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Pagoni M, Cava C, Sideris DC, Avgeris M, Zoumpourlis V, Michalopoulos I, Drakoulis N. miRNA-Based Technologies in Cancer Therapy. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1586. [PMID: 38003902 PMCID: PMC10672431 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of therapeutic miRNAs is one of the most exciting challenges for pharmaceutical companies. Since the first miRNA was discovered in 1993, our knowledge of miRNA biology has grown considerably. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNA expression is dysregulated in many diseases, making them appealing tools for novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to discuss miRNA biogenesis and function, as well as highlight strategies for delivering miRNA agents, presenting viral, non-viral, and exosomic delivery as therapeutic approaches for different cancer types. We also consider the therapeutic role of microRNA-mediated drug repurposing in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pagoni
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Claudia Cava
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece;
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry—Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vassilios Zoumpourlis
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Michalopoulos
- Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
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2
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Xie X, Dou CY, Zhou Y, Zhou Q, Tang HB. MicroRNA-503 Targets Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 7 Enhancing Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:1928-1939. [PMID: 32648079 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hyper-accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is the leading cause of hepatic fibrosis, and TGF-β-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central event of hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis. The deregulation and dysfunction of miRNAs in hepatic fibrosis have been reported previously. AIMS To identify miRNA(s) playing a role in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. METHODS We analyzed online microarray expression datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for differentially expressed miRNAs in hepatic fibrosis-related disease liver tissues, examined the specific effects of the candidate miRNA on TGF-β-induced HSC activation, and screened for the targets of the candidate miRNA in the TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Then, the predicted miRNA-mRNA binding, the specific effects of the target mRNA, and the dynamic effects of miRNA and mRNA on TGF-β-induced HSC activation were investigated. RESULTS The miR-503 expression was upregulated in TGF-β-activated HSCs. miR-503 overexpression enhanced, while miR-503 inhibition attenuated TGF-β-induced HSC proliferation and ECM accumulation in HSCs. miR-503 targeted SMAD7 to inhibit SMAD7 expression. SMAD7 knockdown also aggravated TGF-β-induced HSC proliferation and ECM accumulation in HSCs. The effects of miR-503 overexpression on TGF-β-induced HSC activation were partially reversed by SMAD7 overexpression. In CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model in rats, miR-503 overexpression aggravated, whereas SMAD7 overexpression improved CCl4-induced fibrotic changes in rats' liver tissues. The effects of miR-503 overexpression on CCl4-induced fibrotic changes were partially reversed by SMAD7 overexpression. CONCLUSION miR-503 acts on HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis through SMAD7. The miR-503/SMAD7 axis enhances HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Hai-Bo Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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3
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Najafi Z, Sharifi M, Javadi G. LNA Inhibitor in microRNA miR-23b as a Potential Anti-proliferative Option in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 51:109-115. [PMID: 30815771 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-019-00215-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many malignancies. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Recent data suggest that microRNA-23b (miR-23b) is significantly high in different types of cancer, specifically human hepatocellular carcinoma. Locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified oligonucleotides have recently been suggested as a novel approach for targeting miRNAs as antisense-based gene silencing. The aim of this study was to explore the functional role of LNA-anti-miR-23b in a HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma) cell line. METHODS HepG2 cells were transfected with LNA-anti-miR-23b for 24, 48, and 72 h. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess miR-23b expression by LNA-anti-miR-23b. The viability of the cells was evaluated by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. RESULTS LNA-anti-miR-23b was successfully transfected into human HepG2 cells and suppressed the miR-23b. LNA-anti-miR-23b reduced the invasive behaviors of HepG2 cells after 24 h, compared to untreated cells and scrambled LNA-transfected cells, and this effect was more pronounced after 72 h. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that inhibition of miR-23b could be used as a novel approach in inhibition of HCC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Najafi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Javadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Javanmard SH, Vaseghi G, Ghasemi A, Rafiee L, Ferns GA, Esfahani HN, Nedaeinia R. Therapeutic inhibition of microRNA-21 (miR-21) using locked-nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR and its effects on the biological behaviors of melanoma cancer cells in preclinical studies. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:384. [PMID: 32788885 PMCID: PMC7418194 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a cancer that has a high mortality rate in the absence of targeted therapy. Conventional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are associated with poor prognosis. The expression of miR-21 appears to be of clinical importance, and the regulation of its expression appears to be an opportunity for treatment. METHODS In this current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of miR-21 inhibition in- vitro and in-vivo. In-vitro studies have investigated LNA-anti-miR-21 in mouse melanoma cells (B16F10), and in-vivo studies have proposed a model of melanoma in male C57BL/6 mice. To evaluate the anticancer effects of LNA-anti-miR-21, a QRT-PCR analysis was performed using the 2-ΔΔCT method to determine the degree of inhibition of oncomiR-21. The MTT test, propidium iodide/AnnexinV in-vitro, and tumor volume measurement using the QRT-PCR test with the 2-ΔΔCT method were used to estimate the inhibition of miR-21 and the expression of downstream genes including: SNAI1, Nestin (Nes), Oct-4, and NF-kB following miR-21 inhibition. Finally, immunohistochemistry was conducted for an in-vivo animal study. RESULTS MiR-21 expression was inhibited by 80% after 24 h of B16F10 cell line transfection with LNA-anti-miR-21. The MTT test showed a significant reduction in the number of transfected cells with LNA-anti-miR-21. The transfected cells showed a significant increase in apoptosis in comparison with the control and scrambled LNA groups. According to our in vivo findings, anti-miR-21 could reduce tumor growth and volume in mice receiving intraperitoneal anti-miR after 9 days. The expression of the SNAI1gene was significantly reduced compared to the controls. Immunohistochemical analysis showed no change in CD133 and NF-kB markers. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest LNA-anti-miR-21 can be potentially used as an anticancer agent for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9PH Sussex UK
| | - Hajar Naji Esfahani
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Nedaeinia R, Avan A, Ahmadian M, Nia SN, Ranjbar M, Sharifi M, Goli M, Piroozmand A, Nourmohammadi E, Manian M, Ferns GA, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Salehi R. Current Status and Perspectives Regarding LNA-Anti-miR Oligonucleotides and microRNA miR-21 Inhibitors as a Potential Therapeutic Option in Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:4129-4140. [PMID: 28401648 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related death, principally due to its metastatic spread and multifactorial chemoresistance. The therapeutic failure can also be explained by inter- or intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity and tumor stromal content. Thus, the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic options are warranted in the management of CRC patients. There are data showing that microRNA-21 is elevated in different types of cancer, particularly colon adenocarcinoma and that this is association with a poor prognosis. This suggests that microRNA-21 may be of value as a potential therapeutic target. Furthermore, locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified oligonucleotides have recently emerged as a therapeutic option for targeting dysregulated miRNAs in cancer therapy, through antisense-based gene silencing. Further work is required to identify innovative anticancer drugs that improve the current therapy either through novel combinatorial approaches or with better efficacy than conventional drugs. We aimed to provide an overview of the preclinical and clinical studies targeting key dysregulated signaling pathways in CRC as well as the therapeutic application of LNA-modified oligonucleotides, and miR inhibitors in the treatment of CRC patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4129-4140, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nedaeinia
- Deputy of Food and Drug, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Department of medical biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ahmadian
- Department of Gastroentrology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sasan Nedaee Nia
- Department of Agricultural engineering and Weed science, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Ranjbar
- Deputy of Food and Drug, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Goli
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Piroozmand
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan, Iran
| | - Esmail Nourmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of medical biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mostafa Manian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9PH, Sussex, UK
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Fasihi-Ramandi M, Moridnia A, Najafi A, Sharifi M. Inducing cell proliferative prevention in human acute promyelocytic leukemia by miR-182 inhibition through modulation of CASP9 expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 89:1152-1158. [PMID: 28298075 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.02.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one class of endogenous non-coding RNAs that involved in post-transcriptional regulation of the gene. MiRNAs through interaction with messenger RNA (mRNA) involved in several biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, growth, metabolism, aging and apoptosis. MiRNAs may act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor via up or down regulation in cancerous cells. MiR-182 located in a miR-183/-96/-182 cluster, this is the highly conserved cluster to have an important role in cancer development and tumorigenesis. Abnormal expression of miR-182 in a variety of human cancers has reported. Oncogenic features of miR-182 confirmed through negative regulation of various tumor suppressor genes. In this study, miR-182 inhibition in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line (HL60) was performed by locked nucleic acid (LNA) anti-miR. MTT assay in three-time points 24, 48 and 72h after LNA-anti-miR-182 transfection was performed. Our study demonstrated inhibition of miR-182 can expansively decrease cell proliferation of APL cells. The Western blotting analysis presents that CASP9 expression associated with inhibition of miR-182. CASP9 protein has an important role in the mitochondrial cell death pathway as the initiator of apoptosis. These results can offer a way for inhibition of APL cells proliferates and produce translational medicine based on microgenomics and antisense therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallahc University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Moridnia
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallahc University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Najafi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallahc University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, 81744-176, Iran.
