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Klein A, Klug K, Breyer M, Grüner J, Medala VK, Nordbeck P, Wanner C, Klopocki E, Üçeyler N. Genetic variants of unknown significance in alpha-galactosidase A: Cellular delineation from Fabry disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024. [PMID: 38618884 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked multiorgan disorder caused by variants in the alpha-galactosidase A gene (GLA). Depending on the variant, disease phenotypes range from benign to life-threatening. More than 1000 GLA variants are known, but a link between genotype and phenotype in FD has not yet been established for all. p.A143T, p.D313Y, and p.S126G are frequent examples of variants of unknown significance (VUS). We have investigated the potential pathogenicity of these VUS combining clinical data with data obtained in human cellular in vitro systems. We have analyzed four different male subject-derived cell types for alpha-galactosidase A enzyme (GLA) activity and intracellular Gb3 load. Additionally, Gb3 load in skin tissue as well as clinical data were studied for correlates of disease manifestations. A reduction of GLA activity was observed in cells carrying p.A143T compared with controls (p < 0.05). In cells carrying the p.D313Y variant, a reduced GLA activity was found only in endothelial cells (p < 0.01) compared with controls. No pathological changes were observed in cells carrying the p.S126G variant. None of the VUS investigated caused intracellular Gb3 accumulation in any cell type. Our data of aberrant GLA activity in cells of p.A143T hemizygotes and overall normal cellular phenotypes in cells of p.D313Y and p.S126G hemizygotes contribute a basic science perspective to the clinically highly relevant discussion on VUS in GLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Nordbeck
- University Hospital Würzburg, Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Wanner
- University Hospital Würzburg, Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- University of Würzburg, Institute for Human Genetics, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), Würzburg, Germany
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2
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Klein T, Grüner J, Breyer M, Schlegel J, Schottmann NM, Hofmann L, Gauss K, Mease R, Erbacher C, Finke L, Klein A, Klug K, Karl-Schöller F, Vignolo B, Reinhard S, Schneider T, Günther K, Fink J, Dudek J, Maack C, Klopocki E, Seibel J, Edenhofer F, Wischmeyer E, Sauer M, Üçeyler N. Small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease model and pilot data. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae095. [PMID: 38638148 PMCID: PMC11024803 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Acral burning pain triggered by fever, thermal hyposensitivity and skin denervation are hallmarks of small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease, a life-threatening X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Variants in the gene encoding alpha-galactosidase A may lead to impaired enzyme activity with cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. To study the underlying pathomechanism of Fabry-associated small fibre neuropathy, we generated a neuronal in vitro disease model using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells from three Fabry patients and one healthy control. We further generated an isogenic control line via gene editing. We subjected induced pluripotent stem cells to targeted peripheral neuronal differentiation and observed intra-lysosomal globotriaosylceramide accumulations in somas and neurites of Fabry sensory neurons using super-resolution microscopy. At functional level, patch-clamp analysis revealed a hyperpolarizing shift of voltage-gated sodium channel steady-state inactivation kinetics in isogenic control neurons compared with healthy control neurons (P < 0.001). Moreover, we demonstrate a drastic increase in Fabry sensory neuron calcium levels at 39°C mimicking clinical fever (P < 0.001). This pathophysiological phenotype was accompanied by thinning of neurite calibres in sensory neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from Fabry patients compared with healthy control cells (P < 0.001). Linear-nonlinear cascade models fit to spiking responses revealed that Fabry cell lines exhibit altered single neuron encoding properties relative to control. We further observed mitochondrial aggregation at sphingolipid accumulations within Fabry sensory neurites utilizing a click chemistry approach together with mitochondrial dysmorphism compared with healthy control cells. We pioneer pilot insights into the cellular mechanisms contributing to pain, thermal hyposensitivity and denervation in Fabry small fibre neuropathy and pave the way for further mechanistic in vitro studies in Fabry disease and the development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Gauss
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Mease
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Erbacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Finke
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Vignolo
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Reinhard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Schneider
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Günther
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Dudek
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Maack
