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Yang Q, Yang Q, Wu X, Zheng R, Lin H, Wang S, Joseph J, Sun YV, Li M, Wang T, Zhao Z, Xu M, Lu J, Chen Y, Ning G, Wang W, Bi Y, Zheng J, Xu Y. Sex-stratified genome-wide association and transcriptome-wide Mendelian randomization studies reveal drug targets of heart failure. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101382. [PMID: 38237596 PMCID: PMC10897518 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101382] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of heart failure (HF) subtypes, which are classified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), demonstrate significant sex differences. Here, we perform sex-stratified genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on LVEF and transcriptome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) on LVEF, all-cause HF, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The sex-stratified GWASs of LVEF identified three sex-specific loci that were exclusively detected in the sex-stratified GWASs. Three drug target genes show sex-differential effects on HF/HFrEF via influencing LVEF, with NPR2 as the target gene for the HF drug Cenderitide under phase 2 clinical trial. Our study highlights the importance of considering sex-differential genetic effects in sex-balanced diseases such as HF and emphasizes the value of sex-stratified GWASs and MR in identifying putative genetic variants, causal genes, and candidate drug targets for HF, which is not identifiable using a sex-combined strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Yang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Yang
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Xueyan Wu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruizhi Zheng
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangyuan Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jacob Joseph
- Cardiology Section, VA Providence Healthcare System, 830 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02908, USA; Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Yan V Sun
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Mian Li
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiange Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyun Zhao
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieli Lu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yufang Bi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Helmold BR, Pauss KE, Ozdinler PH. TDP-43 protein interactome informs about perturbed canonical pathways and may help develop personalized medicine approaches for patients with TDP-43 pathology. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103769. [PMID: 37714405 PMCID: PMC10872580 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103769] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) pathology is a common proteinopathy observed among a broad spectrum of patients with neurodegenerative disease, regardless of the mutation. This suggests that protein-protein interactions of TDP-43 with other proteins may in part be responsible for the pathology. To gain better insights, we investigated TDP-43-binding proteins in each domain and correlated these interactions with canonical pathways. These investigations revealed key cellular events that are involved and are important at each domain and suggested previously identified compounds to modulate key aspects of these canonical pathways. Our approach proposes that personalized medicine approaches, which focus on perturbed cellular mechanisms would be feasible in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kate E Pauss
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - P Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60611, USA; Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Feinberg School of Medicine, Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Chen Z, Zhou H, Hu H, Chen L. Blocking the Metabolic Switch Toward Cytosolic 1C Flux: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Tumors With Low SLC19A1 Expression. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610337. [PMID: 35531073 PMCID: PMC9072622 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, College of Basic Medical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Haoliang Hu
- Changde Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Biomedicine, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, College of Basic Medical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Gotardo AT, Dipe VV, Almeida ERMD, Hueza IM, Pfister JA, Górniak SL. Potential toxic effects produced by L-mimosine in the thyroid and reproductive systems. Evaluation in male rats. Toxicon 2021; 203:121-128. [PMID: 34662629 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Leucaena leucocephala is a worldwide plant used as forage; however, its use in animal production has been limited because of the presence of a toxic nonprotein amino acid, L-mimosine. L-mimosine exhibits negative effects not only in ruminants but also in monogastric animals; however, there is little information available on the effect of this amino acid in monogastric species. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the general toxicity of L-mimosine in rats, as well as its effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems. L-mimosine was extracted from seeds of L. leucocephala that were administered orally by gavage to adult Wistar rats at different doses of 25, 40 and 60 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days. The following parameters were evaluated: weight gain, feed intake, serum enzymes, histopathology (liver, kidney, thyroid, thymus, and spleen), serum hormones (testosterone, corticosterone, T3 and T4) and sexual behavior. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals, but histopathology revealed consistent lesions in the thyroids. Additionally, rats exposed to L-mimosine presented low serum levels of testosterone, decreased mount numbers and increased mount intervals. Therefore, our study reinforces the assumption that L-mimosine has goitrogenic potential and causes impairment in male reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Tadeu Gotardo
- Research Centre for Veterinary Toxicology (CEPTOX) - Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 05508-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Vânius Vinicius Dipe
- Research Centre for Veterinary Toxicology (CEPTOX) - Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 05508-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Elaine Renata Motta de Almeida
- Research Centre for Veterinary Toxicology (CEPTOX) - Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 05508-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Isis Machado Hueza
- Research Centre for Veterinary Toxicology (CEPTOX) - Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 05508-270, SP, Brazil; Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (ICAQF-UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Diadema, 09913-030, Brazil
| | - James Alan Pfister
- USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant ResearchLaboratory, 1150 E. 1400 N., Logan, UT, 84341, USA
| | - Silvana Lima Górniak
- Research Centre for Veterinary Toxicology (CEPTOX) - Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, 05508-270, SP, Brazil.