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Apoptosis-inducing and antiproliferative effect by inhibition of miR-182-5p through the regulation of CASP9 expression in human breast cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2017; 24:75-82. [PMID: 28084318 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2016.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular medicine and gene therapy have offered new effective achievements in the treatment of cancers. One of the molecular research lines for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is the use of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are single-stranded noncoding RNAs. miRNAs are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and have a role in the growth, differentiation, cell death and cancer development. One of the miRNAs that showed upregulation in breast cancer is miR-182-5p. Oncogenic features of miR-182-5p in some cancers were confirmed. In the present study, blockage of miR-182-5p was performed in human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using locked nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR. MTT (3-[4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and annexin/propidium iodide staining at different time points after LNA-anti-miR-182-5p transfection were accomplished. Our results showed that miR-182-5p inhibition can reduce the viability of MCF-7 cells because of apoptosis induction, probably through the upregulation of CASP9. A western blot analysis revealed that the expression of CASP9 protein is associated with miR-182-5p inhibition. The CASP9 protein acts as an initiator caspase of apoptosis in the mitochondrial cell death pathway. Our results can be used in translational medicine for future investigation in breast cancer and approach treatment based on antisense therapy.
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8
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Circulating exosomes and exosomal microRNAs as biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2016; 24:48-56. [PMID: 27982021 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2016.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The most important biological function of exosomes is their possible use as biomarkers in clinical diagnosis. Compared with biomarkers identified in conventional specimens such as serum or urine, exosomal biomarkers provide the highest amount of sensitivity and specificity, which can be attributed to their excellent stability. Exosomes, which harbor different types of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, are present in almost all bodily fluids. The molecular constituents of exosomes, especially exosomal proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs), are promising as biomarkers in clinical diagnosis. This discovery that exosomes also contain messenger RNAs and miRNAs shows that they could be carriers of genetic information. Although the majority of RNAs found in exosomes are degraded RNA fragments with a length of <200 nucleotides, some full-length RNAs might be present that may affect protein production in the recipient cell. In addition, exosomal miRNAs have been found to be associated with certain diseases. Several studies have pointed out miRNA contents of circulating exosomes that are similar to those of originating cancer cells. In this review, the recent advances in circulating exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancers are discussed. These studies indicated that miRNAs can be detected in exosomes isolated from body fluids such as saliva, which suggests potential advantages of using exosomal miRNAs as noninvasive novel biomarkers.
