thomas
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Anita A. Koshy
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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6
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Chandrasekaran S, Kochanowsky JA, Merritt EF, Lagas JS, Swannigan A, Koshy AA. IFN-γ stimulated murine and human neurons mount anti-parasitic defenses against the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4605. [PMID: 35941154 PMCID: PMC9360015 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogma holds that Toxoplasma gondii persists in neurons because neurons cannot clear intracellular parasites, even with IFN-γ stimulation. As several recent studies questioned this idea, here we use primary murine neuronal cultures from wild type and transgenic mice in combination with IFN-γ stimulation and parental and transgenic parasites to reassess IFN-γ dependent neuronal clearance of intracellular parasites. We find that neurons respond to IFN-γ and that a subset of neurons clear intracellular parasites via immunity regulated GTPases. Whole neuron reconstructions from mice infected with parasites that trigger neuron GFP expression only after full invasion reveal that ~50% of these T. gondii-invaded neurons no longer harbor parasites. Finally, IFN-γ stimulated human pluripotent stem cell derived neurons show an ~50% decrease in parasite infection rate when compared to unstimulated cultures. This work highlights the capability of human and murine neurons to mount cytokine-dependent anti-T. gondii defense mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua A Kochanowsky
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily F Merritt
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph S Lagas
- Undergraduate Biology Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ayesha Swannigan
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Anita A Koshy
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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7
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Li R, Walsh P, Truong V, Petersen A, Dutton JR, Hubel A. Differentiation of Human iPS Cells Into Sensory Neurons Exhibits Developmental Stage-Specific Cryopreservation Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:796960. [PMID: 34970550 PMCID: PMC8712858 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.796960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) generates cell phenotypes valuable for cell therapy and personalized medicine. Successful translation of these hiPSC-derived therapeutic products will rely upon effective cryopreservation at multiple stages of the manufacturing cycle. From the perspective of cryobiology, we attempted to understand how the challenge of cryopreservation evolves between cell phenotypes along an hiPSC-to-sensory neuron differentiation trajectory. Cells were cultivated at three different stages to represent intermediate, differentiated, and matured cell products. All cell stages remained ≥90% viable in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-free formulation but suffered ≥50% loss in DMSO before freezing. Raman spectroscopy revealed higher sensitivity to undercooling in hiPSC-derived neuronal cells with lower membrane fluidity and higher sensitivity to suboptimal cooling rates in stem cell developmental stages with larger cell bodies. Highly viable and functional sensory neurons were obtained following DMSO-free cryopreservation. Our study also demonstrated that dissociating adherent cultures plays an important role in the ability of cells to survive and function after cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Patrick Walsh
- Anatomic Incorporated, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Ashley Petersen
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - James R. Dutton
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Allison Hubel
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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8
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Sun Y, Feng L, Liang L, Stacey GN, Wang C, Wang Y, Hu B. Neuronal cell-based medicines from pluripotent stem cells: Development, production, and preclinical assessment. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10 Suppl 2:S31-S40. [PMID: 34724724 PMCID: PMC8560198 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain degeneration and damage is difficult to cure due to the limited endogenous repair capability of the central nervous system. Furthermore, drug development for treatment of diseases of the central nervous system remains a major challenge. However, it now appears that using human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells to replace degenerating cells provides a promising cell-based medicine for rejuvenation of brain function. Accordingly, a large number of studies have carried out preclinical assessments, which have involved different neural cell types in several neurological diseases. Recent advances in animal models identify the transplantation of neural derivatives from pluripotent stem cells as a promising path toward the clinical application of cell therapies [Stem Cells Transl Med 2019;8:681-693; Drug Discov Today 2019;24:992-999; Nat Med 2019;25:1045-1053]. Some groups are moving toward clinical testing in humans. However, the difficulty in selection of valuable critical quality criteria for cell products and the lack of functional assays that could indicate suitability for clinical effect continue to hinder neural cell-based medicine development [Biologicals 2019;59:68-71]. In this review, we summarize the current status of preclinical studies progress in this area and outline the biological characteristics of neural cells that have been used in new developing clinical studies. We also discuss the requirements for translation of stem cell-derived neural cells in examples of stem cell-based clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingmin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Glyn N Stacey
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- International Stem Cell Banking Initiative, Barley, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yukai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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9
