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Li N, Chamkha I, Verma G, Swoboda S, Lindstedt M, Greiff L, Elmér E, Ehinger J. Human papillomavirus-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells rely on glycolysis and display reduced oxidative phosphorylation. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1304106. [PMID: 38273844 PMCID: PMC10808639 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1304106] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes a heterogeneous group of cancers. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with a subtype of HNSCC with a better response to treatment and more favorable prognosis. Mitochondrial function and metabolism vary depending on cancer type and can be related to tumor aggressiveness. This study aims to characterize the metabolism of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines. Methods Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis were assessed in intact cells, in four HNSCC cell lines using Seahorse XF Analyzer. OXPHOS was further studied in permeabilized cells using high-resolution respirometry in an Oroboros O2K. Metabolomic analysis was performed using mass spectroscopy. Results The HPV-negative cell lines were found to display a higher OXPHOS capacity and were also able to upregulate glycolysis when needed. The HPV-positive cell line had a higher basal glycolytic rate but lower spare OXPHOS capacity. These cells were also unable to increase respiration in response to succinate, unlike the HPV-negative cells. In the metabolomic analysis, the HPV-positive cells showed a higher kynurenine/tryptophan ratio. Discussion HPV-positive HNSCC preferred glycolysis to compensate for lower OXPHOS reserves, while the HPV-negative HNSCC displayed a more versatile metabolism, which might be related to increased tumor aggressiveness. The higher kynurenine/tryptophan ratio of HPV-positive HNSCC might be related to increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity due to the carcinoma's viral origin. This study highlights important metabolic differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative cancers and suggests that future metabolic targets for cancer treatment should be individualized based on specific tumor metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Li
- Mitochondrial Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Imen Chamkha
- Mitochondrial Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gaurav Verma
- Mitochondrial Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sabine Swoboda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Lindstedt
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lennart Greiff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eskil Elmér
- Mitochondrial Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johannes Ehinger
- Mitochondrial Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Li JD, Chen Y, Jing SW, Wang LT, Zhou YH, Liu ZS, Song C, Li DZ, Wang HQ, Huang ZG, Dang YW, Chen G, Luo JY. Triosephosphate isomerase 1 may be a risk predictor in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a multi-centered study integrating bulk RNA, single-cell RNA, and protein immunohistochemistry. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:591. [PMID: 38102653 PMCID: PMC10724924 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01568-8] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although great progress has been made in anti-cancer therapy, the prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients remains unsatisfied. Quantities of studies demonstrate that glycolytic reprograming is essential for the progression of cancers, where triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1) serves as a catalytic enzyme. However, the clinicopathological significance and potential biological functions of TPI1 underlying LSCC remains obscure. METHODS We collected in-house 82 LSCC tissue specimens and 56 non-tumor tissue specimens. Tissue microarrays (TMA) and immunohistochemical (IHC) experiments were performed. External LSCC microarrays and bulk RNA sequencing data were integrated to evaluate the expression of TPI1. We used a log-rank test and the CIBERSORT algorithm to assess the prognostic value of TPI1 and its association with the LSCC microenvironment. Malignant laryngeal epithelial cells and immune-stromal cells were identified using inferCNV and CellTypist. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to elucidate the molecular functions of TPI1 in LSCC tissue and single cells using Pearson correlation analysis, high dimensional weighted gene co-expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screen. We explored intercellular communication patterns between LSCC single cells and immune-stromal cells and predicted several therapeutic agents targeting TPI1. RESULTS Based on the in-house TMA and IHC analysis, TPI1 protein was found to have a strong positive expression in the nucleus of LSCC cells but only weakly positive activity in the cytoplasm of normal laryngeal cells (p < 0.0001). Further confirmation of elevated TPI1 mRNA expression was obtained from external datasets, comparing 251 LSCC tissue samples to 136 non-LSCC tissue samples (standardized mean difference = 1.06). The upregulated TPI1 mRNA demonstrated a high discriminative ability between LSCC and non-LSCC tissue (area under the curve = 0.91; sensitivity = 0.87; specificity = 0.79), suggesting its potential as a predictive marker for poor prognosis (p = 0.037). Lower infiltration abundance was found for plasma cells, naïve B cells, monocytes, and neutrophils in TPI-high expression LSCC tissue. Glycolysis and cell cycle were significantly enriched pathways for both LSCC tissue and single