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Rahman MK, Umashankar B, Choucair H, Pazderka C, Bourget K, Chen Y, Dunstan CR, Rawling T, Murray M. Inclusion of the in-chain sulfur in 3-thiaCTU increases the efficiency of mitochondrial targeting and cell killing by anticancer aryl-urea fatty acids. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175470. [PMID: 36543287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175470] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria in tumor cells are functionally different from those in normal cells and could be targeted to develop new anticancer agents. We showed recently that the aryl-ureido fatty acid CTU is the prototype of a new class of mitochondrion-targeted agents that kill cancer cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress and promoting apoptosis. However, prolonged treatment with high doses of CTU were required for in vivo anti-tumor activity. Thus, new strategies are now required to produce agents that have enhanced anticancer activity over CTU. In the present study we prepared a novel aryl-urea termed 3-thiaCTU, that contained an in-chain sulfur heteroatom, for evaluation in tumor cell lines and in mice carrying tumor xenografts. The principal finding to emerge was that 3-thiaCTU was several-fold more active than CTU in the activation of aryl-urea mechanisms that promoted cancer cell killing. Thus, in in vitro studies 3-thiaCTU disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS production, activated ER-stress and promoted tumor cell apoptosis more effectively than CTU. 3-ThiaCTU was also significantly more active than CTUin vivo in mice that carried MDA-MB-231 cell xenografts. Compared to CTU, 3-thiaCTU prevented tumor growth more effectively and at much lower doses. These findings indicate that, in comparison to CTU, 3-thiaCTU is an aryl-urea with markedly enhanced activity that could now be suitable for development as a novel anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Khalilur Rahman
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Balasubrahmanyam Umashankar
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hassan Choucair
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Curtis Pazderka
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Kirsi Bourget
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yongjuan Chen
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Colin R Dunstan
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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Fernandes MT, Yassuda V, Bragança J, Link W, Ferreira BI, De Sousa-Coelho AL. Tribbles Gene Expression Profiles in Colorectal Cancer. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2021; 3:218-236. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/gidisord3040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the world. Therefore, the identification of novel druggable targets is urgently needed. Tribbles proteins belong to a pseudokinase family, previously recognized in CRC as oncogenes and potential therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed the expression of TRIB1, TRIB2, and TRIB3 simultaneously in 33 data sets from CRC based on available GEO profiles. We show that all three Tribbles genes are overrepresented in CRC cell lines and primary tumors, though depending on specific features of the CRC samples. Higher expression of TRIB2 in the tumor microenvironment and TRIB3 overexpression in an early stage of CRC development, unveil a potential and unexplored role for these proteins in the context of CRC. Differential Tribbles expression was also explored in diverse cellular experimental conditions where either genetic or pharmacological approaches were used, providing novel hints for future research. This comprehensive bioinformatic analysis provides new insights into Tribbles gene expression and transcript regulation in CRC.
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Tribbles Gene Expression Profiles in Colorectal Cancer. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord3040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the world. Therefore, the identification of novel druggable targets is urgently needed. Tribbles proteins belong to a pseudokinase family, previously recognized in CRC as oncogenes and potential therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed the expression of TRIB1, TRIB2, and TRIB3 simultaneously in 33 data sets from CRC based on available GEO profiles. We show that all three Tribbles genes are overrepresented in CRC cell lines and primary tumors, though depending on specific features of the CRC samples. Higher expression of TRIB2 in the tumor microenvironment and TRIB3 overexpression in an early stage of CRC development, unveil a potential and unexplored role for these proteins in the context of CRC. Differential Tribbles expression was also explored in diverse cellular experimental conditions where either genetic or pharmacological approaches were used, providing novel hints for future research. This comprehensive bioinformatic analysis provides new insights into Tribbles gene expression and transcript regulation in CRC.
