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Towards a Cure for HARS Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020254. [PMID: 36833180 PMCID: PMC9956352 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HARS) ligates histidine to its cognate transfer RNA (tRNAHis). Mutations in HARS cause the human genetic disorders Usher syndrome type 3B (USH3B) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome type 2W (CMT2W). Treatment for these diseases remains symptomatic, and no disease specific treatments are currently available. Mutations in HARS can lead to destabilization of the enzyme, reduced aminoacylation, and decreased histidine incorporation into the proteome. Other mutations lead to a toxic gain-of-function and mistranslation of non-cognate amino acids in response to histidine codons, which can be rescued by histidine supplementation in vitro. We discuss recent advances in characterizing HARS mutations and potential applications of amino acid and tRNA therapy for future gene and allele specific therapy.
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Whatley M, Francis A, Ng ZY, Khoh XE, Atlas MD, Dilley RJ, Wong EYM. Usher Syndrome: Genetics and Molecular Links of Hearing Loss and Directions for Therapy. Front Genet 2020; 11:565216. [PMID: 33193648 PMCID: PMC7642844 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.565216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive (AR) disorder that permanently and severely affects the senses of hearing, vision, and balance. Three clinically distinct types of USH have been identified, decreasing in severity from Type 1 to 3, with symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and vestibular dysfunction. There are currently nine confirmed and two suspected USH-causative genes, and a further three candidate loci have been mapped. The proteins encoded by these genes form complexes that play critical roles in the development and maintenance of cellular structures within the inner ear and retina, which have minimal capacity for repair or regeneration. In the cochlea, stereocilia are located on the apical surface of inner ear hair cells (HC) and are responsible for transducing mechanical stimuli from sound pressure waves into chemical signals. These signals are then detected by the auditory nerve fibers, transmitted to the brain and interpreted as sound. Disease-causing mutations in USH genes can destabilize the tip links that bind the stereocilia to each other, and cause defects in protein trafficking and stereocilia bundle morphology, thereby inhibiting mechanosensory transduction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on Usher syndrome with a particular emphasis on mutations in USH genes, USH protein structures, and functional analyses in animal models. Currently, there is no cure for USH. However, the genetic therapies that are rapidly developing will benefit from this compilation of detailed genetic information to identify the most effective strategies for restoring functional USH proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Whatley
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Abbie Francis
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Emergency Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Zi Ying Ng
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Xin Ee Khoh
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Marcus D. Atlas
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Dilley
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elaine Y. M. Wong
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Nolen RM, Hufnagel RB, Friedman TB, Turriff AE, Brewer CC, Zalewski CK, King KA, Wafa TT, Griffith AJ, Brooks BP, Zein WM. Atypical and ultra-rare Usher syndrome: a review. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:401-412. [PMID: 32372680 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1747090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome has classically been described as a combination of hearing loss and rod-cone dystrophy; vestibular dysfunction is present in many patients. Three distinct clinical subtypes were documented in the late 1970s. Genotyping efforts have led to the identification of several genes associated with the disease. Recent literature has seen multiple publications referring to "atypical" Usher syndrome presentations. This manuscript reviews the molecular etiology of Usher syndrome, highlighting rare presentations and molecular causes. Reports of "atypical" disease are summarized noting the wide discrepancy in the spectrum of phenotypic deviations from the classical presentation. Guidelines for establishing a clear nomenclature system are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie M Nolen
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas B Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy E Turriff
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carmen C Brewer
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher K Zalewski
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelly A King
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Talah T Wafa
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Griffith
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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Lee YH, Chang CP, Cheng YJ, Kuo YY, Lin YS, Wang CC. Evolutionary gain of highly divergent tRNA specificities by two isoforms of human histidyl-tRNA synthetase. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2663-2677. [PMID: 28321488 PMCID: PMC11107585 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2491-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The discriminator base N73 is a key identity element of tRNAHis. In eukaryotes, N73 is an "A" in cytoplasmic tRNAHis and a "C" in mitochondrial tRNAHis. We present evidence herein that yeast histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS) recognizes both A73 and C73, but somewhat prefers A73 even within the context of mitochondrial tRNAHis. In contrast, humans possess two distinct yet closely related HisRS homologues, with one encoding the cytoplasmic form (with an extra N-terminal WHEP domain) and the other encoding its mitochondrial counterpart (with an extra N-terminal mitochondrial targeting signal). Despite these two isoforms sharing high sequence similarities (81% identity), they strongly preferred different discriminator bases (A73 or C73). Moreover, only the mitochondrial form recognized the anticodon as a strong identity element. Most intriguingly, swapping the discriminator base between the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNAHis isoacceptors conveniently switched their enzyme preferences. Similarly, swapping seven residues in the active site between the two isoforms readily switched their N73 preferences. This study suggests that the human HisRS genes, while descending from a common ancestor with dual function for both types of tRNAHis, have acquired highly specialized tRNA recognition properties through evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsueh Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jungli District, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Pei Chang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jungli District, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Cheng
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jungli District, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yi Kuo
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jungli District, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Shin Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30068, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chia Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jungli District, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan.
