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Zhou T, Wu N, Meng F, Venter J, Giang TK, Francis H, Kyritsi K, Wu C, Franchitto A, Alvaro D, Marzioni M, Onori P, Mancinelli R, Gaudio E, Glaser S, Alpini G. Knockout of secretin receptor reduces biliary damage and liver fibrosis in Mdr2 -/- mice by diminishing senescence of cholangiocytes. J Transl Med 2018; 98:1449-1464. [PMID: 29977037 PMCID: PMC6214714 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-018-0093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Secretin receptor (SR), only expressed by cholangiocytes, plays a key role in the regulation of biliary damage and liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genetic depletion of SR in Mdr2-/- mice on intrahepatic biliary mass, liver fibrosis, senescence, and angiogenesis. 12 wk SR-/-, Mdr2-/-, and SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice with corresponding wild-type mice were used for the in vivo studies. Immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence was performed in liver sections for (i) biliary expression of SR; (ii) hematoxylin and eosin; (iii) intrahepatic biliary mass by CK-19; (iv) fibrosis by Col1a1 and α-SMA; (v) senescence by SA-β-gal and p16; and (vi) angiogenesis by VEGF-A and CD31. Secretin (Sct) and TGF-β1 levels were measured in serum and cholangiocyte supernatant by ELISA. In total liver, isolated cholangiocytes or HSCs, we evaluated the expression of fibrosis markers (FN-1 and Col1a1); senescence markers (p16 and CCL2); microRNA 125b and angiogenesis markers (VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, CD31, and vWF) by immunoblots and/or qPCR. In vitro, we measured the paracrine effect of cholangiocyte supernatant on the expression of senescent and fibrosis markers in human hepatic stellate cells (HHSteCs). The increased level of ductular reaction, fibrosis, and angiogenesis in Mdr2-/- mice was reduced in SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. Enhanced senescence levels in cholangiocytes from Mdr2-/- mice were reversed to normal in SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. However, senescence was decreased in HSCs from Mdr2-/- mice but returned to normal values in SR-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. In vitro treatment of HHSteCs with supernatant from cholangiocyte lacking SR (containing lower biliary levels of Sct-dependent TGF-β1) have decreased fibrotic reaction and increased cellular senescence. Sct-induced TGF-β1 secretion was mediated by microRNA 125b. Our data suggest that differential modulation of angiogenesis-dependent senescence of cholangiocytes and HSCs may be important for the treatment of liver fibrosis in cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Academic Research Integration, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Julie Venter
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Thao K Giang
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedali Riuniti - University Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76504, USA.
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Wu N, Meng F, Zhou T, Venter J, Giang TK, Kyritsi K, Wu C, Alvaro D, Onori P, Mancinelli R, Gaudio E, Francis H, Alpini G, Glaser S, Franchitto A. The Secretin/Secretin Receptor Axis Modulates Ductular Reaction and Liver Fibrosis through Changes in Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Mediated Biliary Senescence. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2264-2280. [PMID: 30036520 PMCID: PMC6168967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the secretin (Sct)/secretin receptor (SR) axis stimulates ductular reaction and liver fibrosis, which are hallmarks of cholangiopathies. Our aim was to define the role of Sct-regulated cellular senescence, and we demonstrated that both ductular reaction and liver fibrosis are significantly reduced in Sct-/-, SR-/-, and Sct-/-/SR-/- bile duct ligated (BDL) mice compared with BDL wild-type mice. The reduction in hepatic fibrosis in Sct-/-, SR-/-, and Sct-/-/SR-/- BDL mice was accompanied by reduced transforming growth factor-β1 levels in serum and cholangiocyte supernatant, as well as decreased expression of markers of cellular senescence in cholangiocytes in contrast to enhanced cellular senescence in hepatic stellate cells compared with BDL wild-type mice. Secretin directly stimulated the senescence of cholangiocytes and regulated, by a paracrine mechanism, the senescence of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis via modulation of transforming growth factor-β1 biliary secretion. Targeting senescent cholangiocytes may represent a novel therapeutic approach for ameliorating hepatic fibrosis during cholestatic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wu
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health Care, Temple, Texas
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Julie Venter
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Thao K Giang
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Heather Francis
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health Care, Temple, Texas
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health Care, Temple, Texas.
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Department of Research, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Health Care, Temple, Texas
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics Sciences, Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
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53
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Ehrlich L, O’Brien A, Hall C, White T, Chen L, Wu N, Venter J, Scrushy M, Mubarak M, Meng F, Dostal D, Wu C, Lairmore TC, Alpini G, Glaser S. α7-nAChR Knockout Mice Decreases Biliary Hyperplasia and Liver Fibrosis in Cholestatic Bile Duct-Ligated Mice. Gene Expr 2018; 18:197-207. [PMID: 29580318 PMCID: PMC6190116 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15216453076707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
α7-nAChR is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor [specifically expressed on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer cells, and cholangiocytes] that regulates inflammation and apoptosis in the liver. Thus, targeting α7-nAChR may be therapeutic in biliary diseases. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed on wild-type (WT) and α7-nAChR-/- mice. We first evaluated the expression of α7-nAChR by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in liver sections. IHC was also performed to assess intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM), and Sirius Red staining was performed to quantify the amount of collagen deposition. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess colocalization of α7-nAChR with bile ducts (costained with CK-19) and HSCs (costained with desmin). The mRNA expression of α7-nAChR, Ki-67/PCNA (proliferation), fibrosis genes (TGF-β1, fibronectin-1, Col1α1, and α-SMA), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) was measured by real-time PCR. Biliary TGF-β1 and hepatic CD68 (Kupffer cell marker) expression was assessed using IHC. α7-nAChR immunoreactivity was observed in both bile ducts and HSCs and increased following BDL. α7-nAChR-/- BDL mice exhibited decreased (i) bile duct mass, liver fibrosis, and inflammation, and (ii) immunoreactivity of TGF-β1 as well as expression of fibrosis genes compared to WT BDL mice. α7-nAChR activation triggers biliary proliferation and liver fibrosis and may be a therapeutic target in managing extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Ehrlich
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - April O’Brien
- †Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Chad Hall
- ‡Surgery, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Tori White
- †Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Lixian Chen
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Julie Venter
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Marinda Scrushy
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Mubarak
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
- †Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
- §Gastroenterology, Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX, USA
| | - David Dostal
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Chaodong Wu
- ¶Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Terry C. Lairmore
- ‡Surgery, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
- †Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
- §Gastroenterology, Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- *Department of Medical Physiology, Baylor Scott & White and Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
- †Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
- §Gastroenterology, Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX, USA
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54
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Genetic ablation of pannexin1 counteracts liver fibrosis in a chemical, but not in a surgical mouse model. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2607-2627. [PMID: 29987408 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the final common pathway for almost all causes of chronic liver injury. This chronic disease is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components mainly due to transdifferentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cell into myofibroblasts-like cells, which in turn is driven by cell death and inflammation. In the last few years, paracrine signaling through pannexin1 channels has emerged as a key player in the latter processes. The current study was set up to investigate the role of pannexin1 signaling in liver fibrosis. Wild-type and whole body pannexin1 knock-out mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride or subjected to bile duct ligation. Evaluation of the effects of pannexin1 deletion was based on a number of clinically relevant read-outs, including markers of liver damage, histopathological analysis, oxidative stress, inflammation and regenerative capacity. In parallel, to elucidate the molecular pathways affected by pannexin1 deletion as well as to mechanistically anchor the clinical observations, whole transcriptome analysis of liver tissue was performed. While pannexin1 knock-out mice treated with carbon tetrachloride displayed reduced collagen content, hepatic stellate cell activation, inflammation and hepatic regeneration, bile duct ligated counterparts showed increased hepatocellular injury and antioxidant enzyme activity with a predominant immune response. Gene expression profiling revealed a downregulation of fibrotic and immune responses in pannexin1 knock-out mice treated with carbon tetrachloride, whereas bile duct ligated pannexin1-deficient animals showed a pronounced inflammatory profile. This study shows for the first time an etiology-dependent role for pannexin1 signaling in experimental liver fibrosis.
