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Gomaa A, Maacha S, Peng D, Soutto M, Genoula M, Bhat N, Cao L, Zhu S, Castells A, Chen Z, Zaika A, McDonald OG, El-Rifai W. SOX9 is regulated by AURKA in response to Helicobacter pylori infection via EIF4E-mediated cap-dependent translation. Cancer Lett 2024; 593:216939. [PMID: 38729556 PMCID: PMC11175609 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216939] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the main risk factor for gastric cancer. The SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) serves as a marker of stomach stem cells. We detected strong associations between AURKA and SOX9 expression levels in gastric cancers. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo mouse models, we demonstrated that H. pylori infection induced elevated levels of both AURKA and SOX9 proteins. Notably, the SOX9 protein and transcription activity levels were dependent on AURKA expression. AURKA knockdown led to a reduction in the number and size of gastric gland organoids. Conditional knockout of AURKA in mice resulted in a decrease in SOX9 baseline level in AURKA-knockout gastric glands, accompanied by diminished SOX9 induction following H. pylori infection. We found an AURKA-dependent increase in EIF4E and cap-dependent translation with an AURKA-EIF4E-dependent increase in SOX9 polysomal RNA levels. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated binding of AURKA to EIF4E with a decrease in EIF4E ubiquitination. Immunohistochemistry analysis on tissue arrays revealed moderate to strong immunostaining of AURKA and SOX9 with a significant correlation in gastric cancer tissues. These findings elucidate the mechanistic role of AURKA in regulating SOX9 levels via cap-dependent translation in response to H. pylori infection in gastric tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gomaa
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Selma Maacha
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dunfa Peng
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mohammed Soutto
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Melanie Genoula
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nadeem Bhat
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Longlong Cao
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shoumin Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Antoni Castells
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clinic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Oliver G McDonald
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA.
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Fang ZX, Chen WJ, Wu Z, Hou YY, Lan YZ, Wu HT, Liu J. Inflammatory response in gastrointestinal cancers: Overview of six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate in pathophysiology and clinical implications. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:9-22. [PMID: 38292664 PMCID: PMC10823946 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers (GICs), the common solid tumors worldwide. Precancerous lesions, such as chronic atrophic inflammation and ulcers, are related to inflammatory responses in vivo and likely to occur in hyperplasia and tumorigenesis. Unfortunately, due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets, the prognosis of patients with GICs is still unsatisfactory. Interestingly, it is found that six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate (STEAPs), a group of metal reductases, are significantly associated with the progression of malignancies, playing a crucial role in systemic metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory responses. The structure and functions of STEAPs suggest that they are closely related to intracellular oxidative stress, responding to inflammatory reactions. Under the imbalance status of abnormal oxidative stress, STEAP members are involved in cell transformation and the development of GICs by inhibiting or activating inflammatory process. This review focuses on STEAPs in GICs along with exploring their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients suffering from these types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Xuan Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Jia Chen
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan-Yu Hou
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang-Zheng Lan
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
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Jin Y, Dunn C, Persiconi I, Sike A, Skorstad G, Beck C, Kyte JA. Comparative Evaluation of STEAP1 Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptors with Different Costimulatory Domains and Spacers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:586. [PMID: 38203757 PMCID: PMC10778617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010586] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We have developed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP1), which is expressed in prostate cancer, Ewing sarcoma, and other malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the effect of substituting costimulatory domains and spacers in this STEAP1 CAR. We cloned four CAR constructs with either CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory domains, combined with a CD8a-spacer (sp) or a mutated IgG-spacer. The CAR T-cells were evaluated in short- and long-term in vitro T-cell assays, measuring cytokine production, tumor cell killing, and CAR T-cell expansion and phenotype. A xenograft mouse model of prostate cancer was used for in vivo comparison. All four CAR constructs conferred CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with STEAP1-specific functionality. A CD8sp_41BBz construct and an IgGsp_CD28z construct were selected for a more extensive comparison. The IgGsp_CD28z CAR gave stronger cytokine responses and killing in overnight caspase assays. However, the 41BB-containing CAR mediated more killing (IncuCyte) over one week. Upon six repeated stimulations, the CD8sp_41BBz CAR T cells showed superior expansion and lower expression of exhaustion markers (PD1, LAG3, TIGIT, TIM3, and CD25). In vivo, both the CAR T variants had comparable anti-tumor activity, but persisting CAR T-cells in tumors were only detected for the 41BBz variant. In conclusion, the CD8sp_41BBz STEAP1 CAR T cells had superior expansion and survival in vitro and in vivo, compared to the IgGsp_CD28z counterpart, and a less exhausted phenotype upon repeated antigen exposure. Such persistence may be important for clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Jin
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.J.); (C.D.); (I.P.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Claire Dunn
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.J.); (C.D.); (I.P.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Irene Persiconi
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.J.); (C.D.); (I.P.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Adam Sike
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.J.); (C.D.); (I.P.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Gjertrud Skorstad
- Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Carole Beck
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.J.); (C.D.); (I.P.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Jon Amund Kyte
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (Y.J.); (C.D.); (I.P.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
- Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway
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Rocha SM, Nascimento D, Coelho RS, Cardoso AM, Passarinha LA, Socorro S, Maia CJ. STEAP1 Knockdown Decreases the Sensitivity of Prostate Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel, Docetaxel and Cabazitaxel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076643. [PMID: 37047621 PMCID: PMC10095014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate 1 (STEAP1) protein has been indicated as an overexpressed oncoprotein in prostate cancer (PCa), associated with tumor progression and aggressiveness. Taxane-based antineoplastic drugs such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, or cabazitaxel, have been investigated in PCa treatment, namely for the development of combined therapies with the improvement of therapeutic effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of STEAP1 in response to taxane-based drugs and assess whether the sensitivity of PCa cells to treatment with paclitaxel, docetaxel, or cabazitaxel may change when the STEAP1 gene is silenced. Thus, wild-type and STEAP1 knockdown LNCaP and C4-2B cells were exposed to paclitaxel, docetaxel or cabazitaxel, and STEAP1 expression, cell viability, and survival pathways were evaluated. The results obtained showed that STEAP1 knockdown or taxane-based drugs treatment significantly reduced the viability and survival of PCa cells. Relatively to the expression of proliferation markers and apoptosis regulators, LNCaP cells showed a reduced proliferation, whereas apoptosis was increased. However, the effect of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or cabazitaxel treatment was reversed when combined with STEAP1 knockdown. Besides, these chemotherapeutic drugs may stimulate the cell growth of PCa cells knocked down for STEAP1. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that STEAP1 expression levels might influence the response of PCa cells to chemotherapeutics drugs, indicating that the use of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or cabazitaxel may lead to harmful effects in PCa cells with decreased expression of STEAP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Rocha
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Daniel Nascimento
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rafaella S. Coelho
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Cardoso
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís A. Passarinha
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia-UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- C4-UBI—Cloud Computing Competence Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cláudio J. Maia
- CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- C4-UBI—Cloud Computing Competence Center, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal
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Development of a TGFβ-IL-2/15 Switch Receptor for Use in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020459. [PMID: 36830995 PMCID: PMC9953633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy employing T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is effective in hematological malignancies but not yet in solid cancers. CAR T cell activity in solid tumors is limited by immunosuppressive factors, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Here, we describe the development of a switch receptor (SwR), in which the extracellular domains of the TGFβ receptor are fused to the intracellular domains from the IL-2/15 receptor. We evaluated the SwR in tandem with two variants of a CAR that we have developed against STEAP1, a protein highly expressed in prostate cancer. The SwR-CAR T cell activity was assessed against a panel of STEAP1+/- prostate cancer cell lines with or without over-expression of TGFβ, or with added TGFβ, by use of flow cytometry cytokine and killing assays, Luminex cytokine profiling, cell counts, and flow cytometry phenotyping. The results showed that the SwR-CAR constructs improved the functionality of CAR T cells in TGFβ-rich environments, as measured by T cell proliferation and survival, cytokine response, and cytotoxicity. In assays with four repeated target-cell stimulations, the SwR-CAR T cells developed an activated effector memory phenotype with retained STEAP1-specific activity. In conclusion, the SwR confers CAR T cells with potent and durable in vitro functionality in TGFβ-rich environments. The SwR may be used as an add-on construct for CAR T cells or other forms of adoptive cell therapy.
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Jin Y, Lorvik KB, Jin Y, Beck C, Sike A, Persiconi I, Kvaløy E, Saatcioglu F, Dunn C, Kyte JA. Development of STEAP1 targeting chimeric antigen receptor for adoptive cell therapy against cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:189-206. [PMID: 35860008 PMCID: PMC9278049 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that retarget T cells against CD19 show clinical efficacy against B cell malignancies. Here, we describe the development of a CAR against the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP1), which is expressed in ∼90% of prostate cancers, and subgroups of other malignancies. STEAP1 is an attractive target, as it is associated with tumor invasiveness and progression and only expressed at low levels in normal tissues, apart from the non-vital prostate gland. We identified the antibody coding sequences from a hybridoma and designed a CAR that is efficiently expressed in primary T cells. The T cells acquired the desired anti-STEAP1 specificity, with a polyfunctional response including production of multiple cytokines, proliferation, and the killing of cancer cells. The response was observed for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and against all STEAP1+ target cell lines tested. We evaluated the in vivo CAR T activity in both subcutaneous and metastatic xenograft mouse models of prostate cancer. Here, the CAR T cells infiltrated tumors and significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended survival in a STEAP1-dependent manner. We conclude that the STEAP1 CAR exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo functionality and can be further developed toward potential clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Jin
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Berg Lorvik
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yang Jin
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carole Beck
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Adam Sike
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Irene Persiconi
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Emilie Kvaløy
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Fahri Saatcioglu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Claire Dunn
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Amund Kyte
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Chen WJ, Wu HT, Li CL, Lin YK, Fang ZX, Lin WT, Liu J. Regulatory Roles of Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate Family Members in the Occurrence and Development of Malignant Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:752426. [PMID: 34778263 PMCID: PMC8586211 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.752426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The human six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP) proteins, which include STEAP1-4 and atypical STEAP1B, contain six transmembrane domains and are located in the cell membrane. STEAPs are considered archaeal metal oxidoreductases, based on their heme groups and F420H2:NADP+ oxidoreductase (FNO)-like structures, and play an important role in cell metal metabolism. Interestingly, STEAPs not only participate in biological processes, such as molecular transport, cell cycling, immune response, and intracellular and extracellular activities, but also are closely related to the occurrence and development of several diseases, especially malignant tumors. Up to now, the expression patterns of STEAPs have been found to be diverse in different types of tumors, with controversial participation in different aspects of malignancy, such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance. It is clinically important to explore the potential roles of STEAPs as new immunotherapeutic targets for the treatment of different malignant tumors. Therefore, this review focuses on the molecular mechanism and function of STEAPs in the occurrence and development of different cancers in order to understand the role of STEAPs in cancer and provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of diverse cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jia Chen
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer/Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chun-Lan Li
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer/Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yi-Ke Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Fang
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer/Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wen-Ting Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Changjiang Scholar’s Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer/Department of Physiology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Liu,
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