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Zoch A, Konieczny G, Auchynnikava T, Stallmeyer B, Rotte N, Heep M, Berrens RV, Schito M, Kabayama Y, Schöpp T, Kliesch S, Houston B, Nagirnaja L, O'Bryan MK, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Cook AG, Tüttelmann F, O'Carroll D. C19ORF84 connects piRNA and DNA methylation machineries to defend the mammalian germ line. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1021-1035.e11. [PMID: 38359823 PMCID: PMC10960678 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.014] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In the male mouse germ line, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), bound by the PIWI protein MIWI2 (PIWIL4), guide DNA methylation of young active transposons through SPOCD1. However, the underlying mechanisms of SPOCD1-mediated piRNA-directed transposon methylation and whether this pathway functions to protect the human germ line remain unknown. We identified loss-of-function variants in human SPOCD1 that cause defective transposon silencing and male infertility. Through the analysis of these pathogenic alleles, we discovered that the uncharacterized protein C19ORF84 interacts with SPOCD1. DNMT3C, the DNA methyltransferase responsible for transposon methylation, associates with SPOCD1 and C19ORF84 in fetal gonocytes. Furthermore, C19ORF84 is essential for piRNA-directed DNA methylation and male mouse fertility. Finally, C19ORF84 mediates the in vivo association of SPOCD1 with the de novo methylation machinery. In summary, we have discovered a conserved role for the human piRNA pathway in transposon silencing and C19ORF84, an uncharacterized protein essential for orchestrating piRNA-directed DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Gabriela Konieczny
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Madeleine Heep
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Rebecca V Berrens
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX37TY, UK
| | - Martina Schito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Theresa Schöpp
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Brendan Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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Stepanov YK, Herrmann C, Stöckl JB, Köhn FM, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Prolonged exposure to dexamethasone alters the proteome and cellular phenotype of human testicular peritubular cells. Proteomics 2024:e2300616. [PMID: 38419139 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300616] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) are smooth muscle cells, which in the testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. Contractions of HTPCs are responsible for sperm transport, HTPCs contribute to spermatogenesis, have immunological roles and are a site of glucocorticoid receptor expression. Importantly, HTPCs maintain their characteristics in vitro, and thus can serve as an experimental window into the male gonad. Previously we reported consequences of 3-day treatment with Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid and multi-purpose anti-inflammatory drug. However, as glucocorticoid therapies in man often last longer, we now studied consequences of a prolonged 7-day exposure to 1 µM Dex. Combining live cell imaging with quantative proteomics of samples taken from men, we confirmed our recent findings but more importantly, found numerous novel proteomic alterations induced by prolonged Dex treatment. The comparison of the 7-day treatment with the 3-day treatment dataset revealed that extracellular matrix- and focal adhesion-related proteins become more prominent after 7 days of treatment. In contrast, extended stimulation is, for example, associated with a decrease of proteins related to cholesterol and steroid metabolism. Our dataset, which describes phenotypic and proteomic alterations, is a valuable resource for further research projects investigating effects of Dex on human testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youli K Stepanov
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, AG Mayerhofer, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Stepanov YK, Speidel JD, Herrmann C, Schmid N, Behr R, Köhn FM, Stöckl JB, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Fröhlich T, Mayerhofer A, Welter H. Profound Effects of Dexamethasone on the Immunological State, Synthesis and Secretion Capacity of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193164. [PMID: 36231125 PMCID: PMC9562650 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193164] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), forming a small compartment located between the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitial areas of the testis, are not fully known but go beyond intratesticular sperm transport and include immunological roles. The expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) indicates that they may be regulated by glucocorticoids (GCs). Herein, we studied the consequences of the GC dexamethasone (Dex) in cultured HTPCs, which serves as a unique window into the human testis. We examined changes in cytokines, mainly by qPCR and ELISA. A holistic mass-spectrometry-based proteome analysis of cellular and secreted proteins was also performed. Dex, used in a therapeutic concentration, decreased the transcript level of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL6, IL8 and MCP1. An siRNA-mediated knockdown of GR reduced the actions on IL6. Changes in IL6 were confirmed by ELISA measurements. Of note, Dex also lowered GR levels. The proteomic results revealed strong responses after 24 h (31 significantly altered cellular proteins) and more pronounced ones after 72 h of Dex exposure (30 less abundant and 42 more abundant cellular proteins). Dex also altered the composition of the secretome (33 proteins decreased, 13 increased) after 72 h. Among the regulated proteins were extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane components (e.g., FBLN2, COL1A2 and COL3A1), as well as PTX3 and StAR. These results pinpoint novel, profound effects of Dex in HTPCs. If transferrable to the human testis, changes specifically in ECM and the immunological state of the testis may occur in men upon treatment with Dex for medical reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Dominik Speidel
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Bernd Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU München, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (H.W.); Tel.: +49-89218075859 (A.M.); +49-89218071882 (H.W.)
