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Han X, Li D, Zhu Y, Schneider-Futschik EK. Recommended Tool Compounds for Modifying the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Channel Variants. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:933-950. [PMID: 38633590 PMCID: PMC11019735 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder arising from variations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, leading to multiple organ system defects. CFTR tool compounds are molecules that can modify the activity of the CFTR channel. Especially, patients that are currently not able to benefit from approved CFTR modulators, such as patients with rare CFTR variants, benefit from further research in discovering novel tools to modulate CFTR. This Review explores the development and classification of CFTR tool compounds, including CFTR blockers (CFTRinh-172, GlyH-101), potentiators (VRT-532, Genistein), correctors (VRT-325, Corr-4a), and other approved and unapproved modulators, with detailed descriptions and discussions for each compound. The challenges and future directions in targeting rare variants and optimizing drug delivery, and the potential synergistic effects in combination therapies are outlined. CFTR modulation holds promise not only for CF treatment but also for generating CF models that contribute to CF research and potentially treating other diseases such as secretory diarrhea. Therefore, continued research on CFTR tool compounds is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoXuan Han
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology,
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and
Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology,
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and
Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Yimin Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology,
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and
Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Elena K. Schneider-Futschik
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology,
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and
Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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2
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Yeh HI, Sutcliffe KJ, Sheppard DN, Hwang TC. CFTR Modulators: From Mechanism to Targeted Therapeutics. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 283:219-247. [PMID: 35972584 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from a multi-organ disorder caused by loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding the epithelial anion channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Tremendous progress has been made in both basic and clinical sciences over the past three decades since the identification of the CFTR gene. Over 90% of people with CF now have access to therapies targeting dysfunctional CFTR. This success was made possible by numerous studies in the field that incrementally paved the way for the development of small molecules known as CFTR modulators. The advent of CFTR modulators transformed this life-threatening illness into a treatable disease by directly binding to the CFTR protein and correcting defects induced by pathogenic variants. In this chapter, we trace the trajectory of structural and functional studies that brought CF therapies from bench to bedside, with an emphasis on mechanistic understanding of CFTR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-I Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Katy J Sutcliffe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David N Sheppard
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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3
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Ullo MF, Case LB. How cells sense and integrate information from different sources. WIREs Mech Dis 2023:e1604. [PMID: 36781396 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell signaling is a fundamental cellular process that enables cells to sense and respond to information in their surroundings. At the molecular level, signaling is primarily carried out by transmembrane protein receptors that can initiate complex downstream signal transduction cascades to alter cellular behavior. In the human body, different cells can be exposed to a wide variety of environmental conditions, and cells express diverse classes of receptors capable of sensing and integrating different signals. Furthermore, different receptors and signaling pathways can crosstalk with each other to calibrate the cellular response. Crosstalk occurs through multiple mechanisms at different levels of signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss how cells sense and integrate different chemical, mechanical, and spatial signals as well as the mechanisms of crosstalk between pathways. To illustrate these concepts, we use a few well-studied signaling pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinases and integrin receptors. Finally, we discuss the implications of dysregulated cellular sensing on driving diseases such as cancer. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Ullo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Fang X, Yeh JT, Hwang TC. Pharmacological Responses of the G542X-CFTR to CFTR Modulators. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:921680. [PMID: 35813815 PMCID: PMC9263564 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.921680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal hereditary disease caused by loss-of-function mutations of the chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). With the development of small-molecule CFTR modulators, including correctors that facilitate protein folding and expression and potentiators that promote channel activity, about 90% of the CF patients are now receiving efficacious target therapies. G542X-CFTR, a premature termination codon (PTC) mutation, is the most common disease-associated mutation found in the remaining 10% of patients that await effective drugs to rectify the fundamental defects caused by PTC. In this study, we employed biophysical and biochemical techniques to characterize the pharmacological responses of the translational products of G542X-CFTR to a range of new CFTR modulators. Specifically, we identified two different proteins translated from the G542X-CFTR cDNA using western blotting: the C-terminus truncated protein that responds to the C1 corrector which binds to the N-terminal part of the protein and a full-length CFTR protein through the read-through process. Electrophysiological data suggest that the read-through protein, but not the C-terminus truncated one, is functional and responds well to CFTR potentiators despite a lower open probability compared to wild-type CFTR. As the expression of the read-through products can be increased synergistically with the read-through reagent G418 and C1 corrector, but not with combinations of different types of correctors, we concluded that an efficacious read-through reagent is a prerequisite for mitigating the deficits of G542X-CFTR. Moreover, the CFTR potentiators may help improve the effectiveness of future combinational therapy for patients carrying PTCs such as G542X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxiu Fang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jiunn-Tyng Yeh
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Jiunn-Tyng Yeh,
| | - Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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5
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Cystic Fibrosis Human Organs-on-a-Chip. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12070747. [PMID: 34202364 PMCID: PMC8305167 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene: the gene product responsible for transporting chloride and bicarbonate ions through the apical membrane of most epithelial cells. Major clinical features of CF include respiratory failure, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and intestinal disease. Many CF animal models have been generated, but some models fail to fully capture the phenotypic manifestations of human CF disease. Other models that better capture the key characteristics of the human CF phenotype are cost prohibitive or require special care to maintain. Important differences have been reported between the pathophysiology seen in human CF patients and in animal models. These limitations present significant limitations to translational research. This review outlines the study of CF using patient-derived organs-on-a-chip to overcome some of these limitations. Recently developed microfluidic-based organs-on-a-chip provide a human experimental model that allows researchers to manipulate environmental factors and mimic in vivo conditions. These chips may be scaled to support pharmaceutical studies and may also be used to study organ systems and human disease. The use of these chips in CF discovery science enables researchers to avoid the barriers inherent in animal models and promote the advancement of personalized medicine.