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Ferreira BI, Santos B, Link W, De Sousa-Coelho AL. Tribbles Pseudokinases in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112825. [PMID: 34198908 PMCID: PMC8201230 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tribbles family of pseudokinases controls a wide number of processes during cancer on-set and progression. However, the exact contribution of each of the three family members is still to be defined. Their function appears to be context-dependent as they can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. They act as scaffolds modulating the activity of several signaling pathways involved in different cellular processes. In this review, we discuss the state-of-knowledge for TRIB1, TRIB2 and TRIB3 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. We take a perspective look at the role of Tribbles proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Specifically, we chronologically systematized all available articles since 2003 until 2020, for which Tribbles were associated with colorectal cancer human samples or cell lines. Herein, we discuss: (1) Tribbles amplification and overexpression; (2) the clinical significance of Tribbles overexpression; (3) upstream Tribbles gene and protein expression regulation; (4) Tribbles pharmacological modulation; (5) genetic modulation of Tribbles; and (6) downstream mechanisms regulated by Tribbles; establishing a comprehensive timeline, essential to better consolidate the current knowledge of Tribbles' role in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana I. Ferreira
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Campus of Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (B.I.F.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas (FMCB), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Santos
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Campus of Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (B.I.F.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Centro Hospital Universitário do Algarve (CHUA), 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (A.L.D.S.-C.)
| | - Ana Luísa De Sousa-Coelho
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Campus of Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (B.I.F.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde (ESS), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (A.L.D.S.-C.)
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Cui TQ, Shi L, Zhang HM, Yun YT, Shi N. A Luminescent Eu(III) Coordination Polymer: Selective Detection of p-Nitroaniline and Treatment Effect on Colon Cancer by Inhibiting TRIB3 Mediated Cell Proliferation and Migration. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-019-01324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Mokarram P, Albokashy M, Zarghooni M, Moosavi MA, Sepehri Z, Chen QM, Hudecki A, Sargazi A, Alizadeh J, Moghadam AR, Hashemi M, Movassagh H, Klonisch T, Owji AA, Łos MJ, Ghavami S. New frontiers in the treatment of colorectal cancer: Autophagy and the unfolded protein response as promising targets. Autophagy 2017; 13:781-819. [PMID: 28358273 PMCID: PMC5446063 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2017.1290751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), despite numerous therapeutic and screening attempts, still remains a major life-threatening malignancy. CRC etiology entails both genetic and environmental factors. Macroautophagy/autophagy and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are fundamental mechanisms involved in the regulation of cellular responses to environmental and genetic stresses. Both pathways are interconnected and regulate cellular responses to apoptotic stimuli. In this review, we address the epidemiology and risk factors of CRC, including genetic mutations leading to the occurrence of the disease. Next, we discuss mutations of genes related to autophagy and the UPR in CRC. Then, we discuss how autophagy and the UPR are involved in the regulation of CRC and how they associate with obesity and inflammatory responses in CRC. Finally, we provide perspectives for the modulation of autophagy and the UPR as new therapeutic options for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooneh Mokarram
- a Colorectal Research Center and Department of Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Mohammed Albokashy
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Maryam Zarghooni
- c Zabol University of Medical Sciences , Zabol , Iran.,d University of Toronto Alumni , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Mohammad Amin Moosavi
- e Department of Molecular Medicine , Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Tehran , Iran
| | - Zahra Sepehri
- c Zabol University of Medical Sciences , Zabol , Iran
| | - Qi Min Chen
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | | | | | - Javad Alizadeh
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Adel Rezaei Moghadam
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Mohammad Hashemi
- g Department of Clinical Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Hesam Movassagh
- h Department of Immunology , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Thomas Klonisch
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Ali Akbar Owji
- i Department of Clinical Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Shiraz Medical University , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Marek J Łos
- j Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland ; LinkoCare Life Sciences AB , Sweden
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada.,k Health Policy Research Center , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
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Le BQ, Fernandes H, Bouten CV, Karperien M, van Blitterswijk C, de Boer J. High-Throughput Screening Assay for the Identification of Compounds Enhancing Collagenous Extracellular Matrix Production by ATDC5 Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2015; 21:726-36. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2014.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bach q. Le
