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Lui WY, Ong CP, Cheung PHH, Ye ZW, Chan CP, To KKW, Yuen KS, Jin DY. Nsp1 facilitates SARS-CoV-2 replication through calcineurin-NFAT signaling. mBio 2024; 15:e0039224. [PMID: 38411085 PMCID: PMC11005343 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00392-24] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has been intensely studied in search of effective antiviral treatments. The immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA) has been suggested to be a pan-coronavirus inhibitor, yet its underlying mechanism remained largely unknown. Here, we found that non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) of SARS-CoV-2 usurped CsA-suppressed nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling to drive the expression of cellular DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5), which facilitates viral replication. Nsp1 interacted with calcineurin A (CnA) to displace the regulatory protein regulator of calcineurin 3 (RCAN3) of CnA for NFAT activation. The influence of NFAT activation on SARS-CoV-2 replication was also validated by using the Nsp1-deficient mutant virus. Calcineurin inhibitors, such as CsA and VIVIT, inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication and exhibited synergistic antiviral effects when used in combination with nirmatrelvir. Our study delineated the molecular mechanism of CsA-mediated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and the anti-SARS-CoV-2 action of calcineurin inhibitors. IMPORTANCE Cyclosporine A (CsA), commonly used to inhibit immune responses, is also known to have anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, but its mode of action remains elusive. Here, we provide a model to explain how CsA antagonizes SARS-CoV-2 through three critical proteins: DDX5, NFAT1, and Nsp1. DDX5 is a cellular facilitator of SARS-CoV-2 replication, and NFAT1 controls the production of DDX5. Nsp1 is a viral protein absent from the mature viral particle and capable of activating the function of NFAT1 and DDX5. CsA and similar agents suppress Nsp1, NFAT1, and DDX5 to exert their anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity either alone or in combination with Paxlovid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Yin Lui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chon Phin Ong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Zi-Wei Ye
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Ping Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Kit-San Yuen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- School of Nursing, Tung Wah College, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Dong-Yan Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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2
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Zheng YY, Xu H, Wang YS. Progress in direct reprogramming of dopaminergic cell replacement therapy. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:873-881. [PMID: 37945931 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07175-z] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradual neurodegenerative disease. While drug therapy and surgical treatments have been the primary means of addressing PD, they do not offer a cure, and the risks associated with surgical treatment are high. Recent advances in cell reprogramming have given rise to new prospects for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), induced dopamine neurons (iDNs), and induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) being created. These cells can potentially be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. On the other hand, this article emphasizes the limits of iPSCs and iNSCs in the context of Parkinson's disease treatment, as well as approaches for direct reprogramming of somatic cells into iDNs. The paper will examine the benefits and drawbacks of directly converting somatic cells into iDNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Human Resources Department, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Si Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
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3
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Daich Varela M, Georgiadis A, Michaelides M. Genetic treatment for autosomal dominant inherited retinal dystrophies: approaches, challenges and targeted genotypes. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1223-1230. [PMID: 36038193 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) have been in the front line of gene therapy development for the last decade, providing a useful platform to test novel therapeutic approaches. More than 40 clinical trials have been completed or are ongoing, tackling autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions, mostly through adeno-associated viral vector delivery of a normal copy of the disease-causing gene. However, only recently has autosomal dominant (ad) disease been targeted, with the commencement of a trial for rhodopsin (RHO)-associated retinitis pigmentosa (RP), implementing antisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapy, with promising preliminary results (NCT04123626).Autosomal dominant RP represents 15%-25% of all RP, with RHO accounting for 20%-30% of these cases. Autosomal dominant macular and cone-rod dystrophies (MD/CORD) correspond to approximately 7.5% of all IRDs, and approximately 35% of all MD/CORD cases, with the main causative gene being BEST1 Autosomal dominant IRDs are not only less frequent than recessive, but also tend to be less severe and have later onset; for example, an individual with RHO-adRP would typically become severely visually impaired at an age 2-3 times older than in X-linked RPGR-RP.Gain-of-function and dominant negative aetiologies are frequently seen in the prevalent adRP genes RHO, RP1 and PRPF31 among others, which would not be effectively addressed by gene supplementation alone and need creative, novel approaches. Zinc fingers, RNA interference, AON, translational read-through therapy, and gene editing by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas are some of the strategies that are currently under investigation and will be discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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4
