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Thiankhaw K, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. How calcineurin inhibitors affect cognition. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14161. [PMID: 38747643 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14161] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS With a focus on the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical findings, this review will gather comprehensive information about the effects of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) on cognitive function and related brain pathology from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We also summarize the potential mechanisms that underlie the pathways related to CNI-induced cognitive impairment. METHODS We systematically searched articles in PubMed using keywords 'calcineurin inhibitor*' and 'cognition' to identify related articles, which the final list pertaining to underlying mechanisms of CNI on cognition. RESULTS Several studies have reported an association between calcineurin and the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common neurocognitive disorder associated with amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment. CNI, including tacrolimus and cyclosporin A, are commonly prescribed for patients with transplantation of solid organs such as kidney, liver, or heart, those drugs are currently being used as long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Although preclinical models emphasize the favorable effects of CNI on the restoration of brain pathology due to the impacts of calcineurin on the alleviation of amyloid-beta deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation, or rescuing synaptic and mitochondrial functions, treatment-related neurotoxicity, resulting in cognitive dysfunctions has been observed in clinical settings of patients who received CNI. CONCLUSION Inconsistent results of CNI on cognition from clinical studies have been observed due to impairment of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation mediated by reactive oxygen species, and alteration in mitochondrial fission, and extended research is required to confirm its promising use in cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitti Thiankhaw
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siripron C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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2
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Tzavellas NP, Tsamis KI, Katsenos AP, Davri AS, Simos YV, Nikas IP, Bellos S, Lekkas P, Kanellos FS, Konitsiotis S, Labrakakis C, Vezyraki P, Peschos D. Firing Alterations of Neurons in Alzheimer's Disease: Are They Merely a Consequence of Pathogenesis or a Pivotal Component of Disease Progression? Cells 2024; 13:434. [PMID: 38474398 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, yet its underlying causes remain elusive. The conventional perspective on disease pathogenesis attributes alterations in neuronal excitability to molecular changes resulting in synaptic dysfunction. Early hyperexcitability is succeeded by a progressive cessation of electrical activity in neurons, with amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and tau protein hyperphosphorylation identified as the initial events leading to hyperactivity. In addition to these key proteins, voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels play a decisive role in the altered electrical properties of neurons in AD. Impaired synaptic function and reduced neuronal plasticity contribute to a vicious cycle, resulting in a reduction in the number of synapses and synaptic proteins, impacting their transportation inside the neuron. An understanding of these neurophysiological alterations, combined with abnormalities in the morphology of brain cells, emerges as a crucial avenue for new treatment investigations. This review aims to delve into the detailed exploration of electrical neuronal alterations observed in different AD models affecting single neurons and neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P Tzavellas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andreas P Katsenos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athena S Davri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis V Simos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ilias P Nikas
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 2029 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefanos Bellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foivos S Kanellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Spyridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Labrakakis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
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3
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Zhu X, Joo Y, Bossi S, McDevitt RA, Xie A, Wang Y, Xue Y, Su S, Lee SK, Sah N, Zhang S, Ye R, Pinto A, Zhang Y, Araki K, Araki M, Morales M, Mattson MP, van Praag H, Wang W. Tdrd3-null mice show post-transcriptional and behavioral impairments associated with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 233:102568. [PMID: 38216113 PMCID: PMC10922770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102568] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The Topoisomerase 3B (Top3b) - Tudor domain containing 3 (Tdrd3) protein complex is the only dual-activity topoisomerase complex that can alter both DNA and RNA topology in animals. TOP3B mutations in humans are associated with schizophrenia, autism and cognitive disorders; and Top3b-null mice exhibit several phenotypes observed in animal models of psychiatric and cognitive disorders, including impaired cognitive and emotional behaviors, aberrant neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and transcriptional defects. Similarly, human TDRD3 genomic variants have been associated with schizophrenia, verbal short-term memory and educational attainment. However, the importance of Tdrd3 in normal brain function has not been examined in animal models. Here we generated a Tdrd3-null mouse strain and demonstrate that these mice display both shared and unique defects when compared to Top3b-null mice. Shared defects were observed in cognitive behaviors, synaptic plasticity, adult neurogenesis, newborn neuron morphology, and neuronal activity-dependent transcription; whereas defects unique to Tdrd3-deficient mice include hyperactivity, changes in anxiety-like behaviors, olfaction, increased new neuron complexity, and reduced myelination. Interestingly, multiple genes critical for neurodevelopment and cognitive function exhibit reduced levels in mature but not nascent transcripts. We infer that the entire Top3b-Tdrd3 complex is essential for normal brain function, and that defective post-transcriptional regulation could contribute to cognitive and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingliang Zhu
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yuyoung Joo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Simone Bossi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Ross A McDevitt
- Comparative Medicine Section, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Aoji Xie
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Lab of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yutong Xue
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Shuaikun Su
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Seung Kyu Lee
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Nirnath Sah
- Lab of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Confocal and Electron Microscopy Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Rong Ye
- Confocal and Electron Microscopy Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Alejandro Pinto
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kimi Araki
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Masatake Araki
- Division of Genomics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Marisela Morales
- Confocal and Electron Microscopy Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Lab of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Henriette van Praag
