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Žerovnik E. Human stefin B: from its structure, folding, and aggregation to its function in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1009976. [PMID: 36340691 PMCID: PMC9634419 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1009976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for human stefin B (cystatin B) cause progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 (EPM1), a neurodegenerative disorder. The most common change is dodecamer repeats in the promoter region of the gene, though missense and frameshift mutations also appear. Human stefin B primarily acts as a cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, and it also exhibits alternative functions. It plays a protective role against oxidative stress, likely via reducing mitochondrial damage and thus generating fewer mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accordingly, lack of stefin B results in increased inflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, producing more ROS. The protein is cytosolic but also has an important role in the nucleus, where it prevents cleavage of the N terminal part of histone 3 by inhibiting cathepsins L and B and thus regulates transcription and cell cycle. Furthermore, it has been shown that stefin B is oligomeric in cells and that it has a specific role in the physiology of the synapse and in vesicular transport. On the basis of my research team's data on the structure, folding, and aggregation of stefin B, we have proposed that it might regulate proteostasis, possessing a chaperone-like function. In this review, I synthesize these observations and derive some conclusions on possible sources of EPM1 pathology. The interaction partners of stefin B and other gene mutations leading to EPM1-like pathology are discussed and common pathways are pinpointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Jahić Mujkić A, Tušek Žnidarič M, Berbić S, Žerovnik E. Synergy of the Inhibitory Action of Polyphenols Plus Vitamin C on Amyloid Fibril Formation: Case Study of Human Stefin B. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1471. [PMID: 34573102 PMCID: PMC8464686 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to study how polyphenols and vitamin C (vitC) together affect protein aggregation to amyloid fibrils, we performed similar in vitro studies as before using stefin B as a model and a potentially amyloid-forming protein (it aggregates upon overexpression, under stressful conditions and some progressive myoclonus epilepsy of tape 1-EPM1-missense mutations). In addition to the chosen polyphenol, this time, we added a proven antioxidant concentration of 0.5 mM vitC into the fibrillation mixture and varied concentrations of resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin. Synergy with vitC was observed with curcumin and quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Jahić Mujkić
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla, Univerzitetska 1, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (A.J.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Magda Tušek Žnidarič
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Selma Berbić
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla, Univerzitetska 1, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (A.J.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Contini C, Firinu D, Serrao S, Manconi B, Olianas A, Cinetto F, Cossu F, Castagnola M, Messana I, Del Giacco S, Cabras T. RP-HPLC-ESI-IT Mass Spectrometry Reveals Significant Variations of the Human Salivary Protein Profile Associated with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies. J Clin Immunol 2020. [PMID: 31916122 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-020-00743-4.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Present study is designed to discover potential salivary biomarkers associated with predominantly antibody deficiencies, which include a large spectrum of disorders sharing failure of antibody production, and B cell defects resulting in recurrent infections, autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations, and tumor susceptibility. Understanding and clinical classification of these syndromes is still challenging. METHODS We carried out a study of human saliva based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements of intact protein mass values. Salivary protein profiles of patients (n = 23) and healthy controls (n = 30) were compared. RESULTS Patients exhibited lower abundance of α-defensins 1-4, cystatins S1 and S2, and higher abundance of glutathionylated cystatin B and cystatin SN than controls. Patients could be clustered in two groups on the basis of different levels of cystatin SN, S1 and S2, suggesting that these proteins may play different roles in the disease. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative variations of these pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial peptides/proteins may be related to immunodeficiency and infectious condition of the patients. The high incidence of tumors in the group with the highest level of cystatin SN, which is recognized as tumoral marker, appeared an intriguing result deserving of future investigations. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD012688.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Contini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, ss 554, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, Monserrato, 09042, CA, Italy
| | - Simone Serrao
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, ss 554, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, ss 554, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Olianas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, ss 554, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Francesco Cinetto
- Ca' Foncello Hospital - Treviso, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fausto Cossu
- Pediatric HSCT Unit, Pediatric Clinic of University, Ospedale Microcitemico, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Laboratory, IRCCS - Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- CNR-SCITEC Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, c/o Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica Università Cattolica, L.go F. Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, Monserrato, 09042, CA, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Univ. Monserrato, ss 554, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
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RP-HPLC-ESI-IT Mass Spectrometry Reveals Significant Variations of the Human Salivary Protein Profile Associated with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies. J Clin Immunol 2020; 40:329-339. [PMID: 31916122 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-020-00743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Present study is designed to discover potential salivary biomarkers associated with predominantly antibody deficiencies, which include a large spectrum of disorders sharing failure of antibody production, and B cell defects resulting in recurrent infections, autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations, and tumor susceptibility. Understanding and clinical classification of these syndromes is still challenging. METHODS We carried out a study of human saliva based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements of intact protein mass values. Salivary protein profiles of patients (n = 23) and healthy controls (n = 30) were compared. RESULTS Patients exhibited lower abundance of α-defensins 1-4, cystatins S1 and S2, and higher abundance of glutathionylated cystatin B and cystatin SN than controls. Patients could be clustered in two groups on the basis of different levels of cystatin SN, S1 and S2, suggesting that these proteins may play different roles in the disease. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative variations of these pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial peptides/proteins may be related to immunodeficiency and infectious condition of the patients. The high incidence of tumors in the group with the highest level of cystatin SN, which is recognized as tumoral marker, appeared an intriguing result deserving of future investigations. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD012688.