cells, where heat shock protein family B member 1, TPI1, and enolase 1 occupied a central position. Four outgoing communication patterns and two incoming communication patterns were identified from the intercellular communication networks. TPI1 was predicted as an oncogene in LSCC, with CRISPR scores less than -1 across 71.43% of the LSCC cell lines. TPI1 was positively correlated with the half maximal inhibitory concentration of gemcitabine and cladribine. CONCLUSIONS TPI1 is dramatically overexpressed in LSCC than in normal tissue, and the high expression of TPI1 may promote LSCC deterioration through its metabolic and non-metabolic functions. This study contributes to advancing our knowledge of LSCC pathogenesis and may have implications for the development of targeted therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Di Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Wen Jing
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Hong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Su Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Song
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Zhi Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Quan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center for Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Multimodal Tumor Images, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Wu Dang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center for Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Multimodal Tumor Images, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center for Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Multimodal Tumor Images, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yuan Luo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center for Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Multimodal Tumor Images, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.
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Wang M, Zhai R, Wang M, Zhu W, Zhang J, Yu M, Zhang W, Ye J, Liu L. Tertiary lymphoid structures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma improve prognosis by recruiting CD8 + T cells. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 36825382 PMCID: PMC10399718 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are formed in long-term chronic inflammation, promoting the local recruitment of lymphocytes, antigen presentation and regulation of immune response, correlated with a better prognosis for cancer patients. Although studies have been conducted to explore methods that accelerate the establishment of TLSs, related research in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still lacking. In this study, we analysed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and performed immunohistochemical staining analyses of 188 patient samples. The results showed that TLSs promoted the infiltration of immune cells. Patients with TLSs with high infiltration of CD8+ cells showed the best prognosis. Since lymphotoxin α (LTα) was significantly increased in tissues with TLSs, we overexpressed LTα in SCC7 cells (a mouse-derived HNSCC cell line) and established tongue-tumour-bearing models. The polychromatic observation of tissue sections showed that T-cell aggregation increased in the LTα cell group, and a grade 1 TLS was formed on the 12th day after inoculating the cells. Moreover, the tumour volume in the LTα group was significantly less than that of the control group, whereas both the number and the proportion of infiltrated CD8+ T cells were increased. The peripheral CD8+ cells in mice were removed, and no difference was observed in tumour size or TLS formation. Remarkably, we found that TLS led to an increase in the antitumour effect by recruiting CD8+ T cells in HNSCC, showing a CD8+ T-cell-dependent antitumour effect. Moreover, LTα overexpression in the tumour promoted the formation of TLSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Rundong Zhai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Weiwen Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Periodontology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Jinhai Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Depatment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Laikui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, China.,Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
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Mireștean CC, Iancu RI, Iancu DPT. New horizons in modulating the radio-sensitivity of head and neck cancer - 100 years after Warburg' effect discovery. Front Oncol 2022; 12:908695. [PMID: 36568220 PMCID: PMC9780029 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.908695] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor radiation resistance along with chemotherapy resistance is one of the main causes of therapeutic failure of radiotherapy-treated head and neck cancers. 100 years after the discovery of the Warburg effect, a process specific to malignant cells to metabolize glucose especially anaerobically even under normoxia condition, its modulation has become a viable therapeutic target for improving the results of cancer therapies. Improving the radio-sensitivity of head and neck tumors by reversing the Warburg effect can increase the rate of local control and reduce the toxicity associated with irradiation. P53 status can be used as a biomarker in the choice of a single agent strategy (cell respiration inhibition with Metformin) or double inhibition, both of respiration and glycolysis. Targeting of enzymes involved in the Warburg effect, such as Hexokinase-II, are strategies with potential to be applied in clinical practice with radio-sensitizing effect for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Even if anti-Warburg therapies tested in clinical trials have been associated with either toxic deaths or a minor clinical benefit, the identification of both potential radio-sensitivity biomarkers and methods of reversing the Warburg effect will play an important role in the radiobiology of head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camil Ciprian Mireștean
