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D'Ambra E, Vitiello E, Santini T, Bozzoni I. In Situ Hybridization of circRNAs in Cells and Tissues through BaseScope™ Strategy. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2765:63-92. [PMID: 38381334 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3678-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Imaging-based approaches are powerful strategies that nowadays have been largely used to gain insight into the function of different types of macromolecules. As for RNA, it is becoming clear how important is its intracellular localization for the control of proper cell differentiation and development and how its perturbation can be linked to several pathological states. This aspect is even more important if one thinks of highly polarized cells such as neurons.In this chapter, we describe in detail an innovative RNA-FISH approach for the detection of circular RNAs (circRNAs), a recently discovered class of noncoding RNAs, which display different subcellular localizations and whose functions still largely remain to be elucidated. The detection of these molecules represents a great challenge, above all because they share most of their sequence with the corresponding linear counterparts, from which they differ only for the back-splicing junction (BSJ) originating from the circularization reaction. This implies the use of RNA-FISH probes capable of specifically binding the BSJ and avoiding the detection of the linear counterpart. This requirement imposes the design of probes on a very small region, which implies the risk of obtaining a low and undetectable signal. The BaseScope™ Assay RNA-FISH technology overpasses this problem since it is based on branched-DNA probes. With this approach it is possible to target a specific region of the RNA, even small such as a splicing junction, and at the same time to obtain a strong and well detectable signal. All this is possible thanks to subsequent series of probes that, starting from the first hybridization to the BSJ, build a branched tree of probes that greatly amplifies the signal. Here we provide a detailed step-by-step protocol of BaseScope™ RNA-FISH on circRNAs coupled with immunofluorescence, both in cells and tissues, and we address difficulties which may arise when using this methodology that depend on cell type, specific permeabilization, image acquisition, and post-acquisition analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora D'Ambra
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy.
- Center for Human Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Perego E, Zappone S, Castagnetti F, Mariani D, Vitiello E, Rupert J, Zacco E, Tartaglia GG, Bozzoni I, Slenders E, Vicidomini G. Single-photon microscopy to study biomolecular condensates. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8224. [PMID: 38086853 PMCID: PMC10716487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates serve as membrane-less compartments within cells, concentrating proteins and nucleic acids to facilitate precise spatial and temporal orchestration of various biological processes. The diversity of these processes and the substantial variability in condensate characteristics present a formidable challenge for quantifying their molecular dynamics, surpassing the capabilities of conventional microscopy. Here, we show that our single-photon microscope provides a comprehensive live-cell spectroscopy and imaging framework for investigating biomolecular condensation. Leveraging a single-photon detector array, single-photon microscopy enhances the potential of quantitative confocal microscopy by providing access to fluorescence signals at the single-photon level. Our platform incorporates photon spatiotemporal tagging, which allowed us to perform time-lapse super-resolved imaging for molecular sub-diffraction environment organization with simultaneous monitoring of molecular mobility, interactions, and nano-environment properties through fluorescence lifetime fluctuation spectroscopy. This integrated correlative study reveals the dynamics and interactions of RNA-binding proteins involved in forming stress granules, a specific type of biomolecular condensates, across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Our versatile framework opens up avenues for exploring a broad spectrum of biomolecular processes beyond the formation of membrane-less organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Perego
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zappone
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Informatica, Bioingegneria, Robotica e Ingegneria dei Sistemi, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Castagnetti
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Mariani
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jakob Rupert
- RNA Systems Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elsa Zacco
- RNA Systems Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- RNA Systems Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eli Slenders
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vicidomini
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
