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Feng DH, Cui JL. Progress on metabolites of Astragalus medicinal plants and a new factor affecting their formation: Biotransformation of endophytic fungi. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2400249. [PMID: 38838334 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400249] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
It is generally believed that the main influencing factors of plant metabolism are genetic and environmental factors. However, the transformation and catalysis of metabolic intermediates by endophytic fungi have become a new factor and resource attracting attention in recent years. There are over 2000 precious plant species in the Astragalus genus. In the past decade, at least 303 high-value metabolites have been isolated from the Astragalus medicinal plants, including 124 saponins, 150 flavonoids, two alkaloids, six sterols, and over 20 other types of compounds. These medicinal plants contain abundant endophytic fungi with unique functions, and nearly 600 endophytic fungi with known identity have been detected, but only about 35 strains belonging to 13 genera have been isolated. Among them, at least four strains affiliated to Penicillium roseopurpureum, Alternaria eureka, Neosartorya hiratsukae, and Camarosporium laburnicola have demonstrated the ability to biotransform four saponin compounds from the Astragalus genus, resulting in the production of 66 new compounds, which have significantly enhanced our understanding of the formation of metabolites in plants of the Astragalus genus. They provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivation quality of Astragalus plants through the modification of dominant fungal endophytes or reshaping the endophytic fungal community. Additionally, they open up new avenues for the discovery of specialized, green, efficient, and sustainable biotransformation pathways for complex pharmaceutical intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Hui Feng
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijng, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Long Cui
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijng, People's Republic of China
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2
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Wang J, Yang B, Zhang F, Wang J, Xue K, Hussain Chang B, Zhang J, Qin X. Identification and Expression Analysis of Cytochrome P450 Genes Probably Involved in Triterpenoid Saponins Biosynthesis in Astragalus mongholicus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8333. [PMID: 39125903 PMCID: PMC11312233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158333] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytochromes P450 (P450s) are one of the largest enzymatic protein families and play critical roles in the synthesis and metabolism of plant secondary metabolites. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the primary active components in Astragalus herbs, exhibiting diverse biological activities and pharmacological effects. However, P450s involved in the astragaloside biosynthesis have not been systematically analyzed in Astragalus mongholicus (A. mongholicus). In this study, we identified 209 P450 genes from the genome of A. mongholicus (AmP450s), which were classified into nine clans and 47 families and performed a systematic overview of their physical and chemical properties, phylogeny, gene structures and conserved motifs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that AmP450s are critical in the astragaloside biosynthesis pathway. The expression levels of these AmP450s were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis in the root, stem and leaf, showing that most AmP450s are abundant in the root. Additionally, the correlation analysis between gene expressions and AS-IV content showed that twelve AmP450s, especially CYP71A28, CYP71D16 and CYP72A69, may have significant potential in the biosynthesis of astragaloside. This study systematically investigates the P450s of A. mongholicus and offers valuable insights into further exploring the functions of CYP450s in the astragaloside biosynthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiu Wang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.W.); (B.Y.); (F.Z.); (J.W.)
| | - Baoping Yang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.W.); (B.Y.); (F.Z.); (J.W.)
| | - Fusheng Zhang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.W.); (B.Y.); (F.Z.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiaorui Wang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (J.W.); (B.Y.); (F.Z.); (J.W.)
| | - Kunlun Xue
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (K.X.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Babar Hussain Chang
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (K.X.); (B.H.C.)
- Faculty of Crop Protection, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam 70060, Pakistan
| | - Jianqin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (K.X.); (B.H.C.)
| | - Xuemei Qin
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (K.X.); (B.H.C.)