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Hassett DJ, Kovall RA, Schurr MJ, Kotagiri N, Kumari H, Satish L. The Bactericidal Tandem Drug, AB569: How to Eradicate Antibiotic-Resistant Biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Multiple Disease Settings Including Cystic Fibrosis, Burns/Wounds and Urinary Tract Infections. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:639362. [PMID: 34220733 PMCID: PMC8245851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.639362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The life-threatening pandemic concerning multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria is an evolving problem involving increased hospitalizations, billions of dollars in medical costs and a remarkably high number of deaths. Bacterial pathogens have demonstrated the capacity for spontaneous or acquired antibiotic resistance and there is virtually no pool of organisms that have not evolved such potentially clinically catastrophic properties. Although many diseases are linked to such organisms, three include cystic fibrosis (CF), burn/blast wounds and urinary tract infections (UTIs), respectively. Thus, there is a critical need to develop novel, effective antimicrobials for the prevention and treatment of such problematic infections. One of the most formidable, naturally MDR bacterial pathogens is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) that is particularly susceptible to nitric oxide (NO), a component of our innate immune response. This susceptibility sets the translational stage for the use of NO-based therapeutics during the aforementioned human infections. First, we discuss how such NO therapeutics may be able to target problematic infections in each of the aforementioned infectious scenarios. Second, we describe a recent discovery based on years of foundational information, a novel drug known as AB569. AB569 is capable of forming a "time release" of NO from S-nitrosothiols (RSNO). AB569, a bactericidal tandem consisting of acidified NaNO2 (A-NO2 -) and Na2-EDTA, is capable of killing all pathogens that are associated with the aforementioned disorders. Third, we described each disease state in brief, the known or predicted effects of AB569 on the viability of PA, its potential toxicity and highly remote possibility for resistance to develop. Finally, we conclude that AB569 can be a viable alternative or addition to conventional antibiotic regimens to treat such highly problematic MDR bacterial infections for civilian and military populations, as well as the economical burden that such organisms pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hassett
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rhett A Kovall
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Michael J Schurr
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Nalinikanth Kotagiri
- Division of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Health Sciences, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Harshita Kumari
- Division of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Health Sciences, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Latha Satish
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Shriners Hospitals for Children-Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Fonseca C, Bicker J, Alves G, Falcão A, Fortuna A. Cystic fibrosis: Physiopathology and the latest pharmacological treatments. Pharmacol Res 2020; 162:105267. [PMID: 33127556 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive genetic disease, caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), which primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. This gene encodes the CFTR protein, a distinctive membrane transporter of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. It functions as a chloride channel, allowing the balance and transport of chloride through the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Due to its ubiquitous location, mutations in the CFTR gene trigger multiple changes in ion transport and metabolic pathways, affecting various organs, as it will be herein explained. Pulmonary impairment is the most characteristic comorbidity of CF and respiratory failure is the main cause of death. This review presents the importance of an early diagnosis of CF to establish, as soon as possible, a primary therapy for symptomatic prevention and relief. It also mentions new therapeutic approaches that include CFTR modulators. They are correctors and/or potentiators of the deficient CFTR channel. In an attempt to overcome the disadvantages of CFTR modulators, the application of biotechnology techniques is addressed, such as gene therapy, gene editing, RNA therapy and therapeutic microRNAs. The potential of the intranasal administration route is another presented aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fonseca
