1.New trends and new strategies of drug repurposing: 2020–2024
Fangsu CHEN ; Junjie YANG ; Jiayu DU ; Shimiao HUANG ; Yuxuan ZHANG ; Qidong YOU ; Lei WANG ; Qiuyue ZHANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):11-18
The research and development of innovative drug have progressed remarkably, but the long development circle and high failure rate have become the bottleneck. Drug repurposing, discovering new indications of approved drugs, is a strategy to overcome these obstacles. By exploring new indications for approved drugs, rapid progress has been made in basic research and clinical translation in recent years. Rich resources of drugs, proven security, efficient development workflow and reduced cost are core advantages of this strategy, making the strategy a crucial direction of optimizing the pipeline of drug research and development. This review systematically summarizes drug repurposing cases that have received clinical approval over the past five years, and proposes core strategies for drug repurposing, including approaches based on targets, pathways, drug similarity, post-treatment phenotypes, and clinical side effects, aiming to provide some strategic guidance for drug repurposing efforts.
2.GALM Alleviates Aβ Pathology and Cognitive Deficit Through Increasing ADAM10 Maturation in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
Na TIAN ; Junjie LI ; Xiuyu SHI ; Mingliang XU ; Qian XIAO ; Qiuyun TIAN ; Mulan CHEN ; Weihong SONG ; Yehong DU ; Zhifang DONG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(8):1377-1389
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, causing dementia and affecting millions of individuals. One prominent characteristic in the brains of AD patients is glucose hypometabolism. In the context of galactose metabolism, intracellular glucose levels are heightened. Galactose mutarotase (GALM) plays a crucial role in maintaining normal galactose metabolism by catalyzing the conversion of β-D-galactose into α-D-galactose (α-D-G). The latter is then converted into glucose-6-phosphate, improving glucose metabolism levels. However, the involvement of GALM in AD progression is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of GALM was significantly increased in AD patients and model mice. Genetic knockdown of GALM using adeno-associated virus did not change the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP-cleaving enzymes including a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and presenilin-1 (PS1). Interestingly, genetic overexpression of GALM reduced APP and Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, although it did not alter the expression of BACE1 and PS1. Further electrophysiological and behavioral experiments showed that GALM overexpression significantly ameliorated the deficits in hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Importantly, direct α-D-G (20 mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, thereby improving hippocampal CA1 LTP and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Taken together, our results indicate that GALM shifts APP processing towards α-cleavage, preventing Aβ generation by increasing the level of mature ADAM10. These findings indicate that GALM may be a potential therapeutic target for AD, and α-D-G has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Animals
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ADAM10 Protein/metabolism*
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Alzheimer Disease/pathology*
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Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*
;
Male
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Mice, Transgenic
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Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
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Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism*
;
Female
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Long-Term Potentiation/physiology*
3.Structural and epitope characterization of HIV-1 V1V2 highly effective neutralizing antibodies based on AlphaFold 3
Junjie ZHANG ; Qianying WANG ; Ying LIU ; Shuhui WANG ; Li REN ; Shuo WANG ; Yutao SHI ; Yuhua RUAN ; Xiaojing LIU ; Xinran DU ; Yanling HAO ; Dan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):548-555
Objective:To screen broadly neutralizing antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1)chronically infected individuals and characterize their molecular features and to provide new strategies for rational vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutics.Methods:A total of 34 treatment-na?ve individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection were enrolled. Plasma antibody binding levels were measured against two HIV-1 envelope proteins. Single antigen-specific memory B cells were sorted from high-binding samples,and antibody variable region genes were amplified by PCR for paired expression. The monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for neutralizing activity using pseudovirus assays,and their structural features were analyzed by integrating AlphaFold 3 prediction with Discovery Studio molecular docking.Results:Plasma samples showed strong binding to DU422-GP140 and BG505-GP140. Eight monoclonal antibodies were isolated from two donors. Among them,antibodies 0919-A4,0919-A9 and 0808-A2 could cross-react with GP140 from HIV-1 subtypes AE,BC and B. The monoclonal antibody 0919-A9 demonstrated potent neutralizing activity against SF162(Tier 1)and CH181(Tier 2)pseudoviruses,with somatic hypermutation rates of 13.27%(heavy chain)and 15.58%(light chain). Structural modeling revealed its specific targeting of the V1V2 region on GP120.Conclusion:The isolated antibody 0919-A9 effectively neutralizes Tier 2 pseudoviruses. Its high somatic mutation frequency and V1V2-targeting property underlie its neutralizing activity,providing both a promising candidate and mechanistic insights for HIV vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutic strategies.