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Strengths and Weaknesses of Cell Synchronization Protocols Based on Inhibition of DNA Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910759. [PMID: 34639098 PMCID: PMC8509769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchronous cell populations are commonly used for the analysis of various aspects of cellular metabolism at specific stages of the cell cycle. Cell synchronization at a chosen cell cycle stage is most frequently achieved by inhibition of specific metabolic pathway(s). In this respect, various protocols have been developed to synchronize cells in particular cell cycle stages. In this review, we provide an overview of the protocols for cell synchronization of mammalian cells based on the inhibition of synthesis of DNA building blocks-deoxynucleotides and/or inhibition of DNA synthesis. The mechanism of action, examples of their use, and advantages and disadvantages are described with the aim of providing a guide for the selection of suitable protocol for different studied situations.
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A Multipurpose Leguminous Plant for the Mediterranean Countries: Leucaena leucocephala as an Alternative Protein Source: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082230. [PMID: 34438688 PMCID: PMC8388360 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The need to address the shortage of protein ingredients linked to both territoriality and growing demand pushes research to focus attention on alternative protein sources, both vegetable and animal (insects). This review describes the characteristics, uses, strengths, and weaknesses of Leucaena leucocephala, a legume that can be used in the zootechnical field as an alternative to traditional protein sources for feed formulation. Abstract In tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in the internal and/or marginal Mediterranean areas, one of the most important problems related to animal production is represented by the inadequate nutritional supplies. The low productivity of the animals, often connected to reduced annual growth, is, in fact, not infrequently attributable to the low nitrogen content and the high fiber content of the local plant species and crop residues that constitute the base ingredients of the rations commonly adopted by farmers. The use of the supplementation with arboreal and shrub fodder, although often containing anti-nutritional factors and toxins that limit its use, could be a profitable way to alleviate the nutritional deficiencies of the basic diets. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit is native to Central America and widely naturalized in the majority of Latin American countries. It is a legume suitable for tropical and subtropical environments including the countries of the Mediterranean area. Moreover, its spread is desirable if we consider the multiple uses to which it is suitable, the considerable amount of biomass produced, and its role in preserving the environment. The aim of this work was to highlight the characteristics of Leucaena that can justify its wide diffusion. A structured analysis of strengths and weaknesses was performed accordingly. Being a good protein source for feeding livestock, it could be a species to be introduced in the inland areas of the Mediterranean countries as an alternative protein source; the limit represented by the presence of anti-nutritional factors could be overcome by feed processing and by launching targeted research programs.
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Li X, Yang J, Pu Q, Peng X, Xu L, Liu S. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase controls blood-meal digestion in the midgut of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:460. [PMID: 31551071 PMCID: PMC6757384 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors of arboviruses that cause diverse diseases of public health significance. Blood protein digestion by midgut proteases provides anautogenous mosquitoes with the nutrients essential for oocyte maturation and egg production. Midgut-specific miR-1174 affects the functions of the midgut through its target gene serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). However, less is known about SHMT-regulated processes in blood digestion by mosquitoes. Methods RNAi of SHMT was realized by injection of the double-stranded RNA at 16 h post-eclosion. The expression of SHMT at mRNA level and protein level was assayed by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad7 using Student’s t-test. Results Here, we confirmed that digestion of blood was inhibited in SHMT RNAi-silenced female A. aegypti mosquitoes. Evidence is also presented that all SHMT-depleted female mosquitoes lost their flight ability and died within 48 h of a blood meal. Furthermore, most examined digestive enzymes responded differently in their transcriptional expression to RNAi depletion of SHMT, with some downregulated, some upregulated and some remaining stable. Phylogenetic analysis showed that transcriptional expression responses to SHMT silence were largely unrelated to the sequence similarity between these enzymes. Conclusions Overall, this research shows that SHMT was expressed at a low level in the midgut of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but blood-meal digestion was inhibited when SHMT was silenced. Transcriptional expressions of different digestive enzymes were affected in response to SHMT depletion, suggesting that SHMT is required for the blood-meal digestion in the midgut and targeting SHMT could provide an effective strategy for vector mosquito population control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.,College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China. .,College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China. .,College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, People's Republic of China.