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55
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Hepatic stellate cells secrete Ccl5 to induce hepatocyte steatosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7499. [PMID: 29760499 PMCID: PMC5951796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of disease severity, starting from pure steatosis, leading to fatty inflammation labeled as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and finally fibrosis leading to cirrhosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to contribute to fibrosis, but less is known about their function during NAFLD’s early stages prior to fibrosis. We developed an ex vivo assay that cocultures primary HSCs from mouse models of liver disease with healthy hepatocytes to study their interaction. Our data indicate that chemokine Ccl5 is one of the HSC-secreted mediators in early NASH in humans and in mice fed with choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined, high fat diet. Furthermore, Ccl5 directly induces steatosis and pro-inflammatory factors in healthy hepatocytes through the receptor Ccr5. Although Ccl5 is already known to be secreted by many liver cell types including HSCs and its pro-fibrotic role well characterized, its pro-steatotic action has not been recognized until now. Similarly, the function of HSCs in fibrogenesis is widely accepted, but their pro-steatotic role has been unclear. Our result suggests that in early NASH, HSCs secrete Ccl5 which contributes to a broad array of mechanisms by which hepatic steatosis and inflammation are achieved.
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56
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Davidson MD, Kukla DA, Khetani SR. Microengineered cultures containing human hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes for drug development. Integr Biol (Camb) 2018; 9:662-677. [PMID: 28702667 DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00027h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic stellate cells (HSC) differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells that cause fibrosis, which predisposes patients to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, modeling interactions between activated HSCs and hepatocytes in vitro can aid in the development of anti-NASH/fibrosis therapeutics and lead to a better understanding of disease progression. Species-specific differences in drug metabolism and disease pathways now necessitate the supplementation of animal studies with data acquired using human liver models; however, current models do not adequately model the negative effects of primary human activated HSCs on the phenotype of otherwise well-differentiated primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) as in vivo. Therefore, here we first determined the long-term effects of primary human activated HSCs on PHH phenotype in a micropatterned co-culture (MPCC) platform while using 3T3-J2 murine embryonic fibroblasts as the control cell type since it has been shown previously to stabilize PHH functions for 4-6 weeks. We found that HSCs were not able to stabilize the PHH phenotype to the same magnitude and longevity as the fibroblasts, which subsequently inspired the development of a micropatterned tri-culture (MPTC) platform in which (a) micropatterned PHHs were functionally stabilized using fibroblasts, and (b) the PHH phenotype was modulated by culturing HSCs within the fibroblast monolayer at physiologically-relevant ratios with PHHs. Transwell inserts containing HSCs were placed atop MPCCs containing fibroblasts to confirm the effects of paracrine signaling between PHHs and HSCs. We found that while albumin and urea secretions were relatively similar in MPTCs and MPCCs (suggesting well-differentiated PHHs), increasing HSC numbers within MPTCs downregulated hepatic cytochrome-P450 (2A6, 3A4) and transporter activities, and caused steatosis over 2 weeks. Furthermore, MPTCs secreted higher levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine and C-reactive protein (CRP) than MPCCs. Treatment of MPCCs with HSC-conditioned culture medium confirmed that HSC secretions mediate the altered phenotype of PHHs observed in MPTCs, partly via IL-6 signaling. Lastly, we found that NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibition and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation using clinically relevant drugs alleviated hepatic dysfunctions in MPTCs. In conclusion, MPTCs recapitulate symptoms of NASH- and early fibrosis-like dysfunctions in PHHs and have utility for drug discovery in this space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Davidson
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Shi WP, Ju D, Li H, Yuan L, Cui J, Luo D, Chen ZN, Bian H. CD147 Promotes CXCL1 Expression and Modulates Liver Fibrogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041145. [PMID: 29642635 PMCID: PMC5979418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) release pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic factors. CXC chemokine-ligand-1 (CXCL1) is expressed on HSCs. We previously found that the CD147 is overexpressed in activated HSCs. In this study, we showed an important role of CD147 in promoting liver fibrosis by activating HSCs and upregulating expression of chemokines. Specifically, we found that CD147 specific deletion in HSCs mice alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inhibited HSCs activation. Overexpression of CD147 upregulated the secretion of CXCL1. Meanwhile, CXCL1 promoted HSCs activation through autocrine. Treating with PI3K/AKT inhibitor could effectively suppress CD147-induced CXCL1 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that CD147 regulates CXCL1 release in HSCs by PI3K/AKT signaling. Inhibition of CD147 attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation. Therefore, administration of targeting CD147 could be a promising therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Pu Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Di Ju
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Lin Yuan
- Clinical Laboratory, No. 457 Hospital of PLA, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Jian Cui
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Huijie Bian
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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58
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Chen Y, Yousaf MN, Mehal WZ. Role of sterile inflammation in fatty liver diseases. LIVER RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Proceedings of the signature series event of the international society for cellular therapy: "Advancements in cellular therapies and regenerative medicine in digestive diseases," London, United Kingdom, May 3, 2017. Cytotherapy 2018; 20:461-476. [PMID: 29398624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A summary of the First Signature Series Event, "Advancements in Cellular Therapies and Regenerative Medicine for Digestive Diseases," held on May 3, 2017, in London, United Kingdom, is presented. Twelve speakers from three continents covered major topics in the areas of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine applied to liver and gastrointestinal medicine as well as to diabetes mellitus. Highlights from their presentations, together with an overview of the global impact of digestive diseases and a proposal for a shared online collection and data-monitoring platform tool, are included in this proceedings. Although growing evidence demonstrate the feasibility and safety of exploiting cell-based technologies for the treatment of digestive diseases, regulatory and methodological obstacles will need to be overcome before the successful implementation in the clinic of these novel attractive therapeutic strategies.
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60
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Shang L, Hosseini M, Liu X, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Human hepatic stellate cell isolation and characterization. J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:6-17. [PMID: 29094206 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-017-1404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) localize at the space of Disse in the liver and have multiple functions. They are identified as the major contributor to hepatic fibrosis. Significant understanding of HSCs has been achieved using rodent models and isolated murine HSCs; as well as investigating human liver tissues and human HSCs. There is growing interest and need of translating rodent study findings to human HSCs and human liver diseases. However, species-related differences impose challenges on the translational research. In this review, we focus on the current information on human HSCs isolation methods, human HSCs markers, and established human HSC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linshan Shang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - David Allen Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
- School of Medicine, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0602, USA.
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吴 兰, 刘 文. 肝纤维化逆转机制的研究进展及治疗概况. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:2123-2132. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i23.2123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
肝纤维化是肝脏对慢性损伤的一种修复反应, 多是持续性肝脏损伤或纤维化刺激因子刺激产生的共有病理改变, 是一项严重的全球性健康难题. 近年来临床研究发现, 由病毒性肝炎造成肝纤维化或肝硬化的患者, 在成功接受病毒性肝炎治疗后, 其肝纤维化甚至肝硬化发生了逆转现象. 因此研究和了解肝纤维化逆转的机制有利于发现新的针对肝纤维化的治疗靶向. 本文就近年来有关肝纤维化逆转机制的研究以及治疗概况作一综述, 以期为肝纤维化的研究提供帮助.
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Kyritsi K, Meng F, Zhou T, Wu N, Venter J, Francis H, Kennedy L, Onori P, Franchitto A, Bernuzzi F, Invernizzi P, McDaniel K, Mancinelli R, Alvaro D, Gaudio E, Alpini G, Glaser S. Knockdown of Hepatic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone by Vivo-Morpholino Decreases Liver Fibrosis in Multidrug Resistance Gene 2 Knockout Mice by Down-Regulation of miR-200b. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:1551-1565. [PMID: 28502477 PMCID: PMC5500827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis occurs during the progression of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Proliferating cholangiocytes and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) participate in the promotion of liver fibrosis during cholestasis. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a trophic peptide hormone synthesized by hypothalamic neurons and the biliary epithelium and exerts its biological effects on cholangiocytes by interaction with the receptor subtype (GnRHR1) expressed by cholangiocytes and HSCs. Previously, we demonstrated that administration of GnRH to normal rats increased intrahepatic biliary mass (IBDM) and hepatic fibrosis. Also, miR-200b is associated with the progression of hepatic fibrosis; however, the role of the GnRH/GnRHR1/miR-200b axis in the development of hepatic fibrosis in PSC is unknown. Herein, using the mouse model of PSC (multidrug resistance gene 2 knockout), the hepatic knockdown of GnRH decreased IBDM and liver fibrosis. In vivo and in vitro administration of GnRH increased the expression of miR-200b and fibrosis markers. The GnRH/GnRHR1 axis and miR-200b were up-regulated in human PSC samples. Cetrorelix, a GnRHR1 antagonist, inhibited the expression of fibrotic genes in vitro and decreased IBDM and hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Inhibition of miR-200b decreased the expression of fibrosis genes in vitro in cholangiocyte and HSC lines. Targeting the GnRH/GnRHR1/miR-200b axis may be key for the management of hepatic fibrosis during the progression of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kyritsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, Texas; Research Foundation, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Julie Venter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Heather Francis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernuzzi
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Kelly McDaniel
- Research Foundation, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, Texas; Research Foundation, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas.
