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Boyd-Shiwarski CR, Shiwarski DJ, Subramanya AR. A New Phase for WNK Kinase Signaling Complexes as Biomolecular Condensates. Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38624245 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00013.2024] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to highlight transformative advances that have been made in the field of biomolecular condensates, with special emphasis on condensate material properties, physiology, and kinases, using the With-No-Lysine (WNK) kinases as a prototypical example. To convey how WNK kinases illustrate important concepts for biomolecular condensates, we start with a brief history, focus on defining features of biomolecular condensates, and delve into some examples of how condensates are implicated in cellular physiology (and pathophysiology). We then highlight how WNK kinases, through the action of "WNK droplets" that ubiquitously regulate intracellular volume and kidney-specific "WNK bodies" that are implicated in distal tubule salt reabsorption and potassium homeostasis, exemplify many of the defining features of condensates. Finally, this review addresses the controversies within this emerging field and questions to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cary R Boyd-Shiwarski
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Daniel J Shiwarski
- Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Arohan R Subramanya
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Hou W, Gad SA, Ding X, Dhanarajan A, Qiu W. Focal adhesion kinase confers lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of lysine-deficient kinase 1. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:173-189. [PMID: 37787401 PMCID: PMC10842616 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23644] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Lenvatinib is a clinically effective multikinase inhibitor approved for first-line therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although resistance against lenvatinib often emerges and limits its antitumor activity, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endogenous and acquired resistance remain elusive. In this study, we identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a critical contributor to lenvatinib resistance in HCC. The elevated expression and phosphorylation of FAK were observed in both acquired and endogenous lenvatinib-resistant (LR) HCC cells. Furthermore, inhibition of FAK reversed lenvatinib resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FAK promoted lenvatinib resistance through regulating lysine-deficient kinase 1 (WNK1). Phosphorylation of WNK1 was significantly increased in LR-HCC cells. Further, WNK1 inhibitor WNK463 resensitized either established or endogenous LR-HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. In addition, overexpression of WNK1 desensitized parental HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. Conclusively, our results establish a crucial role and novel mechanism of FAK in lenvatinib resistance and suggest that targeting the FAK/WNK1 axis is a promising therapeutic strategy in HCC patients showing lenvatinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hou
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Shaimaa A Gad
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Center, Egypt
| | - Xianzhong Ding
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Asha Dhanarajan
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Cheng JC, Meng Q, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Chen J, Song T, Fang L, Sun YP. WNK1 mediates amphiregulin-induced MMP9 expression and cell invasion in human extravillous trophoblast cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112038. [PMID: 37544354 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The invasion of human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells is a critical event required for a successful pregnancy. Amphiregulin, a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has been shown to stimulate cell invasion in an immortalized human EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. The with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) is involved in regulating cell invasion. It is known that WNK1 is expressed in the human placenta, but its role in human EVT cells remains unknown. In the present study, we show that AREG treatment phosphorylated WNK1 at Thr60 in both HTR-8/SVneo and primary human EVT cells. The stimulatory effect of AREG on WNK1 phosphorylation was mediated by the activation of PI3K/AKT, but not the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. AREG upregulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) but not MMP2. In addition, cell invasiveness was increased in response to the treatment of AREG. Using the siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, our results showed that the knockdown of WNK1 attenuated the AREG-induced upregulation of MMP9 expression and cell invasion. Moreover, the expression of WNK1 was downregulated in the placentas with preeclampsia, a disease resulting from insufficiency of EVT cell invasion during pregnancy. This study discovers the physiological function of WNK1 in human EVT cells and provides important insights into the regulation of MMP9 and cell invasion in human EVT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiaye Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tinglin Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Jiang H, Cheng X, Liang Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Li Y. Aberrant expression of WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 1 is associated with poor prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:57-64. [PMID: 35138567 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS WNK1 (WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 1) is a kind of protein kinase and participates in angiogenesis, having a potent tumor promoting role. WNK1 is ubiquitously expressed, and its upregulated expression has been reported in several tumor types. AIMS Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between WNK1 expression and colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) progression. METHODS In the current study, WNK1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemically in adjacent normal colonic mucosae and primary adenocarcinomas. The effect of WNK1 on overall survival (OS) and its associations with the clinicopathological parameters were analyzed in a retrospective cohort of COAD patients (n = 185). The tumor-related effects of WNK1 in COAD were further tested via cellular and mice experiments. RESULTS According to our cohort, higher WNK1 expression was significantly associated with unfavorable prognostic factors, such as high pT stage, pN stage, as well as shorter OS. Moreover, WNK1 exhibited tumor promoting role in COAD cancer cell lines as well as in nude mice. Silencing WNK1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation of COAD both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS In all, WNK1 acts as a tumor promoter and may be used as a COAD prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Jiang
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanjie Liang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Aetiology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yiqun Li
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Yaoping Li
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