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9
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Xu F, Liu C, Zhou D, Zhang L. TGF-β/SMAD Pathway and Its Regulation in Hepatic Fibrosis. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:157-67. [PMID: 26747705 DOI: 10.1369/0022155415627681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), a key member in the TGF-β superfamily, plays a critical role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Its expression is consistently elevated in affected organs, which correlates with increased extracellular matrix deposition. SMAD proteins have been studied extensively as pivotal intracellular effectors of TGF-β1, acting as transcription factors. In the context of hepatic fibrosis, SMAD3 and SMAD4 are pro-fibrotic, whereas SMAD2 and SMAD7 are protective. Deletion of SMAD3 inhibits type I collagen expression and blocks epithelial-myofibroblast transition. In contrast, disruption of SMAD2 upregulates type I collagen expression. SMAD4 plays an essential role in fibrosis disease by enhancing SMAD3 responsive promoter activity, whereas SMAD7 negatively mediates SMAD3-induced fibrogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that divergent miRNAs participate in the liver fibrotic process, which partially regulates members of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. In this review, we focus on the TGF-β/SMAD and other relative signaling pathways, and discussed the role and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β/SMAD in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, we address the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches to hepatic fibrosis by targeting to TGF-β/SMAD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Xu
- School of Pharmacy (FX, DZ, LZ),Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaInstitute for Liver Diseases (FX, DZ, LZ)
| | - Changwei Liu
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaDepartment of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (CL)
| | - Dandan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy (FX, DZ, LZ),Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaInstitute for Liver Diseases (FX, DZ, LZ)
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy (FX, DZ, LZ),Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaInstitute for Liver Diseases (FX, DZ, LZ)
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10
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Shah MY, Calin GA. MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in human cancers. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2014; 5:537-48. [PMID: 24687772 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small, regulatory RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Extensive research in the last decade has implicated miRNAs as master regulators of cellular processes with essential role in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, making them promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this article, we will briefly review the structure, biogenesis, functions, and mechanism of action of these miRNAs, followed by a detailed analysis of the therapeutic potential of these miRNAs. We will focus on the strategies presently used for miRNA therapy; discuss their use and drawbacks; and the challenges and future directions for the development of miRNA-based therapy for human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitri Y Shah
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Sharifi M, Salehi R, Gheisari Y, Kazemi M. Inhibition of microRNA miR-92a induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation in human acute promyelocytic leukemia through modulation of p63 expression. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:2799-808. [PMID: 24481878 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs, 19-25 nucleotides in length involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression of great majority of the human protein coding genes. Different aspects of cellular activities like cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by miRNAs through their interaction with particular RNA species. In many tumors up or down-regulation of different miRNAs has been reported. Human miR-17-92 gene cluster is located on 13q31.3, rooming several miRNAs including miR-17-5p, miR-17-3p, miR-18, miR-19a, miR-20a and miR-92a. Amplification or overexpression of this cluster has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and several other cancer types. Here, we performed inhibition of miR-92a in an acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line (HL-60) using locked nucleic acid (LNA) antagomir. In different time points after LNA-anti-miR92a transfection, MTT assay and annexin/propidium iodide staining were performed. These assessments indicate that miR-92a inhibition can extensively decrease the viability of these cells which is mainly due to induction of apoptosis. Western blot analysis of p63 protein also revealed that miR-92a inhibition resulted in p63 expression, hence activation of cellular pathways which are normally controlled by p63 protein are retrieved. These findings could open up a path to the miRNAs based therapeutic approach for treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81744-176, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Shi Z, Zhang J, Qian X, Han L, Zhang K, Chen L, Liu J, Ren Y, Yang M, Zhang A, Pu P, Kang C. AC1MMYR2, an inhibitor of dicer-mediated biogenesis of Oncomir miR-21, reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and suppresses tumor growth and progression. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5519-31. [PMID: 23811941 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The extensive involvement of miRNAs in cancer pathobiology has opened avenues for drug development based on oncomir inhibition. Dicer is the core enzyme in miRNA processing that cleaves the terminal loop of precursor microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) to generate mature miRNA duplexes. Using the three-dimensional structure of the Dicer binding site on the pre-miR-21 oncomir, we conducted an in silico high-throughput screen for small molecules that block miR-21 maturation. By this method, we identified a specific small-molecule inhibitor of miR-21, termed AC1MMYR2, which blocked the ability of Dicer to process pre-miR-21 to mature miR-21. AC1MMYR2 upregulated expression of PTEN, PDCD4, and RECK and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the induction of E-cadherin expression and the downregulation of mesenchymal markers, thereby suppressing proliferation, survival, and invasion in glioblastoma, breast cancer, and gastric cancer cells. As a single agent in vivo, AC1MMYR2 repressed tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis, increasing overall host survival with no observable tissue cytotoxicity in orthotopic models. Our results offer a novel, high-throughput method to screen for small-molecule inhibitors of miRNA maturation, presenting AC1MMYR2 as a broadly useful candidate antitumor drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Shi
