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The developmental journey of therapies targeting purine receptors: from basic science to clinical trials. Purinergic Signal 2022; 18:435-450. [PMID: 36173587 PMCID: PMC9832190 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-022-09896-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of ATP as an extracellular signalling molecule in 1972, purinergic signalling, mediated by extracellular purines and pyrimidines has been identified in virtually all mammalian tissues and is implicated in regulating fundamental cellular processes. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the pathophysiology and potential therapeutic interventions based on purinergic signalling. A vast range of compounds targeting purine receptors are in clinical development, and many more are in preclinical studies, which highlights the fast growth in this research field. As a tribute to Professor Geoffrey Burnstock's legacy in purinergic signalling, we present here a brief review of compounds targeting purine receptors that are in different stages of clinical trials. The review highlights the 50-year journey from basic research on purinergic receptors to clinical applications of therapies targeting purine receptors.
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Kotulova J, Lonova K, Kubickova A, Vrbkova J, Kourilova P, Hajduch M, Dzubak P. 2‑Cl‑IB‑MECA regulates the proliferative and drug resistance pathways, and facilitates chemosensitivity in pancreatic and liver cancer cell lines. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:31. [PMID: 35039871 PMCID: PMC8788926 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist, 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-5′-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (2-Cl-IB-MECA), demonstrates anti-proliferative effects on various types of tumor. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of 2-Cl-IB-MECA was analyzed in a panel of tumor and non-tumor cell lines and its anticancer mechanisms in JoPaca-1 pancreatic and Hep-3B hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were also investigated. Initially, decreased tumor cell proliferation, cell accumulation in the G1 phase and inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis was found. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed decreased protein expression level of β-catenin, patched1 (Ptch1) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog zinc finger protein 1 (Gli1), which are components of the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog/Ptch/Gli transduction pathways. In concordance with these findings, the protein expression levels of cyclin D1 and c-Myc were reduced. Using a luciferase assay, it was revealed for the first time a decrease in β-catenin transcriptional activity, as an early event following 2-Cl-IB-MECA treatment. In addition, the protein expression levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) were reduced and the P-gp xenobiotic efflux function was also reduced. Next, the enhancing effects of 2-Cl-IB-MECA on the cytotoxicity of conventional chemotherapy was investigated. It was found that 2-Cl-IB-MECA enhanced carboplatin and doxorubicin cytotoxic effects in the JoPaca-1 and Hep-3B cell lines, and a greater synergy was found in the highly tumorigenic JoPaca-1 cell line. This provides a novel in vitro rationale for the utiliza- tion of 2-Cl-IB-MECA in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, not only for hepatocellular carcinoma, but also for pancreatic cancer. Other currently used conventional chemo- therapeutics, fluorouracil and gemcitabine, showed synergy only when combined with high doses of 2-Cl-IB-MECA. Notably, experiments with A3AR-specific antagonist, N-[9-Chloro-2-(2-furanyl)(1,2,4)-triazolo(1,5-c)quinazolin-5-yl] benzene acetamide, revealed that 2-Cl-IB-MECA had antitumor effects via both A3AR-dependent and -independent pathways. In conclusion, the present study identified novel antitumor mechanisms of 2-Cl-IB-MECA in pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro that further underscores the importance of A3AR agonists in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kotulova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Lonova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Agata Kubickova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Vrbkova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Kourilova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dzubak
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Wurm M, Schaaf O, Reutner K, Ganesan R, Mostböck S, Pelster C, Böttcher J, de Andrade Pereira B, Taubert C, Alt I, Serna G, Auguste A, Stadermann KB, Delic D, Han F, Capdevila J, Nuciforo PG, Kroe-Barrett R, Adam PJ, Vogt AB, Hofmann I. A Novel Antagonistic CD73 Antibody for Inhibition of the Immunosuppressive Adenosine Pathway. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2250-2261. [PMID: 34482286 PMCID: PMC9398120 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite some impressive clinical results with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the majority of patients with cancer do not respond to these agents, in part due to immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. High levels of adenosine in tumors can suppress immune cell function, and strategies to target the pathway involved in its production have emerged. CD73 is a key enzyme involved in adenosine production. This led us to identify a novel humanized antagonistic CD73 antibody, mAb19, with distinct binding properties. mAb19 potently inhibits the enzymatic activity of CD73 in vitro, resulting in an inhibition of adenosine formation and enhanced T-cell activation. We then investigated the therapeutic potential of combining CD73 