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El Mir J, Nasrallah A, Thézé N, Cario M, Fayyad-Kazan H, Thiébaud P, Rezvani HR. Xenopus as a model system for studying pigmentation and pigmentary disorders. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024. [PMID: 38849973 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Human pigmentary disorders encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypic changes arising from disruptions in various stages of melanocyte formation, the melanogenesis process, or the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. A large number of pigmentation genes associated with pigmentary disorders have been identified, many of them awaiting in vivo confirmation. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of pigmentary disorders requires a vertebrate animal model where changes in pigmentation are easily observable in vivo and can be combined to genomic modifications and gain/loss-of-function tools. Here we present the amphibian Xenopus with its unique features that fulfill these requirements. Changes in pigmentation are particularly easy to score in Xenopus embryos, allowing whole-organism based phenotypic screening. The development and behavior of Xenopus melanocytes closely mimic those observed in mammals. Interestingly, both Xenopus and mammalian skins exhibit comparable reactions to ultraviolet radiation. This review highlights how Xenopus constitutes an alternative and complementary model to the more commonly used mouse and zebrafish, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in melanocyte cell biology and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joudi El Mir
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ali Nasrallah
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nadine Thézé
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Cario
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Pierre Thiébaud
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hamid-Reza Rezvani
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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2
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Alves-Pimenta S, Colaço B, Oliveira PA, Venâncio C. Development Features on the Selection of Animal Models for Teratogenic Testing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:67-104. [PMID: 38285334 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_3] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Today, the use of animal models from different species continues to represent a fundamental step in teratogenic testing, despite the increase in alternative solutions that provide an important screening to the enormous quantity of new substances that aim to enter the market every year. The maintenance of these models is due to the sharing of similar development processes with humans, and in this way they represent an important contribution to the safety in the use of the compounds tested. Furthermore, the application of advances in embryology to teratology, although hampered by the complexity of reproductive processes, continues to prove the importance of sensitivity during embryonic and fetal development to detect potential toxicity, inducing mortality/abortion and malformations.In this chapter, essential periods of development in different models are outlined, highlighting the similarities and differences between species, the advantages and disadvantages of each group, and specific sensitivities for teratogenic testing. Models can be divided into invertebrate species such as earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster, allowing for rapid results and minor ethical concerns. Vertebrate nonmammalian species Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio are important models to assess teratogenic potential later in development with fewer ethical requirements. Finally, the mammalian species Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, phylogenetically closer to humans, are essential for the assessment of complex specialized processes, occurring later in development.Regulations for the development of toxicology tests require the use of mammalian species. Although ethical concerns and costs limit their use in large-scale screening. On the other hand, invertebrate and vertebrate nonmammalian species are increasing as alternative animal models, as these organisms combine low cost, less ethical requirements, and culture conditions compatible with large-scale screening. Their main advantage is to allow high-throughput screening in a whole-animal context, in contrast to the in vitro techniques, not dependent on the prior identification of a target. Better knowledge of the development pathways of animal models will allow to maximize human translation and reduce the number of animals used, leading to a selection of compounds with an improved safety profile and reduced time to market for new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Alves-Pimenta
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Colaço
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Venâncio
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
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3
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Gull M, Schmitt SM, Kälin RE, Brändli AW. Screening of Chemical Libraries Using Xenopus Embryos and Tadpoles for Phenotypic Drug Discovery. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:098269-pdb.prot. [PMID: 36180216 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot098269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic drug discovery assesses the effect of small molecules on the phenotype of cells, tissues, or whole organisms without a priori knowledge of the target or pathway. Using vertebrate embryos instead of cell-based assays has the advantage that the screening of small molecules occurs in the context of the complex biology and physiology of the whole organism. Fish and amphibians are the only classes of vertebrates with free-living larvae amenable to high-throughput drug screening in multiwell dishes. For both animal classes, particularly zebrafish and Xenopus, husbandry requirements are straightforward, embryos can be obtained in large numbers, and they develop ex utero so their development can be monitored easily with a dissecting microscope. At 350 million years, the evolutionary distance between amphibians and humans is significantly shorter than that between fish and humans, which is estimated at 450 million years. This increases the likelihood that drugs discovered by screening in amphibian embryos will be active in humans. Here, we describe the basic protocol for the medium- to high-throughput screening of chemical libraries using embryos of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis Bioactive compounds are identified by observing phenotypic changes in whole embryos and tadpoles. In addition to the discovery of compounds with novel bioactivities, the phenotypic screening protocol also allows for the identification of compounds with in vivo toxicity, eliminating early hits that are poor drug candidates. We also highlight important considerations for designing chemical screens, choosing chemical libraries, and performing secondary screens using whole mount in situ hybridization or immunostaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazhar Gull