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Tollis P, Vitiello E, Migliaccio F, D'Ambra E, Rocchegiani A, Garone MG, Bozzoni I, Rosa A, Carissimo A, Laneve P, Caffarelli E. The long noncoding RNA nHOTAIRM1 is necessary for differentiation and activity of iPSC-derived spinal motor neurons. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:741. [PMID: 37963881 PMCID: PMC10646148 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian nervous system is made up of an extraordinary array of diverse cells that form intricate functional connections. The programs underlying cell lineage specification, identity and function of the neuronal subtypes are managed by regulatory proteins and RNAs, which coordinate the succession of steps in a stereotyped temporal order. In the central nervous system (CNS), motor neurons (MNs) are responsible for controlling essential functions such as movement, breathing, and swallowing by integrating signal transmission from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord (SC) towards peripheral muscles. A prime role in guiding the progression of progenitor cells towards the MN fate has been largely attributed to protein factors. More recently, the relevance of a class of regulatory RNAs abundantly expressed in the CNS - the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) - has emerged overwhelmingly. LncRNA-driven gene expression control is key to regulating any step of MN differentiation and function, and its derangement profoundly impacts neuronal pathophysiology. Here, we uncover a novel function for the neuronal isoform of HOTAIRM1 (nHOTAIRM1), a lncRNA specifically expressed in the SC. Using a model system that recapitulates spinal MN (spMN) differentiation, we show that nHOTAIRM1 intervenes in the binary cell fate decision between MNs and interneurons, acting as a pro-MN factor. Furthermore, human iPSC-derived spMNs without nHOTAIRM1 display altered neurite outgrowth, with a significant reduction of both branch and junction numbers. Finally, the expression of genes essential for synaptic connectivity and neurotransmission is also profoundly impaired when nHOTAIRM1 is absent in spMNs. Mechanistically, nHOTAIRM1 establishes both direct and indirect interactions with a number of target genes in the cytoplasm, being a novel post-transcriptional regulator of MN biology. Overall, our results indicate that the lncRNA nHOTAIRM1 is essential for the specification of MN identity and the acquisition of proper morphology and synaptic activity of post-mitotic MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tollis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano-& Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Human Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Migliaccio
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Applied Mathematics "Mauro Picone", CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora D'Ambra
- Center for Life Nano-& Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchegiani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Giovanna Garone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Stem Cell Biology Department, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano-& Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano-& Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, CNR, Italy.
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Perego E, Zappone S, Slenders E, Castagnetti F, Vitiello E, Mariani D, Mecarelli LS, Bozzoni I, Vicidomini G. Comprehensive fluorescence lifetime fluctuation spectroscopy to investigate protein mobility during aggregation processes in living cells. Biophys J 2023; 122:16a-17a. [PMID: 36782797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Perego
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zappone
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Eli Slenders
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Castagnetti
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Mariani
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo S Mecarelli
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Non coding RNAs in Physiology and Pathology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vicidomini
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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Pellegrini F, Padovano V, Biscarini S, Santini T, Setti A, Galfrè SG, Silenzi V, Vitiello E, Mariani D, Nicoletti C, Torromino G, De Leonibus E, Martone J, Bozzoni I. A KO mouse model for the lncRNA Lhx1os produces motor neuron alterations and locomotor impairment. iScience 2022; 26:105891. [PMID: 36647387 PMCID: PMC9840152 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe a conserved motor neuron-specific long non-coding RNA, Lhx1os, whose knockout in mice produces motor impairment and postnatal reduction of mature motor neurons (MNs). The ER stress-response pathway result specifically altered with the downregulation of factors involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR). Lhx1os was found to bind the ER-associated PDIA3 disulfide isomerase and to affect the expression of the same set of genes controlled by this protein, indicating that the two factors act in conjunction to modulate the UPR. Altogether, the observed phenotype and function of Lhx1os indicate its important role in the control of MN homeostasis and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pellegrini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Padovano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Biscarini
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Setti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Giulia Galfrè