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Sheng F, Yang S, Li M, Wang J, Liu L, Zhang L. Research Progress on the Anti-Cancer Effects of Astragalus membranaceus Saponins and Their Mechanisms of Action. Molecules 2024; 29:3388. [PMID: 39064966 PMCID: PMC11280308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143388] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus saponins are the main components of A. membranaceus, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, research on the anti-cancer effects of A. membranaceus saponins has received increasing attention. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experimental data indicate that A. membranaceus saponins exhibit significant anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, especially in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induction of apoptosis, etc. This review compiles relevant studies on the anti-cancer properties of A. membranaceus saponins from various databases over the past two decades. It introduces the mechanism of action of astragalosides, highlighting their therapeutic benefits in the management of cancer. Finally, the urgent problems in the research process are highlighted to promote A. membranaceus saponins as an effective drug against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiya Sheng
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; (F.S.); (S.Y.); (M.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Siyu Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; (F.S.); (S.Y.); (M.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Mi Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; (F.S.); (S.Y.); (M.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; (F.S.); (S.Y.); (M.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Lianghong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
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4
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Li Y, Zhao ZA, Hu J, Lei T, Chen Q, Li J, Yang L, Hu D, Gao S. MeJA-induced hairy roots in Plumbago auriculata L. by RNA-seq profiling and key synthase provided new insights into the sustainable production of plumbagin and saponins. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1411963. [PMID: 39070915 PMCID: PMC11272555 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1411963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Naturally synthesized secondary metabolites in plants are considered an important source of drugs, food additives, etc. Among them, research on natural plant medicinal components and their synthesis mechanisms has always been of high concern. We identified a novel medicinal floral crop, Plumbago auriculata L., that can be treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for the rapid or sustainable production of natural bioactives from hairy roots. In the study, we globally analyzed the changes in the accumulation of plumbagin and others in the hairy roots of Plumbago auriculata L. hairy roots (PAHR) 15834 in P. auriculata L. based on 100 μmol/L of MeJA treatment by RNA-seq profiling, and we found that there was a significant increase in the accumulation of plumbagin and saponin before 24 h. To explain the principle of co-accumulation, it showed that MeJA induced JA signaling and the shikimic acid pathway, and the methylvaleric acid (MVA) pathway was activated downstream subsequently by the Mfuzz and weighted gene co-expression analysis. Under the shared metabolic pathway, the high expression of PAL3 and HMGR promoted the activity of the "gateway enzymes" phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR), which respectively induced the high expression of key reaction enzyme genes, including chalcone synthase (CHS), isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS), that led to the synthesis of plumbagin and saponin. We speculated that large amounts of ketones and/or aldehydes were formed under the action of these characteristic enzymes, ultimately achieving their co-accumulation through polyketone and high-level sugar and amino acid metabolism. The study results provided a theoretical basis for carrying out the factory refinement and biosynthesis of plumbagin and saponins and also provided new ideas for fully exploiting multifunctional agricultural crops and plants and developing new agricultural by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Li
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zi-an Zhao
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ju Hu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Biology and Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Ting Lei
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qibing Chen
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiani Li
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Hu
- School of Fine Arts and Calligraphy, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Suping Gao
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Du Z, Gao F, Wang S, Sun S, Chen C, Wang X, Wu R, Yu X. Genome-Wide Investigation of Oxidosqualene Cyclase Genes Deciphers the Genetic Basis of Triterpene Biosynthesis in Tea Plants. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10584-10595. [PMID: 38652774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Triterpenoids from Camellia species comprise a diverse class of bioactive compounds with great therapeutic potential. However, triterpene biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis) remains elusive. Here, we identified eight putative 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) genes (CsOSC1-8) from the tea genome and characterized the functions of five through heterologous expression in yeast and tobacco and transient overexpression in tea plants. CsOSC1 was found to be a β-amyrin synthase, whereas CsOSC4, 5, and 6 exhibited multifunctional α-amyrin synthase activity. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis showed that the CsOSC6M259T/W260L double mutant yielded >40% lupeol, while the CsOSC1 W259L single mutant alone was sufficient for lupeol production. The V732F mutation in CsOSC5 altered product formation from friedelin to taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol. The L254 M mutation in the cycloartenol synthase CsOSC8 enhanced the catalytic activity. Our findings shed light on the molecular basis governing triterpene diversity in tea plants and offer potential avenues for OSC engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Du
- School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Center for Plant Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Fuquan Gao
- Center for Plant Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shuyan Wang
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shuai Sun
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Chanxin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaxia Wang
- Center for Plant Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ruimei Wu
- Center for Plant Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaomin Yu
- Center for Plant Metabolomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Yu H, Zhou J, Zhang J, He X, Peng S, Ling H, Dong Z, Lu X, Tian Y, Guan G, Tang Q, Zhong X, He Y. Functional Identification of HhUGT74AG11-A Key Glycosyltransferase Involved in Biosynthesis of Oleanane-Type Saponins in Hedera helix. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4067. [PMID: 38612877 PMCID: PMC11012674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074067] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hedera helix is a traditional medicinal plant. Its primary active ingredients are oleanane-type saponins, which have extensive pharmacological effects such as gastric mucosal protection, autophagy regulation actions, and antiviral properties. However, the glycosylation-modifying enzymes responsible for catalyzing oleanane-type saponin biosynthesis remain unidentified. Through transcriptome, cluster analysis, and PSPG structural domain, this study preliminarily screened four candidate UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), including Unigene26859, Unigene31717, CL11391.Contig2, and CL144.Contig9. In in vitro enzymatic reactions, it has been observed that Unigene26859 (HhUGT74AG11) has the ability to facilitate the conversion of oleanolic acid, resulting in the production of oleanolic acid 28-O-glucopyranosyl ester. Moreover, HhUGT74AG11 exhibits extensive substrate hybridity and specific stereoselectivity and can transfer glycosyl donors to the C-28 site of various oleanane-type triterpenoids (hederagenin and calenduloside E) and the C-7 site of flavonoids (tectorigenin). Cluster analysis found that HhUGT74AG11 is clustered together with functionally identified genes AeUGT74AG6, CaUGT74AG2, and PgUGT74AE2, further verifying the possible reason for HhUGT74AG11 catalyzing substrate generalization. In this study, a novel glycosyltransferase, HhUGT74AG11, was characterized that plays a role in oleanane-type saponins biosynthesis in H. helix, providing a theoretical basis for the production of rare and valuable triterpenoid saponins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jun Zhou
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xinyi He
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Siqing Peng
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Hao Ling
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhuang Dong
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiangyang Lu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.L.); (Y.T.); (G.G.)