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Žerovnik E. Possible Mechanisms by which Stefin B could Regulate Proteostasis and Oxidative Stress. Cells 2019; 8:E70. [PMID: 30669344 PMCID: PMC6357131 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human stefin B is a protease inhibitor from the family of cystatins. It was reported that it forms oligomers in cells. We have shown that it has a role in cell's response to misfolded proteins. We also have shown that its oligomers bind amyloid-beta (Aβ). Here, we discuss ways, how stefin B could reduce build-up of protein aggregates by other proteins and consequently reduces ROS and, how this might be connected to autophagy. When overexpressed, stefin B forms protein aggregates itself and these protein aggregates induce autophagy. Similarly, cystatin C was shown to bind Aβ and to induce autophagy. It is also suggested how more knowledge about the role of stefin B in a cell's response to misfolded proteins could be used to modulate progressive myoclonus epilepsy of type 1 EPM1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Correction of a Splicing Mutation Affecting an Unverricht-Lundborg Disease Patient by Antisense Therapy. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9090455. [PMID: 30208654 PMCID: PMC6162617 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD) is a common form of progressive myoclonic epilepsy caused by mutations in the cystatin B gene (CSTB) that encodes an inhibitor of several lysosomal cathepsins. Presently, only pharmacological treatment and psychosocial support are available for ULD patients. To overcome the pathogenic effect of the ULD splicing mutation c.66G>A (exon 1), we investigated whether an antisense oligonucleotide therapeutic strategy could correct the defect in patient cells. A specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotide was designed to block a cryptic 5′ss in intron 1. Overall, this approach allowed the restoration of the normal splicing pattern. Furthermore, the recovery was both sequence and dose-specific. In general, this work provides a proof of principle on the correction of a CSTB gene defect causing ULD through a mutation-specific antisense therapy. It adds evidence to the feasibility of this approach, joining the many studies that are paving the way for translating antisense technology into the clinical practice. The insights detailed herein make mutation-based therapy a clear candidate for personalized treatment of ULD patients, encouraging similar investigations into other genetic diseases.
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Co-chaperoning by amyloid-forming proteins: cystatins vs. crystallins. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2017; 46:789-793. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-017-1214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Žerovnik E. Putative alternative functions of human stefin B (cystatin B): binding to amyloid-beta, membranes, and copper. J Mol Recognit 2016; 30. [PMID: 27577977 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We describe studies performed thus far on stefin B from the family of cystatins as a model protein for folding and amyloid fibril formation studies. We also briefly mention our studies on aggregation of some of the missense EPM1 mutants of stefin B in cells, which mimic additional pathological traits (gain in toxic function) in selected patients with EPM1 disease. We collected data on the reported interactors of stefin B and discuss several hypotheses of possible cytosolic alternative functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,CipKeBip-Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Davis PJ, Holmes D, Waltho JP, Staniforth RA. Limited Proteolysis Reveals That Amyloids from the 3D Domain-Swapping Cystatin B Have a Non-Native β-Sheet Topology. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:2418-2434. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Rivera LE, Colon K, Cantres-Rosario YM, Zenon FM, Melendez LM. Macrophage derived cystatin B/cathepsin B in HIV replication and neuropathogenesis. Curr HIV Res 2014; 12:111-20. [PMID: 24862331 PMCID: PMC4122617 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x12666140526120249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mononuclear phagocytes including monocytes and macrophages, are important defense components of innate immunity, but can be detrimental in HIV-1 infection by serving as the principal reservoirs of virus in brain and triggering a strong immune response. These viral reservoirs represent a challenge to HIV-1 eradication since they continue producing virus in tissue despite antiretroviral therapy. HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) involve alterations to the blood-brain barrier and migration of activated HIV-1 infected monocytes to the brain with subsequent induced immune activation response. Our group recently showed that HIV replication in monocyte-derived macrophages is associated with increased cystatin B. This cysteine protease inhibitor also inhibits the interferon-induced antiviral response by decreasing levels of tyrosine phosphorylated STAT-1. These recent discoveries reveal novel mechanisms of HIV persistence that could be targeted by new therapeutic approaches to eliminate HIV in macrophage reservoirs. However, cystatin B has been also associated with neuroprotection. Cystatin B is an inhibitor of the cysteine protease cathepsin B, a potent neurotoxin. During HIV-1 infection cystatin B and cathepsin B are upregulated in macrophages. Reduction in cystatin/cathepsin interactions in infected macrophages leads to increased cathepsin B secretion and activity which contributes to neuronal apoptosis. Increased intracellular expression of both proteins was recently found in monocytes from Hispanic women with HAND. These findings provide new evidence for the role of cathepsin /cystatin system in the neuropathogenesis induced by HIV-infected macrophages. We summarize recent research on cystatin B and one of its substrates, cathepsin B, in HIV replication in macrophages and neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Loyda M Melendez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, 00935, Puerto Rico.