4.Design and establishment of a database for toxins and molecular mass spectra of drugs
Xuemeng LI ; Mengfan LI ; Junjie MA ; Bin XU ; Jie DU ; Wei YOU ; Jia CHEN ; Jianwei XIE ; Dongsheng ZHAO
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(1):41-46
Objective To construct a database for molecular mass spectra of toxins and drugs in order to facilitate the management and retrieval of mass spectra for nerve agents,metabolites and other small molecules.Methods Requirement analysis and functional design were performed using software engineering methods.The Spec2Vec algorithm was used for vector representation of mass spectra,while SMILES molecular structures were vectorized using the extended connectivity fingerprint(ECFP).A data storage model integrating structured information and vector representations was established using the Milvus database.Similarity search of mass spectra and molecular structures was conducted via vector similarity comparison and the FlashEntropySearch algorithm.Results The constructed database of mass spectra encompassed over 400,000 entries from such sources as OCAD,NIST,MASSBANK,metabolic products,and natural products of TCM,which was capable of searching for similarities in mass spectra and molecular structures.On a standard server,similarity search of mass spectra took no more than 5 seconds,while that of molecular structures took no more than 1 second.Conclusion The system enables efficient management of complex mass spectra and provides rapid retrieval and comparison of mass spectra-related information through advanced vector indexing technology,offering robust data support and research tools for toxicology and pharmacology.
5.Dynamic patterns of pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopula-tion changes in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model
Liujinhong HAN ; Junjie DU ; Huiying LIU ; Lixin XIE
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(5):352-360
OBJECTIVE To quantify pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopulations during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.METHODS Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups(n=12 per group)corresponding to distinct observation timepoints:0,1,2,3,and 4 weeks.A model was established via intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(3 mg·kg-1).Lung tissues were harvested at 0,1,2,3 and 4 weeks post-bleomycin induction.Pathological staining was performed to assess lung histoarchitecture and collagen fiber deposition.Single-cell suspensions were analyzed by flow cytometry to quantify temporal changes in pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopulations,including pulmonary macrovascular endothelial cells,general capillaries,and aerocyte capillaries.Immunofluo-rescence staining was performed to validate the expressions of endothelial markers(CD31,APLN,APLNR,CD93).Single-cell transcriptomic data from the Tabula Muris database was analyzed to evalu-ate gene expression profiles of vascular endothelial subpopulations.RESULTS Pathological staining revealed progressive destruction of lung histoarchitecture and collagen deposition during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.Flow cytometry demonstrated three-phase dynamics in vascular endothelial cells(CD45-CD31+CD90.2-):a significant decrease during the acute inflammatory phase,stabilization in the fibrotic phase,and partial recovery during the resolution phase.The proportion of von Willebrand factor-positive(VWF+)vascular endothelial cells significantly decreased during the resolution phase,whereas VWF-vascular endothelial cells increased.Single-cell transcriptomics identified Cd93 asa specific gene for general capillary endothelial cells,with a negative correlation with"aerocyte"genes enriched in gas-exchange alveolar capillary endothelial cells.Immunofluorescence confirmed CD93 localization to general capillary endothelial cells.A flow sorting strategy based on CD45-CD31+CD90.2-VWF-CD93-effectively enriched alveolar capillary endothelial cells.This subpopulation trended upward in pulmonary vascular endothelial composition during bleomycin induction.CONCLUSION During bleo-mycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice,pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopulations exhibit dynamic compositional heterogeneity across fibrotic injury and repair phases.
6.A novel exploration of circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap
Jianjun DU ; Lizhi ZHAO ; Haohai JIANG ; Junjie LIU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(2):195-197
Objective:To explore the safety and feasibility of circular-stapled anastomosis using purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy esophagojejunostomy.Methods:This technique is based on a new purse-string suture device and multi-functional seal cap. After laparoscopic total gastrectomy and D2 dissection, the purse-string suture device was inserted into the abdominal cavity through the multi-functional sealing cover and placed in a proper position along the distal esophagus for formation of purse-string suture. Anvils were introduced inside the purse-string after its fire, and a 25-mm cicular stapler was inserted to the abdominal cavity through the multi-functional seal cap, following laparoscopic end-to-side circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy.Results:From November 2024 to December 2024, three patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and successfully accepted laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy based on the purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap. The operation time was 180 minutes, 260 minutes and 240 minutes, respectively with the time of anvil pacement of 4 minutes,4 minutes, 4.5 minutes for the three cases. The bleeding volume of each was 100 ml respectively. The proximal esophageal margins were 2 cm from the tumor, and the margins were negative for tumor. No extravasation of contrast agent was seen in the postoperative oral contrast anastomosis. All three patients were followed up for 33, 30, and 25 days after the operation, and no anastomotic bleeding, leakage, or other related complications were found.Conclusion:The circular anastomosis using purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible, which is a promising novel choice for laparoscopic radical treatment of gastric cancer with total gastrectomy oesophagojejunostomy.