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan M Schmitt
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland E Kälin
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - André W Brändli
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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4
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El Mir J, Fedou S, Thézé N, Morice-Picard F, Cario M, Fayyad-Kazan H, Thiébaud P, Rezvani HR. Xenopus: An in vivo model for studying skin response to ultraviolet B irradiation. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:194-202. [PMID: 36880984 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) in sunlight cause skin damage, ranging from wrinkles to photoaging and skin cancer. UVB can affect genomic DNA by creating cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine-pyrimidine (6-4) photoproducts (6-4PPs). These lesions are mainly repaired by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) system and by photolyase enzymes that are activated by blue light. Our main goal was to validate the use of Xenopus laevis as an in vivo model system for investigating the impact of UVB on skin physiology. The mRNA expression levels of xpc and six other genes of the NER system and CPD/6-4PP photolyases were found at all stages of embryonic development and in all adult tissues tested. When examining Xenopus embryos at different time points after UVB irradiation, we observed a gradual decrease in CPD levels and an increased number of apoptotic cells, together with an epidermal thickening and an increased dendricity of melanocytes. We observed a quick removal of CPDs when embryos are exposed to blue light versus in the dark, confirming the efficient activation of photolyases. A decrease in the number of apoptotic cells and an accelerated return to normal proliferation rate was noted in blue light-exposed embryos compared with their control counterparts. Overall, a gradual decrease in CPD levels, detection of apoptotic cells, thickening of epidermis, and increased dendricity of melanocytes, emulate human skin responses to UVB and support Xenopus as an appropriate and alternative model for such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joudi El Mir
- University Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Nadine Thézé
- University Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fanny Morice-Picard
- University Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology, National Reference Centre for Rare Disorders, Hôpital des Enfants Pellegrin, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Cario
- University Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, Bordeaux, France.,Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | | | - Hamid-Reza Rezvani
- University Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, Bordeaux, France.,Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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5
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Naert T, Çiçek Ö, Ogar P, Bürgi M, Shaidani NI, Kaminski MM, Xu Y, Grand K, Vujanovic M, Prata D, Hildebrandt F, Brox T, Ronneberger O, Voigt FF, Helmchen F, Loffing J, Horb ME, Willsey HR, Lienkamp SS. Deep learning is widely applicable to phenotyping embryonic development and disease. Development 2021; 148:273338. [PMID: 34739029 PMCID: PMC8602947 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing simplifies the generation of new animal models for congenital disorders. However, the detailed and unbiased phenotypic assessment of altered embryonic development remains a challenge. Here, we explore how deep learning (U-Net) can automate segmentation tasks in various imaging modalities, and we quantify phenotypes of altered renal, neural and craniofacial development in Xenopus embryos in comparison with normal variability. We demonstrate the utility of this approach in embryos with polycystic kidneys (pkd1 and pkd2) and craniofacial dysmorphia (six1). We highlight how in toto light-sheet microscopy facilitates accurate reconstruction of brain and craniofacial structures within X. tropicalis embryos upon dyrk1a and six1 loss of function or treatment with retinoic acid inhibitors. These tools increase the sensitivity and throughput of evaluating developmental malformations caused by chemical or genetic disruption. Furthermore, we provide a library of pre-trained networks and detailed instructions for applying deep learning to the reader's own datasets. We demonstrate the versatility, precision and scalability of deep neural network phenotyping on embryonic disease models. By combining light-sheet microscopy and deep learning, we provide a framework for higher-throughput characterization of embryonic model organisms. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Özgün Çiçek
- Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg 79100, Germany
| | - Paulina Ogar
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Max Bürgi
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Nikko-Ideen Shaidani
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Michael M Kaminski
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 10115, Germany.,Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Yuxiao Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kelli Grand
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Marko Vujanovic
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Prata
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115,USA
| | - Thomas Brox
- Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg 79100, Germany
| | - Olaf Ronneberger
- Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg 79100, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.,DeepMind, London WC2H 8AG , UK
| | - Fabian F Voigt
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Loffing
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Marko E Horb
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Soeren S Lienkamp
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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6
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Saide K, Wheeler GN. In Vivo Assessment of Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity Using Xenopus Embryos. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2020; 2020:pdb.prot106096. [PMID: 32404313 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Failure to predict drug-induced toxicity reactions is a major problem contributing to a high attrition rate and tremendous cost in drug development. Drug screening in X. laevis embryos is high-throughput relative to screening in rodents, potentially making them ideal for this use. Xenopus embryos have been used as a toxicity model in the frog embryo teratogenesis assay on Xenopus (FETAX) for the early stages of drug safety evaluation. We previously developed compound-screening methods using Xenopus embryos and believe they could be used for in vitro drug-induced toxicity safety assessment before expensive preclinical trials in mammals. Specifically, Xenopus embryos could help predict drug-induced hepatotoxicity and consequently aid lead candidate prioritization. Here we present methods, which we have modified for use on Xenopus embryos, to help measure the potential for a drug to induce liver toxicity. One such method examines the release of the liver-specific microRNA (miRNA) miR-122 from the liver into the vasculature as a result of hepatocellular damage, which could be due to drug-induced acute liver injury. Paracetamol, a known hepatotoxin at high doses, can be used as a positive control. We previously showed that some of the phenotypes of mammalian paracetamol overdose are reflected in Xenopus embryos. Consequently, we have also included here a method that measures the concentration of free glutathione (GSH), which is an indicator of paracetamol-induced liver injury. These methods can be used as part of a panel of protocols to help predict the hepatoxicity of a drug at an early stage in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Saide
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
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7
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C. Arcos S, Robertson L, Ciordia S, Sánchez-Alonso I, Careche M, Carballeda-Sanguiao N, Gonzalez-Muñoz M, Navas A. Quantitative Proteomics Comparison of Total Expressed Proteomes of Anisakis simplex Sensu Stricto, A. pegreffii, and Their Hybrid Genotype. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E913. [PMID: 32785065 PMCID: PMC7465371 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The total proteomes of Anisakis simplex s.s., A. pegreffii and their hybrid genotype have been compared by quantitative proteomics (iTRAQ approach), which considers the level of expressed proteins. Comparison was made by means of two independent experiments considering four biological replicates of A. simplex and two each for A. pegreffii and hybrid between both species. A total of 1811 and 1976 proteins have been respectively identified in the experiments using public databases. One hundred ninety-six proteins were found significantly differentially expressed, and their relationships with the nematodes' biological replicates were estimated by a multidimensional statistical approach. Results of pairwise Log2 ratio comparisons among them were statistically treated and supported in order to convert them into discrete character states. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirms the validity of the method. This comparison selected thirty seven proteins as discriminant taxonomic biomarkers among A. simplex, A. pegreffii and their hybrid genotype; 19 of these biomarkers, encoded by ten loci, are specific allergens of Anisakis (Ani s7, Ani s8, Ani s12, and Ani s14) and other (Ancylostoma secreted) is a common nematodes venom allergen. The rest of the markers comprise four unknown or non-characterized proteins; five different proteins (leucine) related to innate immunity, four proteolytic proteins (metalloendopeptidases), a lipase, a mitochondrial translocase protein, a neurotransmitter, a thyroxine transporter, and a structural collagen protein. The proposed methodology (proteomics and statistical) solidly characterize a set of proteins that are susceptible to take advantage of the new targeted proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana C. Arcos
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias 8 Naturales, CSIC, calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Lee Robertson
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias 8 Naturales, CSIC, calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.A.); (L.R.)
- Departamento de Protección Vegetal, INIA. Ctra La Coruña Km 7’5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Ciordia
- Unidad de Proteómica Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, calle Darwin 3, Campus 11 de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Sánchez-Alonso
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición, CSIC. Calle José Antonio 13 Novais, 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.S.-A.); (M.C.); (N.C.-S.)
| | - Mercedes Careche
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición, CSIC. Calle José Antonio 13 Novais, 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.S.-A.); (M.C.); (N.C.-S.)
| | - Noelia Carballeda-Sanguiao
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición, CSIC. Calle José Antonio 13 Novais, 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.S.-A.); (M.C.); (N.C.-S.)
- Servicio de Immunología, Hospital Universitario La Paz. Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Miguel Gonzalez-Muñoz
- Servicio de Immunología, Hospital Universitario La Paz. Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alfonso Navas
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias 8 Naturales, CSIC, calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.A.); (L.R.)
