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Pala R, Barui AK, Mohieldin AM, Zhou J, Nauli SM. Folate conjugated nanomedicines for selective inhibition of mTOR signaling in polycystic kidneys at clinically relevant doses. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122329. [PMID: 37722182 PMCID: PMC10836200 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Although rapamycin is a very effective drug for rodents with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), it is not encouraging in the clinical trials due to the suboptimal dosages compelled by the off-target side effects. We here report the generation, characterization, specificity, functionality, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicology profiles of novel polycystic kidney-specific-targeting nanoparticles (NPs). We formulated folate-conjugated PLGA-PEG NPs, which can be loaded with multiple drugs, including rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor) and antioxidant 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (a nephroprotective agent). The NPs increased the efficacy, potency and tolerability of rapamycin resulting in an increased survival rate and improved kidney function by decreasing side effects and reducing biodistribution to other organs in PKD mice. The daily administration of rapamycin-alone (1 mg/kg/day) could now be achieved with a weekly injection of NPs containing rapamycin (379 μg/kg/week). This polycystic kidney-targeting nanotechnology, for the first time, integrated advances in the use of 1) nanoparticles as a delivery cargo, 2) folate for targeting, 3) near-infrared Cy5-fluorophore for in vitro and in vivo live imaging, 4) rapamycin as a pharmacological therapy, and 5) TEMPO as a combinational therapy. The slow sustained-release of rapamycin by polycystic kidney-targeting NPs demonstrates a new era of nanomedicine in treatment for chronic kidney diseases at clinically relevant doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajasekharreddy Pala
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA; Marlin Biopharma, Irvine, CA, 92620, USA.
| | - Ayan K Barui
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Ashraf M Mohieldin
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Surya M Nauli
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA; Marlin Biopharma, Irvine, CA, 92620, USA.
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2
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Shi Y, Zhao Y, Lu L, Gao Q, Yu D, Sun M. CRISPR/Cas9: implication for modeling and therapy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1223777. [PMID: 37483353 PMCID: PMC10359984 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1223777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a deadly neurological disease with a complicated and variable pathophysiology yet to be fully understood. There is currently no effective treatment available to either slow or terminate it. However, recent advances in ALS genomics have linked genes to phenotypes, encouraging the creation of novel therapeutic approaches and giving researchers more tools to create efficient animal models. Genetically engineered rodent models replicating ALS disease pathology have a high predictive value for translational research. This review addresses the history of the evolution of gene editing tools, the most recent ALS disease models, and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 against ALS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Likui Lu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongyi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Koslow M, Zhu P, McCabe C, Xu X, Lin X. Kidney transcriptome and cystic kidney disease genes in zebrafish. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1184025. [PMID: 37256068 PMCID: PMC10226271 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1184025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition where fluid filled cysts form on the kidney which leads to overall renal failure. Zebrafish has been recently adapted to study polycystic kidney disease, because of its powerful embryology and genetics. However, there are concerns on the conservation of this lower vertebrate in modeling polycystic kidney disease. Methods: Here, we aim to assess the molecular conservation of zebrafish by searching homologues polycystic kidney disease genes and carrying transcriptome studies in this animal. Results and Discussion: We found that out of 82 human cystic kidney disease genes, 81 have corresponding zebrafish homologs. While 75 of the genes have a single homologue, only 6 of these genes have two homologs. Comparison of the expression level of the transcripts enabled us to identify one homolog over the other homolog with >70% predominance, which would be prioritized for future experimental studies. Prompted by sexual dimorphism in human and rodent kidneys, we studied transcriptome between different sexes and noted significant differences in male vs. female zebrafish, indicating that sex dimorphism also occurs in zebrafish. Comparison between zebrafish and mouse identified 10% shared genes and 38% shared signaling pathways. String analysis revealed a cluster of genes differentially expressed in male vs. female zebrafish kidneys. In summary, this report demonstrated remarkable molecular conservation, supporting zebrafish as a useful animal model for cystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Koslow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chantal McCabe
