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Vonniessen B, Tabariès S, Siegel PM. Antibody-mediated targeting of Claudins in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1320766. [PMID: 38371623 PMCID: PMC10869466 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1320766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) are large intercellular adhesion complexes that maintain cell polarity in normal epithelia and endothelia. Claudins are critical components of TJs, forming homo- and heteromeric interaction between adjacent cells, which have emerged as key functional modulators of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Numerous epithelial-derived cancers display altered claudin expression patterns, and these aberrantly expressed claudins have been shown to regulate cancer cell proliferation/growth, metabolism, metastasis and cell stemness. Certain claudins can now be used as biomarkers to predict patient prognosis in a variety of solid cancers. Our understanding of the distinct roles played by claudins during the cancer progression has progressed significantly over the last decade and claudins are now being investigated as possible diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in the use of antibody-based or related strategies for targeting claudins in cancer treatment. We first describe pre-clinical studies that have facilitated the development of neutralizing antibodies and antibody-drug-conjugates targeting Claudins (Claudins-1, -3, -4, -6 and 18.2). Next, we summarize clinical trials assessing the efficacy of antibodies targeting Claudin-6 or Claudin-18.2. Finally, emerging strategies for targeting Claudins, including Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy and Bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTEs), are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Vonniessen
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Tabariès
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter M. Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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2
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Tight Junction Protein Signaling and Cancer Biology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020243. [PMID: 36672179 PMCID: PMC9857217 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) are intercellular protein complexes that preserve tissue homeostasis and integrity through the control of paracellular permeability and cell polarity. Recent findings have revealed the functional role of TJ proteins outside TJs and beyond their classical cellular functions as selective gatekeepers. This is illustrated by the dysregulation in TJ protein expression levels in response to external and intracellular stimuli, notably during tumorigenesis. A large body of knowledge has uncovered the well-established functional role of TJ proteins in cancer pathogenesis. Mechanistically, TJ proteins act as bidirectional signaling hubs that connect the extracellular compartment to the intracellular compartment. By modulating key signaling pathways, TJ proteins are crucial players in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, all of which being essential cancer hallmarks crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. TJ proteins also promote the acquisition of stem cell phenotypes in cancer cells. These findings highlight their contribution to carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, recent preclinical and clinical studies have used TJ proteins as therapeutic targets or prognostic markers. This review summarizes the functional role of TJ proteins in cancer biology and their impact for novel strategies to prevent and treat cancer.
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3
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Wang DW, Zhang WH, Danil G, Yang K, Hu JK. The role and mechanism of claudins in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1051497. [PMID: 36620607 PMCID: PMC9818346 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1051497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are a tetraspan membrane protein multigene family that plays a structural and functional role in constructing tight junctions. Claudins perform crucial roles in maintaining cell polarity in epithelial and endothelial cell sheets and controlling paracellular permeability. In the last two decades, increasing evidence indicates that claudin proteins play a major role in controlling paracellular permeability and signaling inside cells. Several types of claudins are dysregulated in various cancers. Depending on where the tumor originated, claudin overexpression or underexpression has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell growth, metabolism, metastasis and cell stemness. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is one of the most important functions of claudin proteins in disease progression. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that explain why claudin proteins are so important to tumorigenesis and progression have not been determined. In addition, claudins are currently being investigated as possible diagnostic and treatment targets. Here, we discuss how claudin-related signaling pathways affect tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and treatment sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Wen Wang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Han Zhang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Galiullin Danil
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Central Research Laboratory, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
| | - Kun Yang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian-Kun Hu
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Jian-Kun Hu,
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4