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Yeh JT, Hwang TC. Positional effects of premature termination codons on the biochemical and biophysical properties of CFTR. J Physiol 2019; 598:517-541. [PMID: 31585024 DOI: 10.1113/jp278418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Biochemical and biophysical characterizations of three nonsense mutations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) associated with a severe form of cystic fibrosis (CF) reveal the importance and heterogenous effects of the position of the premature termination codon (PTC) on the CFTR protein function. Electrophysiological studies of W1282X-CFTR, whose PTC is closer to the C-terminus of CFTR, suggest the presence of both C-terminus truncated CFTR proteins that are poorly functional and read-through, full-length products. For G542X- and E60X-CFTR, the only mechanism capable of generating functional proteins is the read-through, but the outcome of read-through products is highly variable depending on the interplay between the missense mutation caused by the read-through and the structural context of the protein. Pharmacological studies of these three PTCs with various CFTR modulators suggest position-dependent therapeutic strategies for these disease-inflicting mutations. ABSTRACT About one-third of genetic diseases and cancers are caused by the introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs). In theory, the location of the PTC in a gene determines the alternative mechanisms of translation, including premature cessation or reinitiation of translation, and read-through, resulting in differential effects on protein integrity. In this study, we used CFTR as a model system to investigate the positional effect of the PTC because of its well-understood structure-function relationship and pathophysiology. The characterization of three PTC mutations, E60X-, G542X- and W1282X-CFTR revealed heterogenous effects of these PTCs on CFTR function. The W1282X mutation results in both C-terminus truncated and read-through proteins that are partially or fully functional. In contrast, only the read-through protein is functional with E60X- and G542X-CFTR, although abundant N-terminus truncated proteins due to reinitiation of translation were detected in E60X-CFTR. Single-channel studies of the read-through proteins of E60X- and G542X-CFTR demonstrated that both mutations have a single-channel amplitude similar to wild type (WT), and good responses to high-affinity ATP analogues, suggesting intact ion permeation pathways and nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), albeit with reduced open probability (Po ). The comparison of the Po of these mutations with the proposed missense mutations revealed potential identities of the read-through products. Importantly, a majority of the functional protein studied responds to CFTR modulators like GLPG1837 and Lumacaftor. These results not only expand current understanding of the molecular (patho)physiology of CFTR, but also infer therapeutic strategies for different PTC mutations at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiunn-Tyng Yeh
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Tzyh-Chang Hwang
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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Khan MA, Ali ZS, Sweezey N, Grasemann H, Palaniyar N. Progression of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease from Childhood to Adulthood: Neutrophils, Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) Formation, and NET Degradation. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10030183. [PMID: 30813645 PMCID: PMC6471578 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause CF. Infants with CFTR mutations show a peribronchial neutrophil infiltration prior to the establishment of infection in their lung. The inflammatory response progressively increases in children that include both upper and lower airways. Infectious and inflammatory response leads to an increase in mucus viscosity and mucus plugging of small and medium-size bronchioles. Eventually, neutrophils chronically infiltrate the airways with biofilm or chronic bacterial infection. Perpetual infection and airway inflammation destroy the lungs, which leads to increased morbidity and eventual mortality in most of the patients with CF. Studies have now established that neutrophil cytotoxins, extracellular DNA, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with increased mucus clogging and lung injury in CF. In addition to opportunistic pathogens, various aspects of the CF airway milieux (e.g., airway pH, salt concentration, and neutrophil phenotypes) influence the NETotic capacity of neutrophils. CF airway milieu may promote the survival of neutrophils and eventual pro-inflammatory aberrant NETosis, rather than the anti-inflammatory apoptotic death in these cells. Degrading NETs helps to manage CF airway disease; since DNAse treatment release cytotoxins from the NETs, further improvements are needed to degrade NETs with maximal positive effects. Neutrophil-T cell interactions may be important in regulating viral infection-mediated pulmonary exacerbations in patients with bacterial infections. Therefore, clarifying the role of neutrophils and NETs in CF lung disease and identifying therapies that preserve the positive effects of neutrophils, while reducing the detrimental effects of NETs and cytotoxic components, are essential in achieving innovative therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meraj A Khan
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Zubair Sabz Ali
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Neil Sweezey
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Hartmut Grasemann
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Nades Palaniyar
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
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