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Kyriakou S, Mitsiogianni M, Mantso T, Cheung W, Todryk S, Veuger S, Pappa A, Tetard D, Panayiotidis MI. Anticancer activity of a novel methylated analogue of L-mimosine against an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:621-633. [PMID: 31240512 PMCID: PMC7211211 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00809-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The anticancer activity of a series of novel synthesized, hydroxypyridone-based metal chelators (analogues of L-mimosine) was evaluated in an in vitro model of melanoma consisting of malignant melanoma (A375), non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and immortalized non-malignant keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. More specifically, we have demonstrated that the L-enantiomer of a methylated analogue of L-mimosine (compound 22) can exert a potent anticancer effect in A375 cells when compared to either A431 or HaCaT cells. Moreover, we have demonstrated that this analogue has the ability to i) promote increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ii) activate both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis and iii) induce perturbations in cell cycle growth arrest. Our data highlights the potential of compound 22 to act as a promising therapeutic agent against an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotiris Kyriakou
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Melina Mitsiogianni
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Theodora Mantso
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - William Cheung
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen Todryk
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephany Veuger
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - David Tetard
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins selectively enhances venous thrombus neovascularisation. Thromb Res 2018; 169:105-112. [PMID: 30031289 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia within acute venous thrombi is thought to drive resolution through stabilisation of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α). Prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) isoforms are critical regulators of HIF1α stability. Non-selective inhibition of PHD isoforms with l-mimosine has been shown to increase HIF1α stabilisation and promote thrombus resolution. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of PHD inhibition in venous thrombus resolution. METHODS Thrombosis was induced in the inferior vena cava of mice using a combination of flow restriction and endothelial activation. Gene and protein expression of PHD isoforms in the resolving thrombus was measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Thrombus resolution was quantified in mice treated with pan PHD inhibitors AKB-4924 and JNJ-42041935 or inducible all-cell Phd2 knockouts by micro-computed tomography, 3D high frequency ultrasound or endpoint histology. RESULTS Resolving venous thrombi demonstrated significant temporal gene expression profiles for PHD2 and PHD3 (P < 0.05), but not for PHD1. PHD isoform protein expression was localised to early and late inflammatory cell infiltrates. Treatment with selective pan PHD inhibitors, AKB-4924 and JNJ-42041935, enhanced thrombus neovascularisation (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on overall thrombus resolution. Thrombus resolution or its markers, macrophage accumulation and neovascularisation, did not differ significantly in inducible all-cell homozygous Phd2 knockouts compared with littermate controls (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This data suggests that PHD-mediated thrombus neovascularisation has a limited role in the resolution of venous thrombi. Directly targeting angiogenesis alone may not be a viable therapeutic strategy to enhance venous thrombus resolution.
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Cytosolic Cysteine Synthase Switch Cysteine and Mimosine Production in Leucaena leucocephala. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2018; 186:613-632. [PMID: 29691793 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-018-2745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In higher plants, multiple copies of the cysteine synthase gene are present for cysteine biosynthesis. Some of these genes also have the potential to produce various kinds of β-substitute alanine. In the present study, we cloned a 1275-bp cDNA for cytosolic O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (cysteine synthase) (Cy-OASTL) from Leucaena leucocephala. The purified protein product showed a dual function of cysteine and mimosine synthesis. Kinetics studies showed pH optima of 7.5 and 8.0, while temperature optima of 40 and 35 °C, respectively, for cysteine and mimosine synthesis. The kinetic parameters such as apparent Km, kcat were determined for both cysteine and mimosine synthesis with substrates O-acetylserine (OAS) and Na2S or 3-hydroxy-4-pyridone (3H4P). From the in vitro results with the common substrate OAS, the apparent kcat for Cys production is over sixfold higher than mimosine synthesis and the apparent Km is 3.7 times lower, suggesting Cys synthesis is the favored pathway.
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Chang WN, Chi WY, Kao TT, Tsai JN, Liu W, Liang SS, Chiu CC, Chen BH, Fu TF. The Transgenic Zebrafish Display Fluorescence Reflecting the Expressional Dynamics of Dihydrofolate Reductase. Zebrafish 2017; 14:223-235. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2016.1381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ni Chang
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Chi
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tseng-Ting Kao
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Ning Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wangta Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Shin Liang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Fun Fu
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- The Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Popova AA, Koksharova OA. Neurotoxic Non-proteinogenic Amino Acid β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine and Its Role in Biological Systems. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:794-805. [PMID: 27677549 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916080022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites of photoautotrophic organisms have attracted considerable interest in recent years. In particular, molecules of non-proteinogenic amino acids participating in various physiological processes and capable of producing adverse ecological effects have been actively investigated. For example, the non-proteinogenic amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is neurotoxic to animals including humans. It is known that BMAA accumulation via the food chain can lead to development of neurodegenerative diseases in humans such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, BMAA can be mistakenly incorporated into a protein molecule instead of serine. Natural sources of BMAA and methods for its detection are discussed in this review, as well as the role of BMAA in metabolism of its producers and possible mechanisms of toxicity of this amino acid in different living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Popova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia.