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8
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Drakakis G, Cortés-Ciriano I, Alexander-Dann B, Bender A. Elucidating Compound Mechanism of Action and Predicting Cytotoxicity Using Machine Learning Approaches, Taking Prediction Confidence into Account. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 11:e73. [PMID: 31483099 DOI: 10.1002/cpch.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The modes of action (MoAs) of drugs frequently are unknown, because many are small molecules initially identified from phenotypic screens, giving rise to the need to elucidate their MoAs. In addition, the high attrition rate for candidate drugs in preclinical studies due to intolerable toxicity has motivated the development of computational approaches to predict drug candidate (cyto)toxicity as early as possible in the drug-discovery process. Here, we provide detailed instructions for capitalizing on bioactivity predictions to elucidate the MoAs of small molecules and infer their underlying phenotypic effects. We illustrate how these predictions can be used to infer the underlying antidepressive effects of marketed drugs. We also provide the necessary functionalities to model cytotoxicity data using single and ensemble machine-learning algorithms. Finally, we give detailed instructions on how to calculate confidence intervals for individual predictions using the conformal prediction framework. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Drakakis
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Isidro Cortés-Ciriano
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Alexander-Dann
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Bender
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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9
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Saide K, Sherwood V, Wheeler GN. Paracetamol-induced liver injury modelled in Xenopus laevis embryos. Toxicol Lett 2019; 302:83-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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10
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Desanlis I, Felstead HL, Edwards DR, Wheeler GN. ADAMTS9, a member of the ADAMTS family, in Xenopus development. Gene Expr Patterns 2018; 29:72-81. [PMID: 29935379 PMCID: PMC6119763 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by metalloproteinases is crucial during development. The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin type I motifs) enzymes are secreted, multi-domain matrix-associated zinc metalloendopeptidases that have diverse roles in tissue morphogenesis and patho-physiological remodeling. The human family includes 19 members. In this study we identified the 19 members of the ADAMTS family in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. Gene identification and a phylogenetic study revealed strong conservation of the ADAMTS family and contributed to a better annotation of the Xenopus genomes. Expression of the entire ADAMTS family was studied from early stages to tadpole stages of Xenopus, and detailed analysis of ADAMTS9 revealed expression in many structures during organogenesis such as neural crest (NC) derivative tissues, the pronephros and the pancreas. Versican, a matrix component substrate of ADAMTS9 shows a similar expression pattern suggesting a role of ADAMTS9 in the remodeling of the ECM in these structures by degradation of versican.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Desanlis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Hannah L Felstead
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Dylan R Edwards
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Abstract
During pregnancy fetus can be exposed to a variety of chemicals which may induce abortion and malformations. Due to the amounts of new substances coming into the market every year, a high demand for a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective method to detect potential toxicity is necessary. Different species have been used as animal models for teratogen screening, most of them sharing similar development processes with humans. However, the application of embryology knowledge to teratology is hampered by the complexity of the reproduction processes.The present chapter outlines the essential development periods in different models, and highlights the similarities and differences between species, advantages and disadvantages of each group, and specific sensitivities for teratogenic tests. These models can be organized into the following categories: (1) invertebrate species such Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, which have become ideal for screening simple mechanisms in the early periods of reproductive cycle, allowing for rapid results and minor ethical concerns; (2) vertebrate nonmammalian species such Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio, important models to assess teratogenic potential in later development with fewer ethical requirements; and (3) the mammalian species Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, phylogenetically more close to humans, essential to assess complex specialized processes, that occur later in development.Rules for development toxicology tests require the use of mammalian species. However, ethical concerns and costs limit their use in large-scale screening. By contrast, invertebrate and vertebrate nonmammalian species are increasing as alternative animal models, as these organisms combine less ethical requirements, low costs and culture conditions compatible with large-scale screening. In contrast to the in vitro techniques, their main advantage is to allow for high-throughput screening in a whole-animal context, not dependent on the prior identification of a target. In this chapter, the biological development of the animals most used in teratogenic tests is adressed with the aims of maximizing human translation, reducing the number of animals used, and the time to market for new drugs.
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12
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Maia LA, Velloso I, Abreu JG. Advances in the use ofXenopusfor successful drug screening. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1153-1159. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1367281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena A. Maia
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ian Velloso
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose G. Abreu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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13