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, Texas; Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Health Digestive Disease Research Center, Temple, Texas.
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63
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Kongphat W, Pudgerd A, Sridurongrit S. Hepatocyte-specific expression of constitutively active Alk5 exacerbates thioacetamide-induced liver injury in mice. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00305. [PMID: 28560358 PMCID: PMC5440359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While Transforming growth factor-βs (Tgf-βs) have been known to play an important role in liver fibrosis through an activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC), their fibrotic role on hepatocytes in liver damage has not been addressed thoroughly. To shed more light on the hepatocyte-specific role of Tgf-β signaling during liver fibrosis, we generated transgenic mice expressing constitutively active Tgf-β type I receptor Alk5 under the control of albumin promoter. Uninjured mice with increased Tgf-β/Alk5 signaling in hepatocytes (caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice) did not show characteristics related to hepatocyte death, fibrosis and inflammation. When subjected to thioacetamide (TAA) treatment, caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice exhibited more severe liver injury, when compared to control littermates. After TAA administration for 12 weeks, an increase in pathological changes was evident in caAlk5/Alb-Cre livers, with higher number of infiltrating cells in the portal and periportal area. Immunohistochemistry for F4/80, myeloperoxidase and CD3 showed that there was an increased accumulation of macrophages, neutrophils and T-lymphocytes, respectively, in caAlk5/Alb-Cre livers. Coincidently, we observed an exacerbated liver damage as seen by increases in serum aminotransferase level and number of apoptotic hepatocytes in caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice. Sirius staining of collagen demonstrated that the fibrotic response was worsened in caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice. The enhanced fibrosis in mutant livers was associated with marked production of α-SMA-positive myofibroblast. Hepatic expression of genes indicative of HSC activation was greater in caAlk5/Alb-Cre mice. In conclusion, our data indicated that elevation of Tgf-β signaling via Alk5 in hepatocytes is not sufficient to induce liver pathology but plays an important role in amplifying TAA-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanthita Kongphat
- Graduate Program of Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arnon Pudgerd
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somyoth Sridurongrit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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64
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Tavares J, Costa DM, Teixeira AR, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Amino R. In vivo imaging of pathogen homing to the host tissues. Methods 2017; 127:37-44. [PMID: 28522323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematogenous dissemination followed by tissue tropism is a characteristic of the infectious process of many pathogens including those transmitted by blood-feeding vectors. After entering into the blood circulation, these pathogens must arrest in the target organ before they infect a specific tissue. Here, we describe a non-invasive method to visualize and quantify the homing of pathogens to the host tissues. By using in vivo bioluminescence imaging we quantify the accumulation of luciferase-expressing parasites in the host organs during the first minutes following their intravascular inoculation in mice. Using this technique we show that in the malarial infection, once in the blood circulation, most of bioluminescent Plasmodium berghei sporozoites, the parasite stage transmitted to the host skin by a mosquito bite, rapidly home to the liver where they invade and develop inside hepatocytes. This homing is specific to this developmental stage since blood stage parasites do not accumulate in the liver, as well as extracellular Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream forms and liver-infecting Leishmania infantum amastigotes. Finally, this method can be used to study the dynamics of tissue tropism of parasites, dissect the molecular and cellular basis of their increased arrest in organs and to evaluate immune interventions designed to block this targeted interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Tavares
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
| | - David Mendes Costa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Rafaela Teixeira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Portugal
| | - Rogerio Amino
- Unit of Malaria Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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65
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Abstract
Fibrotic diseases contribute to 45% of deaths in the industrialized world, and therefore a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tissue fibrosis is sorely needed. We aimed to identify novel modifiers of tissue fibrosis expressed by myofibroblasts and their progenitors in their disease microenvironment through RNA silencing in vivo. We leveraged novel biology, targeting genes upregulated during liver and kidney fibrosis in this cell lineage, and employed small interfering RNA (siRNA)-formulated lipid nanoparticles technology to silence these genes in carbon-tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice. We identified five genes, Egr2, Atp1a2, Fkbp10, Fstl1, and Has2, which modified fibrogenesis based on their silencing, resulting in reduced Col1a1 mRNA levels and collagen accumulation in the liver. These genes fell into different groups based on the effects of their silencing on a transcriptional mini-array and histological outcomes. Silencing of Egr2 had the broadest effects in vivo and also reduced fibrogenic gene expression in a human fibroblast cell line. Prior to our study, Egr2, Atp1a2, and Fkbp10 had not been functionally validated in fibrosis in vivo. Thus, our results provide a major advance over the existing knowledge of fibrogenic pathways. Our study is the first example of a targeted siRNA assay to identify novel fibrosis modifiers in vivo.
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66
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Kisseleva T. The origin of fibrogenic myofibroblasts in fibrotic liver. Hepatology 2017; 65:1039-1043. [PMID: 27859502 PMCID: PMC5476301 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic liver injury of different etiologies. It is characterized by dysregulation of physiological remodeling, activation of myofibroblasts, and formation of a fibrous scar. Myofibroblasts develop contractile functions and secrete the extracellular matrix proteins that form this fibrous scar. Myofibroblasts are not present in the normal liver but activate and proliferate in response to injury and inflammation. This review summarizes the understanding and controversies on the contribution of cell populations to the myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis. (Hepatology 2017;65:1039-1043).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California–San Diego, San Diego, CA
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67
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Arabpour M, Cool RH, Faber KN, Quax WJ, Haisma HJ. Receptor-specific TRAIL as a means to achieve targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells. J Drug Target 2016; 25:360-369. [PMID: 27885847 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2016.1262867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to play a central role in liver fibrosis and their elimination is a crucial step toward the resolution and reversion of liver fibrosis. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a molecule that may contribute to the apoptotic removal of activated HSC through binding to its dedicated receptors. In the present study, we investigated the potential application of recombinant receptor-specific TRAIL proteins in the efficient elimination of activated HSCs. Our finding revealed differential contribution of TRAIL receptors among HSCs populations with activated hepatic stellate cells expresses more TRAIL receptors DR5. In vitro treatment of activated HSCs with DR5-specific or wild-type TRAIL variants induced a significant reduction in viability and extracellular matrix production, whereas no significant decrease in viability was associated with the treatment of cells by DR4-specific TRAIL. Our analysis indicate the successful application of the DR5 receptor-specific TRAIL variant in the targeted elimination of activated HSCs via interference with collagen production and simultaneous induction of apoptosis via activation of the caspase pathway. DR5 receptor-specific TRAIL may thus represent a new therapeutic compound for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arabpour
- a Mivac Development , Arvid Wallgrens backe 20 , Gothenburg , Sweden.,b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Robbert H Cool
- b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- c Department of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases , University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Hidde J Haisma
- b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
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68
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El Taghdouini A, van Grunsven LA. Epigenetic regulation of hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:1397-1408. [PMID: 27762150 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2016.1251309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury to hepatocytes or cholangiocytes, when left unmanaged, leads to the development of liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by the excessive intrahepatic deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Activated hepatic stellate cells constitute the predominant source of extracellular matrix in fibrotic livers and their transition from a quiescent state during fibrogenesis is associated with important alterations in their transcriptional and epigenetic landscape. Areas covered: We briefly describe the processes involved in hepatic stellate cell activation and discuss our current understanding of alterations in the epigenetic landscape, i.e DNA methylation, histone modifications and the functional role of non-coding RNAs that accompany this key event in the development of chronic liver disease. Expert commentary: Although great progress has been made, our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of hepatic stellate cell activation is limited and, thus far, insufficient to allow the development of epigenetic drugs that can selectively interrupt liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil El Taghdouini
- a Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy , Université Catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium.,b Liver Cell Biology Laboratory , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- b Liver Cell Biology Laboratory , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels , Belgium
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69
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Novo E, Cannito S, Parola M. In vivo reprogramming of hepatic myofibroblasts into hepatocytes attenuates liver fibrosis: back to the future? Stem Cell Investig 2016; 3:53. [PMID: 27777942 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2016.09.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Novo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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70
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Zhang DY, Goossens N, Guo J, Tsai MC, Chou HI, Altunkaynak C, Sangiovanni A, Ivarone M, Colombo M, Kobayashi M, Kumada H, Villanueva A, Llovet JM, Hoshida Y, Friedman SL. A hepatic stellate cell gene expression signature associated with outcomes in hepatitis C cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection. Gut 2016; 65:1754-64. [PMID: 26045137 PMCID: PMC4848165 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We used an informatics approach to identify and validate genes whose expression is unique to hepatic stellate cells and assessed the prognostic capability of their expression in cirrhosis. DESIGN We defined a hepatic stellate cell gene signature by comparing stellate, immune and hepatic transcriptome profiles. We then created a prognostic index using a combination of hepatic stellate cell signature expression and clinical variables. This signature was derived in a retrospective-prospective cohort of hepatitis C-related early-stage cirrhosis (prognostic index derivation set) and validated in an independent retrospective cohort of patients with postresection hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We then examined the association between hepatic stellate cell signature expression and decompensation, HCC development, progression of Child-Pugh class and survival. RESULTS The 122-gene hepatic stellate cell signature consists of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins and developmental factors and correlates with the extent of fibrosis in human, mouse and rat datasets. Importantly, association of clinical prognostic variables with overall survival was improved by adding the signature; we used these results to define a prognostic index in the derivation set. In the validation set, the same prognostic index was associated with overall survival. The prognostic index was associated with decompensation, HCC and progression of Child-Pugh class in the derivation set, and HCC recurrence in the validation set. CONCLUSIONS This work highlights the unique transcriptional niche of stellate cells, and identifies potential stellate cell targets for tracking, targeting and isolation. Hepatic stellate cell signature expression may identify patients with HCV cirrhosis or postresection HCC with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Y. Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nicolas Goossens
- Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jinsheng Guo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Division of Digestive Diseases Zhongshang Hospital and Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-chao Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Hsin-I Chou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Civan Altunkaynak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- M. & A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease and 1st Division of Gastroenterology Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Ivarone
- M. & A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease and 1st Division of Gastroenterology Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massomo Colombo
- M. & A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease and 1st Division of Gastroenterology Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Augusto Villanueva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,Liver Cancer Translational Research Lab, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigaciones en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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71
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Hepatic stellate cells: fibrogenic, regenerative or both? Heterogeneity and context are key. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:902-908. [PMID: 27578210 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since their original identification, our understanding of the role of hepatic stellate cells in both health and disease continues to grow. Numerous studies have delineated the role of stellate cell activation in contributing to the pool of myofibroblasts responsible for liver fibrosis, and these have resulted in the development of a number of anti-fibrotic strategies targeting this cell. However, their potential role in liver regeneration, both initiation and termination, is also emerging and needs to be contemplated when considering targeted therapy. Perhaps what is most striking is the increasing recognition that this is not just one cell, but rather, a heterogenous population made up of a number of different subsets of cells, each with differentiated and specific functions. The tools are emerging for this dissection and are greatly needed to truly develop targeted therapies that will inhibit fibrosis while promoting liver regeneration and repair.
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72
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Guicciardi ME, Gores GJ. Paving the TRAIL to anti-fibrotic therapy. Hepatology 2016; 64:29-31. [PMID: 26925875 PMCID: PMC4917457 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Guicciardi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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73
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Demetris AJ, Bellamy COC, Gandhi CR, Prost S, Nakanuma Y, Stolz DB. Functional Immune Anatomy of the Liver-As an Allograft. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:1653-80. [PMID: 26848550 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The liver is an immunoregulatory organ in which a tolerogenic microenvironment mitigates the relative "strength" of local immune responses. Paradoxically, necro-inflammatory diseases create the need for most liver transplants. Treatment of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and acute T cell-mediated rejection have redirected focus on long-term allograft structural integrity. Understanding of insults should enable decades of morbidity-free survival after liver replacement because of these tolerogenic properties. Studies of long-term survivors show low-grade chronic inflammatory, fibrotic, and microvascular lesions, likely related to some combination of environment insults (i.e. abnormal physiology), donor-specific antibodies, and T cell-mediated immunity. The resultant conundrum is familiar in transplantation: adequate immunosuppression produces chronic toxicities, while lightened immunosuppression leads to sensitization, immunological injury, and structural deterioration. The "balance" is more favorable for liver than other solid organ allografts. This occurs because of unique hepatic immune physiology and provides unintended benefits for allografts by modulating various afferent and efferent limbs of allogenic immune responses. This review is intended to provide a better understanding of liver immune microanatomy and physiology and thereby (a) the potential structural consequences of low-level, including allo-antibody-mediated injury; and (b) how liver allografts modulate immune reactions. Special attention is given to the microvasculature and hepatic mononuclear phagocytic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Demetris
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - C O C Bellamy
- Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - C R Gandhi
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - S Prost
- Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Y Nakanuma
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - D B Stolz
- Center for Biologic Imaging, Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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74
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Ma JC, Huang X, Shen YW, Zheng C, Su QH, Xu JK, Zhao J. Tenascin-C promotes migration of hepatic stellate cells and production of type I collagen. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2016; 80:1470-7. [PMID: 27031437 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1165600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Tenascin-C (TN-C) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein markedly upregulated during liver fibrosis. The study is performed to explore the role of TN-C during the growth and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We found that TN-C was accumulated accompanying with the HSC activation. Our data on cell migration assay revealed that the rTN-C treatment enhanced HSC migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but did not influence their proliferation. HSCs transfected with pTARGET-TN-C overexpression vector displayed increased the type I collagen (Col I) production. TN-C overexpression enhanced the process of HSC activation through TGF-β1 signaling. Moreover, the anti-α9β1 integrin antibody treatment blocked the TN-C-driven Col I increase in rat HSCs. Collectively, TN-C had a positive role in activation of HSCs mediated by TGF-β1 and α9β1 integrin, manifesting elevation of Col I production and promotion of cell migration. Our results provide a potential insight for the therapy of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Cang Ma
- a Department of General Surgery , Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Xin Huang
- b Department of General Surgery , Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Ya-Wei Shen
- b Department of General Surgery , Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Chen Zheng
- b Department of General Surgery , Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Qing-Hua Su
- a Department of General Surgery , Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Jin-Kai Xu
- a Department of General Surgery , Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
| | - Jun Zhao
- a Department of General Surgery , Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
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75
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Gomez IG, Roach AM, Nakagawa N, Amatucci A, Johnson BG, Dunn K, Kelly MC, Karaca G, Zheng TS, Szak S, Peppiatt-Wildman CM, Burkly LC, Duffield JS. TWEAK-Fn14 Signaling Activates Myofibroblasts to Drive Progression of Fibrotic Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 27:3639-3652. [PMID: 27026366 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015111227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of the cellular origins of myofibroblasts has led to the discovery of novel pathways that potentially drive myofibroblast perpetuation in disease. Here, we further investigated the role of innate immune signaling pathways in this process. In mice, renal injury-induced activation of pericytes, which are myofibroblast precursors attached to endothelial cells, led to upregulated expression of TNF receptor superfamily member 12a, also known as fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), by these cells. In live rat kidney slices, administration of the Fn14 ligand, TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), promoted pericyte-dependent vasoconstriction followed by pericyte detachment from capillaries. In vitro, administration of TWEAK activated and differentiated pericytes into cytokine-producing myofibroblasts, and further activated established myofibroblasts in a manner requiring canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathways. Deficiency of Fn14 protected mouse kidneys from fibrogenesis, inflammation, and associated vascular instability after in vivo injury, and was associated with loss of NF-κB signaling. In a genetic model of spontaneous CKD, therapeutic delivery of anti-TWEAK blocking antibodies attenuated disease progression, preserved organ function, and increased survival. These results identify the TWEAK-Fn14 signaling pathway as an important factor in myofibroblast perpetuation, fibrogenesis, and chronic disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan G Gomez
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine & Pathology, and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Allie M Roach
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine & Pathology, and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Naoki Nakagawa
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine & Pathology, and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Aldo Amatucci
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bryce G Johnson
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine & Pathology, and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Kadeshia Dunn
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C Kelly
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Gamze Karaca
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Suzanne Szak
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Linda C Burkly
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts;
| | - Jeremy S Duffield
- Research & Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts; .,Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine & Pathology, and Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
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76
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Song G, Pacher M, Balakrishnan A, Yuan Q, Tsay HC, Yang D, Reetz J, Brandes S, Dai Z, Pützer BM, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Steinemann D, Luedde T, Schwabe RF, Manns MP, Schöler HR, Schambach A, Cantz T, Ott M, Sharma AD. Direct Reprogramming of Hepatic Myofibroblasts into Hepatocytes In Vivo Attenuates Liver Fibrosis. Cell Stem Cell 2016; 18:797-808. [PMID: 26923201 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct induction of induced hepatocytes (iHeps) from fibroblasts holds potential as a strategy for regenerative medicine but until now has only been shown in culture settings. Here, we describe in vivo iHep formation using transcription factor induction and genetic fate tracing in mouse models of chronic liver disease. We show that ectopic expression of the transcription factors FOXA3, GATA4, HNF1A, and HNF4A from a polycistronic lentiviral vector converts mouse myofibroblasts into cells with a hepatocyte phenotype. In vivo expression of the same set of transcription factors from a p75 neurotrophin receptor peptide (p75NTRp)-tagged adenovirus enabled the generation of hepatocyte-like cells from myofibroblasts in fibrotic mouse livers and reduced liver fibrosis. We have therefore been able to convert pro-fibrogenic myofibroblasts in the liver into hepatocyte-like cells with positive functional benefits. This direct in vivo reprogramming approach may open new avenues for the treatment of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Translational Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Martin Pacher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Asha Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Qinggong Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Hsin-Chieh Tsay
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Dakai Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Julia Reetz
- Institute for Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock 18057, Germany
| | - Sabine Brandes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Zhen Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Brigitte M Pützer
- Institute for Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock 18057, Germany
| | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián 20014, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Doris Steinemann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Division of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Hans R Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Tobias Cantz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Translational Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover 30625, Germany.
