1
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Liles A, Cham N, Opp ML, Tinsley IC, Chepurny OG, Holz GG, Doyle RP. Corrination mitigates peptide aggregation as exemplified for Glucagon. Peptides 2024; 171:171134. [PMID: 38092266 PMCID: PMC10842878 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171134] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical development of glucagon for use in acute hypoglycemia has proved challenging, due in large part to poor solubility, poor stability and aggregate formation. Herein, we describe highly soluble, low aggregating, glucagon conjugates generated through use of the commercially available vitamin B12 precursor dicyanocobinamide ('corrination'), which retain full stimulatory action at the human glucagon receptor. The modified glucagon analogs were tested in a chemical stability assay in 50 mM phosphate buffer and the percentage of original concentration retained was determined after two weeks of incubation at 37° C. Aggregate formation assays were also performed after 48 h of agitation at 37°C using a thioflavin (ThT) fluorescence-based assay. All corrinated compounds retained original concentration to a higher degree than glucagon controls and showed markedly decreased aggregation compared to their respective noncorrinated analogues. Based on the statistically significant increase in chemical stability coupled with the notably decreased tendency to form aggregates, analogues 2 and its corrinated conjugate 5 were used for a functional assay study performed after agitation at 37°C for 24-hr after which agonism was measured at the human glucagon receptor using a cAMP FRET assay. Corrinated 5 exhibited a 6.6-fold increased potency relative to glucagon, which was shown to have a 165-fold reduction in potency. The relative potency of 5 was also improved compared to that of 2 with EC50 values of 5.5 nM and 9.6 nM for 5 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, corrination of peptides mitigates aggregation, presenting a compound with prolonged stability and agonism as demonstrated for glucagon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Liles
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Nancy Cham
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Morgan L Opp
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Ian C Tinsley
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
| | - George G Holz
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States; Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
| | - Robert P Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States; Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States; Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States.
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2
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Chichura KS, Elfers CT, Salameh TS, Kamat V, Chepurny OG, McGivney A, Milliken BT, Holz GG, Applebey SV, Hayes MR, Sweet IR, Roth CL, Doyle RP. A peptide triple agonist of GLP-1, neuropeptide Y1, and neuropeptide Y2 receptors promotes glycemic control and weight loss. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9554. [PMID: 37308546 PMCID: PMC10261008 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36178-1] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying long-term sustained weight loss and glycemic normalization after obesity surgery include changes in gut hormone levels, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). We demonstrate that two peptide biased agonists (GEP44 and GEP12) of the GLP-1, neuropeptide Y1, and neuropeptide Y2 receptors (GLP-1R, Y1-R, and Y2-R, respectively) elicit Y1-R antagonist-controlled, GLP-1R-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion in both rat and human pancreatic islets, thus revealing the counteracting effects of Y1-R and GLP-1R agonism. These agonists also promote insulin-independent Y1-R-mediated glucose uptake in muscle tissue ex vivo and more profound reductions in food intake and body weight than liraglutide when administered to diet-induced obese rats. Our findings support a role for Y1-R signaling in glucoregulation and highlight the therapeutic potential of simultaneous receptor targeting to achieve long-term benefits for millions of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie S Chichura
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Clinton T Elfers
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Therese S Salameh
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Varun Kamat
- Diabetes Research Institute and Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Aelish McGivney
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Brandon T Milliken
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - George G Holz
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Sarah V Applebey
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ian R Sweet
- Diabetes Research Institute and Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Christian L Roth
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Robert P Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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3