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Craiova, Romania,Department of Surgery, Railways Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - Roxana Irina Iancu
- Oral Pathology Department, “Gr.T.Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania,Department of Clinical Laboratory, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania,*Correspondence: Roxana Irina Iancu,
| | - Dragoș Petru Teodor Iancu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, “Gr.T.Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania,Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
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Money ME, Matthews CM, Tan-Shalaby J. Review of Under-Recognized Adjunctive Therapies for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4780. [PMID: 36230703 PMCID: PMC9563303 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients and providers may not be aware that several adjunctive measures can significantly improve the quality of life, response to treatment, and possibly outcomes for cancer patients. This manuscript presents a review of practical under-recognized adjunctive therapies that are effective including exercise; stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, breathing exercises; importance of sleep quality; diet modifications such as calorie restriction at the time of chemotherapy and avoidance of high carbohydrate foods; supplements such as aspirin, green tea, turmeric, and melatonin; and repurposed prescription medications such as metformin and statins. Each recommendation should be tailored to the individual patient to assure no contraindications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Money
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 665 W Baltimore Street S, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Meritus Medical Center, 11116 Medical Campus Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21742, USA
| | - Carolyn M. Matthews
- Texas Oncology, PA and Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, 3410 Worth St., Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
- Gynecologic Oncology, Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, 3410 Worth St., Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Jocelyn Tan-Shalaby
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3550 Terrace St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 4100 Allequippa St., Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
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Morale MG, Tamura RE, Rubio IGS. Metformin and Cancer Hallmarks: Molecular Mechanisms in Thyroid, Prostate and Head and Neck Cancer Models. Biomolecules 2022; 12:357. [PMID: 35327549 PMCID: PMC8945547 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the most used drug for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Its antitumor activity has been described by clinical studies showing reduced risk of cancer development in T2DM patients, as well as management of T2DM compared with those receiving other glucose-lowering drugs. Metformin has a plethora of molecular actions in cancer cells. This review focused on in vitro data on the action mechanisms of metformin on thyroid, prostate and head and neck cancer. AMPK activation regulating specific downstream targets is a constant antineoplastic activity in different types of cancer; however, AMPK-independent mechanisms are also relevant. In vitro evidence makes it clear that depending on the type of tumor, metformin has different actions; its effects may be modulated by different cell conditions (for instance, presence of HPV infection), or it may regulate tissue-specific factors, such as the Na+/I- symporter (NIS) and androgen receptors. The hallmarks of cancer are a set of functional features acquired by the cell during malignant development. In vitro studies show that metformin regulates almost all the hallmarks of cancer. Interestingly, metformin is one of these therapeutic agents with the potential to synergize with other chemotherapeutic agents, with low cost, low side effects and high positive consequences. Some questions are still challenging: Are metformin in vitro data able to translate from bench to bedside? Does metformin affect drug resistance? Can metformin be used as a generic anticancer drug for all types of tumors? Which are the specific actions of metformin on the peculiarities of each type of cancer? Several clinical trials are in progress or have been concluded for repurposing metformin as an anticancer drug. The continuous efforts in the field and future in vitro studies will be essential to corroborate clinical trials results and to elucidate the raised questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Galliote Morale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.G.M.); (R.E.T.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Esaki Tamura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.G.M.); (R.E.T.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Ileana Gabriela Sanchez Rubio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.G.M.); (R.E.T.)
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
- Thyroid Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11° Andar, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
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