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Wischmeyer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Würzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZIT), University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Breyer M, Grüner J, Klein A, Finke L, Klug K, Sauer M, Üçeyler N. In vitro characterization of cells derived from a patient with the GLA variant c.376A>G (p.S126G) highlights a non-pathogenic role in Fabry disease. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2024; 38:101029. [PMID: 38469097 PMCID: PMC10926200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2023.101029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is a life-limiting disorder characterized by intracellular globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) accumulations. The underlying α-galactosidase A (α-GAL A) deficiency is caused by variants in the gene GLA. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) are frequently found in GLA and challenge clinical management. Here, we investigated a 49-year old man with cryptogenic lacunar cerebral stroke and the chance finding of the VUS S126G, who was sent to our center for diagnosis and initiation of a costly and life-long FD-specific treatment. We combined clinical examination with in vitro investigations of dermal fibroblasts (HDF), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), and iPSC-derived sensory neurons. We analyzed α-GAL A activity in iPSC, Gb3 accumulation in all three cell types, and action potential firing in sensory neurons. Neurological examination and small nerve fiber assessment was normal except for reduced distal skin innervation. S126G iPSC showed normal α-GAL A activity compared to controls and no Gb3 deposits were found in all three cell types. Baseline electrophysiological characteristics of S126G neurons showed no difference compared to healthy controls as investigated by patch-clamp recordings. We pioneer multi-level cellular characterization of the VUS S126G using three cell types derived from a patient and provide further evidence for the benign nature of S126G in GLA, which is of great importance in the management of such cases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Finke
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biophysics and Biotechnology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Würzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZIT), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Erbacher C, Britz S, Dinkel P, Klein T, Sauer M, Stigloher C, Üçeyler N. Interaction of human keratinocytes and nerve fiber terminals at the neuro-cutaneous unit. eLife 2024; 13:e77761. [PMID: 38225894 PMCID: PMC10791129 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, peripheral sensory neurons are assumed as the exclusive transducers of external stimuli. Current research moves epidermal keratinocytes into focus as sensors and transmitters of nociceptive and non-nociceptive sensations, tightly interacting with intraepidermal nerve fibers at the neuro-cutaneous unit. In animal models, epidermal cells establish close contacts and ensheath sensory neurites. However, ultrastructural morphological and mechanistic data examining the human keratinocyte-nerve fiber interface are sparse. We investigated this exact interface in human skin applying super-resolution array tomography, expansion microscopy, and structured illumination microscopy. We show keratinocyte ensheathment of afferents and adjacent connexin 43 contacts in native skin and have applied a pipeline based on expansion microscopy to quantify these parameter in skin sections of healthy participants versus patients with small fiber neuropathy. We further derived a fully human co-culture system, visualizing ensheathment and connexin 43 plaques in vitro. Unraveling human intraepidermal nerve fiber ensheathment and potential interaction sites advances research at the neuro-cutaneous unit. These findings are crucial on the way to decipher the mechanisms of cutaneous nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian Britz
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Philine Dinkel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | | | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
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Footner E, Firipis K, Liu E, Baker C, Foley P, Kapsa RMI, Pirogova E, O'Connell C, Quigley A. Layer-by-Layer Analysis of In Vitro Skin Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5933-5952. [PMID: 37791888 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00283] [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: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro human skin models are evolving into versatile platforms for the study of skin biology and disorders. These models have many potential applications in the fields of drug testing and safety assessment, as well as cosmetic and new treatment development. The development of in vitro skin models that accurately mimic native human skin can reduce reliance on animal models and also allow for more precise, clinically relevant testing. Recent advances in biofabrication techniques and biomaterials have led to the creation of increasingly complex, multilayered skin models that incorporate important functional components of skin, such as the skin barrier, mechanical properties, pigmentation, vasculature, hair follicles, glands, and subcutaneous layer. This improved ability to recapitulate the functional aspects of native skin enhances the ability to model the behavior and response of native human skin, as the complex interplay of cell-to-cell and cell-to-material interactions are incorporated. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in in vitro skin models, with a focus on their applications, limitations, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Footner
