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Chen Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Yao C, Qu J, Tang J, Chen G, Han Y. Acute exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces unfolded protein response and global protein ubiquitination in lungs of mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116580. [PMID: 38865938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Inhaling microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the air can damage lung function. Xenobiotics in the body can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) activation alleviates ER stress. Degradation of unfolded or misfolded proteins is an important pathway for recovering cellular homeostasis. The UPR and protein degradation induced by MPs/NPs in lung tissues are not well understood. Here, we investigated the UPR and protein ubiquitination in the lungs of mice exposed to polystyrene (PS)-NPs and their possible molecular mechanisms leading to protein ubiquitination. Mice were intratracheally administered with 5.6, 17, and 51 mg/kg PS-NPs once for 24 h. Exposure to PS-NPs elevated protein ubiquitination in the lungs of mice in a dose-dependent manner. PS-NPs activated three branches of UPR including inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), eukaryotic translation initiator factor 2α (eIF2α), and activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α) in the lungs of mice. However, activated IRE1α did not trigger X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA splicing. Exposure to PS-NPs induced an increase in the levels of E3 ubiquitin ligase hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase degradation protein 1 (HRD1) and carboxy terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein (CHIP) in the lungs of mice and BEAS-2B cells. ATF6α siRNA inhibited the levels of HRD1 and CHIP proteins induced by PS-NPs in BEAS-2B cells. These results suggest that ATF6α plays a critical role in increasing ubiquitination of unfolded or misfolded proteins by alleviating PS-NPs induced ER stress through UPR to achieve ER homeostasis in the lungs of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Yingqi Liu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China; Wujiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215299, China
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Chenjuan Yao
- Department of Molecular Oral Physiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima-Shi, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China.
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China.
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Mokhtarpour K, Razi S, Rezaei N. Ferroptosis as a promising targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024:10.1007/s10549-024-07387-7. [PMID: 38874688 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07387-7] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Standard treatment options are limited, and approximately 45% of patients develop distant metastasis. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, has emerged as a potential targeted therapy for TNBC. METHODS This study utilizes a multifaceted approach to investigate the induction of ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy for TNBC. It explores metabolic alterations, redox imbalance, and oncogenic signaling pathways to understand their roles in inducing ferroptosis, characterized by lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and altered cellular morphology. Critical pathways such as Xc-/GSH/GPX4, ACSL4/LPCAT3, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) are examined for their regulatory roles in ferroptosis and their potential dysregulation contributing to cancer cell survival and resistance. RESULTS Inducing ferroptosis has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies, and overcome drug resistance in TNBC. Lipophilic antioxidants, GPX4 inhibitors, and inhibitors of the Xc- system have been demonstrated to be potential ferroptosis inducers. Additionally, targeting the NRF2 pathway and exploring other ferroptosis regulators, such as ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), and the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway, may offer novel therapeutic avenues. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms, optimize therapeutic strategies, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of ferroptosis-targeted therapies in TNBC treatment. Overall, targeting ferroptosis represents a promising approach to improving treatment outcomes and overcoming the challenges posed by TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Mokhtarpour
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Imunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Imunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kadac-Czapska K, Ośko J, Knez E, Grembecka M. Microplastics and Oxidative Stress-Current Problems and Prospects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38790684 PMCID: PMC11117644 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050579] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5000 µm in size that have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community and the general public, as they threaten the environment. Microplastics contribute to various harmful effects, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, cell membrane breakages, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal defects, inflammation, and apoptosis. They affect cells, tissues, organs, and overall health, potentially contributing to conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease. They pose a significant danger due to their widespread occurrence in food. In recent years, information has emerged indicating that MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a known factor in accelerating the aging of organisms. This comprehensive evaluation exposed notable variability in the reported connection between MPs and OS. This work aims to provide a critical review of whether the harmfulness of plastic particles that constitute environmental contaminants may result from OS through a comprehensive analysis of recent research and existing scientific literature, as well as an assessment of the characteristics of MPs causing OS. Additionally, the article covers the analytical methodology used in this field. The conclusions of this review point to the necessity for further research into the effects of MPs on OS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.K.-C.); (J.O.); (E.K.)