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo Fernandes
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V.C. Bouten
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jan de Boer
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Translational regulator eIF2α in tumor. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:6255-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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ER stress in human hepatic cells treated with Efavirenz: mitochondria again. J Hepatol 2013; 59:780-9. [PMID: 23792026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS ER stress is associated with a growing number of liver diseases, including drug-induced hepatotoxicity. The non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor Efavirenz, a cornerstone of the multidrug strategy employed to treat HIV1 infection, has been related to the development of various adverse events, including metabolic disturbances and hepatic toxicity, the mechanisms of which remain elusive. Recent evidence has pinpointed a specific mitochondrial effect of Efavirenz in human hepatic cells. This study assesses the induction of ER stress by Efavirenz in the same model and the implication of mitochondria in this process. METHODS Primary human hepatocytes and Hep3B were treated with clinically relevant concentrations of Efavirenz and parameters of ER stress were studied using standard cell biology techniques. RESULTS ER stress markers, including CHOP and GRP78 expression (both protein and mRNA), phosphorylation of eIF2α, and presence of the spliced form of XBP1 were upregulated. Efavirenz also enhanced cytosolic Ca(2+) content and induced morphological changes in the ER suggestive of ER stress. This response was greatly attenuated in cells with altered mitochondrial function (Rho°). The effects of Efavirenz on the ER, and particularly in regard to the mitochondrial involvement, differed from those elicited by a standard pharmacological ER stressor. CONCLUSIONS This newly discovered mechanism of cellular insult involving ER stress and UPR response may help comprehend the hepatic toxicity that has been associated with the widespread and life-long use of Efavirenz. In addition, the specificity of the actions of Efavirenz observed expands our knowledge of the mechanisms that trigger ER stress and shed some light on the mitochondria/ER interplay in drug-induced hepatic challenge.
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Miranda-CasoLuengo AA, Miranda-CasoLuengo R, Lieggi NT, Luo H, Simpson JC, Meijer WG. A real-time impedance based method to assess Rhodococcus equi virulence. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60612. [PMID: 23555995 PMCID: PMC3610927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen of macrophages and the causative agent of foal pneumonia. R. equi virulence is usually assessed by analyzing intracellular growth in macrophages by enumeration of bacteria following cell lysis, which is time consuming and does not allow for a high throughput analysis. This paper describes the use of an impedance based real-time method to characterize proliferation of R. equi in macrophages, using virulent and attenuated strains lacking the vapA gene or virulence plasmid. Image analysis suggested that the time-dependent cell response profile (TCRP) is governed by cell size and roundness as well as cytoxicity of infecting R. equi strains. The amplitude and inflection point of the resulting TCRP were dependent on the multiplicity of infection as well as virulence of the infecting strain, thus distinguishing between virulent and attenuated strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raúl Miranda-CasoLuengo
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nora T. Lieggi
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Haixia Luo
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeremy C. Simpson
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wim G. Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Dobens LL, Bouyain S. Developmental roles of tribbles protein family members. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1239-48. [PMID: 22711497 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene tribbles (trbl), identified 12 years ago in genetic screens for mutations that control both cell division and cell migration during embryonic Drosophila development, is the founding member of the Tribbles (Trib) family of kinase-like proteins that have diverse roles in cell signaling, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. Trib proteins share three motifs: (1) a divergent kinase region (Trib domain) with undetermined catalytic activity, (2) a COP1 site used to direct key target proteins to the proteosome for degradation, and (3) a MEK1 site that binds and modulates MAPKK kinase activity. The notion that Tribs act as scaffolding proteins to balance signaling levels in multiple pathways retains an attractive simplicity, but given recent data showing that divergent kinases act by means of novel catalytic mechanisms, the enzymatic activity of Tribs remains untested. Here, we focus on the role of Tribs during development. Developmental analysis of Drosophila trbl phenotypes reveals tissue-specific, sometimes contradictory roles. In mammals, multiple Trib isoforms exhibit overlapping and tissue-specific functions. Recent data indicate the mechanism of Trib activity is conserved and requires the Trib domain. Finally, we discuss the connections between Tribs in disease and cancer that have implications for their normal roles during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard L Dobens
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
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