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Nejatie A, Yee SS, Jeter A, Saragovi HU. The cancer glycocode as a family of diagnostic biomarkers, exemplified by tumor-associated gangliosides. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1261090. [PMID: 37954075 PMCID: PMC10637394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1261090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode).A class of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs) are presented here as potential diagnostics for detecting cancer, especially at early stages, as the biological function of TMGs makes them etiological. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention. Diagnosis is critical to reducing cancer mortality but many cancers lack efficient and effective diagnostic tests, especially for early stage disease. Ideal diagnostic biomarkers are etiological, samples are preferably obtained via non-invasive methods (e.g. liquid biopsy of blood or urine), and are quantitated using assays that yield high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for efficient diagnosis, prognosis, or predicting response to therapy. Validated biomarkers with these features are rare. While the advent of proteomics and genomics has led to the identification of a multitude of proteins and nucleic acid sequences as cancer biomarkers, relatively few have been approved for clinical use. The use of multiplex arrays and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms offer the option of combining data of known biomarkers; however, for most, the sensitivity and the specificity are below acceptable criteria, and clinical validation has proven difficult. One strategic solution to this problem is to expand the biomarker families beyond those currently exploited. One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode). Here, we focus on a family of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs). We discuss the diagnostic potential of TMGs for detecting cancer, especially at early stages. We include prior studies from the literature to summarize findings for ganglioside quantification, expression, detection, and biological function and its role in various cancers. We highlight the examples of TMGs exhibiting ideal properties of cancer diagnostic biomarkers, and the application of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of early stage cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nejatie
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha S. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Horacio Uri Saragovi
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Bartish M, Del Rincón SV, Rudd CE, Saragovi HU. Aiming for the Sweet Spot: Glyco-Immune Checkpoints and γδ T Cells in Targeted Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564499. [PMID: 33133075 PMCID: PMC7550643 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a healthy immune system is capable of recognizing and eliminating emergent cancerous cells, an established tumor is adept at escaping immune surveillance. Altered and tumor-specific expression of immunosuppressive cell surface carbohydrates, also termed the “tumor glycocode,” is a prominent mechanism by which tumors can escape anti-tumor immunity. Given their persistent and homogeneous expression, tumor-associated glycans are promising targets to be exploited as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, the exploitation of these glycans has been a challenge due to their low immunogenicity, immunosuppressive properties, and the inefficient presentation of glycolipids in a conventional major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted manner. Despite this, a subset of T-cells expressing the gamma and delta chains of the T-cell receptor (γδ T cells) exist with a capacity for MHC-unrestricted antigen recognition and potent inherent anti-tumor properties. In this review, we discuss the role of tumor-associated glycans in anti-tumor immunity, with an emphasis on the potential of γδ T cells to target the tumor glycocode. Understanding the many facets of this interaction holds the potential to unlock new ways to use both tumor-associated glycans and γδ T cells in novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Bartish
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia V Del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rudd
- Division of Immuno-Oncology, Research Center Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Fair RJ, Hahm HS, Seeberger PH. Combination of automated solid-phase and enzymatic oligosaccharide synthesis provides access to α(2,3)-sialylated glycans. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:6183-5. [PMID: 25754251 DOI: 10.1039/c5cc01368b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A synthetic strategy combining automated solid-phase chemical synthesis and enzymatic sialylation was developed to access α(2,3)-sialylated glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Fair
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
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Anugraham M, Everest-Dass AV, Jacob F, Packer NH. A platform for the structural characterization of glycans enzymatically released from glycosphingolipids extracted from tissue and cells. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015. [PMID: 26212272 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) constitute a highly diverse class of glyco-conjugates which are involved in many aspects of cell membrane function and disease. The isolation, detection and structural characterization of the carbohydrate (glycan) component of GSLs are particularly challenging given their structural heterogeneity and thus rely on the development of sensitive, analytical technologies. METHODS Neutral and acidic GSL standards were immobilized onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes and glycans were enzymatically released using endoglycoceramidase II (EGCase II), separated by porous graphitized carbon (PGC) liquid chromatography and structurally characterized by negative ion mode electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (PGC-LC/ESI-MS/MS). This approach was then employed for GSLs isolated from 100 mg of serous and endometrioid cancer tissue and from cell line (10(7) cells) samples. RESULTS Glycans were released from GSL standards comprising of ganglio-, asialo-ganglio- and the relatively resistant globo-series glycans, using as little as 1 mU of enzyme and 2 µg of GSL. The platform of analysis was then applied to GSLs isolated from tissue and cell line samples and the released isomeric and isobaric glycan structures were chromatographically resolved on PGC and characterized by comparison with the MS(2) fragment ion spectra of the glycan standards and by application of known structural MS(2) fragment ions. This approach identified several (neo-)lacto-, globo- and ganglio-series glycans and facilitated the discrimination of isomeric structures containing Lewis A, H type 1 and type 2 blood group antigens and sialyl-tetraosylceramides. CONCLUSION We describe a relatively simple, detergent-free, enzymatic release of glycans from PVDF-immobilized GSLs, followed by the detailed structural analysis afforded by PGC-LC-ESI-MS/MS, to offer a versatile method for the analysis of tumour and cell-derived GSL-glycans. The method uses the potential of MS(2) fragmentation in negative ion ESI mode to characterize, in detail, the biologically relevant glycan structures derived from GSLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrina Anugraham
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Biomolecular Frontiers Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Arun Vijay Everest-Dass
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Biomolecular Frontiers Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Francis Jacob
- Gynecological Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
| | - Nicolle H Packer
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Biomolecular Frontiers Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
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A shift from N-glycolyl- to N-acetyl-sialic acid in the GM3 ganglioside impairs tumor development in mouse lymphocytic leukemia cells. Glycoconj J 2013; 30:687-99. [DOI: 10.1007/s10719-013-9473-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Cochonneau D, Terme M, Michaud A, Dorvillius M, Gautier N, Frikeche J, Alvarez-Rueda N, Bougras G, Aubry J, Paris F, Birklé S. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by O-acetyl-GD2-specific monoclonal antibody 8B6 inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Lett 2013; 333:194-204. [PMID: 23370223 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
O-Acetyl-GD2 ganglioside is suitable antigen for tumor immunotherapy with specific therapeutic antibody. Here, we investigate the anti-tumor activity of O-acetyl-GD2-specific monoclonal antibody 8B6 on O-acetyl-GD2-positive tumor cells. The results indicated that mAb 8B6 induced growth inhibition of O-acetyl-GD2-expressing tumor cell lines in vitro with features of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Monoclonal antibody 8B6 treatment was also very effective in suppression of tumor growth in mice by reducing the proliferation index and increasing the apoptotic index. Such a study represents a useful framework to optimize immunotherapy with O-acetyl-GD2-specific antibody in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Cochonneau
- Inserm U. 892, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes-Angers, Institut de Recherche en Santé de l'Université de Nantes, 8 quai Moncousu, F-44007 Nantes cedex 1, France
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Alvarez-Rueda N, Desselle A, Cochonneau D, Chaumette T, Clemenceau B, Leprieur S, Bougras G, Supiot S, Mussini JM, Barbet J, Saba J, Paris F, Aubry J, Birklé S. A monoclonal antibody to O-acetyl-GD2 ganglioside and not to GD2 shows potent anti-tumor activity without peripheral nervous system cross-reactivity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25220. [PMID: 21966461 PMCID: PMC3178631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against GD2 ganglioside have been shown to be effective for the treatment of neuroblastoma. Beneficial actions are, however, associated with generalized pain due to the binding of anti- GD2 mAbs to peripheral nerve fibers followed by complement activation. Neuroblastoma cells that express GD2 also express its O-acetyl derivative, O-acetyl- GD2 ganglioside (OAcGD2). Hence, we investigated the distribution of OAcGD2 in human tissues using mAb 8B6 to study the cross-reactivity of mAb 8B6 with human tissues. Methodology/Principal Findings The distribution of OAcGD2 was performed in normal and malignant tissues using an immunoperoxydase technique. Anti-tumor properties of mAb 8B6 were studied in vitro and in vivo in a transplanted tumor model in mice. We found that OAcGD2 is not expressed by peripheral nerve fibers. Furthermore, we demonstrated that mAb 8B6 was very effective in the in vitro and in vivo suppression of the growth of tumor cells. Importantly, mAb 8B6 anti-tumor efficacy was comparable to that of mAb 14G2a specific to GD2. Conclusion/Significance Development of therapeutic antibodies specific to OAcGD2 may offer treatment options with reduced adverse side effects, thereby allowing dose escalation of antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidia Alvarez-Rueda
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Ariane Desselle
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Denis Cochonneau
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Tanguy Chaumette
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Béatrice Clemenceau
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Stéphanie Leprieur
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Gwenola Bougras
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Stéphane Supiot
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Jean-Marie Mussini
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuro-Musculaires Rares Nantes-Angers, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, France
| | - Jacques Barbet
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Julie Saba