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Mongioì LM, Perelli S, Condorelli RA, Barbagallo F, Crafa A, Cannarella R, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. The Role of Resveratrol in Human Male Fertility. Molecules 2021; 26:2495. [PMID: 33923359 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) (3,4′,5 trihydroxystilbene) is a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol widely present in the Mediterranean diet. In particular, RSV is found in grapes, peanuts, berries, and red wine. Many beneficial effects of this molecule on human health have been reported. In fact, it improves some clinical aspects of various diseases, such as obesity, tumors, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about the relationship between this compound and male fertility and the few available results are often controversial. Therefore, this review evaluated the effects of RSV on human male fertility and the mechanisms through which this polyphenol could act on human spermatozoa.
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Mayerhofer A, Dietrich KG, Urbanski HF, Köhn FM, Pickl U, Trottmann M, Kievit P, Welter H. Palmitic Acid Targets Human Testicular Peritubular Cells and Causes a Pro-Inflammatory Response. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2655. [PMID: 32824411 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitic acid (PA) is a major fatty acid, derived from diet and endogenous production, which is being linked to inflammation. While such actions of PA at the level of the testis remain difficult to examine, we reasoned that studies in human testicular cells may be instructive. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) can be isolated from men and cultured. They have contractile properties but also produce Interleukin 6 (IL6), express the inflammasome member NLRP3, and via glia cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), they contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. We found that PA at 100 µM significantly increased the levels of IL6, while NLRP3 or the related Interleukin 1 beta (IL1beta) were not affected. The contractility marker calponin (CNN1) and the growth factor GDNF were likewise not affected. ELISA studies confirmed the stimulatory PA actions on IL6. Hence, PA derived from diet and/or endogenous sources may be able to foster a pro-inflammatory milieu in the testis. A possible link of these results to diet and high fat intake and obesity is indicated by the about 12-fold elevated testicular levels of IL6 in testes of obese rhesus monkeys (n = 3), fed with a Western Style diet. They had elevated 2–5-fold increased body fat and increased circulating triglyceride levels. Further consequences of PA and obesity for testicular functions remain to be evaluated.
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Welter H, Herrmann C, Dellweg N, Missel A, Thanisch C, Urbanski HF, Köhn FM, Schwarzer JU, Müller-Taubenberger A, Mayerhofer A. The Glucocorticoid Receptor NR3C1 in Testicular Peritubular Cells is Developmentally Regulated and Linked to the Smooth Muscle-Like Cellular Phenotype. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E961. [PMID: 32244354 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether glucocorticoids (GC) can directly affect human testicular functions is not well understood. A predominant site of GC receptor (GR; NR3C1) expression in the adult testis are peritubular smooth muscle-like cells, which express smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), contract and thereby are involved in sperm transport. In contrast to the adult, neither GR nor ACTA2, or elastin (ELN) were detected in the peritubular compartment before puberty in non-human primate testes. In isolated human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), activation of GR by dexamethasone (Dex) caused the translocation of GR to the nucleus and stimulated expression of ACTA2 and ELN, without affecting the expression of collagens. Cytoskeletal ACTA2-rearrangements were observed and were associated with an increased ability to contract. Our results indicate post-pubertal testicular roles of GC in the maintenance of the contractile, smooth muscle-like phenotype of peritubular cells.
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Governini L, Semplici B, Pavone V, Crifasi L, Marrocco C, De Leo V, Arlt E, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I, Luddi A, Piomboni P. Expression of Taste Receptor 2 Subtypes in Human Testis and Sperm. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E264. [PMID: 31963712 PMCID: PMC7019805 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors (TASRs) are expressed not only in the oral cavity but also throughout the body, thus suggesting that they may play different roles in organ systems beyond the tongue. Recent studies showed the expression of several TASRs in mammalian testis and sperm, indicating an involvement of these receptors in male gametogenesis and fertility. This notion is supported by an impaired reproductive phenotype of mouse carrying targeted deletion of taste receptor genes, as well as by a significant correlation between human semen parameters and specific polymorphisms of taste receptor genes. To better understand the biological and thus clinical significance of these receptors for human reproduction, we analyzed the expression of several members of the TAS2Rs family of bitter receptors in human testis and in ejaculated sperm before and after in vitro selection and capacitation. Our results provide evidence for the expression of TAS2R genes, with TAS2R14 being the most expressed bitter receptor subtype in both testis tissue and sperm cells, respectively. In addition, it was observed that in vitro capacitation significantly affects both the expression and the subcellular localization of these receptors in isolated spermatozoa. Interestingly, α-gustducin and α-transducin, two Gα subunits expressed in taste buds on the tongue, are also expressed in human spermatozoa; moreover, a subcellular redistribution of both G protein α-subunits to different sub-compartments of sperm was registered upon in vitro capacitation. Finally, we shed light on the possible downstream transduction pathway initiated upon taste receptor activation in the male reproductive system. Performing ultrasensitive droplets digital PCR assays to quantify RNA copy numbers of a distinct gene, we found a significant correlation between the expression of TAS2Rs and TRPM5 (r = 0.87), the cation channel involved in bitter but also sweet and umami taste transduction in taste buds on the tongue. Even if further studies are needed to clarify the precise functional role of taste receptors for successful reproduction, the presented findings significantly extend our knowledge of the biological role of TAS2Rs for human male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Bianca Semplici
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Laura Crifasi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Camilla Marrocco
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Elisabeth Arlt
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
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