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Farzanehpour M, Miri A, Ghorbani Alvanegh A, Esmaeili Gouvarchinghaleh H. Viral Vectors, Exosomes, and Vexosomes: Potential Armamentarium for Delivering CRISPR/Cas to Cancer Cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115555. [PMID: 37075815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The underlying cause of cancer is genetic disruption, so gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems can be used to go against cancer. The field of gene therapy has undergone many transitions over its 40-year history. Despite its many successes, it has also suffered many failures in the battle against malignancies, causing really adverse effects instead of therapeutic outcomes. At the tip of this double-edged sword are viral and non-viral-based vectors, which have profoundly transformed the way scientists and clinicians develop therapeutic platforms. Viruses such as lentivirus, adenovirus, and adeno-associated viruses are the most common viral vectors used for delivering the CRISPR/Cas system into human cells. In addition, among non-viral vectors, exosomes, especially tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), have proven to be quite effective at delivering this gene editing tool. The combined use of viral vectors and exosomes, called vexosomes, seems to be a solution to overcoming the obstacles of both delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Farzanehpour
- Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Miri
- Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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RNA-targeting strategies as a platform for ocular gene therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101110. [PMID: 35840489 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic medicine is offering hope as new therapies are emerging for many previously untreatable diseases. The eye is at the forefront of these advances, as exemplified by the approval of Luxturna® by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of one form of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), an inherited blindness. Luxturna® was also the first in vivo human gene therapy to gain US FDA approval. Numerous gene therapy clinical trials are ongoing for other eye diseases, and novel delivery systems, discovery of new drug targets and emerging technologies are currently driving the field forward. Targeting RNA, in particular, is an attractive therapeutic strategy for genetic disease that may have safety advantages over alternative approaches by avoiding permanent changes in the genome. In this regard, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and RNA interference (RNAi) are the currently popular strategies for developing RNA-targeted therapeutics. Enthusiasm has been further fuelled by the emergence of clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) systems that allow targeted manipulation of nucleic acids. RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems now provide a novel way to develop RNA-targeted therapeutics and may provide superior efficiency and specificity to existing technologies. In addition, RNA base editing technologies using CRISPR-Cas and other modalities also enable precise alteration of single nucleotides. In this review, we showcase advances made by RNA-targeting systems for ocular disease, discuss applications of ASO and RNAi technologies, highlight emerging CRISPR-Cas systems and consider the implications of RNA-targeting therapeutics in the development of future drugs to treat eye disease.
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Li J, Zhu D, Hu S, Nie Y. CRISPR-CasRx knock-in mice for RNA degradation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:2248-2256. [PMID: 35412223 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2059-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The RNA editing tool CRISPR-CasRx has provided a platform for a range of transcriptome analysis tools and therapeutic approaches with its broad efficacy and high specificity. To enable the application of CasRx in vivo, we established a Credependent CasRx knock-in mouse. Using these mice, we specifically knocked down the expression of Meis1 and Hoxb13 in cardiomyocytes, which induced cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction. We also knocked down the lncRNA Mhrt in cardiomyocytes with the CasRx knock-in mice, causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In summary, we generated a Credependent CasRx knock-in mouse that can efficiently knock down coding gene and lncRNA expression in specific somatic cells. This in vivo CRISPR-CasRx system is promising for gene function research and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Dekun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Shengshou Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Yu Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Fuwai Central-China Hospital, Central-China Branch of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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7
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Liu L, Pei DS. Insights Gained from RNA Editing Targeted by the CRISPR-Cas13 Family. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11400. [PMID: 36232699 PMCID: PMC9569848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, especially type II (Cas9) systems, have been widely developed for DNA targeting and formed a set of mature precision gene-editing systems. However, the basic research and application of the CRISPR-Cas system in RNA is still in its early stages. Recently, the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas13 type VI system has provided the possibility for the expansion of RNA targeting technology, which has broad application prospects. Most type VI Cas13 effectors have dinuclease activity that catalyzes pre-crRNA into mature crRNA and produces strong RNA cleavage activity. Cas13 can specifically recognize targeted RNA fragments to activate the Cas13/crRNA complex for collateral cleavage activity. To date, the Cas13X protein is the smallest effector of the Cas13 family, with 775 amino acids, which is a promising platform for RNA targeting due to its lack of protospacer flanking sequence (PFS) restrictions, ease of packaging, and absence of permanent damage. This study highlighted the latest progress in RNA editing targeted by the CRISPR-Cas13 family, and discussed the application of Cas13 in basic research, nucleic acid diagnosis, nucleic acid tracking, and genetic disease treatment. Furthermore, we clarified the structure of the Cas13 protein family and their molecular mechanism, and proposed a future vision of RNA editing targeted by the CRISPR-Cas13 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Lou J, Wang B, Li J, Ni P, Jin Y, Chen S, Xi Y, Zhang R, Duan G. The CRISPR-Cas system as a tool for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11301-11311. [PMID: 35857175 PMCID: PMC9297709 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07752-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Emerging and relapsing infectious diseases pose a huge health threat to human health and a new challenge to global public health. Rapid, sensitive and simple diagnostic tools are keys to successful management of infectious patients and containment of disease transmission. In recent years, international research on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-related proteins (Cas) has revolutionized our understanding of biology. The CRISPR-Cas system has the advantages of high specificity, high sensitivity, simple, rapid, low cost, and has begun to be used for molecular diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. In this paper, we described the biological principles, application fields and prospects of CRISPR-Cas system in the molecular diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, and compared it with existing molecular diagnosis methods, the advantages and disadvantages were summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lou
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junwei Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Ni
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuefei Jin
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuaiyin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanlin Xi
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rongguang Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. .,International School of Public Health and One Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Guangcai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Gupta R, Ghosh A, Chakravarti R, Singh R, Ravichandiran V, Swarnakar S, Ghosh D. Cas13d: A New Molecular Scissor for Transcriptome Engineering. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:866800. [PMID: 35433685 PMCID: PMC9008242 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.866800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and its associated Cas endonucleases in bacterial and archaeal species allowed scientists to modify, utilized, and revolutionize this tool for genetic alterations in any species. Especially the type II CRISPR-Cas9 system has been extensively studied and utilized for precise and efficient DNA manipulation in plant and mammalian systems over the past few decades. Further, the discovery of the type V CRISPR-Cas12 (Cpf1) system provides more flexibility and precision in DNA manipulation in prokaryotes, plants, and animals. However, much effort has been made to employ and utilize the above CRISPR tools for RNA manipulation but the ability of Cas9 and Cas12 to cut DNA involves the nuisance of off-target effects on genes and thus may not be employed in all RNA-targeting applications. Therefore, the search for new and diverse Cas effectors which can precisely detect and manipulate the targeted RNA begins and this led to the discovery of a novel RNA targeting class 2, type VI CRISPR-Cas13 system. The CRISPR-Cas13 system consists of single RNA-guided Cas13 effector nucleases that solely target single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) in a programmable way without altering the DNA. The Cas13 effectors family comprises four subtypes (a-d) and each subtype has distinctive primary sequence divergence except the two consensuses Higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide-binding domain (HEPN) that includes RNase motifs i.e. R-X4-6-H. These two HEPN domains are solely responsible for executing targetable RNA cleavage activity with high efficiency. Further, recent studies have shown that Cas13d exhibits higher efficiency and specificity in cleaving targeted RNA in the mammalian system compared to other Cas13 endonucleases of the Cas13 enzyme family. In addition to that, Cas13d has shown additional advantages over other Cas13 variants, structurally as well as functionally which makes it a prominent and superlative tool for RNA engineering and editing. Therefore considering the advantages of Cas13d over previously characterized Cas13 subtypes, in this review, we encompass the structural and mechanistic properties of type VI CRISPR-Cas13d systems, an overview of the current reported various applications of Cas13d, and the prospects to improve Cas13d based tools for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Gupta
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Arijit Ghosh
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Rudra Chakravarti
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajveer Singh
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
- *Correspondence: Dipanjan Ghosh, ; Snehasikta Swarnakar, ; Velayutham Ravichandiran,
| | - Snehasikta Swarnakar
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- *Correspondence: Dipanjan Ghosh, ; Snehasikta Swarnakar, ; Velayutham Ravichandiran,
| | - Dipanjan Ghosh
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
- *Correspondence: Dipanjan Ghosh, ; Snehasikta Swarnakar, ; Velayutham Ravichandiran,
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Kumar S. How to manage the uncertainty of a remote PhD. Nature 2021:10.1038/d41586-021-02001-y. [PMID: 34285398 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-021-02001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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