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Junior Research Group MicroRNA in Liver Regeneration, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany.
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77
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Schon HT, Bartneck M, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Nattermann J, Lammers T, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Pharmacological Intervention in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:33. [PMID: 26941644 PMCID: PMC4764688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into contractile, matrix-producing myofibroblasts (MFBs) are central events in hepatic fibrogenesis. These processes are driven by autocrine- and paracrine-acting soluble factors (i.e., cytokines and chemokines). Proof-of-concept studies of the last decades have shown that both the deactivation and removal of hepatic MFBs as well as antagonizing profibrogenic factors are in principle suitable to attenuate ongoing hepatic fibrosis. Although several drugs show potent antifibrotic activities in experimental models of hepatic fibrosis, there is presently no effective pharmaceutical intervention specifically approved for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Pharmaceutical interventions are generally hampered by insufficient supply of drugs to the diseased liver tissue and/or by adverse effects as a result of affecting non-target cells. Therefore, targeted delivery systems that bind specifically to receptors solely expressed on activated HSCs or transdifferentiated MFBs and delivery systems that can improve drug distribution to the liver in general are urgently needed. In this review, we summarize current strategies for targeted delivery of drugs to the liver and in particular to pro-fibrogenic liver cells. The applicability and efficacy of sequestering molecules, selective protein carriers, lipid-based drug vehicles, viral vectors, transcriptional targeting approaches, therapeutic liver- and HSC-specific nanoparticles, and miRNA-based strategies are discussed. Some of these delivery systems that had already been successfully tested in experimental animal models of ongoing hepatic fibrogenesis are expected to translate into clinically useful therapeutics specifically targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Theo Schon
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn Bonn, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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78
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Fagone P, Mangano K, Pesce A, Portale TR, Puleo S, Nicoletti F. Emerging therapeutic targets for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:369-75. [PMID: 26523773 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis represents a response to chronic injury, aimed at maintaining organ integrity. Hepatic fibrosis is mainly related to chronic viral hepatitis B or C (HBV or HCV), alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and biliary diseases. A deep understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis has enabled the development of 'pathogenetic tailored' therapeutic interventions. However, effective drugs to prevent or revert hepatic fibrosis are still lacking. In this review, we discuss the cellular populations and the molecular pathways involved in liver fibrogenesis as well as the novel approaches currently being tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Pesce
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Rosanna Portale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Puleo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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79
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YOSHIZATO K, THUY LTT, SHIOTA G, KAWADA N. Discovery of cytoglobin and its roles in physiology and pathology of hepatic stellate cells. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2016; 92:77-97. [PMID: 26972599 PMCID: PMC4925767 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.92.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Cytoglobin (CYGB), a new member of the globin family, was discovered in 2001 as a protein associated with stellate cell activation (stellate cell activation-associated protein [STAP]). Knowledge of CYGB, including its crystal, gene, and protein structures as well as its physiological and pathological importance, has increased progressively. We investigated the roles of oxygen (O2)-binding CYGB as STAP in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to understand the part played by this protein in their pathophysiological activities. Studies involving CYGB-gene-deleted mice have led us to suppose that CYGB functions as a regulator of O2 homeostasis; when O2 homeostasis is disrupted, HSCs are activated and play a key role(s) in hepatic fibrogenesis. In this review, we discuss the rationale for this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsutoshi YOSHIZATO
- Academic Advisor Office, PhoenixBio, Hiroshima, Japan
- Synthetic Biology Laboratory, Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: K. Yoshizato, Academic Advisor Office, PhoenixBio, 3-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima 739-0046, Japan (e-mail: )
| | - Le Thi Thanh THUY
- Synthetic Biology Laboratory, Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Goshi SHIOTA
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Regenerative Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Norifumi KAWADA
- Synthetic Biology Laboratory, Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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80
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Kang LI, Isse K, Koral K, Bowen WC, Muratoglu S, Strickland DK, Michalopoulos GK, Mars WM. Tissue-type plasminogen activator suppresses activated stellate cells through low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1. J Transl Med 2015; 95:1117-29. [PMID: 26237273 PMCID: PMC4586397 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and trans-differentiation into myofibroblast (MFB)-like cells is key for fibrogenesis after liver injury and a potential therapeutic target. Recent studies demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1)-dependent signaling by tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a pro-fibrotic regulator of the MFB phenotype in kidney. This study investigated whether LRP1 signaling by t-PA is also relevant to HSC activation following injury. Primary and immortalized rat HSCs were treated with t-PA and assayed by western blot, MTT, and TUNEL. In vitro results were then verified using an in vivo, acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injury model that examined the phenotype and recovery kinetics of MFBs from wild-type animals vs mice with a global (t-PA) or HSC-targeted (LRP1) deletion. In vitro, in contrast to kidney MFBs, exogenous, proteolytically inactive t-PA suppressed, rather than induced, activation markers in HSCs following phosphorylation of LRP1. This process was mediated by LRP1 as inhibition of t-PA binding to LRP1 blocked the effects of t-PA. In vivo, following acute injury, phosphorylation of LRP1 on activated HSCs occurred immediately prior to their disappearance. Mice lacking t-PA or LRP1 retained higher densities of activated HSCs for a longer time period compared with control mice after injury cessation. Hence, t-PA, an FDA-approved drug, contributes to the suppression of activated HSCs following injury repair via signaling through LRP1. This renders t-PA a potential target for exploitation in treating patients with fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-I Kang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kumiko Isse
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kelly Koral
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William C Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Selen Muratoglu
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dudley K Strickland
- Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George K Michalopoulos
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wendy M Mars
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, S407 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. E-mail:
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81
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a serious health problem worldwide, which can be induced by a wide spectrum of chronic liver injuries. However, until today, there is no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis except the removal of underlying etiology or liver transplantation. Recent studies indicate that liver fibrosis is reversible when the causative agent(s) is removed. Understanding of mechanisms of liver fibrosis regression will lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis. This review summarizes recent research progress on mechanisms of reversibility of liver fibrosis. While most of the research has been focused on HSCs/myofibroblasts and inflammatory pathways, the crosstalk between different organs, various cell types and multiple signaling pathways should not be overlooked. Future studies that lead to fully understanding of the crosstalk between different cell types and the molecular mechanism underlying the reversibility of liver fibrosis will definitely give rise to new therapeutic strategies to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Sun
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92093 California, United States
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92093 California, United States.