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Nock BA, Kanellopoulos P, Chepurny OG, Rouchota M, Loudos G, Holz GG, Krenning EP, Maina T. Nonpeptidic Z360-Analogs Tagged with Trivalent Radiometals as Anti-CCK2R Cancer Theranostic Agents: A Preclinical Study. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030666. [PMID: 35336041 PMCID: PMC8954547 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Theranostic approaches in the management of cholecystokinin subtype 2 receptor (CCK2R)-positive tumors include radiolabeled gastrin and CCK motifs. Moving toward antagonist-based CCK2R-radioligands instead, we herein present three analogs of the nonpeptidic CCK2R-antagonist Z360, GAS1/2/3. Each was conjugated to a different chelator (DOTA, NODAGA or DOTAGA) for labeling with medically relevant trivalent radiometals (e.g., Ga-68, In-111, Lu-177) for potential use as anti-CCK2R cancer agents; (2) Methods: The in vitro properties of the thee analogs were compared in stably transfected HEK293-CCK2R cells. Biodistribution profiles were compared in SCID mice bearing twin HEK293-CCK2R and wtHEK293 tumors; (3) Results: The GAS1/2/3 analogs displayed high CCK2R-affinity (lower nM-range). The radioligands were fairly stable in vivo and selectively targeted the HEK293-CCK2R, but not the CCK2R-negative wtHEK293 tumors in mice. Their overall pharmacokinetic profile was found strongly dependent on the radiometal-chelate. Results could be visualized by SPECT/CT for the [111In]In-analogs; (4) Conclusions: The present study highlighted the high impact of the radiometal-chelate on the end-pharmacokinetics of a new series of Z360-based radioligands, revealing candidates with promising properties for clinical translation. It also provided the impetus for the development of a new class of nonpeptidic radioligands for CCK2R-targeted theranostics of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold A. Nock
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece; (B.A.N.); (P.K.)
| | | | - Oleg G. Chepurny
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA and Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (O.G.C.); (G.G.H.)
| | - Maritina Rouchota
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece; (M.R.); (G.L.)
| | - George Loudos
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece; (M.R.); (G.L.)
| | - George G. Holz
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY), Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA and Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (O.G.C.); (G.G.H.)
| | - Eric P. Krenning
- Cyclotron Rotterdam BV, Erasmus MC, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Theodosia Maina
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece; (B.A.N.); (P.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-650-3908 or +30-210-650-3891
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4
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Elgiushy HR, Abou-Taleb NA, Holz GG, Chepurny OG, Pirmettis I, Kakabakos S, Karageorgos V, Liapakis G, Albohy A, Abouzid KAM, Hammad SF. Synthesis, in vitro biological investigation, and molecular dynamics simulations of thiazolopyrimidine based compounds as corticotrophin releasing factor receptor-1 antagonists. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105079. [PMID: 34174633 PMCID: PMC8387444 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Corticotrophin releasing factor receptor-1 (CRFR1) is a potential target for treatment of depression and anxiety through modifying stress response. A series of new thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives were designed, prepared and biologically evaluated as potential CRFR1 antagonists. Four compounds produced more than fifty percent inhibition in the [125I]-Tyr0-sauvagine specific binding assay. Assessment of binding affinities revealed that compound (3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-(dipropylamino)-5-methylthiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one) 8c was the best candidate with highest binding affinity (Ki = 32.1 nM). Further evaluation showed the ability of compound 8c to inhibit CRF induced cAMP accumulation in a dose response manner. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate potential binding modes of synthesized compounds as well as the stability of 8c-CRFR1 complex. These studies suggest similar allosteric binding of 8c compared to that of the co-crystalized ligand CP-376395 in 4K5Y pdb file.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam R Elgiushy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan 11795, Cairo, Egypt; Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934 Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nageh A Abou-Taleb
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan 11795, Cairo, Egypt
| | - George G Holz
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Ioannis Pirmettis
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Kakabakos
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Vlasios Karageorgos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Liapakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Amgad Albohy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, Suez Desert Road, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt.
| | - Sherif F Hammad
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan 11795, Cairo, Egypt; Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934 Alexandria, Egypt.