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Al-Yousuf K, Webster CA, Wheeler GN, Bombelli FB, Sherwood V. Combining Cytotoxicity Assessment and Xenopus laevis Phenotypic Abnormality Assay as a Predictor of Nanomaterial Safety. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 73:20.13.1-20.13.33. [PMID: 28777439 DOI: 10.1002/cptx.25] [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: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as an efficient pre-clinical screening tool to predict drug safety during the early stages of the drug discovery process. X. laevis is a relatively inexpensive model that can be used in whole organism high-throughput assays whilst maintaining a high degree of homology to the higher vertebrate models often used in scientific research. Despite an ever-increasing volume of biomedical nanoparticles (NPs) in development, their unique physico-chemical properties challenge the use of standard toxicology assays. Here, we present a protocol that directly compares the sensitivity of X. laevis development as a tool to assess potential NP toxicity by observation of embryo phenotypic abnormalities/lethality after NP exposure, to in vitro cytotoxicity obtained using mammalian cell lines. In combination with conventional cytotoxicity assays, the X. laevis phenotypic assay provides accurate data to efficiently assess the safety of novel biomedical NPs. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamallah Al-Yousuf
- Skin Tumour Laboratory, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Carl A Webster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Victoria Sherwood
- Skin Tumour Laboratory, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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14
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Williams RM, Winkfein RJ, Ginger RS, Green MR, Schnetkamp PP, Wheeler GN. A functional approach to understanding the role of NCKX5 in Xenopus pigmentation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180465. [PMID: 28692664 PMCID: PMC5503238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NCKX5 is an ion exchanger expressed mostly in pigment cells; however, the functional role for this protein in melanogenesis is not clear. A variant allele of SLC24A5, the gene encoding NCKX5, has been shown to correlate with lighter skin pigmentation in humans, indicating a key role for SLC24A5 in determining human skin colour. SLC24A5 expression has been found to be elevated in melanoma. Knockdown analyses have shown SLC24A5 to be important for pigmentation, but to date the function of this ion exchanger in melanogenesis has not been fully established. Our data suggest NCKX5 may have an alternative activity that is key to its role in the regulation of pigmentation. Here Xenopus laevis is employed as an in vivo model system to further investigate the function of NCKX5 in pigmentation. SLC24A5 is expressed in the melanophores as they differentiate from the neural crest and develop in the RPE of the eye. Morpholino knockdown and rescue experiments were designed to elucidate key residues and regions of the NCKX5 protein. Unilateral morpholino injection at the 2 cell stage resulted in a reduction of pigmentation in the eye and epidermis of one lateral side of the tadpole. Xenopus and human SLC24A5 can rescue the morpholino effects. Further rescue experiments including the use of ion exchange inactive SLC24A5 constructs raise the possibility that full ion exchanger function of NCKX5 may not be required for rescue of pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M. Williams
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Winkfein
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Rebecca S. Ginger
- Unilever Research and Development, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Martin R. Green
- Unilever Research and Development, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Paul P. Schnetkamp
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Grant N. Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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15
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Szabo M, Svensson Akusjärvi S, Saxena A, Liu J, Chandrasekar G, Kitambi SS. Cell and small animal models for phenotypic drug discovery. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:1957-1967. [PMID: 28721015 PMCID: PMC5500539 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s129447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The phenotype-based drug discovery (PDD) approach is re-emerging as an alternative platform for drug discovery. This review provides an overview of the various model systems and technical advances in imaging and image analyses that strengthen the PDD platform. In PDD screens, compounds of therapeutic value are identified based on the phenotypic perturbations produced irrespective of target(s) or mechanism of action. In this article, examples of phenotypic changes that can be detected and quantified with relative ease in a cell-based setup are discussed. In addition, a higher order of PDD screening setup using small animal models is also explored. As PDD screens integrate physiology and multiple signaling mechanisms during the screening process, the identified hits have higher biomedical applicability. Taken together, this review highlights the advantages gained by adopting a PDD approach in drug discovery. Such a PDD platform can complement target-based systems that are currently in practice to accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaly Szabo
- Department of Microbiology Tumor, and Cell Biology
| | | | - Ankur Saxena
- Department of Microbiology Tumor, and Cell Biology
| | - Jianping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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16
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Hatch VL, Marin-Barba M, Moxon S, Ford CT, Ward NJ, Tomlinson ML, Desanlis I, Hendry AE, Hontelez S, van Kruijsbergen I, Veenstra GJC, Münsterberg AE, Wheeler GN. The positive transcriptional elongation factor (P-TEFb) is required for neural crest specification. Dev Biol 2016; 416:361-72. [PMID: 27343897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression at the level of transcriptional elongation has been shown to be important in stem cells and tumour cells, but its role in the whole animal is only now being fully explored. Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a multipotent population of cells that migrate during early development from the dorsal neural tube throughout the embryo where they differentiate into a variety of cell types including pigment cells, cranio-facial skeleton and sensory neurons. Specification of NCCs is both spatially and temporally regulated during embryonic development. Here we show that components of the transcriptional elongation regulatory machinery, CDK9 and CYCLINT1 of the P-TEFb complex, are required to regulate neural crest specification. In particular, we show that expression of the proto-oncogene c-Myc and c-Myc responsive genes are affected. Our data suggest that P-TEFb is crucial to drive expression of c-Myc, which acts as a 'gate-keeper' for the correct temporal and spatial development of the neural crest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Hatch
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Marta Marin-Barba
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Simon Moxon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Christopher T Ford
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Nicole J Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew L Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Ines Desanlis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Adam E Hendry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Saartje Hontelez
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ila van Kruijsbergen
