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Alhosin M. Epigenetics Mechanisms of Honeybees: Secrets of Royal Jelly. Epigenet Insights 2023; 16:25168657231213717. [PMID: 38033464 PMCID: PMC10687967 DOI: 10.1177/25168657231213717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diets in honeybees have effects on epigenome with consequences on their phenotype. Depending on the early larval diet, either royal jelly (RJ) or royal worker, 2 different female castes are generated from identical genomes, a long-lived queen with fully developed ovaries and a short-lived functionally sterile worker. To generate these prominent physiological and morphological differences between queen and worker, honeybees utilize epigenetic mechanisms which are controlled by nutritional input. These mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications, mainly histone acetylation. In honeybee larvae, DNA methylation and histone acetylation may be differentially altered by RJ. This diet has biologically active ingredients with inhibitory effects on the de novo methyltransferase DNMT3A or the histone deacetylase 3 HDAC3 to create and maintain the epigenetic state necessary for developing larvae to generate a queen. DNMT and HDAC enzymes work together to induce the formation of a compacted chromatin structure, repressing transcription. Such dialog could be coordinated by their association with other epigenetic factors including the ubiquitin-like containing plant homeodomain (PHD) and really interesting new gene (RING) finger domains 1 (UHRF1). Through its multiple functional domains, UHRF1 acts as an epigenetic reader of both DNA methylation patterns and histone marks. The present review discusses the epigenetic regulation of honeybee's chromatin and how the early diets in honeybees can affect the DNA/histone modifying types of machinery that are necessary to stimulate the larvae to turn into either queen or worker. The review also looks at future directions in epigenetics mechanisms of honeybees, mainly the potential role of UHRF1 in these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Alhosin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre for Artificial intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang Y, Li Z, He X, Wang Z, Zeng Z. H3K4me1 Modification Functions in Caste Differentiation in Honey Bees. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076217. [PMID: 37047189 PMCID: PMC10094490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are important species for the study of epigenetics. Female honey bee larvae with the same genotype can develop into phenotypically distinct organisms (sterile workers and fertile queens) depending on conditions such as diet. Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation and histone modification can establish distinct gene expression patterns, leading to caste differentiation. It is unclear whether the histone methylation modification H3K4me1 can also impact caste differentiation. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide H3K4me1 modifications in both queen and worker larvae and found that H3K4me1 marks are more abundant in worker larvae than in queen larvae at both the second and fourth instars, and many genes associated with caste differentiation are differentially methylated. Notably, caste-specific H3K4me1 in promoter regions can direct worker development. Thus, our results suggest that H3K4me1 modification may act as an important regulatory factor in the establishment and maintenance of caste-specific transcriptional programs in honey bees; however, the potential influence of other epigenetic modifications cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Xujiang He
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zhijiang Zeng
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
- Correspondence:
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Wang M, Xiao Y, Li Y, Wang X, Qi S, Wang Y, Zhao L, Wang K, Peng W, Luo GZ, Xue X, Jia G, Wu L. RNA m 6A Modification Functions in Larval Development and Caste Differentiation in Honeybee (Apis mellifera). Cell Rep 2021; 34:108580. [PMID: 33406439 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically identical female honeybee larvae with different diets develop into sterile workers or fertile queens. It remains unknown whether the reversible RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mark functionally impact this "caste differentiation." Here, we profile the transcriptome-wide m6A methylome of honeybee queen and worker larvae at three instar stages and discover that m6A methylation dynamics are altered by differential feeding. Multiple methylome comparisons show an obvious increase in m6A marks during larval development and reveal a negative correlation between gene expression and m6A methylation. Notably, we find that worker larvae contain more hypermethylated m6A peaks than do queen larvae, and many caste-differentiation-related transcripts are differentially methylated. Chemical suppression of m6A methylation in worker larvae by 3-deazaadenosine (DAA) reduces overall m6A methylation levels and triggers worker larvae to develop queen caste features. Thus, our study demonstrates that m6A functionally impacts caste differentiation and larval development, yet it does not exclude potential contributions from other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China
| | - Suzhen Qi
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Liuwei Zhao
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Peng
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China
| | - Guan-Zheng Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Xue
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China.
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China.
| | - Liming Wu
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100093 Beijing, China.