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - François Paris
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
| | - Jacques Aubry
- UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, France
| | - Stéphane Birklé
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Nantes Angers, Inserm, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, U892, France
- UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, France
- * E-mail:
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Ganglioside signatures of primary and nodal metastatic melanoma cell lines from the same patient. Melanoma Res 2008; 18:47-55. [PMID: 18227708 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e3282f43acf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The primary cutaneous melanoma initially migrates to the regional lymph nodes (LNs). Human melanoma overexpresses gangliosides, the sialylglycosphingolipids. The ganglioside signatures may differ between primary and LN melanomas owing to the differences in the tumor microenvironments. The melanoma cells obtained from the primary and LN of the same patient might be useful to evaluate the above hypothesis. For this purpose, the cryopreserved cell lines from a primary cutaneous melanoma (IGR-39) and its nodal metastasis (IGR-37) from the same patient were used. We have also compared the ganglioside signatures of freshly obtained melanoma cells from primary, LN and organ metastases from different patients. Gangliosides were extracted, purified and identified by resorcinol and specific murine monoclonal antibodies. Comparison of the primary cell line with the nodal metastatic line obtained from the same patient distinctly showed the following features: (i) an increased production of gangliosides, (ii) O-acetylation of GM2 and GD3, (iii) an increased and altered O-acetylation of GD2 and (iv) possibly de-N-acetylation of GD3. These findings suggest that the nodal microenvironment might favor activation of O-acetyl-transferases capable of O-acetylating both alpha2, 3 and alpha2, 8 sialic acids of gangliosides. Supporting this, the primary melanoma cells obtained from different patients, showed no O-acetylation of GD3 or GD2. The cell line from groin LN showed the presence of O-acetyl (O-Ac)GD3. The cell lines from thyroid, spleen and jejunum expressed O-AcGD2. In all metastatic melanoma cell lines GD1a is more prevalent than GD3, suggesting that GD1a may be a major melanoma-ganglioside.
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Selvan SR, Dillman RO, Fowler AW, Carbonell DJ, Ravindranath MH. Monitoring response to treatment in melanoma patients: Potential of a serum glycomic marker. Int J Cancer 2007; 122:1374-83. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Ravindranath MH, Muthugounder S, Hannah MR, Morton DL. Significance of endogenous augmentation of antiganglioside IgM in cancer patients: potential tool for early detection and management of cancer therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1107:212-22. [PMID: 17804549 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1381.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gangliosides expressed by solid malignancies are shed into the circulation at a rate that varies with tumor stage, burden, and progression. Gangliosides have an immunosuppressive effect; thus an increase in the total ganglioside (TG) serum level may coincide with tumor progression. However, circulating gangliosides also may induce an endogenous IgM response. Unlike conventional pentameric IgM antibodies against peptide antigens, antiganglioside IgM antibodies can be polymeric and may not have a J-chain. Because these antibodies can remove shed gangliosides from the tumor microenvironment and the circulation, therapy that actively or passively augments serum levels of IgM against tumor-derived immunosuppressive gangliosides might restore immunocompetence and thereby slow tumor progression. The success of this approach, in passive and active specific therapy of cancer patients, requires analysis of biopsy tissue or sera of therapy recipients to confirm the presence of target gangliosides, such as GM2 or GD3. A patient's response to active or passive immunotherapy against a specific ganglioside target(s) can be monitored by serial assessment of serum specimens for TG level and antiganglioside IgM titer(s). This tailored approach to immunotherapy could be incorporated in postoperative adjuvant protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mepur H Ravindranath
- Department of Glycoimmunotherapy, John Wayne Cancer Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404-2302, USA.
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Ravindranath MH, Yesowitch P, Sumobay C, Morton DL. Glycoimmunomics of human cancer: current concepts and future perspectives. Future Oncol 2007; 3:201-14. [PMID: 17381420 DOI: 10.2217/14796694.3.2.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Future strategies for the treatment of human cancer require a full appreciation of the intracellular and extracellular changes that accompany neoplastic transformation. The changes may involve a variety of micro- and macro-molecules, including, but not restricted to, peptides, proteins (with sugar and/or lipid moieties), oligosaccharides, glycolipids (neutral or acidic, e.g., gangliosides), ceramides, fatty acids and other lipids. Although several therapeutic approaches have been well developed in recent years, most of the reported studies focus on proteins and peptides. Glycoantigens and lipoantigens have been neglected. Elucidation of the profiles and properties of all molecules associated with tumor progression is required to develop a successful strategy to treat human cancer. This review describes the unique immunomics of tumor-associated glycoantigens and explains why the field of glycoimmunomics may yield clinically important biomarkers and treatments for the management of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mepur H Ravindranath
- Department of Glycoimmunotherapy, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404-2302, USA.
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