scholarly journals Ethanol-Induced Mitochondrial Damage in Sertoli Cells is Associated with Parkin Overexpression and Activation of Mitophagy

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabil Eid ◽  
Yuko Ito ◽  
Akio Horibe ◽  
Yoshinori Otsuki ◽  
Yoichi Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mitochondrial Damage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Enhanced Expression

This study was conducted to elucidate the involvement of the PINK1-Parkin pathway in ethanol-induced mitophagy among Sertoli cells (SCs). In the research, adult rats were given intraperitoneal injections of ethanol (5 gm/kg) and sacrificed at various time periods within 24 h. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to reveal enhanced mitochondrial damage in SCs of the ethanol-treated rats (ETRs) in association with a significant increase in numbers of mitophagic vacuoles (mitophagosomes and autolysosomes) in contrast to very low levels in a control group treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). This enhancement was ultra-structurally verified via observation of trapped mitochondria within LC3-labeled membranes, upregulation of LC3 protein levels, colocalization of LC3 and cytochrome c, and reduced expression of mitochondrial proteins. Importantly, Parkin expression was found to be upregulated in ETR SCs, specifically in mitochondria and mitophagosomes in addition to colocalization with PINK1 and pan-cathepsin, indicating augmented mitophagy. Transcription factor EB (TFEB, a transcription factor for autophagy and mitophagy proteins) was also found to be upregulated in nuclei of ETR SCs and associated with enhanced expression of iNOS. Enhanced Parkin-related mitophagy in ETR SCs may be a protective mechanism with therapeutic implications. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the ultrastructural characteristics and molecular mechanisms of Parkin-related mitophagy in ETR SCs.

scholarly journals Acquired Glucocorticoid Resistance Due to Homologous Glucocorticoid Receptor Downregulation: A Modern Look at an Age-Old Problem

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2529
Author(s):  
Lee-Maine L. Spies ◽  
Nicolette J. D. Verhoog ◽  
Ann Louw
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Role Players ◽  
Receptor Conformation

For over 70 years, the unique anti-inflammatory properties of glucocorticoids (GCs), which mediate their effects via the ligand-activated transcription factor, the glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GRα), have allowed for the use of these steroid hormones in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory-linked diseases. However, aside from the onset of severe side-effects, chronic GC therapy often leads to the ligand-mediated downregulation of the GRα which, in turn, leads to a decrease in GC sensitivity, and effectively, the development of acquired GC resistance. Although the ligand-mediated downregulation of GRα is well documented, the precise factors which influence this process are not well understood and, thus, the development of an acquired GC resistance presents an ever-increasing challenge to the pharmaceutical industry. Recently, however, studies have correlated the dimerization status of the GRα with its ligand-mediated downregulation. Therefore, the current review will be discussing the major role-players in the homologous downregulation of the GRα pool, with a specific focus on previously reported GC-mediated reductions in GRα mRNA and protein levels, the molecular mechanisms through which the GRα functional pool is maintained and the possible impact of receptor conformation on GC-mediated GRα downregulation.

scholarly journals Gfi1 Upregulates c-Myc Expression and Promotes c-Myc-Driven Cell Proliferation

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3769-3769
Author(s):  
Yangyang Zhang ◽  
Fan Dong
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Enhanced Expression ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome

