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Carmona AV, Jonnalagadda S, Case AM, Maddeboina K, Jonnalagadda SK, Dow LF, Duan L, Penning TM, Trippier PC. Discovery of an Aldo-Keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) degrader. Commun Chem 2024; 7:95. [PMID: 38684887 PMCID: PMC11059152 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01177-4] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is a protein upregulated in prostate cancer, hematological malignancies, and other cancers where it contributes to proliferation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (ARv7) is the most common mutation of the AR receptor that confers resistance to clinical androgen receptor signalling inhibitors in castration-resistant prostate cancer. AKR1C3 interacts with ARv7 promoting stabilization. Herein we report the discovery of the first-in-class AKR1C3 Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) degrader. This first-generation degrader potently reduced AKR1C3 expression in 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells with a half-maximal degradation concentration (DC50) of 52 nM. Gratifyingly, concomitant degradation of ARv7 was observed with a DC50 = 70 nM, along with degradation of the AKR1C3 isoforms AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 to a lesser extent. This compound represents a highly useful chemical tool and a promising strategy for prostate cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica V Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Shirisha Jonnalagadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Alfie M Case
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Krishnaiah Maddeboina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Sravan K Jonnalagadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Louise F Dow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Ling Duan
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
- UNMC Center for Drug Design and Innovation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
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Li M, Zhang L, Yu J, Wang X, Cheng L, Ma Z, Chen X, Wang L, Goh BC. AKR1C3 in carcinomas: from multifaceted roles to therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1378292. [PMID: 38523637 PMCID: PMC10957692 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C3 (AKR1C3), also known as type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD5) or prostaglandin F (PGF) synthase, functions as a pivotal enzyme in androgen biosynthesis. It catalyzes the conversion of weak androgens, estrone (a weak estrogen), and PGD2 into potent androgens (testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone), 17β-estradiol (a potent estrogen), and 11β-PGF2α, respectively. Elevated levels of AKR1C3 activate androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway, contributing to tumor recurrence and imparting resistance to cancer therapies. The overexpression of AKR1C3 serves as an oncogenic factor, promoting carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, and is correlated with unfavorable prognosis and overall survival in carcinoma patients. Inhibiting AKR1C3 has demonstrated potent efficacy in suppressing tumor progression and overcoming treatment resistance. As a result, the development and design of AKR1C3 inhibitors have garnered increasing interest among researchers, with significant progress witnessed in recent years. Novel AKR1C3 inhibitors, including natural products and analogues of existing drugs designed based on their structures and frameworks, continue to be discovered and developed in laboratories worldwide. The AKR1C3 enzyme has emerged as a key player in carcinoma progression and therapeutic resistance, posing challenges in cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of AKR1C3's role in carcinoma development, its implications in therapeutic resistance, and recent advancements in the development of AKR1C3 inhibitors for tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Le Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Van-Duyne G, Blair IA, Sprenger C, Moiseenkova-Bell V, Plymate S, Penning TM. The androgen receptor. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:439-481. [PMID: 37717994 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The Androgen Receptor (AR) is a ligand (androgen) activated transcription factor and a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily. It is required for male sex hormone function. AR-FL (full-length) has the domain structure of NRs, an N-terminal domain (NTD) required for transactivation, a DNA-binding domain (DBD), a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a ligand-binding domain (LBD). Paradoxes exist in that endogenous ligands testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) have differential effects on male sexual development while binding to the same receptor and transcriptional specificity is achieved even though the androgen response elements (AREs) are identical to those seen for the progesterone, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. A high resolution 3-dimensional structure of AR-FL by either cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography has remained elusive largely due to the intrinsic disorder of the NTD. AR function is regulated by post-translational modification leading to a large number of proteoforms. The interaction of these proteoforms in multiprotein complexes with co-activators and co-repressors driven by interdomain coupling mediates the AR transcriptional output. The AR is a drug target for selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS) that either have anabolic or androgenic effects. Protstate cancer is treated with androgen deprivation therapy or by the use of AR antagonists that bind to the LBD. Drug resistance occurs due to adaptive AR upregulation and the appearance of splice variants that lack the LBD and become constitutively active. Bipolar T treatment and NTD-antagonists could surmount these resistance mechanisms, respectively. These recent advances in AR signaling are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Van-Duyne