7.Effect and mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia plebeian compound in alleviating inflammation,promoting autophagy,and mitiga-ting liver injury
Kunzhao YANG ; Yafen LU ; Weijie SONG ; Junjie WAN ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jingyi YANG ; Liting CAO ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2017-2029,2039
Based on network pharmacology,through molecular docking and experimental validation,the study explored the mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia ple-beian compound(HRS)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCL4 group),a high-dose drug group(HRS-H group),and a low-dose group(HRS-L group).A mouse liver injury model was established using CCL4 induction,liver tissue pathological morphology was observed,and the relative expression levels of liver in-flammatory cytokine genes was measured.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and targets related to Chinese medicine and diseases were obtained from databases such as Herb,TCM-SP,PubChem,Swiss Target Prediction,Gene Cards and DisGeNET.The intersection of targets was used to obtain potential drug targets.The potential targets were analyzed for protein-protein inter-action(PPI)using the string database and a network diagram of"drug-active component-intersec-tion target"was constructed using Cytoscape.DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG path-way analysis,and Auto Dock Tools software was used for molecular docking.Finally,the results of molecular docking by examining the expression of key target genes and downstream genes such as those related to the PI3K-AKT pathway and the autophagy pathway were experimentally valida-ted.Results:Animal experiment results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCL4 group of mice exhibited disrupted liver architecture,hepatocyte steatosis,vacuolization,and extensive in-flammatory cell infiltration.These characteristics were ameliorated by drug treatment groups with the HRS-H group demonstrating superior effects compared to the HRS-L group.RT-qPCR results from mouse livers showed significantly increased relative expression of TNF-α and INOS mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group(P<0.01),and significantly increased IL-1β mR-NA relative expression(P<0.05).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed signifi-cantly decreased TNF-α,INOS,and IL-1β mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).155 potential tar-gets for HRS in alleviating liver damage were identified through network pharmacology,with top-ranked key target points including STAT3,SRC,PIK3R1,PIK3CA,AKT1,HSP90A11,EGFR,and ESR.Key active ingredients included Tetramethoxyluteolin,Hispidulin,Eupafolin,Kaempferol,and Eupaformonin.GO enrichment analysis yielded 940 entries,and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 177 biological pathways.Molecular docking results showed a strong binding ability between the main components of HRS and key target points.RT-qPCR results showed increasing trends for EGFR,PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group,significantly increased AKT1 mRNA relative expression(P<0.05),significant decreases in ULK1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),and extremely significant decreases in PTEN,ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG16L1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed significantly de-creased PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely signif-icantly decreased EGFR,AKT1,and mTOR mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01),increased ULK1 relative expression trends,significantly increased PTEN,ATG16L1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely significantly increased ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Conclusion:The HRS ex-erts hepatoprotective effects through multi-component,multi-pathway approaches,with alleviating inflammation and promoting hepatocyte autophagy through PI3K-AKT pathway likely being im-portant mechanisms for its protective effects.
8.Effect and mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia plebeian compound in alleviating inflammation,promoting autophagy,and mitiga-ting liver injury
Kunzhao YANG ; Yafen LU ; Weijie SONG ; Junjie WAN ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jingyi YANG ; Liting CAO ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2017-2029,2039
Based on network pharmacology,through molecular docking and experimental validation,the study explored the mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia ple-beian compound(HRS)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCL4 group),a high-dose drug group(HRS-H group),and a low-dose group(HRS-L group).A mouse liver injury model was established using CCL4 induction,liver tissue pathological morphology was observed,and the relative expression levels of liver in-flammatory cytokine genes was measured.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and targets related to Chinese medicine and diseases were obtained from databases such as Herb,TCM-SP,PubChem,Swiss Target Prediction,Gene Cards and DisGeNET.The intersection of targets was used to obtain potential drug targets.The potential targets were analyzed for protein-protein inter-action(PPI)using the string database and a network diagram of"drug-active component-intersec-tion target"was constructed using Cytoscape.DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG path-way analysis,and Auto Dock Tools software was used for molecular docking.Finally,the results of molecular docking by examining the expression of key target genes and downstream genes such as those related to the PI3K-AKT pathway and the autophagy pathway were experimentally valida-ted.Results:Animal experiment results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCL4 group of mice exhibited disrupted liver architecture,hepatocyte steatosis,vacuolization,and extensive in-flammatory cell infiltration.These characteristics were ameliorated by drug treatment groups with the HRS-H group demonstrating superior effects compared to the HRS-L group.RT-qPCR results from mouse livers showed significantly increased relative expression of TNF-α and INOS mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group(P<0.01),and significantly increased IL-1β mR-NA relative expression(P<0.05).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed signifi-cantly decreased TNF-α,INOS,and IL-1β mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).155 potential tar-gets for HRS in alleviating liver damage were identified through network pharmacology,with top-ranked key target points including STAT3,SRC,PIK3R1,PIK3CA,AKT1,HSP90A11,EGFR,and ESR.Key active ingredients included Tetramethoxyluteolin,Hispidulin,Eupafolin,Kaempferol,and Eupaformonin.GO enrichment analysis yielded 940 entries,and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 177 biological pathways.Molecular docking results showed a strong binding ability between the main components of HRS and key target points.RT-qPCR results showed increasing trends for EGFR,PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group,significantly increased AKT1 mRNA relative expression(P<0.05),significant decreases in ULK1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),and extremely significant decreases in PTEN,ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG16L1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed significantly de-creased PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely signif-icantly decreased EGFR,AKT1,and mTOR mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01),increased ULK1 relative expression trends,significantly increased PTEN,ATG16L1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely significantly increased ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Conclusion:The HRS ex-erts hepatoprotective effects through multi-component,multi-pathway approaches,with alleviating inflammation and promoting hepatocyte autophagy through PI3K-AKT pathway likely being im-portant mechanisms for its protective effects.