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Tabariès S, Annis MG, Lazaris A, Petrillo SK, Huxham J, Abdellatif A, Palmieri V, Chabot J, Johnson RM, Van Laere S, Verhoef C, Hachem Y, Yumeen S, Meti N, Omeroglu A, Altinel G, Gao ZH, Yu ASL, Grünhagen DJ, Vermeulen P, Metrakos P, Siegel PM. Claudin-2 promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis and is a biomarker of the replacement type growth pattern. Commun Biol 2021; 4:657. [PMID: 34079064 PMCID: PMC8172859 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin-2 promotes breast cancer liver metastasis by enabling seeding and early cancer cell survival. We now demonstrate that Claudin-2 is functionally required for colorectal cancer liver metastasis and that Claudin-2 expression in primary colorectal cancers is associated with poor overall and liver metastasis-free survival. We have examined the role of Claudin-2, and other claudin family members, as potential prognostic biomarkers of the desmoplastic and replacement histopathological growth pattern associated with colorectal cancer liver metastases. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher Claudin-2 levels in replacement type metastases when compared to those with desmoplastic features. In contrast, Claudin-8 was highly expressed in desmoplastic colorectal cancer liver metastases. Similar observations were made following immunohistochemical staining of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) that we have established, which faithfully retain the histopathology of desmoplastic or replacement type colorectal cancer liver metastases. We provide evidence that Claudin-2 status in patient-derived extracellular vesicles may serve as a relevant prognostic biomarker to predict whether colorectal cancer patients have developed replacement type liver metastases. Such a biomarker will be a valuable tool in designing optimal treatment strategies to better manage patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases. Tabariès et al. describe that claudin 2 is a promoter of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Furthermore, high Claudin-2 expression is associated with shorter time to liver-specific recurrence and is a biomarker of replacement type CRC liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Tabariès
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Matthew G Annis
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anthoula Lazaris
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Huxham
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Amri Abdellatif
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Palmieri
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jaclyn Chabot
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Radia M Johnson
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven Van Laere
- University of Antwerp, Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy & Oncology (MIPRO), Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium.,Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncologisch Centrum GZA, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Cornelis Verhoef
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yasmina Hachem
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Yumeen
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Meti
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Atilla Omeroglu
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gulbeyaz Altinel
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zu-Hua Gao
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alan S L Yu
- Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Dirk J Grünhagen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Vermeulen
- University of Antwerp, Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy & Oncology (MIPRO), Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium.,Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncologisch Centrum GZA, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Metrakos
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Claudin-2 binding peptides, VPDSM and DSMKF, down-regulate claudin-2 expression and anticancer resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kage H, Flodby P, Zhou B, Borok Z. Dichotomous roles of claudins as tumor promoters or suppressors: lessons from knockout mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4663-4672. [PMID: 31332482 PMCID: PMC6858953 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Claudins are a family of integral tight junction proteins that regulate paracellular permeability in polarized epithelia. Overexpression or reduction of claudins can both promote and limit cancer progression, revealing complex dichotomous roles for claudins depending on cellular context. In contrast, recent studies demonstrating tumor formation in claudin knockout mouse models indicate a role for several claudin family members in suppressing tumor initiation. For example, intestine-specific claudin-7 knockout mice spontaneously develop atypical hyperplasia and intestinal adenomas, while claudin-18 knockout mice develop carcinomas in the lung and stomach. Claudin-4, -11, and -15 knockout mice show increased cell proliferation and/or hyperplasia in urothelium, Sertoli cells, and small intestinal crypts, respectively, possibly a precursor to cancer development. Pathways implicated in both cell proliferation and tumorigenesis include Yap/Taz and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/Akt pathways, among others. Consistent with the tumor suppressive role of claudins shown in mice, in humans, claudin-low breast cancer has been described as a distinct entity with a poor prognosis, and claudin-18-Rho GTPase activating protein 26 (CLDN18-ARHGAP26) fusion protein as a driver gene aberration in diffuse-type gastric cancer due to effects on RhoA. Paradoxically, claudins have also garnered interest as targets for therapy, as they are sometimes aberrantly expressed in cancer cells, which may or may not promote cancer progression. For example, a chimeric monoclonal antibody which targets cells expressing claudin-18.2 through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity has shown promise in multiple phase II studies. In this review, we focus on new findings supporting a tumor suppressive role for claudins during cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kage
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Per Flodby
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA.