- Department of Biophysics & Biochemistry, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ian A Blair
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cynthia Sprenger
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington and GRECC, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Vera Moiseenkova-Bell
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stephen Plymate
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington and GRECC, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Crespo B, Caceres S, Silvan G, Illera MJ, Illera JC. The inhibition of steroid hormones determines the fate of IPC-366 tumor cells, highlighting the crucial role of androgen production in tumor processes. Res Vet Sci 2023; 161:1-14. [PMID: 37290206 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) is a disease that affects female dogs. It is characterized by poor treatment options and no efficient targets. However, anti-androgenic and anti-estrogenic therapies could be effective because IMC has a great endocrine influence, affecting tumor progression. IPC-366 is a triple negative IMC cell line that has been postulated as a useful model to study this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to inhibit steroid hormones production at different points of the steroid pathway in order to determine its effect in cell viability and migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. For this purpose, Dutasteride (anti-5αReductase), Anastrozole (anti-aromatase) and ASP9521 (anti-17βHSD) and their combinations have been used. Results revealed that this cell line is positive to estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and androgen receptor (AR) and endocrine therapies reduce cell viability. Our results enforced the hypothesis that estrogens promote cell viability and migration in vitro due to the function of E1SO4 as an estrogen reservoir for E2 production that promotes the IMC cells proliferation. Also, an increase in androgen secretion was associated with a reduction in cell viability. Finally, in vivo assays showed large tumor reduction. Hormone assays determined that high estrogen levels and the reduction of androgen levels promote tumor growth in Balb/SCID IMC mice. In conclusion, estrogen levels reduction may be associated with a good prognosis. Also, activation of AR by increasing androgen production could result in effective therapy for IMC because their anti-proliferative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Crespo
- Department Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sara Caceres
- Department Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gema Silvan
- Department Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Jose Illera
- Department Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - J C Illera
- Department Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Paulukinas RD, Mesaros CA, Penning TM. Conversion of Classical and 11-Oxygenated Androgens by Insulin-Induced AKR1C3 in a Model of Human PCOS Adipocytes. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6585535. [PMID: 35560164 PMCID: PMC9162389 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women. A common symptom of PCOS is hyperandrogenism (AE); however, the source of these androgens is uncertain. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) catalyzes the formation of testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in peripheral tissues, which activate the androgen receptor (AR). AKR1C3 is induced by insulin in adipocytes and may be central in driving the AE in PCOS. We elucidated the conversion of both classical and 11-oxygenated androgens to potent androgens in a model of PCOS adipocytes. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) discontinuous kinetic assays to measure product formation by recombinant AKR1C3, we found that the conversion of 11-keto-Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (11K-4AD) to 11-ketotestosterone (11K-T) and 11-keto-5α-androstane-3,17-dione (11K-5AD) to 11-keto-5α-dihydrotestosterone (11K-DHT) were superior to the formation of T and DHT. We utilized a stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometric (SID-LC-HRMS) assay for the quantification of both classical and 11-oxygenated androgens in differentiated Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome adipocytes in which AKR1C3 was induced by insulin. Adipocytes were treated with adrenal derived 11β-hydroxy-Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (11β-OH-4AD), 11K-4AD, or Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (4AD). The conversion of 11β-OH-4AD and 11K-4AD to 11K-T required AKR1C3. We also found that once 11K-T is formed, it is inactivated to 11β-hydroxy-testosterone (11β-OH-T) by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1). Our data reveal a unique role for HSD11B1 in protecting the AR from AE. We conclude that the 11-oxygenated androgens formed in adipocytes may contribute to the hyperandrogenic profile of PCOS women and that AKR1C3 is a potential therapeutic target to mitigate the AE of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Paulukinas
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Clementina A Mesaros
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Correspondence: Dr. Trevor M. Penning, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, 1315 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6061, USA.