antagonism with other immune modulatory and chemotherapeutic agents. Combination of mAb19 with a PD-1 inhibitor increased T-cell activation in vitro Interestingly, this effect could be further enhanced with an agonist of the adenosine receptor ADORA3. Adenosine levels were found to be elevated upon doxorubicin treatment in vivo, which could be blocked by CD73 inhibition. Combining CD73 antagonism with doxorubicin resulted in superior responses in vivo Furthermore, a retrospective analysis of rectal cancer patient samples demonstrated an upregulation of the adenosine pathway upon chemoradiation, providing further rationale for combining CD73 inhibition with chemotherapeutic agents.This study demonstrates the ability of a novel CD73 antibody to enhance T-cell function through the potent suppression of adenosine levels. In addition, the data highlight combination opportunities with standard of care therapies as well as with an ADORA3 receptor agonist to treat patients with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Wurm
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Pharmacology and Disease Positioning, Vienna, Austria
| | - Otmar Schaaf
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Reutner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rajkumar Ganesan
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Conneticut
| | - Sven Mostböck
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Pelster
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jark Böttcher
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Garazi Serna
- Vall d´Hebron University Hospital, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology, CIBERONC, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurelie Auguste
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Biberach, Germany
| | - Kai B Stadermann
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Biberach, Germany
| | - Denis Delic
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Biberach, Germany
| | - Fei Han
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Conneticut
| | - Jaume Capdevila
- Vall d´Hebron University Hospital, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology, CIBERONC, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo G Nuciforo
- Vall d´Hebron University Hospital, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology, CIBERONC, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rachel Kroe-Barrett
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Conneticut
| | - Paul J Adam
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne B Vogt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irmgard Hofmann
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG, Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria.
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Doyle TM, Braden K, Harada CM, Mufti F, Schafer RM, Salvemini D. Novel Non-Opioid Based Therapeutics for Chronic Neuropathic Pain. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2021; 118:327-333. [PMID: 34373667 PMCID: PMC8343628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is currently a major health issue in U.S. complicated by the lack of non-opioid analgesic alternatives. Our investigations led to the discovery of major signaling pathways involved in the transition of acute to chronic neuropathic pain and the identification of several targets for therapeutic intervention. Our translational approach has facilitated the advancement of novel medicines for chronic neuropathic pain that are in advanced clinical development and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kathryn Braden
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Caron M Harada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fatma Mufti
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rachel M Schafer
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniela Salvemini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Abstract
Extracellular nucleosides and nucleotides have widespread functions in responding to physiological stress. The "purinome" encompasses 4 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for adenosine, 8 GPCRs activated by nucleotides, 7 adenosine 5'-triphosphate-gated P2X ion channels, as well as the associated enzymes and transporters that regulate native agonist levels. Purinergic signaling modulators, such as receptor agonists and antagonists, have potential for treating chronic pain. Adenosine and its analogues potently suppress nociception in preclinical models by activating A1 and/or A3 adenosine receptors (ARs), but safely harnessing this pathway to clinically treat pain has not been achieved. Both A2AAR agonists and antagonists are efficacious in pain models. Highly selective A3AR agonists offer a novel approach to treat chronic pain. We have explored the structure activity relationship of nucleoside derivatives at this subtype using a computational structure-based approach. Novel A3AR agonists for pain control containing a bicyclic ring system (bicyclo [3.1.0] hexane) in place of ribose were designed and screened using an in vivo phenotypic model, which reflected both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. High specificity (>10,000-fold selective for A3AR) was achieved with the aid of receptor homology models based on related GPCR structures. These A3AR agonists are well tolerated in vivo and highly efficacious in models of chronic neuropathic pain. Furthermore, signaling molecules acting at P2X3, P2X4, P2X7, and P2Y12Rs play critical roles in maladaptive pain neuroplasticity, and their antagonists reduce chronic or inflammatory pain, and, therefore, purine receptor modulation is a promising approach for future pain therapeutics. Structurally novel antagonists for these nucleotide receptors were discovered recently.