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Kate Firipis
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Emily Liu
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Chris Baker
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Skin Health Institute, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Peter Foley
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Skin Health Institute, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Robert M I Kapsa
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Cathal O'Connell
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Anita Quigley
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
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Klug K, Spitzel M, Hans C, Klein A, Schottmann NM, Erbacher C, Üçeyler N. Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Hypoxia as Potential Mediators of Pain in Fabry Disease: A Human-Murine Translational Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15422. [PMID: 37895103 PMCID: PMC10607880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is caused by α-galactosidase A (AGAL) enzyme deficiency, leading to globotriaosylceramide accumulation (Gb3) in several cell types. Pain is one of the pathophysiologically incompletely understood symptoms in FD patients. Previous data suggest an involvement of hypoxia and mitochondriopathy in FD pain development at dorsal root ganglion (DRG) level. Using immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR), we investigated patient-derived endothelial cells (EC) and DRG tissue of the GLA knockout (KO) mouse model of FD. We address the question of whether hypoxia and mitochondriopathy contribute to FD pain pathophysiology. In EC of FD patients (P1 with pain and, P2 without pain), we found dysregulated protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) 1a and HIF2 compared to the control EC (p < 0.01). The protein expression of the HIF downstream target vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA, p < 0.01) was reduced and tube formation was hampered in the P1 EC compared to the healthy EC (p < 0.05). Tube formation ability was rescued by applying transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) inhibitor SB-431542. Additionally, we found dysregulated mitochondrial fusion/fission characteristics in the P1 and P2 EC (p < 0.01) and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential in P2 compared to control EC (p < 0.05). Complementary to human data, we found upregulated hypoxia-associated genes in the DRG of old GLA KO mice compared to WT DRG (p < 0.01). At protein level, nuclear HIF1a was higher in the DRG neurons of old GLA KO mice compared to WT mice (p < 0.01). Further, the HIF1a downstream target CA9 was upregulated in the DRG of old GLA KO mice compared to WT DRG (p < 0.01). Similar to human EC, we found a reduction in the vascular characteristics in GLA KO DRG compared to WT (p < 0.05). We demonstrate increased hypoxia, impaired vascular properties, and mitochondrial dysfunction in human FD EC and complementarily at the GLA KO mouse DRG level. Our data support the hypothesis that hypoxia and mitochondriopathy in FD EC and GLA KO DRG may contribute to FD pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Marlene Spitzel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Clara Hans
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Nicole Michelle Schottmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Christoph Erbacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (K.K.); (M.S.); (C.H.); (N.M.S.); (C.E.)
- Würzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZIT), University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Goncalves K, De Los Santos Gomez P, Costello L, Smith L, Mead H, Simpson A, Przyborski S. Investigation into the effect of skin tone modulators and exogenous stress on skin pigmentation utilizing a novel bioengineered skin equivalent. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10415. [PMID: 36925688 PMCID: PMC10013773 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10415] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are a popular technology due to limitations in animal testing, particularly as they recapitulate aspects of structure and function of human skin. Many HSEs contain two basic cell types to model dermal and epidermal compartments, however this limits their application, particularly when investigating the effect of exogenous stressors on skin health. We describe the development of a novel platform technology that accurately replicates skin pigmentation in vitro. Through incorporation of melanocytes, specialized pigment producing cells, into the basal layer of the epidermis we are able to re-create skin pigmentation in vitro. We observe apical distribution of melanin within keratinocytes and formation of supranuclear caps (SPNCs), only when the epidermal compartment is co-cultured with a dermal compartment, leading to the conclusion that fibroblast support is essential for correct pigment organization. We also evaluate the commonly observed phenomenon that pigmentation darkens with time in vitro, which we further explore through mechanical exfoliation to remove a build-up of melanin deposits in the stratum corneum. Finally, we demonstrate the application of a pigmented HSE to investigate drug modulation of skin tone and protection from UV-induced damage, highlighting the importance of such a model in the wider context of skin biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucy Smith