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Penning TM, Asangani IA, Sprenger C, Plymate S. Intracrine androgen biosynthesis and drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:912-929. [PMID: 35582223 PMCID: PMC8992556 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer is the lethal form of prostate cancer and most commonly remains dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Current therapies use AR signaling inhibitors (ARSI) exemplified by abiraterone acetate, a P450c17 inhibitor, and enzalutamide, a potent AR antagonist. However, drug resistance to these agents occurs within 12-18 months and they only prolong overall survival by 3-4 months. Multiple mechanisms can contribute to ARSI drug resistance. These mechanisms can include but are not limited to germline mutations in the AR, post-transcriptional alterations in AR structure, and adaptive expression of genes involved in the intracrine biosynthesis and metabolism of androgens within the tumor. This review focuses on intracrine androgen biosynthesis, how this can contribute to ARSI drug resistance, and therapeutic strategies that can be used to surmount these resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M. Penning
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Irfan A. Asangani
- Department Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cynthia Sprenger
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stephen Plymate
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
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Sun M, Zhou Y, Zhuo X, Wang S, Jiang S, Peng Z, Kang K, Zheng X, Sun M. Design, Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Novel Indole Derivatives Containing Benzoic Acid Group as Potential AKR1C3 Inhibitors. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000519. [PMID: 33111427 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a fatal, metastatic form of prostate cancer, characterized by reactivation of the androgen axis. Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) converts androstenedione (AD) and 5α-androstanedione to testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), respectively. In CRPC, AKR1C3 is upregulated and implicated in drug resistance and has been regarded as a potential therapeutic target. Here we examined a series of indole derivatives containing benzoic acid or phenylhydroxamic acid and found that 4-({3-[(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)sulfanyl]-1H-indol-1-yl}methyl)benzoic acid (3e) and N-hydroxy-4-({3-[(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)sulfanyl]-1H-indol-1-yl}methyl)benzamide (3q) inhibited 22Rv1 cell proliferation with IC50 values of 6.37 μM and 2.72 μM, respectively. In enzymatic assay, compounds 3e and 3q exhibited potent inhibitory effect against AKR1C3 (IC50 =0.26 and 2.39 μM, respectively). These results indicated that compounds 3e and 3q might be useful leads for further investigation of more potential AKR1C3 inhibitors used for CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China.,Institute of Cancer, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310002, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Xuefang Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Shisheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Zhihuan Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Ke Kang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Xuehua Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Mingna Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
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Hertzog JR, Zhang Z, Bignan G, Connolly PJ, Heindl JE, Janetopoulos CJ, Rupnow BA, McDevitt TM. AKR1C3 mediates pan-AR antagonist resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2020; 80:1223-1232. [PMID: 33258507 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiandrogens are effective therapies that block androgen receptor (AR) transactivation and signaling in over 50% of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. However, an estimated 30% of responders will develop resistance to these therapies within 2 years. JNJ-pan-AR is a broad-spectrum AR antagonist that inhibits wild-type AR as well as several mutated versions of AR that have emerged in patients on chronic antiandrogen treatment. In this work, we aimed to identify the potential underlying mechanisms of resistance that may result from chronic JNJ-pan-AR treatment. METHODS The LNCaP JNJR prostate cancer subline was developed by chronically exposing LNCaP parental cells to JNJ-pan-AR. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling was performed to identify potential drivers and/or biomarkers of the resistant phenotype. RESULTS Several enzymes critical to intratumoral androgen biosynthesis, Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), UGT2B15, and UGT2B17 were identified as potential upstream regulators of the JNJ-pan-AR resistant cells. While we confirmed the overexpression of all three enzymes in the resistant cells only AKR1C3 expression played a functional role in driving JNJ-pan-AR resistance. We also discovered that AKR1C3 regulates UGT2B15 and UGT2B17 expression in JNJ-pan-AR resistant cells. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the rationale to further investigate the benefits of AKR1C3 inhibition in combination with antiandrogens to prevent CRPC disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Hertzog
- Discovery Oncology, Janssen R&D US, Spring House, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zhuming Zhang
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen R&D US, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | - Gilles Bignan