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Marin-Acevedo JA, Kimbrough EO, Manochakian R, Zhao Y, Lou Y. Immunotherapies targeting stimulatory pathways and beyond. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:78. [PMID: 33980266 PMCID: PMC8117548 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules play a critical role in T cell function. Tumor cells escape immune surveillance by promoting immunosuppression. Immunotherapy targeting inhibitory molecules like anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 were developed to overcome these immunosuppressive effects. These agents have demonstrated remarkable, durable responses in a small subset of patients. The other mechanisms for enhancing anti-tumor activities are to target the stimulatory pathways that are expressed on T cells or other immune cells. In this review, we summarize current phase I/II clinical trials evaluating novel immunotherapies targeting stimulatory pathways and outline their advantages, limitations, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Marin-Acevedo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA
| | - ErinMarie O Kimbrough
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Rami Manochakian
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Harvey JB, Phan LH, Villarreal OE, Bowser JL. CD73's Potential as an Immunotherapy Target in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Front Immunol 2020; 11:508. [PMID: 32351498 PMCID: PMC7174602 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD73, a cell surface 5'nucleotidase that generates adenosine, has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for reprogramming cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment to dampen antitumor immune cell evasion. Decades of studies have paved the way for these findings, starting with the discovery of adenosine signaling, particularly adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) signaling, as a potent suppressor of tissue-devastating immune cell responses, and evolving with studies focusing on CD73 in breast cancer, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Evidence is mounting that shows promise for improving patient outcomes through incorporation of immunomodulatory strategies as single agents or in combination with current treatment options. Recently, several immune checkpoint inhibitors received FDA approval for use in GI cancers; however, clinical benefit is limited. Investigating molecular mechanisms promoting immunosuppression, such as CD73, in GI cancers can aid in current efforts to extend the efficacy of immunotherapy to more patients. In this review, we discuss current clinical and basic research studies on CD73 in GI cancers, including gastric, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, with special focus on the potential of CD73 as an immunotherapy target in these cancers. We also present a summary of current clinical studies targeting CD73 and/or A2AR and combination of these therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry B. Harvey
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Luan H. Phan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Oscar E. Villarreal
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jessica L. Bowser
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Alcedo KP, Guerrero A, Basrur V, Fu D, Richardson ML, McLane JS, Tsou C, Nesvizhskii AI, Welling TH, Lebrilla CB, Otey CA, Kim HJ, Omary MB, Snider NT. Tumor-Selective Altered Glycosylation and Functional Attenuation of CD73 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1400-1414. [PMID: 31592495 PMCID: PMC6771166 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CD73, a cell-surface N-linked glycoprotein that produces extracellular adenosine, is a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. Although anti-CD73 antibodies have entered clinical development, CD73 has both protumor and antitumor functions, depending on the target cell and tumor type. The aim of this study was to characterize CD73 regulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined CD73 expression, localization, and activity using molecular, biochemical, and cellular analyses on primary HCC surgical specimens, coupled with mechanistic studies in HCC cells. We analyzed CD73 glycan signatures and global alterations in transcripts encoding other N-linked glycoproteins by using mass spectrometry glycomics and RNA sequencing (RNAseq), respectively. CD73 was expressed on tumor hepatocytes where it exhibited abnormal N-linked glycosylation, independent of HCC etiology, tumor stage, or fibrosis presence. Aberrant glycosylation of tumor-associated CD73 resulted in a 3-fold decrease in 5'-nucleotidase activity (P < 0.0001). Biochemically, tumor-associated CD73 was deficient in hybrid and complex glycans specifically on residues N311 and N333 located in the C-terminal catalytic domain. Blocking N311/N333 glycosylation by site-directed mutagenesis produced CD73 with significantly decreased 5'-nucleotidase activity in vitro, similar to the primary tumors. Glycosylation-deficient CD73 partially colocalized with the Golgi structural protein GM130, which was strongly induced in HCC tumors. RNAseq analysis further revealed that N-linked glycoprotein-encoding genes represented the largest category of differentially expressed genes between HCC tumor and adjacent tissue. Conclusion: We provide the first detailed characterization of CD73 glycosylation in normal and tumor tissue, revealing a novel mechanism that leads to the functional suppression of CD73 in human HCC tumor cells. The present findings have translational implications for therapeutic candidate antibodies targeting cell-surface CD73 in solid tumors and small-molecule adenosine receptor agonists that are in clinical development for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel P. Alcedo
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
| | - Andres Guerrero
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of California DavisDavisCA
| | | | - Dong Fu
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
| | - Monea L. Richardson
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
| | - Joshua S. McLane
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
| | - Chih‐Chiang Tsou
- Department of Computational Medicine and BioinformaticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
| | - Alexey I. Nesvizhskii
- Department of PathologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
- Department of Computational Medicine and BioinformaticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
| | - Theodore H. Welling
- Perlmutter Cancer Center and Department of SurgeryNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNY
| | | | - Carol A. Otey
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
| | - Hong Jin Kim
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
| | - M. Bishr Omary
- Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
- Department of MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology & MedicineRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNJ
- Rutgers Biomedical Health SciencesNewarkNJ
| | - Natasha T. Snider
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC
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