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Enkavi G, Girych M, Moliner R, Vattulainen I, Castrén E. TrkB transmembrane domain: bridging structural understanding with therapeutic strategy. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:445-456. [PMID: 38433044 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
TrkB (neuronal receptor tyrosine kinase-2, NTRK2) is the receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and is a critical regulator of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity. The past few years have witnessed an increasing understanding of the structure and function of TrkB, including its transmembrane domain (TMD). TrkB interacts with membrane cholesterol, which bidirectionally regulates TrkB signaling. Additionally, TrkB has recently been recognized as a binding target of antidepressant drugs. A variety of different antidepressants, including typical and rapid-acting antidepressants, as well as psychedelic compounds, act as allosteric potentiators of BDNF signaling through TrkB. This suggests that TrkB is the common target of different antidepressant compounds. Although more research is needed, current knowledge suggests that TrkB is a promising target for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giray Enkavi
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rafael Moliner
- Neuroscience Center/HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center/HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Vink HA, Ramekers D, Foster AC, Versnel H. The efficacy of a TrkB monoclonal antibody agonist in preserving the auditory nerve in deafened guinea pigs. Hear Res 2023; 439:108895. [PMID: 37837701 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The auditory nerve typically degenerates following loss of cochlear hair cells or synapses. In the case of hair cell loss neural degeneration hinders restoration of hearing through a cochlear implant, and in the case of synaptopathy suprathreshold hearing is affected, potentially degrading speech perception in noise. It has been established that neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) can mitigate auditory nerve degeneration. Several potential BDNF mimetics have also been investigated for neurotrophic effects in the cochlea. A recent in vitro study showed favorable effects of M3, a TrkB monoclonal antibody agonist, when compared with BDNF. In the present study we set out to examine the effect of M3 on auditory nerve preservation in vivo. Thirty-one guinea pigs were bilaterally deafened, and unilaterally treated with a single 3-µl dose of 7 mg/ml, 0.7 mg/ml M3 or vehicle-only by means of a small gelatin sponge two weeks later. During the experiment and analyses the experimenters were blinded to the three treatment groups. Four weeks after treatment, we assessed the treatment effect (1) histologically, by quantifying survival of SGCs and their peripheral processes (PPs); and (2) electrophysiologically, with two different paradigms of electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) recordings shown to be indicative of neural health: single-pulse stimulation with varying inter-phase gap (IPG), and pulse-train stimulation with varying inter-pulse interval. We observed a consistent and significant preservative effect of M3 on SGC survival in the lower basal turn (approximately 40% more survival than in the untreated contralateral cochlea), but also in the upper middle and lower apical turn of the cochlea. This effect was similar for the two treatment groups. Survival of PPs showed a trend similar to that of the SGCs, but was only significantly higher for the highest dose of M3. The protective effect of M3 on SGCs was not reflected in any of the eCAP measures: no statistically significant differences were observed between groups in IPG effect nor between the M3 treatment groups and the control group using the pulse-train stimulation paradigm. In short, while a clear effect of M3 was observed on SGC survival, this was not clearly translated into functional preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk A Vink
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Room G.02.531, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands; UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dyan Ramekers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Room G.02.531, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands; UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Huib Versnel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Room G.02.531, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands; UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Narducci D, Charou D, Rogdakis T, Zota I, Bafiti V, Zervou M, Katsila T, Gravanis A, Prousis KC, Charalampopoulos I, Calogeropoulou T. A quest for the stereo-electronic requirements for selective agonism for the neurotrophin receptors TrkA and TrkB in 17-spirocyclic-dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1244133. [PMID: 37840771 PMCID: PMC10568017 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1244133] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The neurotrophin system plays a pivotal role in the development, morphology, and survival of the nervous system, and its dysregulation has been manifested in numerous neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Neurotrophins NGF and BDNF are major growth factors that prevent neuronal death and synaptic loss through binding with high affinity to their specific tropomyosin-related kinase receptors namely, TrkA and TrkB, respectively. The poor pharmacokinetic properties prohibit the use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents. Our group has previously synthesized BNN27, a prototype small molecule based on dehydroepiandrosterone, mimicking NGF through the activation of the TrkA receptor. Methods To obtain a better understanding of the stereo-electronic requirements for selective activation of TrkA and TrkB receptors, 27 new dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives bearing a C17-spiro-dihydropyran or cyclobutyl moiety were synthesized. The new compounds were evaluated for their ability (a) to selectively activate the TrkA receptor and its downstream signaling kinases Akt and Erk1/2 in PC12 cells, protecting these cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death, and (b) to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and to promote cell survival under serum deprivation conditions in NIH3T3 cells stable transfected with the TrkB receptor and primary cortical astrocytes. In addition the metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction was assessed. Results Among the novel derivatives, six were able to selectively protect PC12 cells through interaction with the TrkA receptor and five more to selectively protect TrkB-expressing cells via interaction with the TrkB receptor. In particular, compound ENT-A025 strongly induces TrkA and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, comparable to NGF, and can protect PC12 cells against serum deprivation-induced cell death. Furthermore, ENT-A065, ENT-A066, ENT-A068, ENT-A069, and ENT-A070 showed promising pro-survival effects in the PC12 cell line. Concerning TrkB agonists, ENT-A009 and ENT-A055 were able to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and reduce cell death levels in NIH3T3-TrkB cells. In addition, ENT-A076, ENT-A087, and ENT-A088 possessed antiapoptotic activity in NIH-3T3-TrkB cells exclusively mediated through the TrkB receptor. The metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction phenotyping of the potent analogs did not reveal any major liabilities. Discussion We have identified small molecule selective agonists of TrkA and TrkB receptors as promising lead neurotrophin mimetics for the development of potential therapeutics against neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Narducci
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Charou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Thanasis Rogdakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Zota
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vivi Bafiti
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Zervou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Kyriakos C. Prousis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Jourdi G, Boukhatem I, Barcelona PF, Fleury S, Welman M, Saragovi HU, Pasquali S, Lordkipanidzé M. Alpha-2-macroglobulin prevents platelet aggregation induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115701. [PMID: 37487878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115701] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been recently shown to have activating effects in isolated platelets. However, BDNF circulates in plasma and a mechanism to preclude constant activation of platelets appears necessary. Hence, we investigated the mechanism regulating BDNF bioavailability in blood. Protein-protein interactions were predicted by molecular docking and validated through immunoprecipitation. Platelet aggregation was assessed using light transmission aggregometry with washed platelets in response to classical agonists or BDNF, in the absence or presence of alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M), and in platelet-rich plasma. BDNF signaling was assessed with phospho-blots. As little as 25% autologous plasma was sufficient to completely abolish platelet aggregation in response to BDNF. Docking predicted two forms of BDNF binding to native or activated α2M, in parallel and perpendicular arrangements, and the model suggested that the BDNF-α2M complex cannot bind to the high-affinity BDNF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). Experimentally, native and activated α2M formed stable complexes with BDNF preventing BDNF-induced TrkB activation and signal transduction. Both native and activated α2M inhibited BDNF induced-platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner with comparable half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50≈ 125-150 nM). Our study implicates α2M as a physiological regulator of BDNF bioavailability, and as an inhibitor of BDNF-induced platelet activation in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Jourdi
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Innovative Therapies in Haemostasis, F-75006 Paris, France; Service d'Hématologie Biologique, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Imane Boukhatem
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e, Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Samuel Fleury
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Melanie Welman
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Samuela Pasquali
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8038, Laboratoire Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments, F-75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251, Laboratoire Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Marie Lordkipanidzé
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Milyutina YP, Arutjunyan AV, Korenevsky AV, Selkov SA, Kogan IY. Neurotrophins: are they involved in immune tolerance in pregnancy? Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13694. [PMID: 36792972 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, an attempt was made to substantiate the possibility for neurotrophins to be involved in the development of immune tolerance based on data accumulated on neurotrophin content and receptor expression in the trophoblast and immune cells, in particular, in natural killer cells. Numerous research results are reviewed to show that the expression and localization of neurotrophins along with their high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors and low-affinity p75NTR receptor in the mother-placenta-fetus system indicate the important role of neurotrophins as binding molecules in regulating the crosstalk between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems in pregnancy. An imbalance between these systems can occur with tumor growth and pathological processes observed in pregnancy complications and fetal development anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia P Milyutina
- D.O. Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
- St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander V Arutjunyan
- D.O. Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey V Korenevsky
- D.O. Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey A Selkov
- D.O. Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor Yu Kogan