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen R&D US, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jason E Heindl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher J Janetopoulos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brent A Rupnow
- Discovery Oncology, Janssen R&D US, Spring House, Pennsylvania
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Kafka M, Mayr F, Temml V, Möller G, Adamski J, Höfer J, Schwaiger S, Heidegger I, Matuszczak B, Schuster D, Klocker H, Bektic J, Stuppner H, Eder IE. Dual Inhibitory Action of a Novel AKR1C3 Inhibitor on Both Full-Length AR and the Variant AR-V7 in Enzalutamide Resistant Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2092. [PMID: 32731472 PMCID: PMC7465893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded use of second-generation antiandrogens revolutionized the treatment landscape of progressed prostate cancer. However, resistances to these novel drugs are already the next obstacle to be solved. Various previous studies depicted an involvement of the enzyme AKR1C3 in the process of castration resistance as well as in the resistance to 2nd generation antiandrogens like enzalutamide. In our study, we examined the potential of natural AKR1C3 inhibitors in various prostate cancer cell lines and a three-dimensional co-culture spheroid model consisting of cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mimicking enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer. One of our compounds, named MF-15, expressed strong antineoplastic effects especially in cell culture models with significant enzalutamide resistance. Furthermore, MF-15 exhibited a strong effect on androgen receptor (AR) signaling, including significant inhibition of AR activity, downregulation of androgen-regulated genes, lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) production, and decreased AR and AKR1C3 expression, indicating a bi-functional effect. Even more important, we demonstrated a persisting inhibition of AR activity in the presence of AR-V7 and further showed that MF-15 non-competitively binds within the DNA binding domain of the AR. The data suggest MF-15 as useful drug to overcome enzalutamide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Kafka
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Fabian Mayr
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Veronika Temml
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Gabriele Möller
- Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (G.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (G.M.); (J.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Genetik, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Julia Höfer
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Stefan Schwaiger
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Barbara Matuszczak
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.M.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Jasmin Bektic
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Hermann Stuppner
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
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Liu Y, He S, Chen Y, Liu Y, Feng F, Liu W, Guo Q, Zhao L, Sun H. Overview of AKR1C3: Inhibitor Achievements and Disease Insights. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11305-11329. [PMID: 32463235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) is known as a hormone activity regulator and prostaglandin F (PGF) synthase that regulates the occupancy of hormone receptors and cell proliferation. Because of the overexpression in metabolic diseases and various hormone-dependent and -independent carcinomas, as well as the emergence of clinical drug resistance, an increasing number of studies have investigated AKR1C3 inhibitors. Here, we briefly review the physiological and pathological function of AKR1C3 and then summarize the recent development of selective AKR1C3 inhibitors. We propose our viewpoints on the current problems associated with AKR1C3 inhibitors with the aim of providing a reference for future drug discovery and potential therapeutic perspectives on novel, potent, selective AKR1C3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Institute of Food and Pharmaceuticals Research, Huaian 223005, People's Republic of China.,Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
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11
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Narayanan R. Therapeutic targeting of the androgen receptor (AR) and AR variants in prostate cancer. Asian J Urol 2020; 7:271-283. [PMID: 32742927 PMCID: PMC7385518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounted for over 300 000 deaths world-wide in 2018. Most of the PCa deaths occurred due to the aggressive castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Since the androgen receptor (AR) and its ligands contribute to the continued growth of androgen-dependent PCa (ADPCa) and CRPC, AR has become a well-characterized and pivotal therapeutic-target. Although AR signaling was identified as therapeutic-target in PCa over five-decades ago, there remains several practical issues such as lack of antagonist-bound AR crystal structure, stabilization of the AR in the presence of agonists due to N-terminus and C-terminus interaction, unfavorable large-molecule accommodation of the ligand-binding domain (LBD), and generation of AR splice variants that lack the LBD that impede the discovery of highly potent fail-safe drugs. This review summarizes the AR-signaling pathway targeted therapeutics currently used in PCa and the approaches that could be used in future AR-targeted drug development of potent next-generation molecules. The review also outlines the discovery of molecules that bind to domains other than the LBD and those that inhibit both the full length and splice variant of ARs.
