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Cole R, Holroyd N, Tracey A, Berriman M, Viney M. The parasitic nematode Strongyloides ratti exists predominantly as populations of long-lived asexual lineages. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6427. [PMID: 37833369 PMCID: PMC10575991 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nematodes are important parasites of people and animals, and in natural ecosystems they are a major ecological force. Strongyloides ratti is a common parasitic nematode of wild rats and we have investigated its population genetics using single-worm, whole-genome sequencing. We find that S. ratti populations in the UK consist of mixtures of mainly asexual lineages that are widely dispersed across a host population. These parasite lineages are likely very old and may have originated in Asia from where rats originated. Genes that underly the parasitic phase of the parasite's life cycle are hyperdiverse compared with the rest of the genome, and this may allow the parasites to maximise their fitness in a diverse host population. These patterns of parasitic nematode population genetics have not been found before and may also apply to Strongyloides spp. that infect people, which will affect how we should approach their control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Cole
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Alan Tracey
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Matt Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- School of Infection & Immunity, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Mark Viney
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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2
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Jiang M, Guo R, Ai Y, Wang G, Tang P, Jia X, He B, Yuan Q, Xie X. Small molecule drugs promote repopulation of transplanted hepatocytes by stimulating cell dedifferentiation. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100670. [PMID: 36873420 PMCID: PMC9976449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Hepatocyte transplantation has emerged as a possible treatment option for end-stage liver disease. However, an important obstacle to therapeutic success is the low level of engraftment and proliferation of transplanted hepatocytes, which do not survive long enough to exert therapeutic effects. Thus, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of hepatocyte proliferation in vivo and find a way to promote the growth of transplanted hepatocytes. Methods Hepatocyte transplantation was performed in Fah -/- mice to explore the mechanisms of hepatocyte proliferation in vivo. Guided by in vivo regeneration mechanisms, we identified compounds that promote hepatocyte proliferation in vitro. The in vivo effects of these compounds on transplanted hepatocytes were then evaluated. Results The transplanted mature hepatocytes were found to dedifferentiate into hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), which proliferate and then convert back to a mature state at the completion of liver repopulation. The combination of two small molecules Y-27632 (Y, ROCK inhibitor) and CHIR99021 (C, Wnt agonist) could convert mouse primary hepatocytes into HPCs, which could be passaged for more than 30 passages in vitro. Moreover, YC could stimulate the proliferation of transplanted hepatocytes in Fah -/- livers by promoting their conversion into HPCs. Netarsudil (N) and LY2090314 (L), two clinically used drugs which target the same pathways as YC, could also promote hepatocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo, by facilitating HPC conversion. Conclusions Our work suggests drugs promoting hepatocyte dedifferentiation may facilitate the growth of transplanted hepatocytes in vivo and may facilitate the application of hepatocyte therapy. Impact and implications Hepatocyte transplantation may be a treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, one important obstacle to hepatocyte therapy is the low level of engraftment and proliferation of the transplanted hepatocytes. Herein, we show that small molecule compounds which promote hepatocyte proliferation in vitro by facilitating dedifferentiation, could promote the growth of transplanted hepatocytes in vivo and may facilitate the application of hepatocyte therapy.
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Key Words
- (i)HPCs, (induced) hepatic progenitor cells
- A, A-83-01
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- C, CHIR99021
- DDC, 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine
- Dedifferentiation
- HMM, hepatic maturation medium
- Hepatocyte expansion
- Hepatocyte progenitor cells
- Hepatocyte transplantation
- L, LY2090314
- N, netarsudil
- NTBC, 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoro-methylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclo-hexanedione
- PHx, partial hepatectomy
- RT-PCR, reverse-transcription PCR
- Small molecule compounds
- Y, Y27632
- iMHs, induced mature hepatocytes
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Ai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Peilan Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Jia
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bingqing He
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianting Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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3
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Mukhopadhyay B, Holovac K, Schuebel K, Mukhopadhyay P, Cinar R, Iyer S, Marietta C, Goldman D, Kunos G. The endocannabinoid system promotes hepatocyte progenitor cell proliferation and maturation by modulating cellular energetics. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:104. [PMID: 36966147 PMCID: PMC10039889 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01400-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferation and differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) drive the homeostatic renewal of the liver under diverse conditions. Liver regeneration is associated with an increase in Axin2+Cnr1+ HPCs, along with a marked increase in the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). But the molecular mechanism linking AEA signaling to HPC proliferation and/or differentiation has not been explored. Here, we show that in vitro exposure of HPCs to AEA triggers both cell cycling and differentiation along with increased expression of Cnr1, Krt19, and Axin2. Mechanistically, we found that AEA promotes the nuclear localization of the transcription factor β-catenin, with subsequent induction of its downstream targets. Systemic analyses of cells after CRISPR-mediated knockout of the β-catenin-regulated transcriptome revealed that AEA modulates β-catenin-dependent cell cycling and differentiation, as well as interleukin pathways. Further, we found that AEA promotes OXPHOS in HPCs when amino acids and glucose are readily available as substrates, but AEA inhibits it when the cells rely primarily on fatty acid oxidation. Thus, the endocannabinoid system promotes hepatocyte renewal and maturation by stimulating the proliferation of Axin2+Cnr1+ HPCs via the β-catenin pathways while modulating the metabolic activity of their precursor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bani Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Kellie Holovac
