1
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Miyamoto T, Kim C, Chow J, Dugas JC, DeGroot J, Bagdasarian AL, Thottumkara AP, Larhammar M, Calvert ME, Fox BM, Lewcock JW, Kane LA. SARM1 is responsible for calpain-dependent dendrite degeneration in mouse hippocampal neurons. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105630. [PMID: 38199568 PMCID: PMC10862016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterile alpha and toll/interleukin receptor motif-containing 1 (SARM1) is a critical regulator of axon degeneration that acts through hydrolysis of NAD+ following injury. Recent work has defined the mechanisms underlying SARM1's catalytic activity and advanced our understanding of SARM1 function in axons, yet the role of SARM1 signaling in other compartments of neurons is still not well understood. Here, we show in cultured hippocampal neurons that endogenous SARM1 is present in axons, dendrites, and cell bodies and that direct activation of SARM1 by the neurotoxin Vacor causes not just axon degeneration, but degeneration of all neuronal compartments. In contrast to the axon degeneration pathway defined in dorsal root ganglia, SARM1-dependent hippocampal axon degeneration in vitro is not sensitive to inhibition of calpain proteases. Dendrite degeneration downstream of SARM1 in hippocampal neurons is dependent on calpain 2, a calpain protease isotype enriched in dendrites in this cell type. In summary, these data indicate SARM1 plays a critical role in neurodegeneration outside of axons and elucidates divergent pathways leading to degeneration in hippocampal axons and dendrites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chaeyoung Kim
- Denali Therapeutics Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Johann Chow
- Denali Therapeutics Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jason C Dugas
- Denali Therapeutics Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jack DeGroot
- Denali Therapeutics Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Brian M Fox
- Denali Therapeutics Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Lesley A Kane
- Denali Therapeutics Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA.
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2
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Sharma J, Mulherkar S, Chen UI, Xiong Y, Bajaj L, Cho BK, Goo YA, Leung HCE, Tolias KF, Sardiello M. Calpain activity is negatively regulated by a KCTD7-Cullin-3 complex via non-degradative ubiquitination. Cell Discov 2023; 9:32. [PMID: 36964131 PMCID: PMC10038992 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00533-3] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpains are a class of non-lysosomal cysteine proteases that exert their regulatory functions via limited proteolysis of their substrates. Similar to the lysosomal and proteasomal systems, calpain dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Despite intensive efforts placed on the identification of mechanisms that regulate calpains, however, calpain protein modifications that regulate calpain activity are incompletely understood. Here we show that calpains are regulated by KCTD7, a cytosolic protein of previously uncharacterized function whose pathogenic mutations result in epilepsy, progressive ataxia, and severe neurocognitive deterioration. We show that KCTD7 works in complex with Cullin-3 and Rbx1 to execute atypical, non-degradative ubiquitination of calpains at specific sites (K398 of calpain 1, and K280 and K674 of calpain 2). Experiments based on single-lysine mutants of ubiquitin determined that KCTD7 mediates ubiquitination of calpain 1 via K6-, K27-, K29-, and K63-linked chains, whereas it uses K6-mediated ubiquitination to modify calpain 2. Loss of KCTD7-mediated ubiquitination of calpains led to calpain hyperactivation, aberrant cleavage of downstream targets, and caspase-3 activation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Kctd7 in mice phenotypically recapitulated human KCTD7 deficiency and resulted in calpain hyperactivation, behavioral impairments, and neurodegeneration. These phenotypes were largely prevented by pharmacological inhibition of calpains, thus demonstrating a major role of calpain dysregulation in KCTD7-associated disease. Finally, we determined that Cullin-3-KCTD7 mediates ubiquitination of all ubiquitous calpains. These results unveil a novel mechanism and potential target to restrain calpain activity in human disease and shed light on the molecular pathogenesis of KCTD7-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaiprakash Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Uan-I Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lakshya Bajaj
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Byoung-Kyu Cho
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center at the McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center at the McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hon-Chiu Eastwood Leung