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Hou CY, Ma CY, Lin YJ, Huang CL, Wang HD, Yuh CH. WNK1–OSR1 Signaling Regulates Angiogenesis-Mediated Metastasis towards Developing a Combinatorial Anti-Cancer Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012100. [PMID: 36292952 PMCID: PMC9602556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine-deficient protein kinase-1 (WNK1) is critical for both embryonic angiogenesis and tumor-induced angiogenesis. However, the downstream effectors of WNK1 during these processes remain ambiguous. In this study, we identified that oxidative stress responsive 1b (osr1b) is upregulated in endothelial cells in both embryonic and tumor-induced angiogenesis in zebrafish, accompanied by downregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (pp2a) subunit ppp2r1bb. In addition, wnk1a and osr1b are upregulated in two liver cancer transgenic fish models: [tert x p53−/−] and [HBx,src,p53−/−,RPIA], while ppp2r1bb is downregulated in [tert x p53−/−]. Furthermore, using HUVEC endothelial cells co-cultured with HepG2 hepatoma cells, we confirmed that WNK1 plays a critical role in the induction of hepatoma cell migration in both endothelial cells and hepatoma cells. Moreover, overexpression of OSR1 can rescue the reduced cell migration caused by shWNK1 knockdown in HUVEC cells, indicating OSR1 is downstream of WNK1 in endothelial cells promoting hepatoma cell migration. Overexpression of PPP2R1A can rescue the increased cell migration caused by WNK1 overexpression in HepG2, indicating that PPP2R1A is a downstream effector in hepatoma. The combinatorial treatment with WNK1 inhibitor (WNK463) and OSR1 inhibitor (Rafoxanide) plus oligo-fucoidan via oral gavage to feed [HBx,src,p53−/−,RPIA] transgenic fish exhibits much more significant anticancer efficacy than Regorafenib for advanced HCC. Importantly, oligo-fucoidan can reduce the cell senescence marker-IL-1β expression. Furthermore, oligo-fucoidan reduces the increased cell senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in tert transgenic fish treated with WNK1-OSR1 inhibitors. Our results reveal the WNK1–OSR1–PPP2R1A axis plays a critical role in both endothelial and hepatoma cells during tumor-induced angiogenesis promoting cancer cell migration. By in vitro and in vivo experiments, we further uncover the molecular mechanisms of WNK1 and its downstream effectors during tumor-induced angiogenesis. Targeting WNK1–OSR1-mediated anti-angiogenesis and anti-cancer activity, the undesired inflammation response caused by inhibiting WNK1–OSR1 can be attenuated by the combination therapy with oligo-fucoidan and may improve the efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ying Hou
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yung Ma
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chou-Long Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Horng-Dar Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-D.W.); (C.-H.Y.); Tel.: +886-3-5742470 (H.-D.W.); +886-37-206166 (ext. 35338) (C.-H.Y.)
| | - Chiou-Hwa Yuh
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-D.W.); (C.-H.Y.); Tel.: +886-3-5742470 (H.-D.W.); +886-37-206166 (ext. 35338) (C.-H.Y.)
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Xiu M, Li L, Li Y, Gao Y. An update regarding the role of WNK kinases in cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:795. [PMID: 36123332 PMCID: PMC9485243 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian WNK kinases (WNKs) are serine/threonine kinases that contain four members, WNK1-4. They function to maintain ion homeostasis and regulate blood pressure in mammals. Recent studies have revealed that the dysregulation of WNKs contributes to tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis through complex mechanisms, especially through phosphorylating kinase substrates SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1). Here, we review and discuss the relationships between WNKs and several key factors/biological processes in cancer, including ion channels, cation chloride cotransporters, sodium bicarbonate cotransporters, signaling pathways, angiogenesis, autophagy, and non-coding RNAs. In addition, the potential drugs for targeting WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling have also been discussed. This review summarizes and discusses knowledge of the roles of WNKs in cancer, which provides a comprehensive reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120 Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120 Shanghai, China
| | - Yandong Li
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120 Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Gao
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120 Shanghai, China
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Jung JU, Jaykumar AB, Cobb MH. WNK1 in Malignant Behaviors: A Potential Target for Cancer? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935318. [PMID: 35813203 PMCID: PMC9257110 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in cancer patients. Analyses of mouse models and patient data have implicated the protein kinase WNK1 as one of a handful of genes uniquely linked to a subset of invasive cancers. WNK1 signaling pathways are widely implicated in the regulation of ion co-transporters and in controlling cell responses to osmotic stress. In this review we will discuss its actions in tumor malignancy in human cancers and present evidence for its function in invasion, migration, angiogenesis and mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Hou CY, Ma CY, Yuh CH. WNK1 kinase signaling in metastasis and angiogenesis. Cell Signal 2022; 96:110371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Lu JW, Tseng YS, Lo YS, Lin YM, Yeh CM, Lin SH. Prognostic Significance of Cytoplasmic SPNS2 Expression in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:164. [PMID: 33673355 PMCID: PMC7917906 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant disease with a particularly high incidence in Taiwan. Our objective in this study was to elucidate the involvement of sphingolipid transporter 2 (SPNS2) expression and SPNS2 protein expression in the clinicopathological indexes and the clinical outcomes of OSCC patients. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed for SPNS2 protein expression in samples from 264 cases of OSCC. Correlations of SPNS2 expression with clinicopathological variables and patient survival were analyzed. Results: Our results revealed that the cytoplasmic protein expression of SPNS2 in OSCC tissue specimens was lower than in normal tissue specimens. Negative cytoplasmic protein expression of SPNS2 was significantly correlated with T status and stage. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that negative cytoplasmic SPNS2 expression was predictive of poorer overall survival of OSCC patients in stage III/IV. We also determined that low SPNS2 expression was an independent prognostic factor related to overall survival among OSCC patients in stage III/IV from univariate Cox proportional hazard models. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models revealed that cytoplasmic SPNS2 expression, T status, lymph node metastasis, and histological grade were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: Overall, this study determined that SPNS2 protein may be a useful prognostic marker for OSCC patients and potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Wei Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore;
| | - Yen-Shuo Tseng
- Department of Dermatology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Sheng Lo
- Department of Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
| | - Yueh-Min Lin
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan;
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
| | - Chung-Min Yeh
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 356, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hui Lin
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan
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