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13
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Nguyen BCQ, Tawata S. The Chemistry and Biological Activities of Mimosine: A Review. Phytother Res 2016; 30:1230-42. [PMID: 27213712 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mimosine [β-[N-(3-hydroxy-4-oxypyridyl)]-α-aminopropionic acid] is a non-protein amino acid found in the members of Mimosoideae family. There are a considerable number of reports available on the chemistry, methods for estimation, biosynthesis, regulation, and degradation of this secondary metabolite. On the other hand, over the past years of active research, mimosine has been found to have various biological activities such as anti-cancer, antiinflammation, anti-fibrosis, anti-influenza, anti-virus, herbicidal and insecticidal activities, and others. Mimosine is a leading compound of interest for use in the development of RAC/CDC42-activated kinase 1 (PAK1)-specific inhibitors for the treatment of various diseases/disorders, because PAK1 is not essential for the growth of normal cells. Interestingly, the new roles of mimosine in malignant glioma treatment, regenerative dentistry, and phytoremediation are being emerged. These identified properties indicate an exciting future for this amino acid. The present review is focused on the chemistry and recognized biological activities of mimosine in an attempt to draw a link between these two characteristics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binh Cao Quan Nguyen
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.,PAK Research Center, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Shinkichi Tawata
- PAK Research Center, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.,Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru 1, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
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Fallon AM. Effects of mimosine on Wolbachia in mosquito cells: cell cycle suppression reduces bacterial abundance. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2015; 51:958-63. [PMID: 26019119 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The plant allelochemical L-mimosine (β-[N-(3-hydroxy-4-pyridone)]-α-aminopropionic acid; leucenol) resembles the nonessential amino acid, tyrosine. Because the obligate intracellular alphaproteobacterium, Wolbachia pipientis, metabolizes amino acids derived from host cells, the effects of mimosine on infected and uninfected mosquito cells were investigated. The EC50 for mimosine was 6-7 μM with Aedes albopictus C7-10 and C/wStr cell lines, and was not influenced by infection status. Mosquito cells responded to concentrations of mimosine substantially lower than those used to synchronize the mammalian cell cycle; at concentrations of 30-35 μM, mimosine reversibly arrested the mosquito cell cycle at the G1/S boundary and inhibited growth of Wolbachia strain wStr. Although lower concentrations of mimosine slightly increased wStr abundance, concentrations that suppressed the cell cycle reduced Wolbachia levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Fallon
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
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Hayashi Y, Yamamoto N, Nakagawa T, Ito J. Insulin-like growth factor 1 inhibits hair cell apoptosis and promotes the cell cycle of supporting cells by activating different downstream cascades after pharmacological hair cell injury in neonatal mice. Mol Cell Neurosci 2013; 56:29-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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MacFarlane AJ, Anderson DD, Flodby P, Perry CA, Allen RH, Stabler SP, Stover PJ. Nuclear localization of de novo thymidylate biosynthesis pathway is required to prevent uracil accumulation in DNA. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:44015-44022. [PMID: 22057276 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.307629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Uracil accumulates in DNA as a result of impaired folate-dependent de novo thymidylate biosynthesis, a pathway composed of the enzymes serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), and dihydrofolate reductase. In G1, this pathway is present in the cytoplasm and at S phase undergoes small ubiquitin-like modifier-dependent translocation to the nucleus. It is not known whether this pathway functions in the cytoplasm, nucleus, or both in vivo. SHMT1 generates 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate for de novo thymidylate biosynthesis, a limiting step in the pathway, but also tightly binds 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in the cytoplasm, a required cofactor for homocysteine remethylation. Overexpression of SHMT1 in cell cultures inhibits folate-dependent homocysteine remethylation and enhances thymidylate biosynthesis. In this study, the impact of increased Shmt1 expression on folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism was determined in mice that overexpress the Shmt1 cDNA (Shmt1tg+ mice). Compared with wild type mice, Shmt1tg+ mice exhibited elevated SHMT1 and TYMS protein levels in tissues and evidence for impaired homocysteine remethylation but surprisingly exhibited depressed levels of nuclear SHMT1 and TYMS, lower rates of nuclear de novo thymidylate biosynthesis, and a nearly 10-fold increase in uracil content in hepatic nuclear DNA when fed a folate- and choline-deficient diet. These results demonstrate that SHMT1 and TYMS localization to the nucleus is essential to prevent uracil accumulation in nuclear DNA and indicate that SHMT1-mediated nuclear de novo thymidylate synthesis is critical for maintaining DNA integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J MacFarlane
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Donald D Anderson
- Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Per Flodby
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Cheryll A Perry
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Robert H Allen
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Sally P Stabler
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Patrick J Stover
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853; Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853.