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Koh CY, Wetzel AB, de van der Schueren WJ, Hol WGJ. Comparison of histidine recognition in human and trypanosomatid histidyl-tRNA synthetases. Biochimie 2014; 106:111-20. [PMID: 25151410 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As part of a project aimed at obtaining selective inhibitors and drug-like compounds targeting tRNA synthetases from trypanosomatids, we have elucidated the crystal structure of human cytosolic histidyl-tRNA synthetase (Hs-cHisRS) in complex with histidine in order to be able to compare human and parasite enzymes. The resultant structure of Hs-cHisRS•His represents the substrate-bound state (H-state) of the enzyme. It provides an interesting opportunity to compare with ligand-free and imidazole-bound structures Hs-cHisRS published recently, both of which represent the ligand-free state (F-state) of the enzyme. The H-state Hs-cHisRS undergoes conformational changes in active site residues and several conserved motif of HisRS, compared to F-state structures. The histidine forms eight hydrogen bonds with HisRS of which six engage the amino and carboxylate groups of this amino acid. The availability of published imidazole-bound structure provides a unique opportunity to dissect the structural roles of individual chemical groups of histidine. The analysis revealed the importance of the amino and carboxylate groups, of the histidine in leading to these dramatic conformational changes of the H-state. Further, comparison with previously published trypanosomatid HisRS structures reveals a pocket in the F-state of the parasite enzyme that may provide opportunities for developing specific inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei HisRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Allan B Wetzel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Wim G J Hol
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Merritt EA, Arakaki TL, Gillespie JR, Larson ET, Kelley A, Mueller N, Napuli AJ, Kim J, Zhang L, Verlinde CLMJ, Fan E, Zucker F, Buckner FS, Van Voorhis WC, Hol WGJ. Crystal structures of trypanosomal histidyl-tRNA synthetase illuminate differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic homologs. J Mol Biol 2010; 397:481-94. [PMID: 20132829 PMCID: PMC2834879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2010.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Crystal structures of histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS) from the eukaryotic parasites Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi provide a first structural view of a eukaryotic form of this enzyme and reveal differences from bacterial homologs. HisRSs in general contain an extra domain inserted between conserved motifs 2 and 3 of the Class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase catalytic core. The current structures show that the three-dimensional topology of this domain is very different in bacterial and archaeal/eukaryotic forms of the enzyme. Comparison of apo and histidine-bound trypanosomal structures indicates substantial active-site rearrangement upon histidine binding but relatively little subsequent rearrangement after reaction of histidine with ATP to form the enzyme's first reaction product, histidyladenylate. The specific residues involved in forming the binding pocket for the adenine moiety differ substantially both from the previously characterized binding site in bacterial structures and from the homologous residues in human HisRSs. The essentiality of the single HisRS gene in T. brucei is shown by a severe depression of parasite growth rate that results from even partial suppression of expression by RNA interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A Merritt
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA,Corresponding author: Phone: 206-543-1421 Fax: 206-685-7002,
| | - Tracy L Arakaki
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - J Robert Gillespie
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Eric T Larson
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Angela Kelley
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Natascha Mueller
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Alberto J Napuli
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Jessica Kim
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Christophe L M J Verlinde
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Erkang Fan
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Frank Zucker
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Frederick S Buckner
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Wim G J Hol
- Medical Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa http://www.msgpp.org, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