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Pišlar A, Kos J. Cysteine cathepsins in neurological disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:1017-30. [PMID: 24234234 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increased proteolytic activity is a hallmark of several pathological processes, including neurodegeneration. Increased expression and activity of cathepsins, lysosomal cysteine proteases, during degeneration of the central nervous system is frequently reported. Recent studies reveal that a disturbed balance of their enzymatic activities is the first insult in brain aging and age-related diseases. Leakage of cathepsins from lysosomes, due to their membrane permeability, and activation of pro-apoptotic factors additionally contribute to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, in inflammation-induced neurodegeneration the cathepsins expressed in activated microglia play a pivotal role in neuronal death. The proteolytic activity of cysteine cathepsins is controlled by endogenous protein inhibitors-the cystatins-which evidently fail to perform their function in neurodegenerative processes. Exogenous synthetic inhibitors, which may augment their inhibitory potential, are considered as possible therapeutic tools for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pišlar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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Nakamura K, Maeda Y, Morimoto K, Katayama S, Kondo K, Nakamura S. Functional expression of amyloidogenic human stefins A and B in Pichia pastoris using codon optimization. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2013; 60:283-8. [PMID: 23656633 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Complementary DNAs encoding human stefins A (HSA) and B (HSB) were synthesized using Pichia-preferred codons by overlap extension PCR. The full-length genes were ligated downstream of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter in the Pichia expression vector pGAPZαC and successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris strain X-33. Functional recombinant HSA and HSB proteins were purified from culture medium at yields of 121.3 ± 13.5 (n = 3) and 95.4 ± 4.1 (n = 3) mg/L, respectively. Using this expression strategy, we demonstrated that high levels of bioactive recombinant HSA and HSB can be produced by fermentation in P. pastoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Nakamura
- Food, Nutrition and Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Paramore R, Morgan GJ, Davis PJ, Sharma CA, Hounslow A, Taler-Verčič A, Žerovnik E, Waltho JP, Cliff MJ, Staniforth RA. Mapping local structural perturbations in the native state of stefin B (cystatin B) under amyloid forming conditions. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:94. [PMID: 23091450 PMCID: PMC3469841 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike a number of amyloid-forming proteins, stefins, and in particular stefin B (cystatin B) form amyloids under conditions where the native state predominates. In order to trigger oligomerization processes, the stability of the protein needs to be compromised, favoring structural re-arrangement however, accelerating fibril formation is not a simple function of protein stability. We report here on how optimal conditions for amyloid formation lead to the destabilization of dimeric and tetrameric states of the protein in favor of the monomer. Small, highly localized structural changes can be mapped out that allow us to visualize directly areas of the protein which eventually become responsible for triggering amyloid formation. These regions of the protein overlap with the Cu (II)-binding sites which we identify here for the first time. We hypothesize that in vivo modulators of amyloid formation may act similarly to painstakingly optimized solvent conditions developed in vitro. We discuss these data in the light of current structural models of stefin B amyloid fibrils based on H-exchange data, where the detachment of the helical part and the extension of loops were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Paramore
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Gareth J. Morgan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Peter J. Davis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Carrie-anne Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Andrea Hounslow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Ajda Taler-Verčič
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef StefanLjubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef StefanLjubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jonathan P. Waltho
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
| | - Matthew J. Cliff
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
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