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Beaudin AE, Abarinov EV, Noden DM, Perry CA, Chu S, Stabler SP, Allen RH, Stover PJ. Shmt1 and de novo thymidylate biosynthesis underlie folate-responsive neural tube defects in mice. Am J Clin Nutr 2011; 93:789-98. [PMID: 21346092 PMCID: PMC3057548 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.110.002766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folic acid supplementation prevents the occurrence and recurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs), but the causal metabolic pathways underlying folic acid-responsive NTDs have not been established. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT1) partitions folate-derived one-carbon units to thymidylate biosynthesis at the expense of cellular methylation, and therefore SHMT1-deficient mice are a model to investigate the metabolic origin of folate-associated pathologies. OBJECTIVES We examined whether genetic disruption of the Shmt1 gene in mice induces NTDs in response to maternal folate and choline deficiency and whether a corresponding disruption in de novo thymidylate biosynthesis underlies NTD pathogenesis. DESIGN Shmt1 wild-type, Shmt1(+/-), and Shmt1(-/-) mice fed either folate- and choline-sufficient or folate- and choline-deficient diets were bred, and litters were examined for the presence of NTDs. Biomarkers of impaired folate metabolism were measured in the dams. In addition, the effect of Shmt1 disruption on NTD incidence was investigated in Pax3(Sp) mice, an established folate-responsive NTD mouse model. RESULTS Shmt1(+/-) and Shmt1(-/-) embryos exhibited exencephaly in response to maternal folate and choline deficiency. Shmt1 disruption on the Pax3(Sp) background exacerbated NTD frequency and severity. Pax3 disruption impaired de novo thymidylate and purine biosynthesis and altered amounts of SHMT1 and thymidylate synthase protein. CONCLUSIONS SHMT1 is the only folate-metabolizing enzyme that has been shown to affect neural tube closure in mice by directly inhibiting folate metabolism. These results provide evidence that disruption of Shmt1 expression causes NTDs by impairing thymidylate biosynthesis and shows that changes in the expression of genes that encode folate-dependent enzymes may be key determinates of NTD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Beaudin
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Chandok GS, Kapoor KK, Brick RM, Sidorova JM, Krasilnikova MM. A distinct first replication cycle of DNA introduced in mammalian cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:2103-15. [PMID: 21062817 PMCID: PMC3064806 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many mutation events in microsatellite DNA sequences were traced to the first embryonic divisions. It was not known what makes the first replication cycles of embryonic DNA different from subsequent replication cycles. Here we demonstrate that an unusual replication mode is involved in the first cycle of replication of DNA introduced in mammalian cells. This alternative replication starts at random positions, and occurs before the chromatin is fully assembled. It is detected in various cell lines and primary cells. The presence of single-stranded regions increases the efficiency of this alternative replication mode. The alternative replication cannot progress through the A/T-rich FRA16B fragile site, while the regular replication mode is not affected by it. A/T-rich microsatellites are associated with the majority of chromosomal breakpoints in cancer. We suggest that the alternative replication mode may be initiated at the regions with immature chromatin structure in embryonic and cancer cells resulting in increased genomic instability. This work demonstrates, for the first time, differences in the replication progression during the first and subsequent replication cycles in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurangad S. Chandok
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16801 and Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7705 USA
| | - Kalvin K. Kapoor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16801 and Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7705 USA
| | - Rachel M. Brick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16801 and Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7705 USA
| | - Julia M. Sidorova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16801 and Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7705 USA
| | - Maria M. Krasilnikova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16801 and Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7705 USA
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Rowe J, Greenblatt RJ, Liu D, Moffat JF. Compounds that target host cell proteins prevent varicella-zoster virus replication in culture, ex vivo, and in SCID-Hu mice. Antiviral Res 2010; 86:276-85. [PMID: 20307580 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2010.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) replicates in quiescent T cells, neurons, and skin cells. In cultured fibroblasts (HFFs), VZV induces host cyclin expression and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity without causing cell cycle progression. CDK1/cyclin B1 phosphorylates the major viral transactivator, and the CDK inhibitor roscovitine prevents VZV mRNA transcription. We investigated the antiviral effects of additional compounds that target CDKs or other cell cycle enzymes in culture, ex vivo, and in vivo. Cytotoxicity and cell growth arrest doses were determined by Neutral Red assay. Antiviral effects were evaluated in HFFs by plaque assay, genome copy number, and bioluminescence. Positive controls were acyclovir (400 microM) and phosphonoacetic acid (PAA, 1 mM). Test compounds were roscovitine, aloisine A, and purvalanol A (CDK inhibitors), aphidicolin (inhibits human and herpesvirus DNA polymerase), l-mimosine (indirectly inhibits human DNA polymerase), and DRB (inhibits casein kinase 2). All had antiviral effects below the concentrations required for cell growth arrest. Compounds were tested in skin organ culture at EC(99) doses; all prevented VZV replication in skin, except for aloisine A and purvalanol A. In SCID mice with skin xenografts, roscovitine (0.7 mg/kg/day) was as effective as PAA (36 mg/kg/day). The screening systems described here are useful models for evaluating novel antiviral drugs for VZV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Rowe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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20
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Nunn PB. Three phases of research on beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA)--a neurotoxic amino acid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 10 Suppl 2:26-33. [PMID: 19929728 DOI: 10.3109/17482960903272975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This paper discusses various aspects of the research that lead from the discovery of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) to consider a variety of mechanisms that might explain the acute and chronic toxicities of this non-protein amino acid. Such is the fashion of science that current work represents the third phase of research on this compound over a period of more than 40 years. BMAA is now known to exist not only in the plant genus Cycas, where it is synthesized by symbiotic cyanobacteria in the coralloid roots of the plants, but to be widely distributed in the many sites at which free living cyanobacteria abound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Nunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, UK.