Gfi1 is a zinc-finger transcriptional repressor that plays an important role in hematopoiesis. When aberrantly activated, Gfi1 may function as a weak oncoprotein in the lymphoid system, but collaborate strongly with c-Myc in lymphomagenesis. c-Myc is a transcription factor that is frequently activated in human cancers including leukemia and lymphoma mainly due to its overexpression as a result of gene amplifications and chromosomal translocations. c-Myc overexpression may also result from stabilization of c-Myc protein, which is highly unstable and rapidly degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The mechanism by which Gfi1 collaborates with c-Myc in lymphomagenesis is incompletely understood. c-Myc activates gene expression by forming a heterodimeric complex with the partner protein Max, but may also repress target genes through interaction with transcription factor Miz-1. We previously showed that Gfi1 indirectly interacts with c-Myc through Miz-1 and collaborates with c-Myc to repress CDK inhibitors p21Cip1 and p15Ink4B. In this study, we show that Gfi1 augmented the level of c-Myc protein transiently expressed in Hela cells and the levels of MycER fusion protein stably expressed in the mouse pro-B Ba/F3 and myeloid 32D cells. The C-terminal ZF domains of Gfi1, but not its transcriptional repression and DNA binding activities, were required for c-Myc upregulation. Notably, although Miz-1 has been shown to stabilize c-Myc protein, the expression of c-Myc V394D mutant, which is defective in Miz-1 interaction, was still upregulated by Gfi1, suggesting that Gfi1-mediated c-Myc upregulation was independent of Miz-1 interaction. We further show that Gfi1 overexpression led to reduced polyubiquitination and increased stability of c-Myc protein. Interestingly, the levels of endogenous c-Myc mRNA and protein were augmented upon induction of Gfi1 expression in Ba/F3 and Burkitt lymphoma Ramos cells transduced with the doxycycline-inducible Gfi1 lentiviral construct, but reduced in Gfi1-knocked down human leukemic HL60 and U937 cells. Additionally, targeted deletion of Gfi1 resulted in reduced c-Myc expression in mouse lineage negative bone marrow cells, which was associated with a decline in the expression of c-Myc-activated target genes. The oncogenic potential of Myc derives from its ability to stimulate cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that inducible expression of Gfi1 in Ba/F3 cells expressing MycER promoted Myc-driven cell cycle progression and proliferation. Thus, in addition to its role in c-Myc-mediated transcriptional repression, Gfi1 upregulates c-Myc expression at both mRNA and protein levels, leading to enhanced expression of c-Myc-activated genes and augmented cell proliferation driven by c-Myc. Together, these data may reveal a novel mechanism by which Gfi1 collaborates with c-Myc in lymphomagenesis. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals The Inhibitor of NF-KB Kinase, IKKβ Regulates the Transcriptional Activity of GLI1 By Blocking Its Proteasomal Degradation

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2199-2199
Author(s):  
Nitin Kumar Agarwal ◽  
Chae Hwa Kim ◽  
Kranthi Kunkalla ◽  
Izidore S. Lossos ◽  
Francisco Vega
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ion Trap ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Data Links

Abstract GLI1 is a Hedgehog (Hh) related transcription factor originally discovered as an amplified product in gliomas. Inappropriate activation of the GLI1 has been shown in many cancers including diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We previously showed that GLI1 mediated canonical Hh signaling is constitutive active in DLBCL and contributes to cell survival, proliferation and enhances chemotolerance. Although the importance of GLI1 in tumor development is well recognized, the molecular mechanisms controlling the transcriptional activity of GLI1 are poorly characterized. To identify regulatory components that participate in the transcriptional activity of GLI1, we explored GLI1 putative interacting proteins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry following immunoprecipitation of endogenous GLI1. We detected that the inhibitor of NF-KB kinase, IKKβ, is one of the proteins associated with GLI1 transcription factor. Here we investigate the regulatory role of IKKβ in the transcriptional activity of GLI1. We show that IKKβ regulates the transcriptional activity of GLI1 by phosphorylating GLI1 in C-terminal region and modulating its protein stability. Short stimulation of SUDHL4 and DOHH2 cells with TNF-α (20ng/mL) resulted in increased GLI1 protein levels. Similar results were observed in 293T cells transiently transfected with GLI1 and IKKβ kinase constructs. Moreover, silencing of IKKβ using siRNA and shRNAs led to decreased GLI1 protein levels and its transcriptional activity in DLBCL cell lines with constitutive activation of the NF-KB. Next, we characterized nine probable IKKβ dependent GLI1 phosphorylation sites (S543-S548, S1070, S1071 and S1074 identified by nanospray ion trap mass spectrometry) using mutational and deletions studies. We show that IKKβ phosphorylates GLI1 at Thr1074 and decreases binding between GLI1 and HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase (ITCH) resulting in reduced GLI1 polyubiquitination and degradation. Point mutation of Threonine 1074 to Alanine prevents IKKβ-mediated GLI1 phosphorylation and facilitates GLI1-ITCH interaction, polyubiquitination and degradation of GLI1 in the proteasome. Collectively, our data links IKKβ-mediated NF-kB signaling to the transcriptional activity of GLI1 and illustrates a novel cross talk between these two pathways. This is of clinical interest because activation of the NF-kB pathway is frequent in DLBCL and the connection between Hh and NF-kB pathways may open novel therapeutic avenues for DLBCL. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms Governing Shade Responses in Maize