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Weidong Wang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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4
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Zhu X, Joo Y, Bossi S, McDevitt R, Xie A, Wang Y, Xue Y, Su S, Lee SK, Sah N, Zhang S, Ye R, Pinto A, Zhang Y, Araki K, Araki M, Morales M, Mattson M, van Praag H, Wang W. Tdrd3-null mice show post-transcriptional and behavioral impairments associated with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2597043. [PMID: 36909584 PMCID: PMC10002826 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2597043/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The Topoisomerase 3B (Top3b) - Tudor domain containing 3 (Tdrd3) protein complex is the only dual-activity topoisomerase complex in animals that can alter the topology of both DNA and RNA. TOP3B mutations in humans are associated with schizophrenia, autism and cognitive disorders; and Top3b-null mice exhibit several phenotypes observed in animal models of psychiatric and cognitive disorders, including impairments in cognitive and emotional behaviors, aberrant neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and transcriptional defects. Similarly, human TDRD3 genomic variants have been associated with schizophrenia, verbal shorten-memory and learning, and educational attainment. However, the importance of Tdrd3 in normal brain function has not been examined in animal models. Here we built a Tdrd3-null mouse strain and demonstrate that these mice display both shared and unique defects when compared to Top3b-null mice. Shared defects were observed in cognitive behaviors, synaptic plasticity, adult neurogenesis, newborn neuron morphology, and neuronal activity-dependent transcription; whereas defects unique to Tdrd3-deficient mice include hyperactivity, changes in anxiety-like behaviors, increased new neuron complexity, and reduced myelination. Interestingly, multiple genes critical for neurodevelopment and cognitive function exhibit reduced levels in mature but not nascent transcripts. We infer that the entire Top3b-Tdrd3 complex is essential for normal brain function, and that defective post-transcriptional regulation could contribute to cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kimi Araki
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University
| | - Masatake Araki
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University
| | | | - Mark Mattson
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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5
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A Transgenic 5xFAD-M Line of Mice for Dendritic Spine Morphology Analysis in Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020307. [PMID: 36831849 PMCID: PMC9954381 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairments are closely related to synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Functional changes in synaptic contacts are reflected in dendritic spine morphology. Visualization of neurons for morphological studies in vivo is complicated by the fixed brain slice staining or expensive adeno-associated virus injections. We created a transgenic 5xFAD-M line of mice with AD-associated mutations and expressed GFP protein in single neurons of the brain. This mouse model of AD is a useful tool for the simplified visualization of the hippocampal neurons' morphology in vivo without additional staining manipulations. The progressive elimination of mushroom spines was demonstrated in 5xFAD-M mice between 4 and 5 months of age. Five-month-old 5xFAD-M male and female mice showed change both in the total density and the mushroom spines number compared to sex-matched control. We conclude 5xFAD-M mice can be a useful AD model for studying the mechanisms of synaptic pathology under neurodegenerative conditions and evaluating the effects of potential therapeutic agents on spine morphology as crucial aspect of memory loss in AD.
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6
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Fadó R, Molins A, Rojas R, Casals N. Feeding the Brain: Effect of Nutrients on Cognition, Synaptic Function, and AMPA Receptors. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194137. [PMID: 36235789 PMCID: PMC9572450 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, traditional eating habits have been replaced by a more globalized diet, rich in saturated fatty acids and simple sugars. Extensive evidence shows that these dietary factors contribute to cognitive health impairment as well as increase the incidence of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. However, how these nutrients modulate synaptic function and neuroplasticity is poorly understood. We review the Western, ketogenic, and paleolithic diets for their effects on cognition and correlations with synaptic changes, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on animal model studies aimed at tracing molecular alterations that may contribute to impaired human cognition. We observe that memory and learning deficits mediated by high-fat/high-sugar diets, even over short exposure times, are associated with reduced arborization, widened synaptic cleft, narrowed post-synaptic zone, and decreased activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and also observe that these alterations correlate with deregulation of the AMPA-type glutamate ionotropic receptors (AMPARs) that are crucial to neuroplasticity. Furthermore, we explored which diet-mediated mechanisms modulate synaptic AMPARs and whether certain supplements or nutritional interventions could reverse deleterious effects, contributing to improved learning and memory in older people and patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rut Fadó
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-504-20-00
| | - Anna Molins
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Rocío Rojas
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Núria Casals
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Misrani A, Tabassum S, Huo Q, Tabassum S, Jiang J, Ahmed A, Chen X, Zhou J, Zhang J, Liu S, Feng X, Long C, Yang L. Mitochondrial Deficits With Neural and Social Damage in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:748388. [PMID: 34955809 PMCID: PMC8704997 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.748388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be an early event in the onset and progression of AD; however, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated mitochondrial proteins involved in organelle dynamics, morphology and energy production in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HIPP) of young (1∼2 months), adult (4∼5 months) and aged (9∼10, 12∼18 months) APP/PS1 mice. We observed increased levels of mitochondrial fission protein, Drp1, and decreased levels of ATP synthase subunit, ATP5A, leading to abnormal mitochondrial morphology, increased oxidative stress, glial activation, apoptosis, and altered neuronal morphology as early as 4∼5 months of age in APP/PS1 mice. Electrophysiological recordings revealed abnormal miniature excitatory postsynaptic current in the mPFC together with a minor connectivity change between the mPFC and HIPP, correlating with social deficits. These results suggest that abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, which worsen with disease progression, could be a biomarker of early-stage AD. Therapeutic interventions that improve mitochondrial function thus represent a promising approach for slowing the progression or delaying the onset of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Misrani
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sidra Tabassum
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingwei Huo
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sumaiya Tabassum
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinxiang Jiang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangmao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Liu
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyi Feng
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Long
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
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