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Nunn PB, Bell EA, Watson AA, Nash RJ. Toxicity of Non-protein Amino Acids to Humans and Domestic Animals. Nat Prod Commun 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1000500329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-protein amino acids are common in plants and are present in widely consumed animal feeds and human foods such as alfalfa ( Medicago sativa), which contains canavanine, and lentil ( Lens culinaris), which contains homoarginine. Some occur in wild species that are inadvertently harvested with crop species. Some nonprotein amino acids and metabolites can be toxic to humans, e.g. Lathyrus species contain a neurotoxic oxalyl-amino acid. Some potential toxins may be passed along a food chain via animal intermediates. The increased interest in herbal medicines in the Western countries will increase exposure to such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B. Nunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, St Michael's Building, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - E. Arthur Bell
- Formerly at the School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, WC2R 2LS, England, UK
| | - Alison A. Watson
- Phytoquest Limited, Aberystwyth University, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB, UK
| | - Robert J. Nash
- Phytoquest Limited, Aberystwyth University, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB, UK
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Stover PJ, MacFarlane AJ. Mouse models to elucidate mechanisms of folate-related cancer pathologies. Nutr Rev 2009; 66 Suppl 1:S54-8. [PMID: 18673492 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00069.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Stover
- Cornell University, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
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23
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Maret W, Sandstead HH. Possible roles of zinc nutriture in the fetal origins of disease. Exp Gerontol 2008; 43:378-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2007.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 10/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Tetrahydrofolate (THF) polyglutamates are a family of cofactors that carry and chemically activate one-carbon units for biosynthesis. THF-mediated one-carbon metabolism is a metabolic network of interdependent biosynthetic pathways that is compartmentalized in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus. One-carbon metabolism in the cytoplasm is required for the synthesis of purines and thymidylate and the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. One-carbon metabolism in the mitochondria is required for the synthesis of formylated methionyl-tRNA; the catabolism of choline, purines, and histidine; and the interconversion of serine and glycine. Mitochondria are also the primary source of one-carbon units for cytoplasmic metabolism. Increasing evidence indicates that folate-dependent de novo thymidylate biosynthesis occurs in the nucleus of certain cell types. Disruption of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is associated with many pathologies and developmental anomalies, yet the biochemical mechanisms and causal metabolic pathways responsible for the initiation and/or progression of folate-associated pathologies have yet to be established. This chapter focuses on our current understanding of mammalian folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, its cellular compartmentation, and knowledge gaps that limit our understanding of one-carbon metabolism and its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T Fox
- Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Qi X, Zhang Y, Chai T. Characterization of a novel plant promoter specifically induced by heavy metal and identification of the promoter regions conferring heavy metal responsiveness. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2007; 143:50-9. [PMID: 16861574 PMCID: PMC1761991 DOI: 10.1104/pp.106.080283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2006] [Accepted: 07/10/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) stress-related gene number 2 (PvSR2) gene responds to heavy metals but not to other forms of environmental stresses. To elucidate its heavy metal-regulatory mechanism at the transcriptional level, we isolated and characterized the promoter region (-1623/+48) of PvSR2. Deletions from the 5' end revealed that a sequence between -222 and -147 relative to the transcriptional start site was sufficient for heavy metal-specific induction of the promoter region of PvSR2. Detailed analysis of this 76-bp fragment indicated that heavy metal-responsive elements were localized in two regions (-222/-188 and -187/-147), each of which could separately confer heavy metal-responsive expression on the beta-glucuronidase gene in the context of a minimal cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Region I (-222/-188) contains a motif (metal-regulatory element-like sequence) similar to the consensus metal-regulatory element of the animal metallothionein gene, and mutation of this motif eliminated the heavy metal-inducible function of region I. Region II (-187/-147) had no similarity to previously identified cis-acting elements involved in heavy metal induction, suggesting the presence of a novel heavy metal-responsive element. Transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seedlings expressing beta-glucuronidase under control of the PvSR2 promoter region (-687/+48) showed heavy metal-specific responsive activity that depended on the type and concentration of the heavy metal and the type of organ. These findings further our understanding of the regulation of PvSR2 expression and provide a new heavy-metal-inducible promoter system in transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Qi
- Department of Biology, Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