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | - Hugh Mead
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | - Amy Simpson
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | - Stefan Przyborski
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK.,Reprocell Europe Ltd Glasgow UK
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Freer M, Darling N, Goncalves K, Mills KJ, Przyborski S. Development of a mammalian neurosensory full‐thickness skin equivalent and its application to screen sensitizing stimuli. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10484. [DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Freer
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Przyborski
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
- Reprocell Europe Ltd Glasgow UK
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9
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Wagenhäuser L, Rickert V, Sommer C, Wanner C, Nordbeck P, Rost S, Üçeyler N. X-chromosomal inactivation patterns in women with Fabry disease. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2029. [PMID: 35971858 PMCID: PMC9482401 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene (GLA), women may develop severe symptoms. We investigated X-chromosomal inactivation patterns (XCI) as a potential determinant of symptom severity in FD women. PATIENTS AND METHODS We included 95 women with mutations in GLA (n = 18 with variants of unknown pathogenicity) and 50 related men, and collected mouth epithelial cells, venous blood, and skin fibroblasts for XCI analysis using the methylation status of the androgen receptor gene. The mutated X-chromosome was identified by comparison of samples from relatives. Patients underwent genotype categorization and deep clinical phenotyping of symptom severity. RESULTS 43/95 (45%) women carried mutations categorized as classic. The XCI pattern was skewed (i.e., ≥75:25% distribution) in 6/87 (7%) mouth epithelial cell samples, 31/88 (35%) blood samples, and 9/27 (33%) skin fibroblast samples. Clinical phenotype, α-galactosidase A (GAL) activity, and lyso-Gb3 levels did not show intergroup differences when stratified for X-chromosomal skewing and activity status of the mutated X-chromosome. CONCLUSIONS X-inactivation patterns alone do not reliably reflect the clinical phenotype of women with FD when investigated in biomaterial not directly affected by FD. However, while XCI patterns may vary between tissues, blood frequently shows skewing of XCI patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Rickert
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Wanner
- Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Nordbeck
- Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simone Rost
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Fabry Centre for Interdisciplinary Therapy Würzburg (FAZIT), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Schaller-Ammann R, Kreß S, Feiel J, Schwagerle G, Priedl J, Birngruber T, Kasper C, Egger D. Advanced Online Monitoring of In Vitro Human 3D Full-Thickness Skin Equivalents. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071436. [PMID: 35890329 PMCID: PMC9315769 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin equivalents and skin explants are widely used for dermal penetration studies in the pharmacological development of drugs. Environmental parameters, such as the incubation and culture conditions affect cellular responses and thus the relevance of the experimental outcome. However, available systems such as the Franz diffusion chamber, only measure in the receiving culture medium, rather than assessing the actual conditions for cells in the tissue. We developed a sampling design that combines open flow microperfusion (OFM) sampling technology for continuous concentration measurements directly in the tissue with microfluidic biosensors for online monitoring of culture parameters. We tested our design with real-time measurements of oxygen, glucose, lactate, and pH in full-thickness skin equivalent and skin explants. Furthermore, we compared dermal penetration for acyclovir, lidocaine, and diclofenac in skin equivalents and skin explants. We observed differences in oxygen, glucose, and drug concentrations in skin equivalents compared to the respective culture medium and to skin explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Schaller-Ammann
- Health—Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria; (R.S.-A.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Sebastian Kreß
- Institute of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural, Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Jürgen Feiel
- Health—Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria; (R.S.-A.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Gerd Schwagerle
- Health—Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria; (R.S.-A.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Joachim Priedl
- Health—Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria; (R.S.-A.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Thomas Birngruber
- Health—Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria; (R.S.-A.); (J.F.); (G.S.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (D.E.)
| | - Cornelia Kasper
- Institute of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural, Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Dominik Egger
- Institute of Cell and Tissue Culture Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural, Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.K.)
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (D.E.)