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Onuma K, Sato Y, Okuyama H, Uematsu H, Homma K, Ohue M, Kondo J, Inoue M. Aberrant activation of Rho/ROCK signaling in impaired polarity switching of colorectal micropapillary carcinoma. J Pathol 2021; 255:84-94. [PMID: 34156098 DOI: 10.1002/path.5748] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Micropapillary carcinoma (MPC) is a morphologically distinctive form of carcinoma, composed of small nests of cancer cells surrounded by lacunar spaces. Invasive MPC is associated with poor prognosis. The nests of tumor cells in MPC reportedly exhibit reverse polarity, although the molecular mechanisms underlying MPC patterns are poorly understood. Using the cancer tissue-originated spheroid (CTOS) method, we previously reported polarity switching in colorectal cancer (CRC). When cultured in suspension, the apical membrane promptly switches from the outside surface of the CTOSs to the surface of the lumen inside the CTOSs under extracellular matrix (ECM)-embedded conditions, and vice versa. Here, we investigated two CTOS lines from CRC patient tumors with MPC lesions. Xenograft tumors from the CTOSs exhibited the MPC phenotype. The MPC-CTOSs did not switch polarity in vitro. Time-course analysis of polarity switching using real-time imaging of the apical membrane revealed that local switching was continually propagated in non-MPC-CTOSs, while MPC-CTOSs were unable to complete the process. Integrin β4 translocated to the outer membrane when embedded in ECM in both MPC and non-MPC-CTOSs. Protein levels, as well as the active form of RhoA, were higher in MPC-CTOSs. The suppression of RhoA activity by GAP overexpression enabled MPC-CTOSs to complete polarity switching both in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of active RhoA did not affect polarity switching in non-MPC-CTOSs. Pretreatment with a ROCK inhibitor enabled MPC-CTOSs to complete polarity switching both in vitro and in vivo, although delayed treatment after becoming embedded in ECM failed to do so. Thus, the inability to switch polarity might be a cause of MPC, in which the aberrant activation of RhoA plays a critical role. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunishige Onuma
- Department of Clinical Bio-resource Research and Development, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yumi Sato
- Department of Clinical Bio-resource Research and Development, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okuyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Uematsu
- Department of Clinical Bio-resource Research and Development, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Homma
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohue
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jumpei Kondo
- Department of Clinical Bio-resource Research and Development, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Inoue
- Department of Clinical Bio-resource Research and Development, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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10
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Madl CM, Flaig IA, Holbrook CA, Wang YX, Blau HM. Biophysical matrix cues from the regenerating niche direct muscle stem cell fate in engineered microenvironments. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120973. [PMID: 34224984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are essential for efficacious muscle repair, making MuSCs promising therapeutic targets for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. MuSCs are presented with a diverse and temporally defined set of cues from their microenvironment during regeneration that direct stem cell expansion, differentiation, and return to quiescence. Understanding the complex interplay among these biophysical and biochemical cues is necessary to develop therapies targeting or employing MuSCs. To probe the role of mechanical cues presented by the extracellular matrix, we leverage chemically defined hydrogel substrates with controllable stiffness and adhesive ligand composition to characterize the MuSC response to matrix cues presented during early and late phases of regeneration. We demonstrate that relatively soft hydrogels recapitulating healthy muscle stiffness promote MuSC activation and expansion, while relatively stiff hydrogels impair MuSC proliferation and arrest myogenic progression. These effects are seen on soft and stiff hydrogels presenting laminin-111 and exacerbated on hydrogels presenting RGD adhesive peptides. Soluble factors present in the MuSC niche during different phases of regeneration, prostaglandin E2 and oncostatin M, synergize with matrix-presented cues to enhance stem cell expansion on soft substrates and block myogenic progression on stiff substrates. To determine if temporally varied matrix stiffness reminiscent of the regenerating microenvironment alters MuSC fate, we developed a photoresponsive hydrogel system with accelerated reaction kinetics that can be rapidly softened on demand. MuSCs cultured on these materials revealed that the cellular response to a stiff microenvironment is fixed within the first three days of culture, as subsequent softening back to a healthy stiffness did not rescue MuSC proliferation or myogenic progression. These results highlight the importance of temporally controlled biophysical and biochemical cues in regulating MuSC fate that can be harnessed to improve regenerative medicine approaches to restore skeletal muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Madl
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Iris A Flaig
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Colin A Holbrook
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yu Xin Wang
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Helen M Blau
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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11
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Burnham RE, Tope D, Branella G, Williams E, Doering CB, Spencer HT. Human serum albumin and chromatin condensation rescue ex vivo expanded γδ T cells from the effects of cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2021; 99:78-87. [PMID: 33485898 PMCID: PMC7941345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Clinical applications of gamma delta (γδ) T cells have advanced from initial interest in expanding γδ T cells in vivo to the development of a manufacturing process for the ex vivo expansion. To develop an "off-the-shelf" allogeneic γδ T cell product, the cell manufacturing process must be optimized to include cryopreservation. It is known that cryopreservation can dramatically reduce viability of primary cells and other cell types after thawing, although the exact effects of cryopreservation on γδ T cell health and functionality have not yet been characterized. Our aim was to characterize the effects of a freeze/thaw cycle on γδ T cells and to develop an optimized protocol for cryopreservation. γδ T cells were expanded under serum-free conditions, using a good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant protocol developed by our lab. We observed that cryopreservation reduced cell survival and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells, two measures that could not be improved through the use of 5 GMP compliant freezing media. The choice of thawing medium, specifically human albumin (HSA), improved γδ T cell viability and in addition, chromatin condensation prior to freezing increased cell viability after thawing, which could not be further improved with the use of a general caspase inhibitor. Finally, we found that cryopreserved cells had depolarized mitochondrial membranes and reduced cytotoxicity when tested against a range of leukemia cell lines. These studies provide a detailed analysis of the effects of cryopreservation on γδ T cells and provide methods for improving viability in the post-thaw period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Burnham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donald Tope