9.Dynamic patterns of pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopula-tion changes in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model
Liujinhong HAN ; Junjie DU ; Huiying LIU ; Lixin XIE
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(5):352-360
OBJECTIVE To quantify pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopulations during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.METHODS Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups(n=12 per group)corresponding to distinct observation timepoints:0,1,2,3,and 4 weeks.A model was established via intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(3 mg·kg-1).Lung tissues were harvested at 0,1,2,3 and 4 weeks post-bleomycin induction.Pathological staining was performed to assess lung histoarchitecture and collagen fiber deposition.Single-cell suspensions were analyzed by flow cytometry to quantify temporal changes in pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopulations,including pulmonary macrovascular endothelial cells,general capillaries,and aerocyte capillaries.Immunofluo-rescence staining was performed to validate the expressions of endothelial markers(CD31,APLN,APLNR,CD93).Single-cell transcriptomic data from the Tabula Muris database was analyzed to evalu-ate gene expression profiles of vascular endothelial subpopulations.RESULTS Pathological staining revealed progressive destruction of lung histoarchitecture and collagen deposition during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.Flow cytometry demonstrated three-phase dynamics in vascular endothelial cells(CD45-CD31+CD90.2-):a significant decrease during the acute inflammatory phase,stabilization in the fibrotic phase,and partial recovery during the resolution phase.The proportion of von Willebrand factor-positive(VWF+)vascular endothelial cells significantly decreased during the resolution phase,whereas VWF-vascular endothelial cells increased.Single-cell transcriptomics identified Cd93 asa specific gene for general capillary endothelial cells,with a negative correlation with"aerocyte"genes enriched in gas-exchange alveolar capillary endothelial cells.Immunofluorescence confirmed CD93 localization to general capillary endothelial cells.A flow sorting strategy based on CD45-CD31+CD90.2-VWF-CD93-effectively enriched alveolar capillary endothelial cells.This subpopulation trended upward in pulmonary vascular endothelial composition during bleomycin induction.CONCLUSION During bleo-mycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice,pulmonary vascular endothelial subpopulations exhibit dynamic compositional heterogeneity across fibrotic injury and repair phases.
10.A novel exploration of circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap
Jianjun DU ; Lizhi ZHAO ; Haohai JIANG ; Junjie LIU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(2):195-197
Objective:To explore the safety and feasibility of circular-stapled anastomosis using purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy esophagojejunostomy.Methods:This technique is based on a new purse-string suture device and multi-functional seal cap. After laparoscopic total gastrectomy and D2 dissection, the purse-string suture device was inserted into the abdominal cavity through the multi-functional sealing cover and placed in a proper position along the distal esophagus for formation of purse-string suture. Anvils were introduced inside the purse-string after its fire, and a 25-mm cicular stapler was inserted to the abdominal cavity through the multi-functional seal cap, following laparoscopic end-to-side circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy.Results:From November 2024 to December 2024, three patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and successfully accepted laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy based on the purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap. The operation time was 180 minutes, 260 minutes and 240 minutes, respectively with the time of anvil pacement of 4 minutes,4 minutes, 4.5 minutes for the three cases. The bleeding volume of each was 100 ml respectively. The proximal esophageal margins were 2 cm from the tumor, and the margins were negative for tumor. No extravasation of contrast agent was seen in the postoperative oral contrast anastomosis. All three patients were followed up for 33, 30, and 25 days after the operation, and no anastomotic bleeding, leakage, or other related complications were found.Conclusion:The circular anastomosis using purse-string suture device with multi-functional seal cap in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible, which is a promising novel choice for laparoscopic radical treatment of gastric cancer with total gastrectomy oesophagojejunostomy.

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