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11
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Shinotsuka N, Denk F. Fibroblasts: the neglected cell type in peripheral sensitisation and chronic pain? A review based on a systematic search of the literature. BMJ OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 6:e100235. [PMID: 35128075 PMCID: PMC8768938 DOI: 10.1136/bmjos-2021-100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain and its underlying biological mechanisms have been studied for many decades, with a myriad of molecules, receptors and cell types known to contribute to abnormal pain sensations. Besides an obvious role for neurons, immune cells like microglia, macrophages and T cells are also important drivers of persistent pain. While neuroinflammation has therefore been widely studied in pain research, there is one cell type that appears to be rather neglected in this context: the humble fibroblast. Fibroblasts may seem unassuming but actually play a major part in regulating immune cell function and driving chronic inflammation. Here, our aim was to determine the breadth and quality of research that implicates fibroblasts in chronic pain conditions and models. OBJECTIVES We set out to analyse the current literature on this topic-using systematic screening and data extraction methods to obtain a balanced view on what has been published. METHODS We categorised the articles we included-stratifying them according to what was investigated, the estimated quality of results and any common conclusions. RESULTS We found that there has been surprisingly little research in this area: 134 articles met our inclusion criteria, only a tiny minority of which directly investigated interactions between fibroblasts and peripheral neurons. CONCLUSIONS Fibroblasts are a ubiquitous cell type and a prominent source of many proalgesic mediators in a wide variety of tissues. We think that they deserve a more central role in pain research and propose a new, testable model of how fibroblasts might drive peripheral neuron sensitisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Shinotsuka
- Laboratory for Pharmacology, Pharmaceuticals Research Center, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Franziska Denk
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Karl F, Bischler T, Egenolf N, Evdokimov D, Heckel T, Üçeyler N. Fibromyalgia vs small fiber neuropathy: diverse keratinocyte transcriptome signature. Pain 2021; 162:2569-2577. [PMID: 33675632 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Damage to thinly myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers causes small fiber pathology, which is increasingly found in pain syndromes such as small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The peripheral nerve endings of the small nerve fibers terminate within the epidermis, where they are surrounded by keratinocytes that may act as primary nociceptive transducers. We performed RNA sequencing of keratinocytes obtained from patients with SFN, FMS, and healthy controls. We found 141 deregulated protein coding genes between SFN patients and healthy controls and no differentially expressed genes between patients with FMS and healthy controls. When comparing patients with SFN with patients with FMS, we detected 167 differentially expressed protein coding genes (129 upregulated and 38 downregulated). Further analysis revealed enriched inflammatory pathways. Validation of selected candidates in an independent cohort confirmed higher expression of the proinflammatory mediators interleukin-8, C-X-C motif chemokine 3, endothelin receptor type A, and the voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 in SFN compared with patients with FMS. We provide a diverse keratinocyte transcriptome signature between patients with SFN and patients with FMS, which may hint toward distinct pathomechanisms of small fiber sensitization in both entities and lay the basis for advanced diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Karl
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Nadine Egenolf
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Heckel
- Core Unit SysMed, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Differential impact of keratinocytes and fibroblasts on nociceptor degeneration and sensitization in small fiber neuropathy. Pain 2021; 162:1262-1272. [PMID: 33196576 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Peripheral denervation and pain are hallmarks of small fiber neuropathy (SFN). We investigated the contribution of skin cells on nociceptor degeneration and sensitization. We recruited 56 patients with SFN and 31 healthy controls and collected skin punch biopsies for immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical analysis of netrin-1 (NTN1) and proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression patterns. We further applied coculture systems with murine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons for skin cell-nerve interaction studies and patch-clamp analysis. Human keratinocytes attract murine DRG neuron neurites, and the gene expression of the axon guidance cue NTN1 is higher in keratinocytes of patients with SFN than in controls. NTN1 slows and reduces murine sensory neurite outgrowth in vitro, but does not alter keratinocyte cytokine expression. In the naive state, keratinocytes of patients with SFN show a higher expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (P < 0.05), while fibroblasts display higher expression of the algesic cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (P < 0.01) and IL-8 (P < 0.05). IL-6 incubation of murine DRG neurons leads to an increase in action potential firing rates compared with baseline (P < 0.01). Our data provide evidence for a differential effect of keratinocytes and fibroblasts on nociceptor degeneration and sensitization in SFN compared with healthy controls and further supports the concept of cutaneous nociception.