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gianna Branella
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erich Williams
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher B Doering
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Trent Spencer
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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12
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Verrillo L, Mangano E, Drongitis D, Merelli I, Pischedda F, Piccoli G, Consolandi C, Bordoni R, Miano MG. A reliable strategy for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis using cryoconserved primary cortical cells. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 347:108960. [PMID: 32987100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNASeq) represents a unique approach to identify hundreds to millions of cells in mammalian cortical multilayers at different stages of embryogenesis. ScRNASeq technology applied to neurological studies requires the use of fresh starting materials because standard cryopreservation methods do not guarantee high viability of cortical primary cells derived from dissected brain areas. NEW METHOD Here we set up and validate an innovative strategy to perform scRNASeq studies in cryopreserved primary cortical cells isolated from E15.5 mouse embryo. In order to freeze cortical primary cells, we have employed Neurostore, a medium able to guarantee high viability and cell composition of embryonic cortex after thawing. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS We showed for the first time the possibility to run scRNASeq experiments on primary cortical cells in an off-line set-up, ensuring cellular integrity and diversity. RESULTS By trypan blue assay and flow cytometry analysis, we found that Neurostore-cryopreserved cortical cells showed approximately 95 % of viability. Satisfactory RNA recovery and cDNA libraries were achieved. Transcriptome sequencing of 35,763 cryoconserved single cells yielded a robust data-set, identifying 25 cell clusters in three biological samples. Prevalence of peculiar neural populations before and after the cryopreservation-resuscitation procedure was verified by marker gene expression and immunofluorescence analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the evidence that frozen primary cortical cells can be successfully employed in scRNASeq experiments allowing an unprecedented flexibility in experimental procedures, such as sample preparation and subsequent processing steps performed in different locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Verrillo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy; University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mangano
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Denise Drongitis
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy.
| | - Ivan Merelli
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Piccoli
- University of Trento, CIBIO & Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Trento, Italy
| | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Bordoni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Miano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Torregrosa T, Webster S, Aghaizu C, Soucy JR, Bertucci C, Plant L, Koppes AN, Koppes RA. Cryopreservation and functional analysis of cardiac autonomic neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 341:108724. [PMID: 32423864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generally, primary neurons are isolated and seeded within hours of isolation, but cryopreservation, documented for a small number of central and peripheral neuronal subtypes, can contribute to improved utility and reduce the cost of developing new in vitro models. The preservation of cells of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), specifically sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons, has not been explored. NEW METHOD In this work, we establish a method for preserving cardiac ANS neurons as well as evaluating the phenotypical changes of dissociated superior cervical ganglia (sympathetic neurons) and intracardiac ganglia (parasympathetic neurons) for up to a month of storage in liquid nitrogen. RESULTS Neuron populations maintained a viability of at least 35%, and the extent of neurite outgrowth was not different from fresh cells, regardless of the storage duration studied. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyl transferase were maintained over one month of cryopreservation in sympathetic and parasympathetic populations, respectively. Electrophysiological recordings for both neuron types indicate sustained characteristic resting potentials, excitability, and action potentials after more than one month in liquid nitrogen. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Primary cultures of the autonomic nervous system have been previously established for in vitro investigations. This is the first example of preserving primary ANS neuron cultures for long-term on-demand use. CONCLUSIONS This report describes a readily implemented method for cryopreserving sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons that does not alter neither morphological nor electrophysiological characteristics. This methodology expands the utility of ANS cultures for use in morphological and functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Torregrosa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Sophie Webster
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Chiamaka Aghaizu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Christopher Bertucci
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Leigh Plant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Ryan A Koppes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
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14
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Ishizuka Y, Bramham CR. A simple DMSO-based method for cryopreservation of primary hippocampal and cortical neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 333:108578. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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