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingbiao Shi ◽  
Fanying Kong ◽  
Haisen Zhang ◽  
Yu’e Jiang ◽  
Siqi Heng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Shade Avoidance ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Transcriptional Dynamics ◽  
Enhanced Expression ◽  
Maize Genetics

AbstractLight is one of the most important environmental factors affecting plant growth and development. Plants use shade avoidance and shade tolerance strategies to adjust their growth and development thus increase their success in the competition for incoming light. To investigate the mechanism of shade responses in maize (Zea mays), we examined the anatomical and transcriptional dynamics of the early shade response in seedlings of the B73 inbred line. Transcriptome analysis identified 912 differentially expressed genes, including genes involved in light signaling, auxin responses, and cell elongation pathways. Grouping transcription factor family genes and performing enrichment analysis identified multiple types of transcription factors that are differentially regulated by shade and predicted putative core genes responsible for regulating shade avoidance syndrome. For functional tests, we ectopically over-expressed ZmHB53, a type II HD-ZIP transcription factor gene significantly induced by shade, in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing ZmHB53 exhibited narrower leaves, earlier flowering, and enhanced expression of shade-responsive genes, suggesting that ZmHB53 participates in the regulation of shade responses in maize. This study increases our understanding of the regulatory network of the shade response in maize and provides a useful resource for maize genetics and breeding.HighlightOur findings not only increase the understanding of the regulatory network of the shade avoidance in maize, and also provide a useful resource for maize genetics and breeding.

scholarly journals Ethanol-Induced Autophagy in Sertoli Cells Is Specifically Marked at Androgen-Dependent Stages of the Spermatogenic Cycle: Potential Mechanisms and Implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akio Horibe ◽  
Nabil Eid ◽  
Yuko Ito ◽  
Yoshinori Otsuki ◽  
Yoichi Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Lipid Droplets ◽  
Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Mitochondrial Damage ◽  
Tunel Method ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Double Labeling ◽  
Acute Ethanol ◽  
Lysosomal Proteins

In a recent study, we reported that acute ethanol exposure enhanced autophagy in Sertoli cells (SCs) of adult rats. However, further research is needed to clarify the specific spermatogenic stage exhibiting the highest autophagic response, the mechanisms behind such specificity, and the related relevance to sperm. This brief report provides results indicating that stages VII–VIII (androgen-dependent or spermiation stages) of the spermatogenic cycle exhibited more marked autophagic response in acute-ethanol treated rats (ETRs) than other stages based on suppression of androgen receptor (AR), analysis of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) (an autophagosomal marker) immunostaining in SCs, double labeling of LC3 and lysosomal proteins and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural observations and TUNEL method revealed a notable presence of phagocytosed apoptotic germ cells and retained sperm in SCs of ETRs at these specific stages—a finding rarely observed in control testes. In addition, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 ( PINK1) (a sensor of mitochondrial damage and mitophagy) and giant lipid droplets were found to have accumulated in SCs of ETRs at same stages. Our data show novel findings indicating that stages VII–VIII of the spermatogenic cycle exhibit high levels of autophagy, specifically under stress conditions, as expressed by the term autophagic stages. This stage-specific upregulation of autophagy in SCs may be related to AR suppression, mitochondrial damage, lipid accumulation, and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. The phenomenon may be an essential part of ensuring the viability of SCs and supporting germ cells in toxic environments.

scholarly journals Hlx homeobox transcription factor negatively regulates interferon-γ production in monokine-activated natural killer cells