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Xueying Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Boettcher S, Simons M. Model organisms for functional validation in genetic renal disease. MED GENET-BERLIN 2022; 34:287-296. [PMID: 38836086 PMCID: PMC11006349 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2022-2162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Functional validation is key for establishing new disease genes in human genetics. Over the years, model organisms have been utilized in a very effective manner to prove causality of genes or genetic variants for a wide variety of diseases. Also in hereditary renal disease, model organisms are very helpful for functional validation of candidate genes and variants identified by next-generation sequencing strategies and for obtaining insights into the pathophysiology. Due to high genetic conservation as well as high anatomical and physiological similarities with the human kidney, almost all genetic kidney diseases can be studied in the mouse. However, mouse work is time consuming and expensive, so there is a need for alternative models. In this review, we will provide an overview of model organisms used in renal research, focusing on mouse, zebrafish, frog, and fruit flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Boettcher
- Sektion Nephrogenetik, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matias Simons
- Sektion Nephrogenetik, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Rusterholz TDS, Hofmann C, Bachmann-Gagescu R. Insights Gained From Zebrafish Models for the Ciliopathy Joubert Syndrome. Front Genet 2022; 13:939527. [PMID: 35846153 PMCID: PMC9280682 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.939527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are quasi-ubiquitous microtubule-based sensory organelles, which play vital roles in signal transduction during development and cell homeostasis. Dysfunction of cilia leads to a group of Mendelian disorders called ciliopathies, divided into different diagnoses according to clinical phenotype constellation and genetic causes. Joubert syndrome (JBTS) is a prototypical ciliopathy defined by a diagnostic cerebellar and brain stem malformation termed the “Molar Tooth Sign” (MTS), in addition to which patients display variable combinations of typical ciliopathy phenotypes such as retinal dystrophy, fibrocystic renal disease, polydactyly or skeletal dystrophy. Like most ciliopathies, JBTS is genetically highly heterogeneous with ∼40 associated genes. Zebrafish are widely used to model ciliopathies given the high conservation of ciliary genes and the variety of specialized cilia types similar to humans. In this review, we compare different existing JBTS zebrafish models with each other and describe their contributions to our understanding of JBTS pathomechanism. We find that retinal dystrophy, which is the most investigated ciliopathy phenotype in zebrafish ciliopathy models, is caused by distinct mechanisms according to the affected gene. Beyond this, differences in phenotypes in other organs observed between different JBTS-mutant models suggest tissue-specific roles for proteins implicated in JBTS. Unfortunately, the lack of systematic assessment of ciliopathy phenotypes in the mutants described in the literature currently limits the conclusions that can be drawn from these comparisons. In the future, the numerous existing JBTS zebrafish models represent a valuable resource that can be leveraged in order to gain further insights into ciliary function, pathomechanisms underlying ciliopathy phenotypes and to develop treatment strategies using small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara D. S. Rusterholz
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Hofmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ruxandra Bachmann-Gagescu
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Ruxandra Bachmann-Gagescu,
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Qiu YL, Wang L, Huang M, Lian M, Wang F, Gong Y, Ma X, Hao CZ, Zhang J, Li ZD, Xing QH, Cao M, Wang JS. Association of novel TMEM67 variants with mild phenotypes of high gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase cholestasis and congenital hepatic fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2713-2723. [PMID: 35621037 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
TMEM67 (mecklin or MKS3) locates in the transition zone of cilia. Dysfunction of TMEM67 disrupts cilia-related signaling and leads to developmental defects of multiple organs in humans. Typical autosomal recessive TMEM67 defects cause partial overlapping phenotypes, including abnormalities in the brain, eyes, liver, kidneys, bones, and so forth. However, emerging reports of isolated nephronophthisis suggest the possibility of a broader phenotype spectrum. In this study, we analyzed the genetic data of cholestasis patients with no obvious extrahepatic involvement but with an unexplained high level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). We identified five Han Chinese patients from three unrelated families with biallelic nonnull low-frequency TMEM67 variants. All variants were predicted pathogenic in silico, of which p. Arg820Ile and p. Leu144del were previously unreported. In vitro studies revealed that the protein levels of the TMEM67 variants were significantly decreased; however, their interaction with MKS1 remained unaffected. All the patients, aged 7-39 years old, had silently progressive cholestasis with elevated GGT but had normal bilirubin levels. Histological studies of liver biopsy of patients 1, 3, and 5 showed the presence of congenital hepatic fibrosis. We conclude that variants in TMEM67 are associated with a mild phenotype of unexplained, persistent, anicteric, and high GGT cholestasis without typical symptoms of TMEM67 defects; this possibility should be considered by physicians in gastroenterology and hepatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Qiu
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Zhi Hao
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong-Die Li