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5
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Gulezian E, Crivello C, Bednenko J, Zafra C, Zhang Y, Colussi P, Hussain S. Membrane protein production and formulation for drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:657-674. [PMID: 34270922 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (MPs) are important drug targets across most fields of medicine, but historically have posed a major challenge for drug discovery due to difficulties in producing them in functional forms. We review the state of the art in drug discovery strategies using recombinant multipass MPs, and outline methods to successfully express, stabilize, and formulate them for small-molecule and monoclonal antibody therapeutics development. Advances in structure-based drug design and high-throughput screening are allowing access to previously intractable targets such as ion channels and transporters, propelling the field towards the development of highly specific therapies targeting desired conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Gulezian
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | | | - Janna Bednenko
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Claudia Zafra
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Yihui Zhang
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Paul Colussi
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA
| | - Sunyia Hussain
- TetraGenetics Inc., 91 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA 02474, USA.
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6
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Tinsley IC, Borner T, Swanson ML, Chepurny OG, Doebley SA, Kamat V, Sweet IR, Holz GG, Hayes MR, De Jonghe BC, Doyle RP. Synthesis, Optimization, and Biological Evaluation of Corrinated Conjugates of the GLP-1R Agonist Exendin-4. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3479-3492. [PMID: 33677970 PMCID: PMC8279408 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Corrination
is the conjugation of a corrin ring containing molecule,
such as vitamin B12 (B12) or B12 biosynthetic precursor
dicyanocobinamide (Cbi), to small molecules, peptides, or proteins
with the goal of modifying pharmacology. Recently, a corrinated GLP-1R
agonist (GLP-1RA) exendin-4 (Ex4) has been shown in vivo to have reduced penetration into the central nervous system relative
to Ex4 alone, producing a glucoregulatory GLP-1RA devoid of anorexia
and emesis. The study herein was designed to optimize the lead conjugate
for GLP-1R agonism and binding. Two specific conjugation sites were
introduced in Ex4, while also utilizing various linkers, so that it
was possible to identify Cbi conjugates of Ex4 that exhibit improved
binding and agonist activity at the GLP-1R. An optimized conjugate
(22), comparable with Ex4, was successfully screened
and subsequently assayed for insulin secretion in rat islets and in vivo in shrews for glucoregulatory and emetic behavior,
relative to Ex4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Tinsley
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Tito Borner
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - MacKenzie L Swanson
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Sarah A Doebley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Varun Kamat
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Ian R Sweet
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - George G Holz
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Bart C De Jonghe
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Robert P Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.,Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
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7
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Milliken BT, Elfers C, Chepurny OG, Chichura KS, Sweet IR, Borner T, Hayes MR, De Jonghe BC, Holz GG, Roth CL, Doyle RP. Design and Evaluation of Peptide Dual-Agonists of GLP-1 and NPY2 Receptors for Glucoregulation and Weight Loss with Mitigated Nausea and Emesis. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1127-1138. [PMID: 33449689 PMCID: PMC7956155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
![]()
There is a critical unmet need for
therapeutics to treat the epidemic
of comorbidities associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, ideally
devoid of nausea/emesis. This study developed monomeric peptide agonists
of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) and neuropeptide Y2 receptor
(Y2-R) based on exendin-4 (Ex-4) and PYY3–36. A
novel peptide, GEP44, was obtained via in vitro receptor
screens, insulin secretion in islets, stability assays, and in vivo rat and shrew studies of glucoregulation, weight
loss, nausea, and emesis. GEP44 in lean and diet-induced obese rats
produced greater reduction in body weight compared to Ex-4 without
triggering nausea associated behavior. Studies in the shrew demonstrated
a near absence of emesis for GEP44 in contrast to Ex-4. Collectively,
these data demonstrate that targeting GLP-1R and Y2-R with chimeric
single peptides offers a route to new glucoregulatory treatments that
are well-tolerated and have improved weight loss when compared directly
to Ex-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon T Milliken
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Clinton Elfers
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Oleg G Chepurny
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Kylie S Chichura
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Ian R Sweet
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Tito Borner
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Bart C De Jonghe
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - George G Holz
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Christian L Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Robert P Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.,Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
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