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kornel Schuebel
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Partha Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sindhu Iyer
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl Marietta
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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4
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Lan T, Qian S, Tang C, Gao J. Role of Immune Cells in Biliary Repair. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866040. [PMID: 35432349 PMCID: PMC9005827 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biliary system is comprised of cholangiocytes and plays an important role in maintaining liver function. Under normal conditions, cholangiocytes remain in the stationary phase and maintain a very low turnover rate. However, the robust biliary repair is initiated in disease conditions, and different repair mechanisms can be activated depending on the pathological changes. During biliary disease, immune cells including monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and mast cells are recruited to the liver. The cellular interactions between cholangiocytes and these recruited immune cells as well as hepatic resident immune cells, including Kupffer cells, determine disease outcomes. However, the role of immune cells in the initiation, regulation, and suspension of biliary repair remains elusive. The cellular processes of cholangiocyte proliferation, progenitor cell differentiation, and hepatocyte-cholangiocyte transdifferentiation during biliary diseases are reviewed to manifest the underlying mechanism of biliary repair. Furthermore, the potential role of immune cells in crucial biliary repair mechanisms is highlighted. The mechanisms of biliary repair in immune-mediated cholangiopathies, inherited cholangiopathies, obstructive cholangiopathies, and cholangiocarcinoma are also summarized. Additionally, novel techniques that could clarify the underlying mechanisms of biliary repair are displayed. Collectively, this review aims to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of biliary repair and contributes potential novel therapeutic methods for treating biliary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuaijie Qian
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengwei Tang
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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5
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Holczbauer Á, Wangensteen KJ, Shin S. Cellular origins of regenerating liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100416. [PMID: 35243280 PMCID: PMC8873941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant primary cancer arising from the liver and is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The cellular origin of HCC has been a topic of great interest due to conflicting findings regarding whether it originates in hepatocytes, biliary cells, or facultative stem cells. These cell types all undergo changes during liver injury, and there is controversy about their contribution to regenerative responses in the liver. Most HCCs emerge in the setting of chronic liver injury from viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol, and environmental exposures. The injuries are marked by liver parenchymal changes such as hepatocyte regenerative nodules, biliary duct cellular changes, expansion of myofibroblasts that cause fibrosis and cirrhosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, all of which may contribute to carcinogenesis. Addressing the cellular origin of HCC is the key to identifying the earliest events that trigger it. Herein, we review data on the cells of origin in regenerating liver and HCC and the implications of these findings for prevention and treatment. We also review the origins of childhood liver cancer and other rare cancers of the liver.
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6
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Porukala M, Vinod PK. Systems-level analysis of transcriptome reorganization during liver regeneration. Mol Omics 2022; 18:315-327. [DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00382h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis and regeneration depend on the reversible transitions between quiescence (G0) and proliferation. The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury or resection by cell growth and...
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7
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Gouda G, Gupta MK, Donde R, Behera L, Vadde R. Tumor microenvironment in heptocellular carcinoma. THERANOSTICS AND PRECISION MEDICINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA 2022:109-124. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98806-3.00007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
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8
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Li Q, Gong Y, Wang Y, Liu B, Chu Y, Gui S, Zheng Y, Chen X. Sirt1 Promotes the Restoration of Hepatic Progenitor Cell (HPC)-Mediated Liver Fatty Injury in NAFLD Through Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signal Pathway. Front Nutr 2021; 8:791861. [PMID: 34977130 PMCID: PMC8714951 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.791861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has developed into the world's largest chronic epidemic. In NAFLD, hepatic steatosis causes hepatocytes dysfunction and even apoptosis. The liver has a strong restoration or regeneration ability after an injury, however, it is unclear through which pattern fatty liver injury in NAFLD is repaired and what the repair mechanism is. Here, we found that in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice model, fatty liver injury caused the significant ductular reaction (DR), which is a marker to promote the repair of liver injury. SOX9+ and HNF4α+ biphenotype also suggested that hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) were activated by fatty liver injury in the HFD-elicited NAFLD mice model. Concurrently, fatty liver injury also activated the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway, which is a necessary process for HPC differentiation into mature hepatocytes. However, Sirt1 knockdown weakened HPC activation and Wnt/β-catenin signal in Sirt1+/− mice with HFD feeding. In rat-derived WB-F344 hepatic stem cell line, Sirt1 overexpression (OE) or Sirt1 activator–Resveratrol promoted HPC differentiation via activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Glycogen PAS staining demonstrated that Sirt1 OE promoted WB-F344 cells to differentiate into mature hepatocytes with glycogen synthesis ability, while Sirt1 inhibitor EX527 or Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor HF535 decreased glycogen positive cells. Together, our data suggested that Sirt1 plays a vital role in activating HPCs to repair fatty liver injury or promote liver regeneration through the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in NAFLD, which might provide a new strategy for fatty liver injury or NAFLD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjin Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Gong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingbing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Chu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Gui