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan C Veenstra
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea E Münsterberg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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17
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18
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Webster CA, Di Silvio D, Devarajan A, Bigini P, Micotti E, Giudice C, Salmona M, Wheeler GN, Sherwood V, Bombelli FB. An early developmental vertebrate model for nanomaterial safety: bridging cell-based and mammalian toxicity assessment. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:643-56. [PMID: 27003295 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM With the rise in production of nanoparticles (NPs) for an ever-increasing number of applications, there is an urgent need to efficiently assess their potential toxicity. We propose a NP hazard assessment protocol that combines mammalian cytotoxicity data with embryonic vertebrate abnormality scoring to determine an overall toxicity index. RESULTS We observed that, after exposure to a range of NPs, Xenopus phenotypic scoring showed a strong correlation with cell based in vitro assays. Magnetite-cored NPs, negative for toxicity in vitro and Xenopus, were further confirmed as nontoxic in mice. CONCLUSION The results highlight the potential of Xenopus embryo analysis as a fast screening approach for toxicity assessment of NPs, which could be introduced for the routine testing of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Webster
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Paolo Bigini
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Micotti
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Salmona
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milan, Italy
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Victoria Sherwood
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Skin Tumour Laboratory, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Francesca Baldelli Bombelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", NFMLab, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
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19
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Lienkamp SS. Using Xenopus to study genetic kidney diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 51:117-24. [PMID: 26851624 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Modern sequencing technology is revolutionizing our knowledge of inherited kidney disease. However, the molecular role of genes affected by the rapidly rising number of identified mutations is lagging behind. Xenopus is a highly useful, but underutilized model organism with unique properties excellently suited to decipher the molecular mechanisms of kidney development and disease. The embryonic kidney (pronephros) can be manipulated on only one side of the animal and its formation observed directly through the translucent skin. The moderate evolutionary distance between Xenopus and humans is a huge advantage for studying basic principles of kidney development, but still allows us to analyze the function of disease related genes. Optogenetic manipulations and genome editing by CRISPR/Cas are exciting additions to the toolbox for disease modelling and will facilitate the use of Xenopus in translational research. Therefore, the future of Xenopus in kidney research is bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soeren S Lienkamp
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), Albertstraße 19, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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20
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Dickinson AJG. Using frogs faces to dissect the mechanisms underlying human orofacial defects. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 51:54-63. [PMID: 26778163 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this review I discuss how Xenopus laevis is an effective model to dissect the mechanisms underlying orofacial defects. This species has been particularly useful in studying the understudied structures of the developing face including the embryonic mouth and primary palate. The embryonic mouth is the first opening between the foregut and the environment and is critical for adult mouth development. The final step in embryonic mouth formation is the perforation of a thin layer of tissue covering the digestive tube called the buccopharyngeal membrane. When this tissue does not perforate in humans it can pose serious health risks for the fetus and child. The primary palate forms just dorsal to the embryonic mouth and in non-amniotes it functions as the roof of the adult mouth. Defects in the primary palate result in a median oral cleft that appears similar across the vertebrates. In humans, these median clefts are often severe and surgically difficult to repair. Xenopus has several qualities that make it advantageous for craniofacial research. The free living embryo has an easily accessible face and we have also developed several new tools to analyze the development of the region. Further, Xenopus is readily amenable to chemical screens allowing us to uncover novel gene-environment interactions during orofacial development, as well as to define underlying mechanisms governing such interactions. In conclusion, we are utilizing Xenopus in new and innovative ways to contribute to craniofacial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J G Dickinson
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1000 West Main St., Richmond, VA 23284, United States.
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21
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Charalambous A, Koyioni M, Antoniades I, Pegeioti D, Eleftheriou I, Michaelidou SS, Amelichev SA, Konstantinova LS, Rakitin OA, Koutentis PA, Skourides PA. 1,2,3-Dithiazoles – new reversible melanin synthesis inhibitors: a chemical genomics study. MEDCHEMCOMM 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00052a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
1,2,3-Dithiazolimines show potent and reversible inhibition of melanin synthesis in Xenopus laevis embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Koyioni
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Cyprus
- 1678 Nicosia
- Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Oleg A. Rakitin
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry
- RAS
- Moscow 119991
- Russia
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22