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Hoffmann MH, Trembleau S, Muller S, Steiner G. Nucleic acid-associated autoantigens: pathogenic involvement and therapeutic potential. J Autoimmun 2009; 34:J178-206. [PMID: 20031372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmunity to ubiquitously expressed macromolecular nucleic acid-protein complexes such as the nucleosome or the spliceosome is a characteristic feature of systemic autoimmune diseases. Disease-specificity and/or association with clinical features of some of these autoimmune responses suggest pathogenic involvement which, however, has been proven in only a few cases so far. Although the mechanisms leading to autoimmunity against nucleic acid-containing complexes are still far from being fully understood, there is increasing experimental evidence that the nucleic acid component may act as a co-stimulator or adjuvans via activation of nucleic acid-binding receptor systems such as Toll-like receptors in antigen-presenting cells. Dysregulated apoptosis and inappropriate stimulation of nucleic acid-sensing receptors may lead to loss of tolerance against the protein components of such complexes, activation of autoreactive T cells and formation of autoantibodies. This has been demonstrated to occur in systemic lupus erythematosus and seems to represent a general mechanism that may be crucial for the development of systemic autoimmune diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most thoroughly-characterized nucleic acid-associated autoantigens, describing their structure and biological function, as well as the nature and pathogenic importance of the reactivities directed against them. Furthermore, recent advances in immunotherapy such as antigen-specific approaches targeted at nucleic acid-binding antigens are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus H Hoffmann
- Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Sissler M, Lorber B, Messmer M, Schaller A, Pütz J, Florentz C. Handling mammalian mitochondrial tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases for functional and structural characterization. Methods 2008; 44:176-89. [PMID: 18241799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Revised: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian mitochondrial (mt) genome codes for only 13 proteins, which are essential components in the process of oxidative phosphorylation of ADP into ATP. Synthesis of these proteins relies on a proper mt translation machinery. While 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs are also coded by the mt genome, all other factors including the set of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are encoded in the nucleus and imported. Investigation of mammalian mt aminoacylation systems (and mt translation in general) gains more and more interest not only in regard of evolutionary considerations but also with respect to the growing number of diseases linked to mutations in the genes of either mt-tRNAs, synthetases or other factors. Here we report on methodological approaches for biochemical, functional, and structural characterization of human/mammalian mt-tRNAs and aaRSs. Procedures for preparation of native and in vitro transcribed tRNAs are accompanied by recommendations for specific handling of tRNAs incline to structural instability and chemical fragility. Large-scale preparation of mg amounts of highly soluble recombinant synthetases is a prerequisite for structural investigations that requires particular optimizations. Successful examples leading to crystallization of four mt-aaRSs and high-resolution structures are recalled and limitations discussed. Finally, the need for and the state-of-the-art in setting up an in vitro mt translation system are emphasized. Biochemical characterization of a subset of mammalian aminoacylation systems has already revealed a number of unprecedented peculiarities of interest for the study of evolution and forensic research. Further efforts in this field will certainly be rewarded by many exciting discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Sissler
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université Louis Pasteur de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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Ascherman DP. The role of jo-1 in the immunopathogenesis of polymyositis: Current hypotheses. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2003; 5:425-30. [PMID: 14609486 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-003-0052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Polymyositis represents an autoimmune disease in which T cells mediate destruction of muscle cells. Although the precise trigger(s) for this process remain unknown, distinct clinical subsets exist that are characterized by antibodies directed against specific nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens including Jo-1 (histidyl-transfer RNA synthetase). Coupled with a range of genetic and histomorphologic data, the stereotypical serologic response suggests that antigen-specific T cells directed against Jo-1 can promote T cell-mediated cytolysis of muscle cells as well as anti-Jo-1 antibody formation in selected patients with polymyositis. Beyond a previously developed animal model that has demonstrated the capacity of Jo-1 to promote humoral and cell-mediated immune responses leading to myositis, recent studies have revealed the existence of Jo-1-specific T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with Jo-1 antibody-positive polymyositis. Even more striking, investigators have discovered that Jo-1 can serve as a chemokine for immature dendritic cells and T lymphocytes. Collectively, these findings suggest a mechanism by which Jo-1 can bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to the breakdown of tolerance and autoimmune destruction of muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana P Ascherman
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, S707 Biomedical Science Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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