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping, Tianjin 300052, China
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Sharifi M, Salehi R, Gheisari Y, Kazemi M. WITHDRAWN: Inhibition of MicroRNA miR-92a Inhibits Cell Proliferation in Human Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Turk J Haematol 2013; 30:157-62. [PMID: 24385779 PMCID: PMC3878471 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2012.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn due to the fact that it is published in three different journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Mohammadreza Sharifi, Rasoul Salehi, Yousof Gheisari, Mohammad Kazemi Pediatrics Inherited Diseases Research Center & Department Of Genetics And Molecular Biology, School Of Medicine, Isfahan University Of Medical Sciences, Isfhan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Mohammadreza Sharifi, Rasoul Salehi, Yousof Gheisari, Mohammad Kazemi Pediatrics Inherited Diseases Research Center & Department Of Genetics And Molecular Biology, School Of Medicine, Isfahan University Of Medical Sciences, Isfhan, Iran
| | - Yousof Gheisari
- Mohammadreza Sharifi, Rasoul Salehi, Yousof Gheisari, Mohammad Kazemi Pediatrics Inherited Diseases Research Center & Department Of Genetics And Molecular Biology, School Of Medicine, Isfahan University Of Medical Sciences, Isfhan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Mohammadreza Sharifi, Rasoul Salehi, Yousof Gheisari, Mohammad Kazemi Pediatrics Inherited Diseases Research Center & Department Of Genetics And Molecular Biology, School Of Medicine, Isfahan University Of Medical Sciences, Isfhan, Iran
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14
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Ling H, Zhang W, Calin GA. Principles of microRNA involvement in human cancers. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2013; 30:739-48. [PMID: 22035854 PMCID: PMC4013296 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.011.10243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs of 19 to 24 nucleotides (nt), are encoded in the genomes of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. miRNAs act as regulators of gene expression during development and differentiation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and/or translational levels, although most target genes are still elusive. Many miRNAs are conserved in sequence between distantly related organisms, suggesting that these molecules participate in essential processes. In this review, we present principles related to the basic and translational research that has emerged in the last decade, a period that can be truly considered the “miRNA revolution” in molecular oncology. These principles include the regulation mechanism of miRNA expression, functions of miRNAs in cancers, diagnostic values and therapeutic potentials of miRNAs. Furthermore, we present a compendium of information about the main miRNAs that have been identified in the last several years as playing important roles in cancers. Also, we orient the reader to several additional reviews that may provide a deeper understanding of this new and exciting field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ling
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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15
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Identification of links between small molecules and miRNAs in human cancers based on transcriptional responses. Sci Rep 2012; 2:282. [PMID: 22355792 PMCID: PMC3282946 DOI: 10.1038/srep00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of small molecules to target miRNAs is a new type of therapy for human diseases, particularly cancers. We proposed a novel high-throughput approach to identify the biological links between small molecules and miRNAs in 23 different cancers and constructed the Small Molecule-MiRNA Network (SMirN) for each cancer to systematically analyze the properties of their associations. In each SMirN, we partitioned small molecules (miRNAs) into modules, in which small molecules (miRNAs) were connected with one miRNA (small molecule). Almost all of the miRNA modules comprised miRNAs that had similar target genes and functions or were members of the same miRNA family. Most of the small molecule modules involved compounds with similar chemical structures, modes of action, or drug interactions. These modules can be used to identify drug candidates and new indications for existing drugs. Therefore, our approach is valuable to drug discovery and cancer therapy.
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16
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Zhou T, Garcia JG, Zhang W. Integrating microRNAs into a system biology approach to acute lung injury. Transl Res 2011; 157:180-90. [PMID: 21420028 PMCID: PMC3073780 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2011.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Revised: 01/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI), including the ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and the more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are common and complex inflammatory lung diseases potentially affected by various genetic and nongenetic factors. Using the candidate gene approach, genetic variants associated with immune response and inflammatory pathways have been identified and implicated in ALI. Because gene expression is an intermediate phenotype that resides between the DNA sequence variation and the higher level cellular or whole-body phenotypes, the illustration of gene expression regulatory networks potentially could enhance understanding of disease susceptibility and the development of inflammatory lung syndromes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a novel class of gene regulators that play critical roles in complex diseases including ALI. Comparisons of global miRNA profiles in animal models of ALI and VILI identified several miRNAs (eg, miR-146a and miR-155) previously implicated in immune response and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, via regulation of target genes in these biological processes and pathways, miRNAs potentially contribute to the development of ALI. Although this line of inquiry exists at a nascent stage, miRNAs have the potential to be critical components of a comprehensive model for inflammatory lung disease built by a systems biology approach that integrates genetic, genomic, proteomic, epigenetic as well as environmental stimuli information. Given their particularly recognized role in regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, miRNAs also serve as novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for ALI/ARDS or VILI, thus facilitating the realization of personalized medicine for individuals with acute inflammatory lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Institute for Personalized Respiratory Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Joe G.N. Garcia