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Silenzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Center for Human Technologies (CHT) Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Mariani
- Center for Human Technologies (CHT) Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- DAHFMO - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Torromino
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Neurobiology "ABT", CNR, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Neurobiology "ABT", CNR, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, 80078 Naples, Italy
| | - Julie Martone
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy,Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science@Sapienza of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy,Center for Human Technologies (CHT) Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy,Corresponding author
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D'Ambra E, Santini T, Vitiello E, D'Uva S, Silenzi V, Morlando M, Bozzoni I. Circ-Hdgfrp3 shuttles along neurites and is trapped in aggregates formed by ALS-associated mutant FUS. iScience 2021; 24:103504. [PMID: 34934923 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs belong to a family of RNA molecules which are conserved in evolution, have tissue-specific expression, and are abundant in neuronal cells. Here, we define several features of circ-Hdgfrp3 and describe interesting alterations occurring in motor neurons (MNs) carrying ALS-associated FUS mutations. Through a highly sensitive in situ approach we describe that circ-Hdgfrp3 traffics along neurites, while upon oxidative stress it is retained in the perinuclear region. While in wild-type stressed MNs, circ-Hdgfrp3 localizes in stress granules (SGs), in MNs carrying mutant FUS, a higher proportion of circ-Hdgfrp3 was trapped into cytoplasmic aggregates. Upon stress removal, circ-Hdgfrp3 was easily freed from SGs whereas it was less efficiently released from FUS-aggregates. We found that the human circ-Hdgfrp3 counterpart was also similarly associated to mutant FUS-aggregates in stressed neuronal cells. Overall, the alteration of circ-Hdgfrp3 trafficking adds a further layer of complexity to the role of FUS-aggregates in ALS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora D'Ambra
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Vitiello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Human Technology@ Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Sara D'Uva
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Silenzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Morlando
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Irene Bozzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Center for Human Technology@ Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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Mele A, Ippolito G, Craxì A, Coppola RC, Petrosillo N, Piazza M, Puro V, Rizzetto M, Sagliocca L, Taliani G, Zanetti A, Barni M, Bianco E, Bollero E, Cargnel A, Cattaneo M, Chiaramonte M, Conti E, D'Amelio R, De Stefano DM, Di Giulio S, Franco E, Gallo G, Levrero M, Mannella E, Erli SM, Milazzo F, Moiraghi A, Polillo R, Prati D, Ragni P, Sagnelli E, Scognamiglio P, Sommella L, Stroffolini T, Terrana T, Tosolini G, Vitiello E, Zanesco L, Ziparo V, Maffei C, Moro ML, Satolli R, Traversa G. Risk management of HBsAg or anti-HCV positive healthcare workers in hospital. Dig Liver Dis 2001; 33:795-802. [PMID: 11838616 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(01)80698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recommendations are made for controlling the transmission of the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses from healthcare workers to patients. These recommendations were based both on the literature and on experts' opinions, obtained during a Consensus Conference. The quality of the published information and of the experts' opinions was classified into 6 levels, based on the source of the information. The recommendations can be summarised as follows: all healthcare workers must undergo hepatitis B virus vaccination and adopt the standard measures for infection control in hospitals; healthcare workers who directly perform invasive procedures must undergo serological testing and the evaluation of markers of viral infection. Those found to be positive for: 1) HBsAg and HBeAg, 2) HBsAg and hepatitis B virus DNA, or 3) anti-hepatitis C virus and hepatitis C virus RNA must abstain from directly performing invasive procedures; no other limitations in their activities are necessary. Infected healthcare workers are urged to inform their patients of their infectious status, although this is left to the discretion of the healthcare worker; whose privacy is guaranteed by law. If exposure to hepatitis B virus occurs, the healthcare worker must undergo prophylaxis with specific immunoglobulins, in addition to vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mele
- Institute of Health, L. Spallanzani Hospital, Italian Association for the Study of the Liver, Rome, Italy.
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Vitiello E, Peruzzi M, Campi G, Romano P, Rondanina G, Ruzzon T. An immunoclone database for the European scientific community. Cytotechnology 1993; 11:S165. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00746093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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