- D.O. Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Foster AC, Szobota S, Piu F, Jacques BE, Moore DR, Sanchez VA, Anderson JJ. A neurotrophic approach to treating hearing loss: Translation from animal models to clinical proof-of-concept. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:3937. [PMID: 35778165 DOI: 10.1121/10.0011510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no approved medicines available for the treatment of hearing loss. However, research over the past two decades has contributed to a growing understanding of the pathological mechanisms in the cochlea that result in hearing difficulties. The concept that a loss of the synapses connecting inner hair cells with the auditory nerve (cochlear synaptopathy) contributes to hearing loss has gained considerable attention. Both animal and human post-mortem studies support the idea that these synapses (ribbon synapses) are highly vulnerable to noise, ototoxicity, and the aging process. Their degeneration has been suggested as an important factor in the speech-in-noise difficulties commonly experienced by those suffering with hearing loss. Neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have the potential to restore these synapses and provide improved hearing function. OTO-413 is a sustained exposure formulation of BDNF suitable for intratympanic administration that in preclinical models has shown the ability to restore ribbon synapses and provide functional hearing benefit. A phase 1/2 clinical trial with OTO-413 has provided initial proof-of-concept for improved speech-in-noise hearing performance in subjects with hearing loss. Key considerations for the design of this clinical study, including aspects of the speech-in-noise assessments, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Foster
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - Stephanie Szobota
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - Fabrice Piu
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - Bonnie E Jacques
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - David R Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026, USA
| | - Victoria A Sanchez
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 73, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
| | - Jeffery J Anderson
- Clinical Sciences, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
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Foster AC, Jacques BE, Piu F. Hearing loss: The final frontier of pharmacology. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00970. [PMID: 35599339 PMCID: PMC9124819 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a prevalence greater than cancer or diabetes, there are no currently approved drugs for the treatment of hearing loss. Research over the past two decades has led to a vastly improved understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms in the cochlea that lead to hearing deficits and the advent of novel strategies to combat them. Combined with innovative methods that enable local drug delivery to the inner ear, these insights have paved the way for promising therapies that are now under clinical investigation. In this review, we will outline this renaissance of cochlear biology and drug development, focusing on noise, age-related, and chemotherapy-induced hearing dysfunction.
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8
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Nerve growth factor and post-infarction cardiac remodeling. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2022. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2022-7.2.13] [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] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of sudden death from chronic heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias caused by myocardial infarction is a complex problem in cardiology. Post-infarction cardiac remodeling occurs after myocardial infarction. This compensatory-adaptive reaction, regulated by mechanical, neurohumoral and genetic factors, includes the structural and functional changes of cardiomyocytes, stromal elements and extracellular matrix, geometry and architectonics of the left ventricular cavity. Adverse left ventricular remodeling is associated with heart failure and increased mortality. The concept of post-infarction cardiac remodeling is an urgent problem, since the mechanisms of development and progression of adverse post-infarction changes in the myocardium are completely unexplored. In recent years, the scientist attention has been focused on neurotrophic factors involved in the sympathetic nervous system and the vascular system remodeling after myocardial infarction. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein from the neurotrophin family that is essential for the survival and development of sympathetic and sensory neurons, which also plays an important role in vasculogenesis. Acute myocardial infarction and heart failure are characterized by changes in the expression and activity of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, affecting the innervation of the heart muscle, as well as having a direct effect on cardiomyocytes, endothelial and smooth muscle vascular cells. The identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between cardiomyocytes and neurons, as well as the study of the effects of NGF in the cardiovascular system, will improve understanding of the cardiac remodeling mechanism. This review summarizes the available scientific information (2019–2021) about mechanisms of the link between post-infarction cardiac remodeling and NGF functions.
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Conroy JN, Coulson EJ. High-affinity TrkA and p75 neurotrophin receptor complexes: a twisted affair. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101568. [PMID: 35051416 PMCID: PMC8889134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Gohil K, Kazmi MZH, Williams FJ. Structure-Activity Relationship and Bioactivity Studies of Neurotrophic trans-Banglene. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:2187-2193. [DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00016d] [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
The synthesis and bioactivity of neurotrophic banglenes and derivatives is described, establishing a structure-activity relationship which enables future mechanistic studies. Neuritogenesis assays indicate that (–) trans-banglene is the active enantiomer....