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 2481-2487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Becknell ◽  
Tiffany L. Hughes ◽  
Aharon G. Freud ◽  
Bradley W. Blaser ◽  
Jianhua Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Tumor Surveillance ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Homeobox Transcription Factor ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to host immunity, including tumor surveillance, through the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Although there is some knowledge about molecular mechanisms that induce IFN-γ in NK cells, considerably less is known about the mechanisms that reduce its expression. Here, we investigate the role of the Hlx transcription factor in IFN-γ production by NK cells. Hlx expression is induced in monokine-activated NK cells, but with delayed kinetics compared to IFN-γ. Ectopic Hlx expression decreases IFN-γ synthesis in primary human NK cells and IFN-γ promoter activity in an NK-like cell line. Hlx protein levels inversely correlate with those of STAT4, a requisite factor for optimal IFN-γ transcription. Mechanistically, we provide evidence indicating that Hlx overexpression accelerates dephosphorylation and proteasome-dependent degradation of the active Y693-phosphorylated form of STAT4. Thus, Hlx expression in activated NK cells temporally controls and limits the monokine-induced production of IFN-γ, in part through the targeted depletion of STAT4.

scholarly journals Reduced Intratesticular Testosterone Concentration Alters the Polymerization State of the Sertoli Cell Intermediate Filament Cytoskeleton by Degradation of Vimentin

Endocrinology ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 144 (12) ◽  
pp. 5530-5536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Show ◽  
Matthew D. Anway ◽  
Janet S. Folmer ◽  
Barry R. Zirkin
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Intermediate Filament ◽  
Cell Nuclei ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Cell Fractions ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analyses

Abstract The Sertoli cell intermediate filament cytoskeleton is composed of the type III family member vimentin. The distribution of Sertoli cell vimentin varies with the stage of spermatogenesis, with shortening of the filaments at stages VII–VIII, the stages of spermiation. Experimental reduction in intratesticular testosterone (T) concentration also results in the sloughing of advanced spermatids from the Sertoli cells, as well as in the apoptotic death of spermatocytes. We hypothesized that alteration of the distribution of Sertoli cell vimentin might play a role in the loss of germ cells that occurs in response to reduced intratesticular T. To test this hypothesis, intratesticular T was reduced by implanting LH-suppressive SILASTIC brand capsules containing T and estradiol into adult rats for 8 wk. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that, in response to the implants, the vimentin cytoskeleton collapsed around the Sertoli cell nuclei at all stages of the cycle, losing the extensive branching and structure normally seen at most stages of the cycle. Western blots of isolated Sertoli cells revealed that protein levels did not differ significantly between control and T- and estradiol-treated rats. However, Sertoli cell fractions containing the vimentin monomer revealed that vimentin was cleaved into four to five fragments in Sertoli cells in response to the implants, suggestive of proteolysis. These results indicate that, in response to reduced intratesticular T, the vimentin cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell collapses to a perinuclear localization, and suggest that this collapse is associated with, and perhaps caused by, the degradation of the vimentin monomer rather than by loss of its expression.

scholarly journals Activation of BDNF by transcription factor Nrf2 contributes to antidepressant-like actions in rodents

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Yao ◽  
Song Lin ◽  
Jin Su ◽  
Qianqian Cao ◽  
Yueyue Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Repressors ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Repressor Proteins ◽  
Chronic Social Defeat Stress ◽  
Fast Acting

AbstractThe transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play a key role in depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between Nrf2 and BDNF in depression remain unclear. We examined whether Nrf2 regulates the transcription of Bdnf by binding to its exon I promoter. Furthermore, the role of Nrf2 and BDNF in the brain regions from mice with depression-like phenotypes was examined. Nrf2 regulated the transcription of Bdnf by binding to its exon I promoter. Activation of Nrf2 by sulforaphane (SFN) showed fast-acting antidepressant-like effects in mice by activating BDNF as well as by inhibiting the expression of its transcriptional repressors (HDAC2, mSin3A, and MeCP2) and revising abnormal synaptic transmission. In contrast, SFN did not affect the protein expression of BDNF and its transcriptional repressor proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus, nor did it reduce depression-like behaviors and abnormal synaptic transmission in Nrf2 knockout mice. In the mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), protein levels of Nrf2 and BDNF in the mPFC and hippocampus were lower than those of control and CSDS-resilient mice. In contrast, the protein levels of BDNF transcriptional repressors in the CSDS-susceptible mice were higher than those of control and CSDS-resilient mice. These data suggest that Nrf2 activation increases the expression of Bdnf and decreases the expression of its transcriptional repressors, which result in fast-acting antidepressant-like actions. Furthermore, abnormalities in crosstalk between Nrf2 and BDNF may contribute to the resilience versus susceptibility of mice against CSDS.