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82
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Arabpour M, Poelstra K, Helfrich W, Bremer E, Haisma HJ. Targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells by an anti-epidermal growth factor-receptor single chain fragment variable antibody-tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (scFv425-sTRAIL). J Gene Med 2015; 16:281-90. [PMID: 25088657 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive liver fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that may result in liver failure. Activated hepatic stellate cells are known to play a central role in this process and their elimination is a crucial step towards the resolution and reversion of liver fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the potential application of an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor single chain fragment variable antibody-tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (scFv425-sTRAIL) fusion protein in the targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells. METHODS Activated hepatic stellate cells (LX2 cells) were treated by adenovirus-derived scFv425-sTRAIL to evaluate its effect on the viability and extracellular matrix production of this type of cells. RESULTS In vitro treatment of activated hepatic stellate cells with scFv425-sTRAIL induced a significant reduction in viability (up to 100% reduction) and extracellular matrix production (60% reduction), yet no significant effect was observed on hepatic parenchymal cells. Blockage of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by a monoclonal antibody significantly reduced the effectiveness of scFv425-sTRAIL in activated hepatic stellate cells, whereas a reduced effectivity was also observed after inhibition of the caspase pathway. CONCLUSIONS Evidence is presented for the successful application of the scFv425-sTRAIL fusion protein in the targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells via EGFR and simultaneous activation of the caspase pathway. scFv425-sTRAIL may thus represent a new therapeutic compound against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arabpour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Gene Modulation, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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83
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Lee YA, Wallace MC, Friedman SL. Pathobiology of liver fibrosis: a translational success story. Gut 2015; 64:830-41. [PMID: 25681399 PMCID: PMC4477794 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-306842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 635] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reversibility of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis following antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C has advanced the prospect of developing antifibrotic therapies for patients with chronic liver diseases, especially non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Mechanisms of fibrosis have focused on hepatic stellate cells, which become fibrogenic myofibroblasts during injury through 'activation', and are at the nexus of efforts to define novel drug targets. Recent studies have clarified pathways of stellate cell gene regulation and epigenetics, emerging pathways of fibrosis regression through the recruitment and amplification of fibrolytic macrophages, nuanced responses of discrete inflammatory cell subsets and the identification of the 'ductular reaction' as a marker of severe injury and repair. Based on our expanded knowledge of fibrosis pathogenesis, attention is now directed towards strategies for antifibrotic therapies and regulatory challenges for conducting clinical trials with these agents. New therapies are attempting to: 1) Control or cure the primary disease or reduce tissue injury; 2) Target receptor-ligand interactions and intracellular signaling; 3) Inhibit fibrogenesis; and 4) Promote resolution of fibrosis. Progress is urgently needed in validating non-invasive markers of fibrosis progression and regression that can supplant biopsy and shorten the duration of clinical trials. Both scientific and clinical challenges remain, however the past three decades of steady progress in understanding liver fibrosis have contributed to an emerging translational success story, with realistic hopes for antifibrotic therapies to treat patients with chronic liver disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin A Lee
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael C Wallace
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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84
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Wilson GC, Freeman CM, Kuethe JW, Quillin RC, Nojima H, Schuster R, Blanchard J, Edwards MJ, Caldwell CC, Lentsch AB. CXC chemokine receptor-4 signaling limits hepatocyte proliferation after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2015; 308:G702-9. [PMID: 25721302 PMCID: PMC4398844 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00257.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The role of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1 or CXCL12) and its receptor CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) in ischemic liver injury and recovery has not been studied. Some reports suggest that this chemokine may aid in liver regeneration, but others suggest that it may be profibrotic through its activation of hepatic stellate cells. In this study we sought to elucidate the role of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4 during liver injury, recovery, and regeneration after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). A murine model of partial (70%) I/R was used to induce liver injury and study the reparative and regenerative response. CXCR4 was expressed constitutively in the liver, and hepatic levels of SDF-1 peaked 8 h after reperfusion but remained significantly increased for 96 h. Treatment of mice with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 or agonist SDF-1 had no effect on acute liver injury assessed 8 h after I/R. However, treatment with AMD3100 increased hepatocyte proliferation after 72 and 96 h of reperfusion and reduced the amount of liver necrosis. In contrast, treatment with SDF-1 significantly decreased hepatocyte proliferation. These effects appeared to be dependent on the presence of liver injury, as AMD3100 and SDF-1 had no effect on hepatocyte proliferation or liver mass in mice undergoing 70% partial hepatectomy. The data suggest that signaling through CXCR4 is detrimental to liver recovery and regeneration after I/R and that clinical therapy with a CXCR4 antagonist may improve hepatic recovery following acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C. Wilson
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Joshua W. Kuethe
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ralph C. Quillin
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Hiroyuki Nojima
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rebecca Schuster
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - John Blanchard
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Michael J. Edwards
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Charles C. Caldwell
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alex B. Lentsch
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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85
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Hintermann E, Bayer M, Pfeilschifter JM, Deák F, Kiss I, Paulsson M, Christen U. Upregulation of matrilin-2 expression in murine hepatic stellate cells during liver injury has no effect on fibrosis formation and resolution. Liver Int 2015; 35:1265-73. [PMID: 24905825 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Matrilins are a family of four oligomeric adaptor proteins whose functions in extracellular matrix assembly during pathophysiological events still need to be explored in more detail. Matrilin-2 is the largest family member and the only matrilin expressed in the naive liver. Several studies demonstrate that matrilin-2 interacts with collagen I, fibronectin or laminin-111-nidogen-1 complexes. All these matrix components get upregulated during hepatic scar tissue formation. Therefore, we tested whether matrilin-2 has an influence on the formation and/or the resolution of fibrotic tissue in the mouse liver. METHODS Fibrosis was induced by infection with an adenovirus encoding cytochrome P450 2D6 (autoimmune liver damage) or by exposure to the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. Fibrosis severity and matrilin-2 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and analysed by immunocytochemistry and Transwell migration assays. RESULTS Both autoimmune as well as chemically induced liver damage led to simultaneous upregulation of matrilin-2 and collagen I expression. Discontinuation of carbon tetrachloride exposure resulted in concomitant dissolution of both proteins. Activated HSCs were the source of de novo matrilin-2 expression. Comparing wild type and matrilin-2-deficient mice, no differences were detected in fibronectin and collagen I upregulation and resolution kinetics as well as amount or location of fibronectin and collagen I production and degradation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the absence of matrilin-2 has no effect on HSC activation and regression kinetics, synthetic activity, proliferative capacity, motility, or HSC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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86
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Delire B, Stärkel P, Leclercq I. Animal Models for Fibrotic Liver Diseases: What We Have, What We Need, and What Is under Development. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:53-66. [PMID: 26357635 PMCID: PMC4542084 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2014.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is part of the wound-healing response to liver damage of various origins and represents a major health problem. Although our understanding of the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has grown considerably over the last 20 years, effective antifibrotic therapies are still lacking. The use of animal models is crucial for determining mechanisms underlying initiation, progression, and resolution of fibrosis and for developing novel therapies. To date, no animal model can recapitulate all the hepatic and extra-hepatic features of liver disease. In this review, we will discuss the current rodent models of liver injuries. We will then focus on the available ways to target specifically particular compounds of fibrogenesis and on the new models of liver diseases like the humanized liver mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Delire
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint-Luc Academic Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence to: Isabelle Leclercq, Laboratoire d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue E Mounier 53, Box B1.52.01, Brussels 1200, Belgium. Tel: +32-27645379, Fax: +32-27645346. E-mail:
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87
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Modulating CD4+ T cell migration in the postischemic liver: hepatic stellate cells as new therapeutic target? Transplantation 2015; 99:41-7. [PMID: 25360872 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD4+ T cells play a critical role during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury although the mechanisms of their migration in the postischemic liver remain unclear. We answered the questions of whether hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) interact with CD4+ T cells during I/R of the liver and whether modulation of HSC activity affects T cell-dependent I/R injury. METHODS In mice, migration of CD4+ T cells was analyzed in vivo using conventional intravital microscopy and two-photon microscopy. CD4+ T cell-HSC interactions were visualized after infusion of fluorescence-labeled CD4+ T cells into Cx3CR1 mice (mice exhibiting GFP-labeled HSCs) after I/R. Because the activation of HSC is controlled by endocannabinoid receptors, CB-1 and CB-2, the mice received treatment before I/R with the CB-2 agonist JWH-133 to reach HSC depletion or the CB-1 agonist arachidonylcyclopropylamide to activate HSCs. Sinusoidal perfusion and liver transaminases were used as markers of I/R injury. RESULTS Hepatic I/R induced CD4+ T cell recruitment in sinusoids. More than 25% of adherent CD4+ T cells were colocalized with HSCs during reperfusion, suggesting a direct cell-cell interaction. The HSC deactivation with JWH-133 significantly attenuated the CD4+ T cell recruitment in the postischemic liver and reduced I/R injury as compared to the vehicle-treated group. The HSC hyperactivation by CB-1, however, did not affect T-cell migration and even increased perfusion failure. CONCLUSION Our in vivo data suggest that CD4+ T cells interact with HSCs on their migration into the hepatic parenchyma, and a depletion or deactivation of HSCs protects the liver from T cell-dependent I/R injury.