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Zhu F, Skommer J, Huang Y, Akagi J, Adams D, Levin M, Hall CJ, Crosier PS, Wlodkowic D. Fishing on chips: up-and-coming technological advances in analysis of zebrafish and Xenopus embryos. Cytometry A 2014; 85:921-32. [PMID: 25287981 PMCID: PMC10472801 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biotests performed on small vertebrate model organisms provide significant investigative advantages as compared with bioassays that employ cell lines, isolated primary cells, or tissue samples. The main advantage offered by whole-organism approaches is that the effects under study occur in the context of intact physiological milieu, with all its intercellular and multisystem interactions. The gap between the high-throughput cell-based in vitro assays and low-throughput, disproportionally expensive and ethically controversial mammal in vivo tests can be closed by small model organisms such as zebrafish or Xenopus. The optical transparency of their tissues, the ease of genetic manipulation and straightforward husbandry, explain the growing popularity of these model organisms. Nevertheless, despite the potential for miniaturization, automation and subsequent increase in throughput of experimental setups, the manipulation, dispensing and analysis of living fish and frog embryos remain labor-intensive. Recently, a new generation of miniaturized chip-based devices have been developed for zebrafish and Xenopus embryo on-chip culture and experimentation. In this work, we review the critical developments in the field of Lab-on-a-Chip devices designed to alleviate the limits of traditional platforms for studies on zebrafish and clawed frog embryo and larvae. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanna Skommer
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yushi Huang
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jin Akagi
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dany Adams
- Department of Biology and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology and Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Chris J. Hall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Philip S. Crosier
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Donald Wlodkowic
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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23
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Schmitt SM, Gull M, Brändli AW. Engineering Xenopus embryos for phenotypic drug discovery screening. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 69-70:225-46. [PMID: 24576445 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many rare human inherited diseases remain untreatable despite the fact that the disease causing genes are known and adequate mouse disease models have been developed. In vivo phenotypic drug screening relies on isolating drug candidates by their ability to produce a desired therapeutic phenotype in whole organisms. Embryos of zebrafish and Xenopus frogs are abundant, small and free-living. They can be easily arrayed in multi-well dishes and treated with small organic molecules. With the development of novel genome modification tools, such a zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR/Cas, it is now possible to efficiently engineer non-mammalian models of inherited human diseases. Here, we will review the rapid progress made in adapting these novel genome editing tools to Xenopus. The advantages of Xenopus embryos as in vivo models to study human inherited diseases will be presented and their utility for drug discovery screening will be discussed. Being a tetrapod, Xenopus complements zebrafish as an indispensable non-mammalian animal model for the study of human disease pathologies and the discovery of novel therapeutics for inherited diseases.
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24
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Drakakis G, Hendry AE, Hanson K, Brewerton SC, Bodkin MJ, Evans DA, Wheeler GN, Bender A. Comparative mode-of-action analysis following manual and automated phenotype detection in Xenopus laevis. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00313b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Given the increasing utilization of phenotypic screens in drug discovery also the subsequent mechanism-of-action analysis gains increased attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Drakakis
- Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Cambridge
- Cambridge CB2 1EW
- UK
| | - Adam E. Hendry
- School of Biological Sciences
- University of East Anglia
- Norwich
- UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Bender
- Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Cambridge
- Cambridge CB2 1EW
- UK
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25
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Liggi S, Drakakis G, Hendry AE, Hanson KM, Brewerton SC, Wheeler GN, Bodkin MJ, Evans DA, Bender A. Extensions to In Silico Bioactivity Predictions Using Pathway Annotations and Differential Pharmacology Analysis: Application toXenopus laevisPhenotypic Readouts. Mol Inform 2013; 32:1009-24. [DOI: 10.1002/minf.201300102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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26
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Tomlinson ML, Hendry AE, Wheeler GN. Chemical genetics and drug discovery in Xenopus. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 917:155-66. [PMID: 22956087 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-992-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemical genetics uses small molecules to modulate protein function and has the potential to perturb any biochemical event in a complex cellular context. The application of chemical genetics to dissect biological processes has become an attractive alternative to mutagenesis screens due to its technical simplicity, inexpensive reagents, and low-startup costs. Xenopus embryos are particularly amenable to whole organism chemical genetic screens. Here we describe the basic protocols we have developed to screen small compound libraries on Xenopus laevis embryos. We score embryos either by observing phenotypic changes in the whole tadpole or by changes in gene expression pattern using automated wholemount in situ hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Tomlinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, England, UK
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27
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Saydmohammed M, Vollmer LL, Onuoha EO, Vogt A, Tsang M. A high-content screening assay in transgenic zebrafish identifies two novel activators of fgf signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 93:281-7. [PMID: 21932436 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have become an invaluable vertebrate animal model to interrogate small molecule libraries for modulators of complex biological pathways and phenotypes. We have recently described the implementation of a quantitative, high-content imaging assay in multi-well plates to analyze the effects of small molecules on Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling in vivo. Here we have evaluated the capability of the assay to identify compounds that hyperactivate FGF signaling from a test cassette of agents with known biological activities. Using a transgenic zebrafish reporter line for FGF activity, we screened 1040 compounds from an annotated library of known bioactive agents, including FDA-approved drugs. The assay identified two molecules, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate and pyrithione zinc, that enhanced FGF signaling in specific areas of the brain. Subsequent studies revealed that both compounds specifically expanded FGF target gene expression. Furthermore, treatment of early stage embryos with either compound resulted in dorsalized phenotypes characteristic of hyperactivation of FGF signaling in early development. Documented activities for both agents included activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), consistent with FGF hyperactivation. To conclude, we demonstrate the power of automated quantitative high-content imaging to identify small molecule modulators of FGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manush Saydmohammed