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Cui J, Zhu M, Sun X, Yang J, Guo M. Microplastics induced endoplasmic reticulum stress to format an inflammation and cell death in hepatocytes of carp (Cyprinus carpio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 269:106870. [PMID: 38395010 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a serious threat to the living environment of aquatic organisms. However, there are fewer studies on the toxicity of microplastics to freshwater organisms. This study aimed to establish a polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) model by feeding carp (Cyprinus carpio) PS-MP (1000 ng/L) particles 8 μm in size. HE staining revealed a mass of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the carp hepatopancreas. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were strengthened considerably, suggesting that PS-MPs cause injury to the hepatopancreas of carp. Real-Time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting results indicated increased levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation Factor 2α (EIF2α) and activating transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) genes and increased levels of inflammatory factors downstream of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs) thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and caspase 1. Increased expression of microtubule-associated protein-2 (LC3II), autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) and autophagy-related 12 (ATG12) genes revealed that PS-MPs promoted autophagy in carp hepatocytes. The enhanced expression of the Caspase 12, Caspase 3, and Bax genes suggested that PS-MPs led to the apoptosis of carp hepatocytes. These results suggest that PS-MPs result in serious injury to the hepatopancreas of carp. The present study of PS-MPs in freshwater fish from the aspect of endoplasmic reticulum stress was conducted to provide references and suggestions for toxicological studies of PS-MPs in freshwater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Mengran Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Xiaoran Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Mengyao Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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Chen Q, Liu Y, Bi L, Jin L, Peng R. Understanding the mechanistic roles of microplastics combined with heavy metals in regulating ferroptosis: Adding new paradigms regarding the links with diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117732. [PMID: 37996004 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
As a new type of pollutant, microplastics (MPs) commonly exist in today's ecosystems, causing damage to the ecological environment and the health of biological organisms, including human beings. MPs can function as carriers of heavy metals (HMs) to aggravate the enrichment of HMs in important organs of organisms, posing a great threat to health. Ferroptosis, a novel process for the regulation of nonapoptotic cell death, has been shown to be closely related to the occurrence and processes of MPs and HMs in diseases. In recent years, some HMs, such as cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), arsenic (As) and copper (Cu), have been proven to induce ferroptosis. MPs can function as carriers of HMs to aggravate damage to the body. This damage involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and so on. Therefore, ferroptosis has great potential as a therapeutic target for diseases induced by MPs combined with HMs. This paper systematically reviews the potential effects and regulatory mechanisms of MPs and HMs in the process of ferroptosis, focusing on the mitochondrial damage, Fe accumulation, LPO, ERS and inflammation caused by MPs and HMs that affect the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis, providing new insights for research on regulating drugs and for the development of ferroptosis-targeting therapy for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yinai Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Liuliu Bi
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Renyi Peng
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedicine Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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Wang Z, Liu S, Cheng Z, Xu G, Li F, Bu Q, Zhang L, Song Y, An X. Endoplasmic reticulum stress exacerbates microplastics-induced toxicity in animal cells. Food Res Int 2024; 175:113818. [PMID: 38129015 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Human and animal exposure to microplastics (MPs) contained in food is inevitable because of their widespread existence in the environment. Nevertheless, MPs toxicity studies in ruminants often lack attention. Here, we assessed the cytotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) on goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs). Compared to controls, PS MPs treatment significantly reduced cell viability, altered cell morphology and disrupted organelle integrity. Detection of membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggested that PS MPs induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Further transcriptome analysis also confirmed alterations in these pathways. In addition, several genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis were significantly regulated in the transcriptional profile. Subsequent experiments confirmed that PS MPs induce ER stress via the PERK/eIF2α/CHOP pathway, accompanied by intracellular Ca2+ overload. Meanwhile, downstream activation of the Bax/Bcl-2 pathway and caspase cascade released apoptotic signals, which led to apoptosis in GMECs. Interestingly, the addition of PERK inhibitor (ISRIB) attenuated PS MPs-induced ER stress and apoptosis, which suggests that ER stress may exacerbate PS MPs-induced cytotoxicity. This work reveals the impact of MPs on mammalian cytotoxicity, enriches the mechanisms for the toxicity of MPs, and provides insight for further assessment of the risk of MPs in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zefang Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ganggang Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Fu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qiqi Bu