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Brahimi F, Galan A, Siegel S, Szobota S, Sarunic MV, Foster AC, Saragovi HU. Therapeutic Neuroprotection by an Engineered Neurotrophin that Selectively Activates Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase (Trk) Family Neurotrophin Receptors but Not the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:491-501. [PMID: 34470776 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin growth factors bind and activate two types of cell surface receptors: the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family and p75. TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC are bound preferentially by nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin 3 (NT3), respectively, to activate neuroprotective signals. The p75 receptors are activated by all neurotrophins, and paradoxically in neurodegenerative disease p75 is upregulated and mediates neurotoxic signals. To test neuroprotection strategies, we engineered NT3 to broadly activate Trk receptors (mutant D) or to reduce p75 binding (mutant RK). We also combined these features in a molecule that activates TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC but has reduced p75 binding (mutant DRK). In neurodegenerative disease mouse models in vivo, the DRK protein is a superior therapeutic agent compared with mutant D, mutant RK, and wild-type neurotrophins and protects a broader range of stressed neurons. This work rationalizes a therapeutic strategy based on the biology of each type of receptor, avoiding activation of p75 toxicity while broadly activating neuroprotection in stressed neuronal populations expressing different Trk receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The neurotrophins nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin 3 each can activate a tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, TrkB, or TrkC receptor, respectively, and all can activate a p75 receptor. Trks and p75 mediate opposite signals. We report the engineering of a protein that activates all Trks, combined with low p75 binding, as an effective therapeutic agent in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Sairey Siegel
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Stephanie Szobota
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Alan C Foster
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
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Uddin MS, Mamun AA, Rahman MM, Jeandet P, Alexiou A, Behl T, Sarwar MS, Sobarzo-Sánchez E, Ashraf GM, Sayed AA, Albadrani GM, Peluso I, Abdel-Daim MM. Natural Products for Neurodegeneration: Regulating Neurotrophic Signals. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8820406. [PMID: 34239696 PMCID: PMC8241508 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8820406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are heterogeneous groups of ailments typically characterized by progressive damage of the nervous system. Several drugs are used to treat NDs but they have only symptomatic benefits with various side effects. Numerous researches have been performed to prove the advantages of phytochemicals for the treatment of NDs. Furthermore, phytochemicals such as polyphenols might play a pivotal role in rescue from neurodegeneration due to their various effects as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiamyloidogenic agents by controlling apoptotic factors, neurotrophic factors (NTFs), free radical scavenging system, and mitochondrial stress. On the other hand, neurotrophins (NTs) including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT4/5, and NT3 might have a crucial neuroprotective role, and their diminution triggers the development of the NDs. Polyphenols can interfere directly with intracellular signaling molecules to alter brain activity. Several natural products also improve the biosynthesis of endogenous genes encoding antiapoptotic Bcl-2 as well as NTFs such as glial cell and brain-derived NTFs. Various epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the initiation of these genes could play an essential role in the neuroprotective function of dietary compounds. Hence, targeting NTs might represent a promising approach for the management of NDs. In this review, we focus on the natural product-mediated neurotrophic signal-modulating cascades, which are involved in the neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Md Motiar Rahman
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutritional Sciences (LCBNS), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, USC INRAe 1488, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, P.O. Box 1039, CEDEX 2, 51687 Reims, France
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, 2770 Hebersham, Australia
- AFNP Med Austria, 1010 Wien, Austria
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, 8330507 Santiago, Chile
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany A. Sayed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ghadeer M. Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11474, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ilaria Peluso
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-AN), 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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14
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Casarotto PC, Girych M, Fred SM, Kovaleva V, Moliner R, Enkavi G, Biojone C, Cannarozzo C, Sahu MP, Kaurinkoski K, Brunello CA, Steinzeig A, Winkel F, Patil S, Vestring S, Serchov T, Diniz CRAF, Laukkanen L, Cardon I, Antila H, Rog T, Piepponen TP, Bramham CR, Normann C, Lauri SE, Saarma M, Vattulainen I, Castrén E. Antidepressant drugs act by directly binding to TRKB neurotrophin receptors. Cell 2021; 184:1299-1313.e19. [PMID: 33606976 PMCID: PMC7938888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear how binding of antidepressant drugs to their targets gives rise to the clinical antidepressant effect. We discovered that the transmembrane domain of tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (TRKB), the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor that promotes neuronal plasticity and antidepressant responses, has a cholesterol-sensing function that mediates synaptic effects of cholesterol. We then found that both typical and fast-acting antidepressants directly bind to TRKB, thereby facilitating synaptic localization of TRKB and its activation by BDNF. Extensive computational approaches including atomistic molecular dynamics simulations revealed a binding site at the transmembrane region of TRKB dimers. Mutation of the TRKB antidepressant-binding motif impaired cellular, behavioral, and plasticity-promoting responses to antidepressants in vitro and in vivo. We suggest that binding to TRKB and allosteric facilitation of BDNF signaling is the common mechanism for antidepressant action, which may explain why typical antidepressants act slowly and how molecular effects of antidepressants are translated into clinical mood recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Senem M Fred