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12
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Barnard M, Mostaghel EA, Auchus RJ, Storbeck KH. The role of adrenal derived androgens in castration resistant prostate cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 197:105506. [PMID: 31672619 PMCID: PMC7883395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains androgen dependant despite castrate levels of circulating testosterone following androgen deprivation therapy, the first line of treatment for advanced metstatic prostate cancer. CRPC is characterized by alterations in the expression levels of steroidgenic enzymes that enable the tumour to derive potent androgens from circulating adrenal androgen precursors. Intratumoral androgen biosynthesis leads to the localized production of both canonical androgens such as 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as less well characterized 11-oxygenated androgens, which until recently have been overlooked in the context of CRPC. In this review we discuss the contribution of both canonical and 11-oxygenated androgen precursors to the intratumoral androgen pool in CRPC. We present evidence that CRPC remains androgen dependent and discuss the alterations in steroidogenic enzyme expression and how these affect the various pathways to intratumoral androgen biosynthesis. Finally we summarize the current treatment strategies for targeting adrenal derived androgen biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Barnard
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Elahe A Mostaghel
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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13
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Penning TM, Detlefsen AJ. Intracrinology-revisited and prostate cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 196:105499. [PMID: 31614208 PMCID: PMC6954292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The formation of steroid hormones in peripheral target tissues is referred to as their intracrine formation. This process occurs in hormone dependent malignancies such as prostate and breast cancer in which the disease can be either castrate resistant or occur post-menopausally, respectively. In these instances, the major precursor steroid of androgens and estrogens is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-SO4. This article reviews the major pathways by which adrenal steroids are converted to the potent male sex hormones, testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) and the discrete enzyme isoforms involved in castration resistant prostate cancer. Previous studies have mainly utilized radiotracers to investigate these pathways but have not used prevailing concentrations of precursors found in castrate male human serum. In addition, the full power of stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has not been applied routinely. Furthermore, it is clear that adaptive responses occur in the transporters and enzyme isoforms involved in response to androgen deprivation therapy that need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, 421 Curie Blvd, 1350 BRBII/IIII, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6084, United States.
| | - Andrea J Detlefsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School Philadelphia, PA, United States
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14
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Abdelsamie AS, Salah M, Siebenbürger L, Hamed MM, Börger C, van Koppen CJ, Frotscher M, Hartmann RW. Development of potential preclinical candidates with promising in vitro ADME profile for the inhibition of type 1 and type 2 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 178:93-107. [PMID: 31176098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are the major female sex steroid hormones, estradiol (E2) being the most potent form in humans. Disturbing the balance between E2 and its weakly active oxidized form estrone (E1) leads to diverse types of estrogen-dependent diseases such as endometriosis or osteoporosis. 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) catalyzes the biosynthesis of E2 by reduction of E1 while the type 2 enzyme catalyzes the reverse reaction. Thus, 17β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD2 are attractive targets for treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases. Recently, we reported the first proof-of-principle study of a 17β-HSD2 inhibitor in a bone fracture mouse model, using subcutaneous administration. In the present study, our aim was to improve the in vitro ADME profile of the most potent 17β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD2 inhibitors described so far. The optimized compounds show strong and selective inhibition of both the human enzymes and their murine orthologs. In addition, they display good metabolic stability in human liver microsomes (S9 fraction), low in vitro cytotoxicity as well as better aqueous solubility and physicochemical properties compared to the lead compounds. These achievements make the compounds eligible for testing in preclinical in vivo animal model studies on the effects of inhibition of 17β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Abdelsamie
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Saarbrücken, Germany; Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Salah
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Mostafa M Hamed
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Carsten Börger
- PharmBioTec GmbH, Science Park 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Chris J van Koppen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany; ElexoPharm GmbH, Im Stadtwald, Building A1.2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Frotscher
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
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15
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Storbeck KH, Mostaghel EA. Canonical and Noncanonical Androgen Metabolism and Activity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1210:239-277. [PMID: 31900912 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are critical drivers of prostate cancer. In this chapter we first discuss the canonical pathways of androgen metabolism and their alterations in prostate cancer progression, including the classical, backdoor and 5α-dione pathways, the role of pre-receptor DHT metabolism, and recent findings on oncogenic splicing of steroidogenic enzymes. Next, we discuss the activity and metabolism of non-canonical 11-oxygenated androgens that can activate wild-type AR and are less susceptible to glucuronidation and inactivation than the canonical androgens, thereby serving as an under-recognized reservoir of active ligands. We then discuss an emerging literature on the potential non-canonical role of androgen metabolizing enzymes in driving prostate cancer. We conclude by discussing the potential implications of these findings for prostate cancer progression, particularly in context of new agents such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, which target the AR-axis for prostate cancer therapy, including mechanisms of response and resistance and implications of these findings for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Elahe A Mostaghel
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center S-182, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA.
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