| | - Yun Tian
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.L.); (Y.T.); (G.G.)
| | - Guiping Guan
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.L.); (Y.T.); (G.G.)
| | - Qi Tang
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaohong Zhong
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (S.P.); (H.L.); (Z.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yuedong He
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.L.); (Y.T.); (G.G.)
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Guo X, Yan X, Wang Y, Shi Z, Niu J, Liang J, Jia X. Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Effects of Cutting on the Synthesis of Flavonoids and Saponins in Chinese Herbal Medicine Astragalus mongholious. Metabolites 2024; 14:97. [PMID: 38392989 PMCID: PMC10891646 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Astragali Radix, derived from the roots of Astragalus mongholicus, is a traditional Chinese medicine containing flavonoids and saponins as its key ingredients. With a shortage in the wild sources of the herbal plant, it is especially important to explore a cultivation mode for A. mongholicus for medicinal purposes. Cutting, a physical environmental stress method, was used in this study with the objective of improving the quality of this herbal legume. We found that cutting of the top 1/3 of the aboveground part of A. mongholicus during the fruiting period resulted in a significant increase in the content of flavonoids and saponins, as well as in root growth, including length, diameter, and dry weight. Furthermore, the leaves were sampled and analyzed using a combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis approach at five different time points after the treatment. Sixteen differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids were identified; these were found to stimulate the synthesis of flavonoids such as formononetin and calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside. Moreover, we identified 10 DEGs that were associated with the biosynthesis of saponins, including astragaloside IV and soyasaponin I, and found that they only regulated the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. These findings provide new insights into cultivating high-quality A. mongholicus, which could potentially alleviate the scarcity of this valuable medicinal plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
| | - Xiang Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
| | - Zhiyong Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
| | - Jingping Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
| | - Jianping Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Veterinary Medicine Modernization, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (X.G.); (X.Y.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.); (J.N.); (X.J.)
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Dinday S, Ghosh S. Recent advances in triterpenoid pathway elucidation and engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108214. [PMID: 37478981 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are among the most assorted class of specialized metabolites found in all the taxa of living organisms. Triterpenoids are the leading active ingredients sourced from plant species and are utilized in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The triterpenoid precursor 2,3-oxidosqualene, which is biosynthesized via the mevalonate (MVA) pathway is structurally diversified by the oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and other scaffold-decorating enzymes such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) and acyltransferases (ATs). A majority of the bioactive triterpenoids are harvested from the native hosts using the traditional methods of extraction and occasionally semi-synthesized. These methods of supply are time-consuming and do not often align with sustainability goals. Recent advancements in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology have shown prospects for the green routes of triterpenoid pathway reconstruction in heterologous hosts such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana benthamiana, which appear to be quite promising and might lead to the development of alternative source of triterpenoids. The present review describes the biotechnological strategies used to elucidate complex biosynthetic pathways and to understand their regulation and also discusses how the advances in triterpenoid pathway engineering might aid in the scale-up of triterpenoid production in engineered hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Dinday
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
| | - Sumit Ghosh
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Wang L, Jiang Z, Zhang J, Chen K, Zhang M, Wang Z, Wang B, Ye M, Qiao X. Characterization and structure-based protein engineering of a regiospecific saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5969. [PMID: 37749089 PMCID: PMC10519980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41599-7] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylation contributes to the bioactivity of numerous medicinally important natural products. However, little is known about the acetylation on sugar moieties. Here we report a saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus. AmAT7-3 is discovered through a stepwise gene mining approach and characterized as the xylose C3'/C4'-O-acetyltransferse of astragaloside IV (1). To elucidate its catalytic mechanism, complex crystal structures of AmAT7-3/1 and AmAT7-3A310G/1 are obtained, which reveal a large active pocket decided by a specific sequence AADAG. Combining with QM/MM computation, the regiospecificity of AmAT7-3 is determined by sugar positioning modulated by surrounding amino acids including #A310 and #L290. Furthermore, a small mutant library is built using semi-rational design, where variants A310G and A310W are found to catalyze specific C3'-O and C4'-O acetylation, respectively. AmAT7-3 and its variants are also