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Institute for Personalized Respiratory Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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17
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Singh J, Kaur H, Kaushik A, Peer S. A Review of Antisense Therapeutic Interventions for Molecular Biological Targets in Various Diseases. INT J PHARMACOL 2011. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2011.294.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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18
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Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of gene expression. By degrading or blocking translation of messenger RNA targets, these noncoding RNAs can regulate the expression of more than half of all protein-coding genes in mammalian genomes. Aberrant miRNA expression is well characterized in cancer progression and has prognostic implications for cancer in general. Over the past several years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that genomic alterations in miRNA genes are correlated with all aspects of cancer biology. In this review, we describe the effects of miRNA deregulation in the cellular pathways that lead to the progressive conversion of normal cells into cancer cells as well as in cancer diagnosis and therapy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angelica Cortez
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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19
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Manne U, Shanmugam C, Bovell L, Katkoori VR, Bumpers HL. miRNAs as biomarkers for management of patients with colorectal cancer. Biomark Med 2011; 4:761-70. [PMID: 20945991 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.10.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs serve as micromanagers, negatively regulating gene expression. Since altered miRNA expression is implicated in the pathobiology of various cancers, including colorectal cancers (CRCs), these molecules serve as potential therapeutic targets. Manipulation of miRNAs may offer an alternative therapy for chemo- and radio-resistant CRCs. For CRC patients, miRNA expression patterns can be used for diagnosis, and to predict prognosis and efficacy of therapy. This article describes the methodological approaches for miRNA measurement, their function in the pathobiology of CRCs and their potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upender Manne
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-7331, USA.
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20
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Ruela-de-Sousa RR, Queiroz KCS, Peppelenbosch MP, Fuhler GM. Reversible phosphorylation in haematological malignancies: potential role for protein tyrosine phosphatases in treatment? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2010; 1806:287-303. [PMID: 20659529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2010.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Most aspects of leukocyte physiology are under the control of reversible tyrosine phosphorylation. It is clear that excessive phosphorylation of signal transduction elements is a pivotal element of many different pathologies including haematological malignancies and accordingly, strategies that target such phosphorylation have clinically been proven highly successful for treatment of multiple types of leukemias and lymphomas. Cellular phosphorylation status is dependent on the resultant activity of kinases and phosphatases. The cell biology of the former is now well understood; for most cellular phosphoproteins we now know the kinases responsible for their phosphorylation and we understand the principles of their aberrant activity in disease. With respect to phosphatases, however, our knowledge is much patchier. Although the sequences of whole genomes allow us to identify phosphatases using in silico methodology, whereas transcription profiling allows us to understand how phosphatase expression is regulated during disease, most functional questions as to substrate specificity, dynamic regulation of phosphatase activity and potential for therapeutic intervention are still to a large degree open. Nevertheless, recent studies have allowed us to make meaningful statements on the role of tyrosine phosphatase activity in the three major signaling pathways that are commonly affected in leukemias, i.e. the Ras-Raf-ERK1/2, the Jak-STAT and the PI3K-PKB-mTOR pathways. Lessons learned from these pathways may well be applicable elsewhere in leukocyte biology as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta R Ruela-de-Sousa
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Slavov SN, Gimenes Teixeira HL, Rego EM. The role of micro-ribonucleic acids in normal hematopoiesis and leukemic T-lymphogenesis. Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:619-26. [PMID: 20549139 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNAs) are small molecules containing 20-23 nucleotides. Despite their small size, it is likely that almost every cellular process is regulated by them. Moreover, aberrant microRNA expression has been involved in the development of various diseases, including cancer. Although many data are available about the role of microRNAs in various lymphoproliferative disorders, their impact on the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia of T-cell progenitors is largely unknown. In this review, we present recent information about how specific microRNAs are expressed and regulated during malignant T-lymphopoiesis and about their role during normal hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Slavov
- Divisão de Hematologia/Oncologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto e Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Células-Tronco e Terapia Celular, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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22
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Targeting microRNAs with small molecules: from dream to reality. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2010; 87:754-8. [PMID: 20428111 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2010.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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