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Dan Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marco Sardiello
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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3
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Hassan AHE, Mahmoud K, Phan TN, Shaldam MA, Lee CH, Kim YJ, Cho SB, Bayoumi WA, El-Sayed SM, Choi Y, Moon S, No JH, Lee YS. Bestatin analogs-4-quinolinone hybrids as antileishmanial hits: Design, repurposing rational, synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115211. [PMID: 36827952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Amongst different forms of leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. donovani is highly mortal. Identification of new hit compounds might afford new starting points to develop novel therapeutics. In this lieu, a rationally designed small library of bestatin analogs-4-quinolone hybrids were prepared and evaluated. Analysis of SAR unveiled distinct profiles for hybrids type 1 and type 2, which might arise from their different molecular targets. Amongst type 1 bestatin analog-4-quinolone hybrids, hybrid 1e was identified as potential hit inhibiting growth of L. donovani promastigotes by 91 and 53% at 50 and 25 μM concentrations, respectively. Meanwhile, hybrid 2j was identified amongst type 2 bestatin analog-4-quinolone hybrids as potential hit compound inhibiting growth of L. donovani promastigotes by 50 and 38% at 50 and 25 μM concentrations, respectively. Preliminary safety evaluation of the promising hit compounds showed that they are 50-100 folds safer against human derived monocytic THP-1 cells relative to the drug erufosine. In silico study was conducted to predict the possible binding of hybrid 1e with methionine aminopeptidases 1 and 2 of L. donovani. Molecular dynamic simulations verified the predicted binding modes and provide more in depth understanding of the impact of hybrid 1e on LdMetAP-1 and LdMetAP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H E Hassan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt; Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kazem Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
| | - Trong-Nhat Phan
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Moataz A Shaldam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Chae Hyeon Lee
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ju Kim
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Bin Cho
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Waleed A Bayoumi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Selwan M El-Sayed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Yeonwoo Choi
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyeon Moon
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hwan No
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Evaluation of calpain T-cell epitopes as vaccine candidates against experimental Leishmania major infection: a pilot study. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3275-3285. [PMID: 36102970 PMCID: PMC9471026 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Antileishmanial Efficacy of the Calpain Inhibitor MDL28170 in Combination with Amphotericin B. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7020029. [PMID: 35202224 PMCID: PMC8878347 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The necessity of drug combinations to treat leishmaniasis came to the surface mainly because of the toxicity of current treatments and the emergence of resistant strains. The calpain inhibitor MDL28170 has previously shown anti-Leishmania activity, therefore its use in association with standard drugs could provide a new alternative for the treatment strategy against leishmaniasis. In this study, we analyzed the potential of the combination of MDL28170 and the antileishmanial drug amphotericin B against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi. The compounds were tested in the combination of the ½ × IC50 value of MDL28170 plus the ¼ × IC50 value of amphotericin B, which led to an increment in the anti-promastigote activity when compared to the single drug treatments. This drug association revealed several and severe morphophysiological changes on parasite cells, such as loss of plasma membrane integrity, reduced size of flagellum, and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential besides increased reactive oxygen species production. In addition, the combination of both drugs had a deleterious effect on the Leishmania–macrophage interaction, reflecting in a significant anti-amastigote action, which achieved a reduction of 50% in the association index. These results indicate that the combination treatment proposed here may represent a new alternative for leishmaniasis chemotherapy.