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaopeng An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Hwang YY, Sudirman S, Wei EY, Kong ZL, Hwang DF. Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus enhances antioxidant activity and prevents reproductive dysfunction in polystyrene microplastic-induced male rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115912. [PMID: 38056235 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115912] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution, including microplastic, has emerged as a severe environmental and public health problem. The health risks, especially in the case of reproductive damage caused by polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) exposure, are emerging problems that need to be solved. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fucoidan extracted from Cladosiphon okamuranus on the polystyrene microplastic-induced oxidative stress of the Leydig (LC540) cells and reproductive damage in male rats. The oxidative stress of the LC540 cells and reproductive damage in the rats were induced by PS-MP. The fucoidan treatment reduces nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species generation in the LC540 cells. In the animal study, fucoidan treatment enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activities (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase) and reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production. Fucoidan supplementation also downregulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and caspase-3 expression. Additionally, fucoidan upregulates testosterone levels, prevents the reduction of epithelium thickness, and reduces the area of the seminiferous tubule lumen. According to these conditions, fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus prevents reproductive damage by downregulating oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, fucoidan can be used as a source of food supplements or functional food ingredients for reproductive or testicular damage management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yuh Hwang
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 20224, Taiwan
| | - Sabri Sudirman
- Fisheries Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya 30862, Indonesia
| | - En-Yu Wei
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 20224, Taiwan
| | - Zwe-Ling Kong
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Deng-Fwu Hwang
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 20224, Taiwan.
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Mills CL, Savanagouder J, de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M, Noonan MJ. The need for environmentally realistic studies on the health effects of terrestrial microplastics. MICROPLASTICS AND NANOPLASTICS 2023; 3:11. [PMID: 37228296 PMCID: PMC10202987 DOI: 10.1186/s43591-023-00059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is now so widespread that microplastics are regularly detected in biological samples surveyed for their presence. Despite their pervasiveness, very little is known about the effects of microplastics on the health of terrestrial vertebrates. While emerging studies are showing that microplastics represent a potentially serious threat to animal health, data have been limited to in vivo studies on laboratory rodents that were force fed plastics. The extent to which these studies are representative of the conditions that animals and humans might actually experience in the real world is largely unknown. Here, we review 114 papers from the peer-reviewed literature in order to understand how the concentrations and types of microplastics being administered to rodents in lab studies compare to those found in terrestrial soils. From 73 in vivo lab studies, and 41 soil studies, we found that lab studies have heretofore fed rodents microplastics at concentrations that were hundreds of thousands of times greater than they would be exposed to in nature. Furthermore, health effects have been studied for only 20% of the microplastic polymers that are known to occur in soils. Plastic pollution is arguably one of the most pressing ecological and public health issues of our time, yet existing lab-based research on the health effects of terrestrial microplastics does not reflect the conditions that free-ranging vertebrates are actually experiencing. Going forward, performing more true-to-life research will be of the utmost importance to fully understand the impacts of microplastics and maintain the public's faith in the scientific process. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43591-023-00059-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Lauren Mills
- Department of Biology, The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC Canada
| | - Joy Savanagouder
- Department of Biology, The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC Canada
| | | | - Michael J. Noonan
- Department of Biology, The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC Canada
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