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88
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Weiskirchen R, Tacke F. Cellular and molecular functions of hepatic stellate cells in inflammatory responses and liver immunology. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2015; 3:344-63. [PMID: 25568859 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2304-3881.2014.11.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a central immunological organ. Liver resident macrophages, Kupffer cells (KC), but also sinusoidal endothelial cells, dendritic cells (DC) and other immune cells are involved in balancing immunity and tolerance against pathogens, commensals or food antigens. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been primarily characterized as the main effector cells in liver fibrosis, due to their capacity to transdifferentiate into collagen-producing myofibroblasts (MFB). More recent studies elucidated the fundamental role of HSC in liver immunology. HSC are not only the major storage site for dietary vitamin A (Vit A) (retinol, retinoic acid), which is essential for proper function of the immune system. This pericyte further represents a versatile source of many soluble immunological active factors including cytokines [e.g., interleukin 17 (IL-17)] and chemokines [C-C motif chemokine (ligand) 2 (CCL2)], may act as an antigen presenting cell (APC), and has autophagy activity. Additionally, it responds to many immunological triggers via toll-like receptors (TLR) (e.g., TLR4, TLR9) and transduces signals through pathways and mediators traditionally found in immune cells, including the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway or inflammasome activation. Overall, HSC promote rather immune-suppressive responses in homeostasis, like induction of regulatory T cells (Treg), T cell apoptosis (via B7-H1, PDL-1) or inhibition of cytotoxic CD8 T cells. In conditions of liver injury, HSC are important sensors of altered tissue integrity and initiators of innate immune cell activation. Vice versa, several immune cell subtypes interact directly or via soluble mediators with HSC. Such interactions include the mutual activation of HSC (towards MFB) and macrophages or pro-apoptotic signals from natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and gamma-delta T cells (γδ T-cells) on activated HSC. Current directions of research investigate the immune-modulating functions of HSC in the environment of liver tumors, cellular heterogeneity or interactions promoting HSC deactivation during resolution of liver fibrosis. Understanding the role of HSC as central regulators of liver immunology may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- 1 Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, 2 Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- 1 Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, 2 Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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89
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Phenotypic Changes in Hepatic Stellate Cells in Response to Toxic Liver Injury. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40139-014-0051-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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90
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Regulator of G-protein signaling-5 is a marker of hepatic stellate cells and expression mediates response to liver injury. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108505. [PMID: 25290689 PMCID: PMC4188519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is mediated by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which respond to a variety of cytokine and growth factors to moderate the response to injury and create extracellular matrix at the site of injury. G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling, via endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (AngII), increases HSC contraction, migration and fibrogenesis. Regulator of G-protein signaling-5 (RGS5), an inhibitor of vasoactive GPCR agonists, functions to control GPCR-mediated contraction and hypertrophy in pericytes and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Therefore we hypothesized that RGS5 controls GPCR signaling in activated HSCs in the context of liver injury. In this study, we localize RGS5 to the HSCs and demonstrate that Rgs5 expression is regulated during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute and chronic liver injury in Rgs5LacZ/LacZ reporter mice. Furthermore, CCl4 treated RGS5-null mice develop increased hepatocyte damage and fibrosis in response to CCl4 and have increased expression of markers of HSC activation. Knockdown of Rgs5 enhances ET-1-mediated signaling in HSCs in vitro. Taken together, we demonstrate that RGS5 is a critical regulator of GPCR signaling in HSCs and regulates HSC activation and fibrogenesis in liver injury.
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91
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Abstract
Portal fibroblasts are a minor population in the normal liver, found in the periportal mesenchyme surrounding the bile ducts. While many researchers have hypothesized that they are an important myofibroblast precursor population in biliary fibrosis, responsible for matrix deposition in early fibrosis and for recruiting hepatic stellate cells, the role of portal fibroblasts relative to hepatic stellate cells is controversial. Several papers published in the past year have addressed this point and have identified other potential roles for portal fibroblasts in biliary fibrosis. The goal of this review is to critically assess these recent studies, to highlight gaps in our knowledge of portal fibroblasts, and to suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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92
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Hassan S, Syed S, Kehar SI. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) as a Mesenchymal marker of Early Hepatic Stellate Cells Activation in Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection. Pak J Med Sci 2014; 30:1027-32. [PMID: 25225520 PMCID: PMC4163226 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.305.5534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and of Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) in hepatic stellate cells of CHC cases and their association with stage of fibrosis. METHODS The study was conducted at Ziauddin University, Clifton Campus during the year 2010-2012. Sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti α-SMA antibody and anti-GFAP antibody. Semi quantitative scoring in pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area of each case was done to assess immunoexpression of each marker. Results : Immunoexpression of GFAP showed significant association with α-SMA. GFAP expression was inversely correlated with progression of fibrosis. Conclusion : GFAP could represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation. Follow up biopsies showing decline in GFAP levels may help identify the target group requiring aggressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Hassan
- Dr. Sobia Hassan, Lecturer, Pathology Department, Ziauddin University Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Serajuddaula Syed
- Prof. Serajuddaula Syed, Head of Pathology Department, Ziauddin University Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahnaz Imdad Kehar
- Dr. Shahnaz Imdad Kehar, Associate Professor, Pathology Department, BMSI – JPMC, Karachi, Pakistan
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93
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Liver fibrosis and repair: immune regulation of wound healing in a solid organ. Nat Rev Immunol 2014; 14:181-94. [PMID: 24566915 DOI: 10.1038/nri3623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 905] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a highly conserved and co-ordinated protective response to tissue injury. The interaction of multiple pathways, molecules and systems determines whether fibrosis is self-limiting and homeostatic, or whether it is uncontrolled and excessive. Immune cells have been identified as key players in this fibrotic cascade, with the capacity to exert either injury-inducing or repair-promoting effects. A multi-organ approach was recently suggested to identify the core and regulatory pathways in fibrosis, with the aim of integrating the wealth of information emerging from basic fibrosis research. In this Review, we focus on recent advances in liver fibrosis research as a paradigm for wound healing in solid organs and the role of the immune system in regulating and balancing this response.