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Ennes-Vidal V, dos Santos ALS, Branquinha MH, d’Avila-Levy CM. Proteolytic inhibitors as alternative medicines to treat trypanosomatid-caused diseases: experience with calpain inhibitors. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220017. [PMID: 35352772 PMCID: PMC8958894 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment for tropical neglected diseases, such as Chagas disease (CD) and leishmaniasis, is extremely limited to a handful of drugs that suffer from unacceptable toxicity, tough administration routes, like parenteral, and increasing treatment failures due to the parasite resistance. Consequently, there is urgency for the development of new therapeutic options to treat such diseases. Since peptidases from these parasites are responsible for crucial functions in their biology, these molecules have been explored as alternative targets. In this context, a myriad of proteolytic inhibitors has been developed against calcium-dependent cysteine-type peptidases, collectively called calpains, which are implicated in several human pathophysiological diseases. These molecules are highly expanded in the genome of trypanosomatids and they have been reported participating in several parasite biological processes. In the present perspective, we discuss our almost two decades of experience employing the calpain inhibitors as an interesting shortcut to a possible repurpose strategy to treat CD and leishmaniasis.
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Ennes-Vidal V, Branquinha MH, dos Santos ALS, d’Avila-Levy CM. The Diverse Calpain Family in Trypanosomatidae: Functional Proteins Devoid of Proteolytic Activity? Cells 2021; 10:cells10020299. [PMID: 33535641 PMCID: PMC7912814 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases that were originally described in mammals and, thereafter, their homologues were identified in almost all known living organisms. The deregulated activity of these peptidases is associated with several pathologies and, consequently, huge efforts have been made to identify selective inhibitors. Trypanosomatids, responsible for life-threatening human diseases, possess a large and diverse family of calpain sequences in their genomes. Considering that the current therapy to treat trypanosomatid diseases is limited to a handful of drugs that suffer from unacceptable toxicity, tough administration routes, like parenteral, and increasing treatment failures, a repurposed approach with calpain inhibitors could be a shortcut to successful chemotherapy. However, there is a general lack of knowledge about calpain functions in these parasites and, currently, the proteolytic activity of these proteins is still an open question. Here, we highlight the current research and perspectives on trypanosomatid calpains, overview calpain description in these organisms, and explore the potential of targeting the calpain system as a therapeutic strategy. This review gathers the current knowledge about this fascinating family of peptidases as well as insights into the puzzle: are we unable to measure calpain activity in trypanosomatids, or are the functions of these proteins devoid of proteolytic activity in these parasites?
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2562-1014
| | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (M.H.B.); (A.L.S.d.S.)
| | - André Luis Souza dos Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (M.H.B.); (A.L.S.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Masini d’Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
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8
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Ennes-Vidal V, Pitaluga AN, Britto CFDPDC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALSD, Menna-Barreto RFS, d'Avila-Levy CM. Expression and cellular localisation of Trypanosoma cruzi calpains. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200142. [PMID: 33053076 PMCID: PMC7552305 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calpains are present in almost all organisms and comprise a family of calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases implicated in crucial cellular functions. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, presents an expansion on this gene family with unexplored biological properties. OBJECTIVES Here, we searched for calpains in the T. cruzi genome, evaluated the mRNA levels, calpain activity and the protein expression and determined the cellular localisation in all three parasite life cycle forms. METHODS/FINDINGS Sixty-three calpain sequences were identified in T. cruzi CL Brener genome, with fourteen domain arrangements. The comparison of calpain mRNA abundance by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed seven up-regulated sequences in amastigotes and/or bloodstream trypomastigotes and five in epimastigotes. Western Blotting analysis revealed seven different molecules in the three parasite forms, and one amastigote-specific, while no proteolytic activity could be detected. Flow cytometry assays revealed a higher amount of intracellular calpains in amastigotes and/or trypomastigotes in comparison to epimastigotes. Finally, ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of calpains in the cytoplasm, vesicular and plasma membranes of the three parasite forms, and in the paraflagellar rod in trypomastigotes. CONCLUSION Calpains are differentially expressed and localised in the T. cruzi life cycle forms. This study adds data on the calpain occurrence and expression pattern in T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Yang Z, Wu Y. Improved annotation of Lutzomyia longipalpis genome using bioinformatics analysis. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7862. [PMID: 31616601 PMCID: PMC6790103 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lutzomyia longipalpis, a sand fly, is a vector-spreading pathogenic protozoan in the New World. MicroRNA (miRNA) is evolutionarily-conserved non-coding RNA, which plays critical roles in various biological processes. To date, the functions of most proteins in L. longipalpis are unknown, and few studies have addressed the roles of miRNAs in this species. In the present study, we re-annotated the protein-coding genes and identified several miRNAs using a set of comparative genomics tools. A large number of L. longipalpis proteins were found to be homologous with those in the mosquito genome, indicating that they may have experienced similar selective pressures. Among these proteins, a set of 19 putative salivary proteins were identified, which could be used for studying the transmission of Leishmania. Twenty-one novel miRNAs were characterized, including two miRNAs, miR-4113-5p and miR-5101, which are unique to L. longipalpis. Many of the targets of these two genes were found to be involved in ATP hydrolysis-coupled proton transport, suggesting that they may have important roles in the physiology of energy production. Topology analysis of the miRNA-gene network indicated that miR-9388-5p and miR-3871-5p regulate several critical genes in response to disease development. In conclusion, our work provides a basis for improving the genome annotation of L. longipalpis, and opens a new door to understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yang
- College of Life Information Science & Instrument Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Ying Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, PR China
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10
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Ennes-Vidal V, Vitório BDS, Menna-Barreto RFS, Pitaluga AN, Gonçalves-da-Silva SA, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, d'Avila-Levy CM. Calpains of Leishmania braziliensis: genome analysis, differential expression, and functional analysis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e190147. [PMID: 31553371 PMCID: PMC6759280 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760190147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calpains are proteins belonging to the multi-gene family of
calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases that undergo tight on/off regulation,
and uncontrolled proteolysis of calpains is associated with severe human
pathologies. Calpain orthologues are expanded and diversified in the
trypanosomatids genome. OBJECTIVES Here, we characterised calpains in Leishmania braziliensis,
the main causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil. METHODS/FINDINGS In total, 34 predicted calpain-like genes were identified. After domain
structure evaluation, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (RT-qPCR) during in vitro metacyclogenesis
revealed (i) five genes with enhanced expression in the procyclic stage,
(ii) one augmented gene in the metacyclic stage, and (iii) one
procyclic-exclusive transcript. Western blot analysis revealed that an
antibody against a consensus-conserved peptide reacted with multiple
calpain-like proteins, which is consistent with the multi-gene family
characteristic. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed the
presence of calpain-like molecules mainly in the cytoplasm, to a lesser
extent in the plasma membrane, and negligible levels in the nucleus, which
are all consistent with calpain localisation. Eventually, the calpain
inhibitor MDL28170 was used for functional studies revealing (i) a
leishmaniostatic effect, (ii) a reduction in the association index in mouse
macrophages, (iii) ultra-structural alterations conceivable with autophagy,
and (iv) an enhanced expression of the virulence factor GP63. CONCLUSION This report adds novel insights into the domain structure, expression, and
localisation of L. braziliensis calpain-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Ennes-Vidal
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Bianca da Silva Vitório
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - André Nóbrega Pitaluga
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Luis Souza Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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11
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Leishmanicidal therapy targeted to parasite proteases. Life Sci 2019; 219:163-181. [PMID: 30641084 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is considered a serious public health problem and the current available therapy has several disadvantages, which makes the search for new therapeutic targets and alternative treatments extremely necessary. In this context, this review focuses on the importance of parasite proteases as target drugs against Leishmania parasites, as a chemotherapy approach. Initially, we discuss about the current scenario for the treatment of leishmaniasis, highlighting the main drugs used and the problems related to their use. Subsequently, we describe the inhibitors of major proteases of Leishmania already discovered, such as Compound s9 (aziridine-2,3-dicarboxylate), Compound 1c (benzophenone derivative), Au2Phen (gold complex), AubipyC (gold complex), MDL 28170 (dipeptidyl aldehyde), K11777, Hirudin, diazo-acetyl norleucine methyl ester, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Indinavir, Saquinavir, GNF5343 (azabenzoxazole), GNF6702 (azabenzoxazole), Benzamidine and TPCK. Next, we discuss the importance of the protease gene to parasite survival and the aspects of the validation of proteases as target drugs, with emphasis on gene disruption. Then, we describe novel important strategies that can be used to support the research of new antiparasitic drugs, such as molecular modeling and nanotechnology, whose main targets are parasitic proteases. And finally, we discuss possible perspectives to improve drug development. Based on all findings, proteases could be considered potential targets against leishmaniasis.