employed to acetylate other bioactive saponins. This work expands the understanding of saponin acetyltransferases, and provide efficient catalytic tools for saponin acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhihui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiahe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Kuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Binju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Dong M, Li J, Yang D, Li M, Wei J. Biosynthesis and Pharmacological Activities of Flavonoids, Triterpene Saponins and Polysaccharides Derived from Astragalus membranaceus. Molecules 2023; 28:5018. [PMID: 37446680 PMCID: PMC10343288 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135018] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus), a well-known traditional herbal medicine, has been widely used in ailments for more than 2000 years. The main bioactive compounds including flavonoids, triterpene saponins and polysaccharides obtained from A. membranaceus have shown a wide range of biological activities and pharmacological effects. These bioactive compounds have a significant role in protecting the liver, immunomodulation, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cardiovascular activities. The flavonoids are initially synthesized through the phenylpropanoid pathway, followed by catalysis with corresponding enzymes, while the triterpenoid saponins, especially astragalosides, are synthesized through the universal upstream pathways of mevalonate (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP), and the downstream pathway of triterpenoid skeleton formation and modification. Moreover, the Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) possesses multiple pharmacological activities. In this review, we comprehensively discussed the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, and the structural features of polysaccharides in A. membranaceus. We further systematically summarized the pharmacological effects of bioactive ingredients in A. membranaceus, which laid the foundation for the development of clinical candidate agents. Finally, we proposed potential strategies of heterologous biosynthesis to improve the industrialized production and sustainable supply of natural products with pharmacological activities from A. membranaceus, thereby providing an important guide for their future development trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoyin Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (M.D.); (D.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jinjuan Li
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730070, China;
| | - Delong Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (M.D.); (D.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Mengfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Agronomy College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jianhe Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
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Song Z, Chen D, Sui S, Wang Y, Cen S, Dai J. Characterization of a Malabaricane-Type Triterpene Synthase from Astragalus membranaceus and Enzymatic Synthesis of Astramalabaricosides. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023. [PMID: 37336771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are a large and medicinally important group of natural products with a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. Among them, malabaricane-type triterpenoids are a rare group of terpenoids with a 6,6,5-tricyclic ring system, and a few malabaricane triterpene synthases have been characterized to date. Here, an arabidiol synthase AmAS for the formation of the malabaricane-type 6,6,5-tricyclic triterpenoid skeleton in astramalabaricosides biosynthesis was characterized from Astragalus membranaceus. Multiple sequence alignment, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular docking of AmAS reveal that residues Q256 and Y258 are essential for AmAS activity, and the triad motif IIH725-727 was the critical residue necessary for its product specificity. Mutation of IIH725-727 with VFN led to the formation of seven tricyclic, tetracyclic, and pentacyclic triterpenoids (1-7). Glycosylation of malabaricane-type triterpenoids in the biosynthesis of astramalabaricosides was also explored. Three triterpenoids (1, 5, and 6) displayed potent inhibitory effects against influenza A virus in vitro. These findings provide insights into malabaricane-type triterpenoids biosynthesis in A. membranaceus and access to diverse bioactive triterpenoids for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, CAMS Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Biocatalysis of Natural Drugs, and NHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, CAMS Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Biocatalysis of Natural Drugs, and NHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Songyang Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, CAMS Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Biocatalysis of Natural Drugs, and NHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yujia Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jungui Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, CAMS Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Biocatalysis of Natural Drugs, and NHC Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Ji B, Xuan L, Zhang Y, Zhang G, Meng J, Mu W, Liu J, Paek KY, Park SY, Wang J, Gao W. Advances in Biotechnological Production and Metabolic Regulation of Astragalus membranaceus. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091858. [PMID: 37176916 PMCID: PMC10180874 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Legume medicinal plants Astragalus membranaceus are widely used in the world and have very important economic value, ecological value, medicinal value, and ornamental value. The bioengineering technology of medicinal plants is used in the protection of endangered species, the rapid propagation of important resources, detoxification, and the improvement of degraded germplasm. Using bioengineering technology can effectively increase the content of secondary metabolites in A. membranaceus and improve the probability of solving the problem of medicinal plant resource shortage. In this review, we focused on biotechnological research into A. membranaceus, such as the latest advances in tissue culture, including callus, adventitious roots, hairy roots, suspension cells, etc., the metabolic regulation of chemical compounds in A. membranaceus, and the research progress on the synthetic biology of astragalosides, including the biosynthesis pathway of astragalosides, microbial transformation of astragalosides, and metabolic engineering of astragalosides. The review also looks forward to the new development trend of medicinal plant biotechnology, hoping to provide a broader development prospect for the in-depth study of medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Liangshuang Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guoqi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jie Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenrong Mu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- School of Graduate, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Kee-Yoeup Paek
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Chen K, Zhang M, Gao B, Hasan A, Li J, Bao Y, Fan J, Yu R, Yi Y, Ågren H, Wang Z, Liu H, Ye M, Qiao X. Characterization and protein engineering of glycosyltransferases for the biosynthesis of diverse hepatoprotective cycloartane-type saponins in Astragalus membranaceus. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:698-710. [PMID: 36529909 PMCID: PMC10037152 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although plant secondary metabolites are important source of new drugs, obtaining these compounds is challenging due to their high structural diversity and low abundance. The roots of Astragalus membranaceus are a popular herbal medicine worldwide. It contains a series of cycloartane-type saponins (astragalosides) as hepatoprotective and antivirus components. However, astragalosides exhibit complex sugar substitution patterns which hindered their purification and bioactivity investigation. In this work, glycosyltransferases (GT) from A. membranaceus were studied to synthesize structurally diverse astragalosides. Three new GTs, AmGT1/5 and AmGT9, were characterized as 3-O-glycosyltransferase and 25-O-glycosyltransferase of cycloastragenol respectively. AmGT1G146V/I variants were obtained as specific 3-O-xylosyltransferases by sequence alignment, molecular modelling and site-directed mutagenesis. A combinatorial synthesis system was established using AmGT1/5/9, AmGT1G146V/S and the reported AmGT8 and AmGT8A394F . The system allowed the synthesis of 13 astragalosides in Astragalus root with conversion rates from 22.6% to 98.7%, covering most of the sugar-substitution patterns for astragalosides. In addition, AmGT1 exhibited remarkable sugar donor promiscuity to use 10 different donors, and was used to synthesize three novel astragalosides and ginsenosides. Glycosylation remarkably improved the hepatoprotective and SARS-CoV-2 inhibition activities for triterpenoids. This is one of the first attempts to produce a series of herbal constituents via combinatorial synthesis. The results provided new biocatalytic tools for saponin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Baihan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Aobulikasimu Hasan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Junhao Li
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Yang'oujie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingjing Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yang Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hans Ågren
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Zilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haiyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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Lertphadungkit P, Qiao X, Ye M, Bunsupa S. Characterization of oxidosqualene cyclases from Trichosanthes cucumerina L. reveals key amino acids responsible for substrate specificity of isomultiflorenol synthase. PLANTA 2022; 256:58. [PMID: 35980476 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Two key amino acids of isomultiflorenol synthase, Y125 and M254, were first proposed. They could be associated with the production of isomultiflorenol. Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are the first committed enzymes in the triterpenoid biosynthesis by converting 2,3-oxidosqualene to specific triterpenoid backbones. Thus, these enzymes are potential targets for developing plant-active compounds through the study of triterpenoid biosynthesis. We applied transcriptome information and metabolite profiling from Trichosanthes cucumerina L. to define the diversity of triterpenoids in this plant through OSCs. Isomultiflorenol synthase and cucurbitadienol synthase were previously identified in this plant. Here, three new OSCs, TcBAS, TcLAS, and TcCAS, were cloned and functionally characterized as β-amyrin synthase, lanosterol synthase, and cycloartenol synthase activities, respectively. We also took advantage of the multiple sequence alignment and molecular docking of OSCs exhibiting in this plant and other plant OSCs to identify key residues associated with isomultiflorenol synthase specificity. Two novel key amino acids, referred to the Y125 and M254, were first discovered. These results provide information on a possible catalytic mechanism for plant OSCs that produce specific products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpatsorn Lertphadungkit
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Sri-Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Somnuk Bunsupa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Sri-Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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