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vera Kovaleva
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rafael Moliner
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giray Enkavi
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Katja Kaurinkoski
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Anna Steinzeig
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frederike Winkel
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sudarshan Patil
- Department of Biomedicine and KG Jebsen Center for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefan Vestring
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme for Clinician Scientists, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tsvetan Serchov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cassiano R A F Diniz
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paul, Brazil
| | - Liina Laukkanen
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iseline Cardon
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Brain Master Program, Faculty of Science, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Regenburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Antila
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tomasz Rog
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Clive R Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine and KG Jebsen Center for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Claus Normann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModul Basics), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sari E Lauri
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Computational Physics Laboratory, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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15
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Primary hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis alter the transcriptional activity of genes regulating neurogenesis in the blood of patients. Endocr Regul 2021; 55:5-15. [PMID: 33600668 DOI: 10.2478/enr-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. Thyroid hormones play an important role in the development and maturation of the central nervous symptom and their failure in the prenatal period leading to an irreversible brain damage. Their effect on the brain of adult, however, has not been fully studied. With the discovery of neurogenesis in the adult brain, many recent studies have been focused on the understanding the basic mechanisms controlling this process. Many neurogenesis regulatory genes are not only transcribed but also translated into the blood cells. The goal of our study was to analyze the transcriptional activity of neurogenesis regulatory genes in peripheral blood cells in patients with thyroid pathology.Methods. The pathway-specific PCR array (Neurotrophins and Receptors RT2 Profiler PCR Array, QIAGEN, Germany) was used to identify and validate the neurogenesis regulatory genes expression in patients with thyroid pathology and control group.Results. The results showed that GFRA3, NGFR, NRG1, NTF3, NTRK1, and NTRK2 significantly decreased their expression in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis with rising serum of autoantibodies. The patients with primary hypothyroidism, as a result of autoimmune thyroiditis and postoperative hypothyroidism, had significantly lower expression of FGF2, NGFR, NRG1, and NTF3. The mRNA level of CNTFR was markedly decreased in the group of patients with postoperative hypothyroidism. No change in the ARTN, PSPN, TFG, MT3, and NELL1 expression was observed in any group of patients.Conclusion. The finding indicates that a decrease in thyroid hormones and a high level of autoantibodies, such as anti-thyroglobulin antibody and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody, affect the expression of mRNA neurogenesis-regulated genes in patients with thyroid pathology.
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Brahimi F, Galan A, Jmaeff S, Barcelona PF, De Jay N, Dejgaard K, Young JC, Kleinman CL, Thomas DY, Saragovi HU. Alternative Splicing of a Receptor Intracellular Domain Yields Different Ectodomain Conformations, Enabling Isoform-Selective Functional Ligands. iScience 2020; 23:101447. [PMID: 32829283 PMCID: PMC7452315 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101447] [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: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Events at a receptor ectodomain affect the intracellular domain conformation, activating signal transduction (out-to-in conformational effects). We investigated the reverse direction (in-to-out) where the intracellular domain may impact on ectodomain conformation. The primary sequences of naturally occurring TrkC receptor isoforms (TrkC-FL and TrkC.T1) only differ at the intracellular domain. However, owing to their differential association with Protein Disulfide Isomerase the isoforms have different disulfide bonding and conformations at the ectodomain. Conformations were exploited to develop artificial ligands, mAbs, and small molecules, with isoform-specific binding and biased activation. Consistent, the physiological ligands NT-3 and PTP-sigma bind both isoforms, but NT-3 activates all signaling pathways, whereas PTP-sigma activates biased signals. Our data support an "in-to-out" model controlling receptor ectodomain conformation, a strategy that enables heterogeneity in receptors, ligands, and bioactivity. These concepts may be extended to the many wild-type or oncogenic receptors with known isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo F. Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Nicolas De Jay
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kurt Dejgaard
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jason C. Young
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia L. Kleinman
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Y. Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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