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94
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Barkauskas CE, Noble PW. Cellular mechanisms of tissue fibrosis. 7. New insights into the cellular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 306:C987-96. [PMID: 24740535 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00321.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by severe and progressive scar formation in the gas-exchange regions of the lung. Despite years of research, therapeutic treatments remain elusive and there is a pressing need for deeper mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In this article, we review our current knowledge of the triggers and/or perpetuators of pulmonary fibrosis with special emphasis on the alveolar epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. In doing so, we raise a number of questions highlighting critical voids and limitations in our current understanding and study of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Barkauskas
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - Paul W Noble
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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95
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Stewart RK, Dangi A, Huang C, Murase N, Kimura S, Stolz DB, Wilson GC, Lentsch AB, Gandhi CR. A novel mouse model of depletion of stellate cells clarifies their role in ischemia/reperfusion- and endotoxin-induced acute liver injury. J Hepatol 2014; 60:298-305. [PMID: 24060854 PMCID: PMC4195246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are located between the sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes. HSCs are activated during liver injury and cause hepatic fibrosis by producing excessive extracellular matrix. HSCs also produce many growth factors, chemokines and cytokines, and thus may play an important role in acute liver injury. However, this function has not been clarified due to unavailability of a model, in which HSCs are depleted from the normal liver. METHODS We treated mice expressing HSV-thymidine kinase under the GFAP promoter (GFAP-Tg) with 3 consecutive (3 days apart) CCl4 (0.16 μl/g; ip) injections to stimulate HSCs to enter the cell cycle and proliferate. This was followed by 10-day ganciclovir (40 μg/g/day; ip) treatment, which is expected to eliminate actively proliferating HSCs. Mice were then subjected to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or endotoxin treatment. RESULTS CCl4/ganciclovir treatment caused depletion of the majority of HSCs (about 64-72%), while the liver recovered from the initial CCl4-induced injury (confirmed by histology, serum ALT and neutrophil infiltration). The magnitude of hepatic injury due to I/R or endotoxemia (determined by histopathology and serum ALT) was lower in HSC-depleted mice. Their hepatic expression of TNF-α, neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1 and endothelin-A receptor also was significantly lower than the control mice. CONCLUSIONS HSCs play an important role both in I/R- and endotoxin-induced acute hepatocyte injury, with TNF-α and endothelin-1 as important mediators of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K. Stewart
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Anil Dangi
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,Department of Surgery University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA and Cincinnati Veterans Administration, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chao Huang
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Noriko Murase
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Shoko Kimura
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Donna B. Stolz
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gregory C. Wilson
- Department of Surgery University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA and Cincinnati Veterans Administration, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alex B. Lentsch
- Department of Surgery University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA and Cincinnati Veterans Administration, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chandrashekhar R. Gandhi
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Departments of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,Department of Surgery University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA and Cincinnati Veterans Administration, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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96
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Machado MV, Diehl AM. Liver renewal: detecting misrepair and optimizing regeneration. Mayo Clin Proc 2014; 89:120-30. [PMID: 24388030 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cirrhosis and liver cancer, the main causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality, result from defective repair of liver injury. This article summarizes rapidly evolving knowledge about liver myofibroblasts and progenitors, the 2 key cell types that interact to orchestrate effective repair, because deregulation of these cells is likely to be central to the pathogenesis of both cirrhosis and liver cancer. We focus on cirrhosis pathogenesis because cirrhosis is the main risk factor for primary liver cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that the defective repair process has certain characteristics that might be exploited for biomarker development. Recent findings in preclinical models also indicate that the newly identified cellular and molecular targets are amenable to therapeutic manipulation. Thus, recent advances in our understanding about key cell types and fundamental mechanisms that regulate liver regeneration have opened new avenues to improve the outcomes of liver injury. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01899859.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, NC.
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97
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Haidet-Phillips AM, Gross SK, Williams T, Tuteja A, Sherman A, Ko M, Jeong YH, Wong PC, Maragakis NJ. Altered astrocytic expression of TDP-43 does not influence motor neuron survival. Exp Neurol 2013; 250:250-9. [PMID: 24120466 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of glia as a contributing factor to motor neuron (MN) death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is becoming increasingly appreciated. However, most studies implicating astrocytes have focused solely on models of ALS caused by superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations. The goal of our study was to determine whether astrocytes contribute to wild-type MN death in the case of ALS caused by mutations in tar-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Since it is currently unknown how TDP-43 mutations cause disease, we derived astrocytes for study from both gain and loss of function mouse models of TDP-43. Astrocytes overexpressing mutant TDP-43(A315T) as well as astrocytes lacking TDP-43 were morphologically indistinguishable from wild-type astrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, astrocytes with these TDP-43 alterations did not cause the death of wild-type MNs in co-culture. To investigate the in vivo effects of TDP-43 alterations in astrocytes, glial-restricted precursors were transplanted to the wild-type rat spinal cord where they differentiated into astrocytes and interacted with host MNs. Astrocytes with TDP-43 alterations did not cause host wild-type MN damage although they were capable of engrafting and interacting with host MNs with the same efficiency as wild-type astrocytes. These data indicate that astrocytes do not adopt the same toxic phenotype as mutant SOD1 astrocytes when TDP-43 is mutated or expression levels are modified. Our study reinforces the heterogeneity in ALS disease mechanisms and highlights the potential for future screening subsets of ALS patients prior to treatment with cell type-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Haidet-Phillips
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Rangos 248, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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98
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Mailloux AW, Zhang L, Moscinski L, Bennett JM, Yang L, Yoder SJ, Bloom G, Wei C, Wei S, Sokol L, Loughran TP, Epling-Burnette PK. Fibrosis and subsequent cytopenias are associated with basic fibroblast growth factor-deficient pluripotent mesenchymal stromal cells in large granular lymphocyte leukemia. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:3578-93. [PMID: 24014875 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cytopenias occur frequently in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Felty's syndrome, and large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, but the bone marrow microenvironment has not been systematically studied. In LGL leukemia (n = 24), retrospective analysis of bone marrow (BM) histopathology revealed severe fibrosis in 15 of 24 patients (63%) in association with the presence of cytopenias, occurrence of autoimmune diseases, and splenomegaly, but was undetectable in control cases with B cell malignancies (n = 11). Fibrosis severity correlated with T cell LGL cell numbers in the BM, but not in the periphery, suggesting deregulation is limited to the BM microenvironment. To identify fibrosis-initiating populations, primary mesenchymal stromal cultures (MSCs) from patients were characterized and found to display proliferation kinetics and overabundant collagen deposition, but displayed normal telomere lengths and osteoblastogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation potentials. To determine the effect of fibrosis on healthy hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), bioartificial matrixes from rat tail or purified human collagen were found to suppress HPC differentiation and proliferation. The ability of patient MSCs to support healthy HSC proliferation was significantly impaired, but could be rescued with collagenase pretreatment. Clustering analysis confirmed the undifferentiated state of patient MSCs, and pathway analysis revealed an inverse relationship between cell division and profibrotic ontologies associated with reduced basic fibroblast growth factor production, which was confirmed by ELISA. Reconstitution with exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor normalized patient MSC proliferation, collagen deposition, and HPC supportive function, suggesting LGL BM infiltration and secondary accumulation of MSC-derived collagen is responsible for hematopoietic failure in autoimmune-associated cytopenias in LGL leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Mailloux
- Immunology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
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99
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Barnard JA. Recent advances in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2013; 5:25. [PMID: 23864932 PMCID: PMC3702219 DOI: 10.12703/p5-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition are rapidly evolving, exciting and diverse disciplines. Because the field is so expansive, this commentary highlights important trends, rather than narrowly focusing on specific advances. Examples of advances in the highest impact and rapidly moving areas of pediatric gastroenterology are reviewed, including the intestinal microbiome, biomedical genomics, the biology of unique gastrointestinal cell types, and microRNAs (miRNAs).
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100
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Hintermann E, Ehser J, Bayer M, Pfeilschifter JM, Christen U. Mechanism of autoimmune hepatic fibrogenesis induced by an adenovirus encoding the human liver autoantigen cytochrome P450 2D6. J Autoimmun 2013; 44:49-60. [PMID: 23809878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 (AIH-2) is a severe autoimmune liver disease with unknown etiology. We recently developed the CYP2D6 mouse model for AIH-2, in which mice are challenged with an adenovirus (Ad-2D6) expressing human cytochrome P450 2D6 (hCYP2D6), the major autoantigen in AIH-2. Such mice develop chronic hepatitis with cellular infiltrations and generation of hCYP2D6-specific antibodies and T cells. Importantly, the CYP2D6 model represents the only model displaying chronic fibrosis allowing for a detailed investigation of the mechanisms of chronic autoimmune-mediated liver fibrogenesis. We found that hCYP2D6-dependent chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) resulted in an increased extracellular matrix deposition and elevated expression of α-smooth muscle actin predominantly in and underneath the liver capsule. The route of Ad-2D6 infection dramatically influenced the activation and trafficking of inflammatory monocytes, NK cells and hCYP2D6-specific T cells. Intraperitoneal Ad-2D6 infection caused subcapsular fibrosis and persistent clustering of inflammatory monocytes. In contrast, intravenous infection caused an accumulation of hCYP2D6-specific CD4 T cells throughout the liver parenchyma and induced a strong NK cell response preventing chronic HSC activation and fibrosis. In summary, we found that the location of the initial site of inflammation and autoantigen expression caused a differential cellular trafficking and activation and thereby determined the outcome of AIH-2-like hepatic damage and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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