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Schneikert J, Grohmann A, Behrens J. Truncated APC regulates the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin in a cell cycle dependent manner. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 16:199-209. [PMID: 17189293 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddl464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most colon cancer cells express truncated versions of the tumour suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC). These molecules are selected during tumourigenesis for impaired beta-catenin degrading activity. In this study, we describe that truncated APC can still control the activity of beta-catenin in colon cancer cell lines via its first 20 amino acid repeat. First, we show that both endogenous and ectopically expressed truncated APC molecules can bind to beta-catenin. Second, reduction of the levels of truncated APC by RNA interference increases the activity of a beta-catenin-dependent reporter gene and stimulates the expression of the beta-catenin target gene AXIN2/conductin. This occurs without alterations of the amounts of cytosolic beta-catenin. Conversely, ectopic expression of truncated APC decreases beta-catenin-dependent transcription without affecting the intensity of immunofluorescence staining of beta-catenin in transfected cells. Third, we reveal that the APC level increases when cells reach the G1-S boundary during cell cycle progression. Simultaneously, the amount of beta-catenin bound to APC increases and the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin drops in an APC-dependent manner. Again, this occurs independently of the amounts of either total or phosphorylated cytosolic beta-catenin. Together, these results indicate that truncated APC controls the ability of beta-catenin to activate transcription. As we also show that the inhibition involves the first 20 amino acid repeat of APC, our data suggest that colon cancer cells retain a truncated APC molecule containing at least the first 20 amino acid repeat to modulate the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin in a cell cycle-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Schneikert
- Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Glückstrasse 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Stover PJ, Garza C. Nutrition and developmental biology--implications for public health. Nutr Rev 2006; 64:S60-71; discussion S72-91. [PMID: 16770956 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00248.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding genome-nutrient and nutrient-network interactions, and the modifying effects of genetic variation on their function, have strengthened interests in acute and long-lasting diet/ nutrition influences on health. Relationships between early and mid-gestational and perinatal conditions (including those related to maternal nutrition) and outcomes, and later-onset chronic diseases have received particular attention. Controlled animal experiments support views that responses with long-lasting effects to nutritional milieus are enabled by epigenetic and other metabolic adjustments during critical windows. Thus, underlying mechanisms are beginning to be understood. For example, chromatin remodeling during development can alter gene expression levels, fix or determine future set points critical to intra- and inter-organ communication networks, alter morphogenesis, initiate remodeling events, etc., all with lifelong consequences. These also may affect DNA mutation rates and thereby influence adult cancer and other risks. There is increasing evidence that nutrient-based strategies will be of value to the prevention or delay of onset of chronic diseases and that these strategies may require initiation during embryonic or fetal stages of development to achieve maximal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Stover
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
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Sasaki T, Ramanathan S, Okuno Y, Kumagai C, Shaikh SS, Gilbert DM. The Chinese hamster dihydrofolate reductase replication origin decision point follows activation of transcription and suppresses initiation of replication within transcription units. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 26:1051-62. [PMID: 16428457 PMCID: PMC1347040 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.26.3.1051-1062.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells select specific replication origin sites within the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) locus at a discrete point during G1 phase, the origin decision point (ODP). Origin selection is sensitive to transcription but not protein synthesis inhibitors, implicating a pretranslational role for transcription in origin specification. We have constructed a DNA array covering 121 kb surrounding the DHFR locus, to comprehensively investigate replication initiation and transcription in this region. When nuclei isolated within the first 3 h of G1 phase were stimulated to initiate replication in Xenopus egg extracts, replication initiated without any detectable preference for specific sites. At the ODP, initiation became suppressed from within the Msh3, DHFR, and 2BE2121 transcription units. Active transcription was mostly confined to these transcription units, and inhibition of transcription by alpha-amanitin resulted in the initiation of replication within transcription units, indicating that transcription is necessary to limit initiation events to the intergenic region. However, the resumption of DHFR transcription after mitosis took place prior to the ODP and so is not on its own sufficient to suppress initiation of replication. Together, these results demonstrate a remarkable flexibility in sequence selection for initiating replication and implicate transcription as one important component of origin specification at the ODP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayo Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Abstract
Genetic variation is known to affect food tolerances among human subpopulations and may also influence dietary requirements, giving rise to the new field of nutritional genomics and raising the possibility of individualizing nutritional intake for optimal health and disease prevention on the basis of an individual's genome. However, because gene-diet interactions are complex and poorly understood, the use of genomic knowledge to adjust population-based dietary recommendations is not without risk. Whereas current recommendations target most of the population to prevent nutritional deficiencies, inclusion of genomic criteria may indicate subpopulations that may incur differential benefit or risk from generalized recommendations and fortification policies. Current efforts to identify gene alleles that affect nutrient utilization have been enhanced by the identification of genetic variations that have expanded as a consequence of selection under extreme conditions. Identification of genetic variation that arose as a consequence of diet as a selective pressure helps to identify gene alleles that affect nutrient utilization. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying gene-nutrient interactions and their modification by genetic variation is expected to result in dietary recommendations and nutritional interventions that optimize individual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Stover
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853, USA.