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12
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Castilho VVS, Gonçalves KCS, Rebello KM, Baptista LPR, Sangenito LS, Santos HLC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Menna-Barreto RFS, Guimarães AC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Docking simulation between HIV peptidase inhibitors and Trypanosoma cruzi aspartyl peptidase. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:825. [PMID: 30463602 PMCID: PMC6249910 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The low investment in research, diagnosis and treatment are factors that contribute to the continuity of Chagas’ disease as a neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In this context, the repositioning of drugs represents a useful strategy, in the search for new chemotherapeutic approaches for NTDs. HIV aspartic peptidase inhibitors (HIV IPs) are good candidates for drug repurposing. Here, we modeled the three dimensional structure of an aspartyl peptidase of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas’ disease, aligned it to the HIV aspartyl peptidase and performed docking binding assays with the HIV PIs. Results The 3D structure confirmed the presence of acid aspartic residues, which are critical to enzyme activity. The docking experiment revealed that HIV IPs bind to the active site of the enzyme, being ritonavir and lopinavir the ones with greater affinity. Benznidazole presented the worst binding affinity, this drug is currently used in Chagas’ disease treatment and was included as negative control. These results together with previous data on the trypanocidal effect of the HIV PIs support the hypothesis that a T. cruzi aspartyl peptidase can be the intracellular target of these inhibitors. However, the direct demonstration of the inhibition of T. cruzi aspartyl peptidase activity by HIV PIs is still a goal to be persuaded. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3927-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa V S Castilho
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Keyla C S Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz P R Baptista
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro S Sangenito
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena L C Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana C Guimarães
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Structure-based design of allosteric calpain-1 inhibitors populating a novel bioactivity space. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:1264-1275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Rebello KM, Andrade-Neto VV, Zuma AA, Motta MCM, Gomes CRB, de Souza MVN, Atella GC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Torres-Santos EC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Lopinavir, an HIV-1 peptidase inhibitor, induces alteration on the lipid metabolism of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Parasitology 2018; 145:1304-1310. [PMID: 29806577 PMCID: PMC6137378 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The anti-leishmania effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors (PIs) have been widely reported; however, the biochemical target and mode of action are still a matter of controversy in Leishmania parasites. Considering the possibility that HIV-PIs induce lipid accumulation in Leishmania amazonensis, we analysed the effects of lopinavir on the lipid metabolism of L. amazonensis promastigotes. To this end, parasites were treated with lopinavir at different concentrations and analysed by fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry, using a fluorescent lipophilic marker. Then, the cellular ultrastructure of treated and control parasites was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the lipid composition was investigated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the sterol content was assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). TEM analysis revealed an increased number of lipid inclusions in lopinavir-treated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the lipophilic content, in a dose-dependent manner. TLC and GC-MS analysis revealed a marked increase of cholesterol-esters and cholesterol. In conclusion, lopinavir-induced lipid accumulation and affected lipid composition in L. amazonensis in a concentration-response manner. These data contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of this HIV-PI in L. amazonensis promastigotes. The concerted action of lopinavir on this and other cellular processes, such as the direct inhibition of an aspartyl peptidase, may be responsible for the arrested development of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Aline A Zuma
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
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15