scholarly journals TRIM28-dependent SUMOylation protects the adult ovary from the male pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moïra Rossitto ◽  
Stephanie Dejardin ◽  
Chris M Rands ◽  
Stephanie Legras ◽  
Roberta Migale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Ovary Cell ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Intermediate Cell ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Ovarian Granulosa Cells ◽  
Adult Ovary

Gonadal sexual fate in mammals is determined during embryonic development and must be actively maintained in adulthood. Therefore, gonadal sex-specific transcription factors are required to prevent transdifferentiation of gonadal somatic cells to the other sexual fate. Mouse genetic experiments have shown that oestrogen receptor signalling and the transcription factor FOXL2 protect ovarian granulosa cells from transdifferentiation into Sertoli cells, their testicular counterpart. However, the mechanism underlying this protective mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that one post-translational modification (i.e. SUMOylation catalysed by TRIM28) is sufficient to prevent female-to-male sex reversal of the mouse ovary after birth. We found that upon loss of TRIM28 SUMO-E3 ligase activity, ovarian granulosa cells transdifferentiate to Sertoli cells through an intermediate cell type different from gonadal embryonic progenitors. TRIM28 binds to chromatin close to the critical transcription factor FOXL2 to maintain the female pathway through SUMOylation of specific chromatin regions. Therefore, FOXL2 signalling might maintain the adult ovary cell fate via TRIM28-dependent SUMOylation. Improper SUMOylation of chromatin regions in granulosa cells might lead to female reproductive disorders and infertility, the incidence of which is currently increasing.

scholarly journals The Transcriptional Complex Sp1/KMT2A by Up-Regulating Restrictive Element 1 Silencing Transcription Factor Accelerates Methylmercury-Induced Cell Death in Motor Neuron-Like NSC34 Cells Overexpressing SOD1-G93A

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natascia Guida ◽  
Luca Sanguigno ◽  
Luigi Mascolo ◽  
Lucrezia Calabrese ◽  
Angelo Serani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Motor Neuron ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Promoter Sequence ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Lysine Methyltransferase ◽  
Transcriptional Complex ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure has been related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of its neurotoxicity has been associated to an overexpression of the Restrictive Element 1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST). Herein, we evaluated the possibility that MeHg could accelerate neuronal death of the motor neuron-like NSC34 cells transiently overexpressing the human Cu2+/Zn2+superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mutated at glycine 93 (SOD1-G93A). Indeed, SOD1-G93A cells exposed to 100 nM MeHg for 24 h showed a reduction in cell viability, as compared to cells transfected with empty vector or with unmutated SOD1 construct. Interestingly, cell survival reduction in SOD1-G93A cells was associated with an increase of REST mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, MeHg increased the expression of the transcriptional factor Sp1 and promoted its binding to REST gene promoter sequence. Notably, Sp1 knockdown reverted MeHg-induced REST increase. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Sp1 physically interacted with the epigenetic writer Lysine-Methyltransferase-2A (KMT2A). Moreover, knocking-down of KMT2A reduced MeHg-induced REST mRNA and protein increase in SOD1-G93A cells. Finally, we found that MeHg-induced REST up-regulation triggered necropoptotic cell death, monitored by RIPK1 increased protein expression. Interestingly, REST knockdown or treatment with the necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin-1 (Nec) decelerated MeH-induced cell death in SOD1-G93A cells. Collectively, this study demonstrated that MeHg hastens necroptotic cell death in SOD1-G93A cells via Sp1/KMT2A complex, that by epigenetic mechanisms increases REST gene expression.

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