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Venugopal S, Anwer S, Szászi K. Claudin-2: Roles beyond Permeability Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225655. [PMID: 31726679 PMCID: PMC6888627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudin-2 is expressed in the tight junctions of leaky epithelia, where it forms cation-selective and water permeable paracellular channels. Its abundance is under fine control by a complex signaling network that affects both its synthesis and turnover in response to various environmental inputs. Claudin-2 expression is dysregulated in many pathologies including cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis. Claudin-2 has a key role in energy-efficient ion and water transport in the proximal tubules of the kidneys and in the gut. Importantly, strong evidence now also supports a role for this protein as a modulator of vital cellular events relevant to diseases. Signaling pathways that are overactivated in diseases can alter claudin-2 expression, and a good correlation exists between disease stage and claudin-2 abundance. Further, loss- and gain-of-function studies showed that primary changes in claudin-2 expression impact vital cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and cell fate determination. These effects appear to be mediated by alterations in key signaling pathways. The specific mechanisms linking claudin-2 to these changes remain poorly understood, but adapters binding to the intracellular portion of claudin-2 may play a key role. Thus, dysregulation of claudin-2 may contribute to the generation, maintenance, and/or progression of diseases through both permeability-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the properties, regulation, and functions of claudin-2, with a special emphasis on its signal-modulating effects and possible role in diseases.
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Potential for Tight Junction Protein-Directed Drug Development Using Claudin Binders and Angubindin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20164016. [PMID: 31426497 PMCID: PMC6719960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The tight junction (TJ) is an intercellular sealing component found in epithelial and endothelial tissues that regulates the passage of solutes across the paracellular space. Research examining the biology of TJs has revealed that they are complex biochemical structures constructed from a range of proteins including claudins, occludin, tricellulin, angulins and junctional adhesion molecules. The transient disruption of the barrier function of TJs to open the paracellular space is one means of enhancing mucosal and transdermal drug absorption and to deliver drugs across the blood–brain barrier. However, the disruption of TJs can also open the paracellular space to harmful xenobiotics and pathogens. To address this issue, the strategies targeting TJ proteins have been developed to loosen TJs in a size- or tissue-dependent manner rather than to disrupt them. As several TJ proteins are overexpressed in malignant tumors and in the inflamed intestinal tract, and are present in cells and epithelia conjoined with the mucosa-associated lymphoid immune tissue, these TJ-protein-targeted strategies may also provide platforms for the development of novel therapies and vaccines. Here, this paper reviews two TJ-protein-targeted technologies, claudin binders and an angulin binder, and their applications in drug development.
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Zeisel MB, Dhawan P, Baumert TF. Tight junction proteins in gastrointestinal and liver disease. Gut 2019; 68:547-561. [PMID: 30297438 PMCID: PMC6453741 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades a growing body of evidence has demonstrated an important role of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the physiology and disease biology of GI and liver disease. On one side, TJ proteins exert their functional role as integral proteins of TJs in forming barriers in the gut and the liver. Furthermore, TJ proteins can also be expressed outside TJs where they play important functional roles in signalling, trafficking and regulation of gene expression. A hallmark of TJ proteins in disease biology is their functional role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. A causative role of TJ proteins has been established in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. Among the best characterised roles of TJ proteins in liver disease biology is their function as cell entry receptors for HCV-one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. At the same time TJ proteins are emerging as targets for novel therapeutic approaches for GI and liver disease. Here we review our current knowledge of the role of TJ proteins in the pathogenesis of GI and liver disease biology and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam B. Zeisel
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL), Lyon, France
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
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Hashimoto Y, Okada Y, Shirakura K, Tachibana K, Sawada M, Yagi K, Doi T, Kondoh M. Anti-Claudin Antibodies as a Concept for Development of Claudin-Directed Drugs. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 368:179-186. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.252361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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