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Susceptibility of promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes from distinct Leishmania species to the calpain inhibitor MDL28170. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2085-2094. [PMID: 29728827 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the available drug options, leishmaniasis treatment remains unsatisfactory. The repurposing of calpain inhibitors originally developed for human diseases became an interesting alternative, since Leishmania cells express calpain-related proteins. The susceptibility of six Leishmania species (L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, L. major, L. mexicana, L. chagasi, and L. donovani) to the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 was determined. Promastigote and intracellular amastigote viability in the presence of MDL28170 was evaluated. MDL28170 was able to reduce promastigote proliferation in a dose-dependent manner for all the parasites. A significant reduction on the general parasite metabolism was detected, as judged by resazurin assay, as well as induced important morphological alterations, including rounding promastigotes and loss of the flagellum. MDL28170 was also able to reduce the number of intracellular amastigotes in RAW macrophages. The susceptibility of both parasite stages (promastigotes and amastigotes) to MDL28170 was similar for all Leishmania species tested. MDL28170 showed a much higher toxicity to Leishmania amastigotes when compared with mammalian macrophages, displaying selectivity index values varying from 13.1 to 39.8. These results suggest that the development of calpain inhibitors may represent an interesting alternative in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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16
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In vitro selection of Phytomonas serpens cells resistant to the calpain inhibitor MDL28170: alterations in fitness and expression of the major peptidases and efflux pumps. Parasitology 2017; 145:355-370. [PMID: 29039273 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The species Phytomonas serpens is known to express some molecules displaying similarity to those described in trypanosomatids pathogenic to humans, such as peptidases from Trypanosoma cruzi (cruzipain) and Leishmania spp. (gp63). In this work, a population of P. serpens resistant to the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 at 70 µ m (MDLR population) was selected by culturing promastigotes in increasing concentrations of the drug. The only relevant ultrastructural difference between wild-type (WT) and MDLR promastigotes was the presence of microvesicles within the flagellar pocket of the latter. MDLR population also showed an increased reactivity to anti-cruzipain antibody as well as a higher papain-like proteolytic activity, while the expression of calpain-like molecules cross-reactive to anti-Dm-calpain (from Drosophila melanogaster) antibody and calcium-dependent cysteine peptidase activity were decreased. Gp63-like molecules also presented a diminished expression in MDLR population, which is probably correlated to the reduction in the parasite adhesion to the salivary glands of the insect vector Oncopeltus fasciatus. A lower accumulation of Rhodamine 123 was detected in MDLR cells when compared with the WT population, a phenotype that was reversed when MDLR cells were treated with cyclosporin A and verapamil. Collectively, our results may help in the understanding of the roles of calpain inhibitors in trypanosomatids.
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17
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Marinho FA, Sangenito LS, Oliveira SSC, De Arruda LB, D'Ávila-Levy CM, Santos ALS, Branquinha MH. The potent cell permeable calpain inhibitor MDL28170 affects the interaction of Leishmania amazonensis with macrophages and shows anti-amastigote activity. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:579-583. [PMID: 28663009 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the28 first drugs used in leishmaniasis treatment up to now, the search for compounds with anti-Leishmania activity without toxic effects and able to overcome the emergency of resistant strains remains a major goal to combat this neglected disease. With this in mind, in the present work, we evaluated the effects of the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 on the interaction process of Leishmania amazonensis promastigote forms with murine peritoneal macrophages and on the intracellular amastigotes. Our results showed that the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 at 15 and 30μM significantly reduced the interaction process of promastigotes with macrophages by 16% and 41%, respectively. The inhibitor was also able to drastically reduce the number of infected macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner: after only 24h, MDL28170 was able to significantly diminish the infection rate, presenting an IC50 value of 18.2μM for amastigotes. The treatment with MDL28170 did not alter the nitric oxide production, but the production of TNF-α was significantly raised. Altogether, the results presented here contribute to the search of new proteolytic inhibitors able to act in a selective and effective manner against the diseases caused by trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda A Marinho
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Leandro S Sangenito
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Simone S C Oliveira
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Luciana B De Arruda
- Laboratório de Genética e Imunologia das Infecções Virais, Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Claudia M D'Ávila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Coleção de Protozoários, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil.
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