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-He Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muqing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-She Wang
- The Center for Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zeitler EM, Jennette JC, Flythe JE, Falk RJ, Poulton JS. High-calorie diet results in reversible obesity-related glomerulopathy in adult zebrafish regardless of dietary fat. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 322:F527-F539. [PMID: 35224994 PMCID: PMC8977181 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00018.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for the development of kidney disease. The role of diet in this association remains undetermined, in part due to practical limitations in studying nutrition in humans. In particular, the relative importance of calorie excess versus dietary macronutrient content is poorly understood. For example, it is unknown if calorie restriction modulates obesity-related kidney pathology. To study the effects of diet-induced obesity in a novel animal model, we treated zebrafish for 8 wk with diets varied in both calorie and fat content. Kidneys were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. We evaluated glomerular filtration barrier function using a dextran permeability assay. We assessed the effect of diet on podocyte sensitivity to injury using an inducible podocyte injury model. We then tested the effect of calorie restriction on the defects caused by diet-induced obesity. Fish fed a high-calorie diet developed glomerulomegaly (mean: 1,211 vs. 1,010 µm2 in controls, P = 0.007), lower podocyte density, foot process effacement, glomerular basement membrane thickening, tubular enlargement (mean: 1,038 vs. 717 µm2 in controls, P < 0.0001), and ectopic lipid deposition. Glomerular filtration barrier dysfunction and increased susceptibility to podocyte injury were observed with high-calorie feeding regardless of dietary fat content. These pathological changes resolved with 4 wk of calorie restriction. Our findings suggest that calorie excess rather than dietary fat drives obesity-related kidney dysfunction and that inadequate podocyte proliferation in response to glomerular enlargement may cause podocyte dysfunction. We also demonstrate the value of zebrafish as a novel model for studying diet in obesity-related kidney disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Obesity is a risk factor for kidney disease. The role of diet in this association is difficult to study in humans. In this study, zebrafish fed a high-calorie diet, regardless of fat macronutrient composition, developed glomerulomegaly, foot process effacement, and filtration barrier dysfunction, recapitulating the changes seen in humans with obesity. Calorie restriction reversed the changes. This work suggests that macronutrient composition may be less important than total calories in the development of obesity-related kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Zeitler
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - J Charles Jennette
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Nephropathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer E Flythe
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ronald J Falk
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - John S Poulton
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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ADULT DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A PROTOTYPICAL DISEASE FOR PHARMANUTRITION INTERVENTIONS. PHARMANUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2022.100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Stokman MF, Saunier S, Benmerah A. Renal Ciliopathies: Sorting Out Therapeutic Approaches for Nephronophthisis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653138. [PMID: 34055783 PMCID: PMC8155538 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive ciliopathy and a major cause of end-stage renal disease in children. The main forms, juvenile and adult NPH, are characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis whereas the infantile form is more severe and characterized by cysts. NPH is caused by mutations in over 20 different genes, most of which encode components of the primary cilium, an organelle in which important cellular signaling pathways converge. Ciliary signal transduction plays a critical role in kidney development and tissue homeostasis, and disruption of ciliary signaling has been associated with cyst formation, epithelial cell dedifferentiation and kidney function decline. Drugs have been identified that target specific signaling pathways (for example cAMP/PKA, Hedgehog, and mTOR pathways) and rescue NPH phenotypes in in vitro and/or in vivo models. Despite identification of numerous candidate drugs in rodent models, there has been a lack of clinical trials and there is currently no therapy that halts disease progression in NPH patients. This review covers the most important findings of therapeutic approaches in NPH model systems to date, including hypothesis-driven therapies and untargeted drug screens, approached from the pathophysiology of NPH. Importantly, most animal models used in these studies represent the cystic infantile form of NPH, which is less prevalent than the juvenile form. It appears therefore important to develop new models relevant for juvenile/adult NPH. Alternative non-orthologous animal models and developments in patient-based in vitro model systems are discussed, as well as future directions in personalized therapy for NPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn F Stokman
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Saunier
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Benmerah
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Inherited Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
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