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, PA 15213, USA
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28
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Wheeler GN, Liu KJ. Xenopus: An ideal system for chemical genetics. Genesis 2012; 50:207-18. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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29
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Wlodkowic D, Khoshmanesh K, Akagi J, Williams DE, Cooper JM. Wormometry-on-a-chip: Innovative technologies for in situ analysis of small multicellular organisms. Cytometry A 2011; 79:799-813. [PMID: 21548078 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.21070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small multicellular organisms such as nematodes, fruit flies, clawed frogs, and zebrafish are emerging models for an increasing number of biomedical and environmental studies. They offer substantial advantages over cell lines and isolated tissues, providing analysis under normal physiological milieu of the whole organism. Many bioassays performed on these alternative animal models mirror with a high level of accuracy those performed on inherently low-throughput, costly, and ethically controversial mammalian models of human disease. Analysis of small model organisms in a high-throughput and high-content manner is, however, still a challenging task not easily susceptible to laboratory automation. In this context, recent advances in photonics, electronics, as well as material sciences have facilitated the emergence of miniaturized bioanalytical systems collectively known as Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC). These technologies combine micro- and nanoscale sciences, allowing the application of laminar fluid flow at ultralow volumes in spatially confined chip-based circuitry. LOC technologies are particularly advantageous for the development of a wide array of automated functionalities. The present work outlines the development of innovative miniaturized chip-based devices for the in situ analysis of small model organisms. We also introduce a new term "wormometry" to collectively distinguish these up-and-coming chip-based technologies that go far beyond the conventional meaning of the term "cytometry."
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Wlodkowic
- Department of Chemistry and MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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30
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Spencer J, Amin J, Callear SK, Tizzard GJ, Coles SJ, Coxhead P, Guille M. Synthesis and evaluation of metallocene containing methylidene-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-ones as kinase inhibitors. Metallomics 2011; 3:600-8. [PMID: 21359402 DOI: 10.1039/c1mt00017a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
(E)- and (Z)-3-Ferrocenylmethylidene-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-ones 1 have been structurally modified in order to explore SAR against a range of kinases. Of note is the submicromolar to low micromolar inhibition of DYRK3 and 4 by a number of complexes. Screening using Xenopus embryos showed some of the compounds to have potent antiangiogenisis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Spencer
- School of Science, University of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
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31
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Blackiston D, Adams DS, Lemire JM, Lobikin M, Levin M. Transmembrane potential of GlyCl-expressing instructor cells induces a neoplastic-like conversion of melanocytes via a serotonergic pathway. Dis Model Mech 2011; 4:67-85. [PMID: 20959630 PMCID: PMC3008964 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.005561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that coordinate stem cell behavior within the host is a high priority for developmental biology, regenerative medicine and oncology. Endogenous ion currents and voltage gradients function alongside biochemical cues during pattern formation and tumor suppression, but it is not known whether bioelectrical signals are involved in the control of stem cell progeny in vivo. We studied Xenopus laevis neural crest, an embryonic stem cell population that gives rise to many cell types, including melanocytes, and contributes to the morphogenesis of the face, heart and other complex structures. To investigate how depolarization of transmembrane potential of cells in the neural crest's environment influences its function in vivo, we manipulated the activity of the native glycine receptor chloride channel (GlyCl). Molecular-genetic depolarization of a sparse, widely distributed set of GlyCl-expressing cells non-cell-autonomously induces a neoplastic-like phenotype in melanocytes: they overproliferate, acquire an arborized cell shape and migrate inappropriately, colonizing numerous tissues in a metalloprotease-dependent fashion. A similar effect was observed in human melanocytes in culture. Depolarization of GlyCl-expressing cells induces these drastic changes in melanocyte behavior via a serotonin-transporter-dependent increase of extracellular serotonin (5-HT). These data reveal GlyCl as a molecular marker of a sparse and heretofore unknown cell population with the ability to specifically instruct neural crest derivatives, suggest transmembrane potential as a tractable signaling modality by which somatic cells can control stem cell behavior at considerable distance, identify a new biophysical aspect of the environment that confers a neoplastic-like phenotype upon stem cell progeny, reveal a pre-neural role for serotonin and its transporter, and suggest a novel strategy for manipulating stem cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Blackiston
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and Biology Department, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Forsyth Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dany S. Adams
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and Biology Department, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Joan M. Lemire
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and Biology Department, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Maria Lobikin
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and Biology Department, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and Biology Department, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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32
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Wheeler GN, Brändli AW. Simple vertebrate models for chemical genetics and drug discovery screens: Lessons from zebrafish andXenopus. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:1287-308. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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