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Nutrition in Cancer Therapy in the Elderly-An Epigenetic Connection? Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113366. [PMID: 33139626 PMCID: PMC7692262 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous increase in life expectancy results in a steady increase of cancer risk, which consequently increases the population of older adults with cancer. Older adults have their age-related nutritional needs and often suffer from comorbidities that may affect cancer therapy. They frequently are malnourished and present advanced-stage cancer. Therefore, this group of patients requires a special multidisciplinary approach to optimize their therapy and increase quality of life impaired by aging, cancer, and the side effects of therapy. Evaluation strategies, taking advantage of comprehensive geriatric assessment tools, including the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), can help individualize treatment. As epigenetics, an emerging element of the regulation of gene expression, is involved in both aging and cancer and the epigenetic profile can be modulated by the diet, it seems to be a candidate to assist with planning a nutritional intervention in elderly populations with cancer. In this review, we present problems associated with the diet and nutrition in the elderly undergoing active cancer therapy and provide some information on epigenetic aspects of aging and cancer transformation. Nutritional interventions modulating the epigenetic profile, including caloric restriction and basal diet with modifications (elimination diet, supplementary diet) are discussed as the ways to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy and maintain the quality of life of older adults with cancer.
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Bewick AJ, Sanchez Z, Mckinney EC, Moore AJ, Moore PJ, Schmitz RJ. Dnmt1 is essential for egg production and embryo viability in the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:6. [PMID: 30616649 PMCID: PMC6322253 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0246-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of cytosine (DNA) methylation in insects remains inconclusive due to a lack of mutant and/or genetic studies. RESULTS Here, we provide evidence for the functional role of the maintenance DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) in an insect using experimental manipulation. Through RNA interference (RNAi), we successfully posttranscriptionally knocked down Dnmt1 in ovarian tissue of the hemipteran Oncopeltus fasciatus (the large milkweed bug). Individuals depleted for Dnmt1, and subsequently DNA methylation, failed to reproduce. Eggs were inviable and declined in number, and nuclei structure of follicular epithelium was aberrant. Erasure of DNA methylation from gene or transposon element bodies did not reveal a direct causal link to steady-state mRNA levels in somatic cells. These results reveal an important function of Dnmt1 seemingly not contingent on directly controlling gene expression. CONCLUSIONS This study provides direct experimental evidence for a functional role of Dnmt1 in egg production and embryo viability and uncovers a trivial role, if any, for DNA methylation in control of gene expression in O. fasciatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Bewick
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Zachary Sanchez
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | | | - Allen J. Moore
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Patricia J. Moore
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
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DNA methylation is not involved in dietary restriction induced lifespan extension in adult Drosophila. Genet Res (Camb) 2018; 100:e1. [PMID: 29386085 DOI: 10.1017/s0016672317000064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) is widely regarded as a viable intervention to extend lifespan and healthspan in diverse organisms. The precise molecular regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. Epigenetic modifications are not stable upon DR and also keep changing with age. Here, we employed whole genome bisulfite sequencing to determine the DNA methylation changes upon DR in adult Drosophila. Our results indicate that although a low level of DNA methylation exists in the adult Drosophila genome, there is no significant difference in DNA methylation levels upon DR when compared to unrestricted flies. This suggests that other epigenetic components such as histone modifications might be altered by DR.
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Jeon S, Cho Y. Epidermal Hydration Is Improved by Enhanced Ceramide Metabolism in Aged C57BL/6J Mice After Dietary Supplementation of Royal Jelly. J Med Food 2015; 18:999-1006. [PMID: 26355951 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal hydration is maintained by the epidermal lipid barrier, of which ceramide (Cer) is the major constituent. We examined the dietary effect of royal jelly (RJ) on epidermal hydration in aged mice. Altered Cer metabolism was further determined by measuring epidermal levels of individual Cer, glucosylceramide (GC), and sphingomyelin (SM) species, and of Cer-metabolizing enzymes. Aged C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (group AGED) or diets with 1% RJ harvested from two different areas (groups AGED+RJ1:AGED + RJ2) for 16 weeks. Aged C57BL/6J mice with no dietary intervention (the control group: group C) represented the onset of aging. In group AGED, epidermal levels of hydration, Cer1/2/5/6/7, GC-A/B/C/D, SM1/2/3, and β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) protein, an enzyme of GC hydrolysis for Cer generation, were lower than in group C; these levels, as well as those of Cer3/4 and acidic sphingomyelinase (aSMase) protein, an enzyme of SM hydrolysis for Cer generation, were higher in group AGED + RJ1 than in group AGED. Despite increases in GC-B, SM1/2/3, and serine palmitoyltransferase2 protein, an enzyme of de novo Cer synthesis, in group AGED + RJ2 to levels higher than in group AGED, epidermal levels of hydration, Cer1-7, GC-A/C/D, GCase, and aSMase proteins were similar in these two groups. Expression of GCase and aSMase mRNAs, and of Cer synthase3 and ceramidase proteins, enzymes of de novo Cer synthesis and degradation, did not differ among groups. Dietary RJ1 improved epidermal hydration by enhancing Cer metabolism with increased levels of all Cer, GC, and SM species, and of GCase and aSMase proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghun Jeon