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15
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Halupczok S, Pfister M, Ringhand A, Fetsch C, Cubukova A, Appelt-Menzel A, Luxenhofer R. Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline- co-N-propylethylene imine)s by controlled partial reduction of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline): synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01258k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cationic polymers obtained via partial reduction of poly(2-ethy-2-oxazoline)s were studied on their cytocompatibility and their buffer capacity in acidic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Halupczok
- Polymer Functional Materials
- Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis
- Department for Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- 97070 Würzburg
| | - Maria Pfister
- Polymer Functional Materials
- Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis
- Department for Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- 97070 Würzburg
| | - Annemarie Ringhand
- Polymer Functional Materials
- Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis
- Department for Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- 97070 Würzburg
| | - Corinna Fetsch
- Polymer Functional Materials
- Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis
- Department for Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- 97070 Würzburg
| | - Alevtina Cubukova
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
- Translational Center Regenerative Therapies TLC-RT
- 97070 Würzburg
- Germany
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
- Translational Center Regenerative Therapies TLC-RT
- 97070 Würzburg
- Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg
| | - Robert Luxenhofer
- Polymer Functional Materials
- Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis
- Department for Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- 97070 Würzburg
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16
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Kreß L, Üçeyler N. [Pain prevention: what is in the pipeline?]. Schmerz 2020; 35:53-58. [PMID: 33185763 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-020-00515-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of the German population report chronic pain that has at least a moderate influence on everyday life. For instance, patients in Germany often experience an oversupply of diagnostics and therapy when suffering from mild back pain, while the care of patients with severe, chronic pain remains insufficient. Multimodal and interdisciplinary therapies are generally too seldomly used. Potentially preventive procedures are insufficiently investigated and used in current clinical practice and little is known about the mechanisms underlying chronification processes. In Germany, pain is still largely neglected in current clinical and basic science, as well as research funding. Furthermore, existing projects are often insufficiently connected with each other, thereby missing the unique opportunity of building synergies. To improve medical pain care and to enable participation in activities of daily life with the maximum radius, interdisciplinary clinical programs and cross-linking of basic and clinical research is necessary. The main objectives are to: (1) Strengthen basic research to investigate the underlying mechanisms of pain development and maintenance as well as of chronification processes; (2) improve patient care by adequate application of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures; (3) consolidate interdisciplinarity in pain research and patient care; (4) maintain participation of patients in social and in everyday life; and (5) achieve and maintain high quality standards in pain patient care. The following article provides an overview of the measures and advances currently being taken in pain research in Germany to close the above-mentioned gaps. The focus lies on current and future developments in the field of pain prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Kreß
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland.
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Long-term small-fiber neuropathy and pain sensitization in survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia after stem cell transplantation. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2143-2152. [PMID: 32346759 PMCID: PMC8363542 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed at describing for the first time peripheral small-fiber neurotoxicity and pain sensitization in survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia after stem cell transplantation (SCT). METHODS In a cross-sectional, retrospective, single-center study, we assessed 25 relapse-free long-term survivors (median age at SCT: 11 ± 4.9 years; median time between SCT and testing: 8.25 years, 19 males) using a reduced version of the pediatric-modified total neuropathy score for clinical assessment and Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). INCLUSION CRITERIA [Formula: see text] 6 years old at testing, [Formula: see text] 18 years old at time of SCT, [Formula: see text] 1 year between SCT and testing. RESULTS Nine patients (36%) had peripheral neuropathy as defined by the clinical red-pmTNS (≥ 4). The QST parameters mechanical pain sensitivity, mechanical detection threshold, thermal sensory limen, vibration detection threshold and pressure pain threshold were significantly abnormal in the survivor cohort (p < 0.0038). Except for one, all survivors showed at least one abnormal QST parameter. When using QST, signs of small and large fiber dysfunction were present in 22 (88%) and 17 (68%) survivors, respectively. More than half of all survivors were found to experience pathologic sensitization to pain. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia after SCT are at high risk for long-term peripheral neuropathy with a dominating small-fiber and pain sensitization pattern.
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