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Sibani S, Price GB, Zannis-Hadjopoulos M. Decreased origin usage and initiation of DNA replication in haploinsufficient HCT116 Ku80+/- cells. J Cell Sci 2005; 118:3247-61. [PMID: 16014376 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the functions of the abundant heterodimeric nuclear protein, Ku (Ku70/Ku80), is its involvement in the initiation of DNA replication through its ability to bind to chromosomal replication origins in a sequence-specific and cell cycle dependent manner. Here, using HCT116 Ku80+/- cells, the effect of Ku80 deficiency on cell cycle progression and origin activation was examined. Western blot analyses revealed a 75% and 36% decrease in the nuclear expression of Ku80 and Ku70, respectively. This was concomitant with a 33% and 40% decrease in chromatin binding of both proteins, respectively. Cell cycle analysis of asynchronous and late G1 synchronized Ku80+/- cells revealed a prolonged G1 phase. Furthermore, these Ku-deficient cells had a 4.5-, 3.4- and 4.3-fold decrease in nascent strand DNA abundance at the lamin B2, beta-globin and c-myc replication origins, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that the association of Ku80 with the lamin B2, beta-globin and c-myc origins was decreased by 1.5-, 2.3- and 2.5-fold, respectively, whereas that of Ku70 was similarly decreased (by 2.1-, 1.5- and 1.7-fold, respectively) in Ku80+/- cells. The results indicate that a deficiency of Ku80 resulted in a prolonged G1 phase, as well as decreased Ku binding to and activation of origins of DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Sibani
- McGill Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
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31
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Gershan JA, Johnson BD, Weber J, Schauer DW, Natalia N, Behnke S, Burns K, Maloney KW, Warwick AB, Orentas RJ. Immediate transfection of patient-derived leukemia: a novel source for generating cell-based vaccines. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2005; 3:4. [PMID: 15969754 PMCID: PMC1182385 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-3-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2005] [Accepted: 06/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The production of cell-based cancer vaccines by gene vectors encoding proteins that stimulate the immune system has advanced rapidly in model systems. We sought to develop non-viral transfection methods that could transform patient tumor cells into cancer vaccines, paving the way for rapid production of autologous cell-based vaccines. Methods As the extended culture and expansion of most patient tumor cells is not possible, we sought to first evaluate a new technology that combines electroporation and chemical transfection in order to determine if plasmid-based gene vectors could be instantaneously delivered to the nucleus, and to determine if gene expression was possible in a cell-cycle independent manner. We tested cultured cell lines, a primary murine tumor, and primary human leukemia cells from diagnostic work-up for transgene expression, using both RFP and CD137L expression vectors. Results Combined electroporation-transfection directly delivered plasmid DNA to the nucleus of transfected cells, as demonstrated by confocal microscopy and real-time PCR analysis of isolated nuclei. Expression of protein from plasmid vectors could be detected as early as two hours post transfection. However, the kinetics of gene expression from plasmid-based vectors in tumor cell lines indicated that optimal gene expression was still dependent on cell division. We then tested to see if pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) would also display the rapid gene expression kinetics of tumor cells lines, determining gene expression 24 hours after transfection. Six of 12 specimens showed greater than 17% transgene expression, and all samples showed at least some transgene expression. Conclusion Given that transgene expression could be detected in a majority of primary tumor samples analyzed within hours, direct electroporation-based transfection of primary leukemia holds the potential to generate patient-specific cancer vaccines. Plasmid-based gene therapy represents a simple means to generate cell-based cancer vaccines and does not require the extensive infrastructure of a virus-based vector system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Gershan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Bryon D Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - James Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Dennis W Schauer
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Natalia Natalia
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Stephanie Behnke
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Karen Burns
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kelly W Maloney
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Anne B Warwick
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rimas J Orentas
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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