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University , Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Yunhi Cho
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University , Gyeonggi, Korea
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Afanas’ev I. New nucleophilic mechanisms of ros-dependent epigenetic modifications: comparison of aging and cancer. Aging Dis 2014; 5:52-62. [PMID: 24490117 PMCID: PMC3901614 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2014.050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that ROS (reactive oxygen species, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) regulate major epigenetic processes, DNA methylation and histone acetylation, although the mechanism of ROS action (ROS signaling) is still unknown. Both DNA methylation and histone acetylation are nucleophilic processes and therefore ROS signaling through typical free radical processes, for example hydrogen atom abstraction is impossible. However, being "super-nucleophile" superoxide can participate in these reactions. Now we propose new nucleophilic mechanisms of DNA methylation and histone modification. During DNA methylation superoxide can deprotonate the cytosine molecule at C-5 position and by this accelerate the reaction of DNA with the positive-charged intermediate S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM). Superoxide can also deprotonate histone N-terminal tail lysines and accelerate the formation of their complexes with acetyl-coenzyme A (AcCoA), the supplier of acetyl groups. In cancer cells ROS enhance DNA methylation causing the silencing of tumor suppressor and antioxidant genes and enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells under condition of oxidative stress. ROS signaling in senescent cells probably causes DNA hypomethylation although there are insufficient data for such proposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Afanas’ev
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Igor Afanas’ev, Rua Vitorino Nemesio 48, 6.1, 2050-638, Porto, Portugal.
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Guéant JL, Elakoum R, Ziegler O, Coelho D, Feigerlova E, Daval JL, Guéant-Rodriguez RM. Nutritional models of foetal programming and nutrigenomic and epigenomic dysregulations of fatty acid metabolism in the liver and heart. Pflugers Arch 2013; 466:833-50. [PMID: 23999818 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Barker's concept of 'foetal programming' proposes that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) predicts complex metabolic diseases through relationships that may be further modified by the postnatal environment. Dietary restriction and deficit in methyl donors, folate, vitamin B12, and choline are used as experimental conditions of foetal programming as they lead to IUGR and decreased birth weight. Overfeeding and deficit in methyl donors increase central fat mass and lead to a dramatic increase of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) in offspring. Conversely, supplementing the mothers under protein restriction with folic acid reverses metabolic and epigenomic phenotypes of offspring. High-fat diet or methyl donor deficiency (MDD) during pregnancy and lactation produce liver steatosis and myocardium hypertrophy that result from increased import of FFA and impaired fatty acid β-oxidation, respectively. The underlying molecular mechanisms show dysregulations related with similar decreased expression and activity of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and hyperacetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). High-fat diet and overfeeding impair AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of PGC-1α, while MDD decreases PGC-1α methylation through decreased expression of PRMT1 and cellular level of S-adenosyl methionine. The visceral manifestations of metabolic syndrome are under the influence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in overnourished animal models. These mechanisms should also deserve attention in the foetal programming effects of MDD since vitamin B12 influences ER stress through impaired SIRT1 deacetylation of HSF1. Taken together, similarities and synergies of high-fat diet and MDD suggest, therefore, considering their consecutive or contemporary influence in the mechanisms of complex metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Guéant
- Inserm U954, Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure (N-GERE), University of Lorraine and University Hospital Center of Nancy, BP 184, 54511, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France,
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Dauncey MJ. Genomic and epigenomic insights into nutrition and brain disorders. Nutrients 2013; 5:887-914. [PMID: 23503168 PMCID: PMC3705325 DOI: 10.3390/nu5030887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence links many neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders with multiple complex interactions between genetics and environmental factors such as nutrition. Mental health problems, autism, eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and brain tumours are related to individual variability in numerous protein-coding and non-coding regions of the genome. However, genotype does not necessarily determine neurological phenotype because the epigenome modulates gene expression in response to endogenous and exogenous regulators, throughout the life-cycle. Studies using both genome-wide analysis of multiple genes and comprehensive analysis of specific genes are providing new insights into genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying nutrition and neuroscience. This review provides a critical evaluation of the following related areas: (1) recent advances in genomic and epigenomic technologies, and their relevance to brain disorders; (2) the emerging role of non-coding RNAs as key regulators of transcription, epigenetic processes and gene silencing; (3) novel approaches to nutrition, epigenetics and neuroscience; (4) gene-environment interactions, especially in the serotonergic system, as a paradigm of the multiple signalling pathways affected in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Current and future advances in these four areas should contribute significantly to the prevention, amelioration and treatment of multiple devastating brain disorders.
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