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yazhen Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen
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9
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Liu Z, Kuna VK, Xu B, Sumitran-Holgersson S. Wnt ligands 3a and 5a regulate proliferation and migration in human fetal liver progenitor cells. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:56. [PMID: 34805578 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2020.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since human fetal liver progenitor cells (hFLPC) can differentiate into multiple liver cell types in vitro and in vivo, hFLPC may be a suitable source for cell therapy and regeneration strategies. Imperative for effective clinical applications of hFLPC is the enhanced knowledge of growth factors that mediate and improve migration and proliferation. The canonical wingless/int-1 (Wnt) signal transduction pathway is known to play a key role in proliferation and migration of stem cells. So, we investigated a role for Wnt3a and Wnt5a ligands in regulating the proliferation and migration of hFLPC. Methods We used alamarBlue assay and transwell migration assay and examined proliferation and migration of hFLPC to Wnt3a and Wnt5a. In addition, the target genes of Wnt signal transduction pathway was identified using microarray analysis and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results We found that Wnt3a or Wnt5a independently significantly increased migration and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner which was significantly inhibited by Wnt inhibitors Wnt-C59 or KN-62. Addition of Wnt3a to hFLPC resulted in increased mRNA expression of the known Wnt target genes Axin-2, DKK2, while Wnt5a increased CXCR7, all of which are closely associated with an enhanced proliferation capacity of stem cells. Conclusions Thus, we report that Wnt3a and Wnt5a may play an important role in the proliferation and migration of hFLPC by possibly regulating key target genes-involved in these processes. Incorporating recombinant human Wnt3a and Wnt5a in regenerative strategies using liver stem/progenitor cells might improve the process of liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Liu
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vijay Kumar Kuna
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Xu
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Suchitra Sumitran-Holgersson
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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10
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Hu S, Russell JO, Liu S, Cao C, McGaughey J, Rai R, Kosar K, Tao J, Hurley E, Poddar M, Singh S, Bell A, Shin D, Raeman R, Singhi AD, Nejak-Bowen K, Ko S, Monga SP. β-Catenin-NF-κB-CFTR interactions in cholangiocytes regulate inflammation and fibrosis during ductular reaction. eLife 2021; 10:71310. [PMID: 34609282 PMCID: PMC8555990 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) during ductular reaction (DR) is observed in liver diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), and associated with inflammation and fibrosis, albeit without complete understanding of underlying mechanism. Using two different genetic mouse knockouts of β-catenin, one with β-catenin loss is hepatocytes and BECs (KO1), and another with loss in only hepatocytes (KO2), we demonstrate disparate long-term repair after an initial injury by 2-week choline-deficient ethionine-supplemented diet. KO2 show gradual liver repopulation with BEC-derived β-catenin-positive hepatocytes and resolution of injury. KO1 showed persistent loss of β-catenin, NF-κB activation in BECs, progressive DR and fibrosis, reminiscent of CF histology. We identify interactions of β-catenin, NFκB, and CF transmembranous conductance regulator (CFTR) in BECs. Loss of CFTR or β-catenin led to NF-κB activation, DR, and inflammation. Thus, we report a novel β-catenin-NFκB-CFTR interactome in BECs, and its disruption may contribute to hepatic pathology of CF. The liver has an incredible capacity to repair itself or ‘regenerate’ – that is, it has the ability to replace damaged tissue with new tissue. In order to do this, the organ relies on hepatocytes (the cells that form the liver) and bile duct cells (the cells that form the biliary ducts) dividing and transforming into each other to repair and replace damaged tissue, in case the insult is dire. During long-lasting or chronic liver injury, bile duct cells undergo a process called ‘ductular reaction’, which causes the cells to multiply and produce proteins that stimulate inflammation, and can lead to liver scarring (fibrosis). Ductular reaction is a hallmark of severe liver disease, and different diseases exhibit ductular reactions with distinct features. For example, in cystic fibrosis, a unique type of ductular reaction occurs at late stages, accompanied by both inflammation and fibrosis. Despite the role that ductular reaction plays in liver disease, it is not well understood how it works at the molecular level. Hu et al. set out to investigate how a protein called β-catenin – which can cause many types of cells to proliferate – is involved in ductular reaction. They used three types of mice for their experiments: wild-type mice, which were not genetically modified; and two strains of genetically modified mice. One of these mutant mice did not produce β-catenin in biliary duct cells, while the other lacked β-catenin both in biliary duct cells and in hepatocytes. After a short liver injury – which Hu et al. caused by feeding the mice a specific diet – the wild-type mice were able to regenerate and repair the liver without exhibiting any ductular reaction. The mutant mice that lacked β-catenin in hepatocytes showed a temporary ductular reaction, and ultimately repaired their livers by turning bile duct cells into hepatocytes. On the other hand, the mutant mice lacking β-catenin in both hepatocytes and bile duct cells displayed sustained ductular reactions, inflammation and fibrosis, which looked like that seen in patients with liver disease associated to cystic fibrosis. Further probing showed that β-catenin interacts with a protein called CTFR, which is involved in cystic fibrosis. When bile duct cells lack either of these proteins, another protein called NF-B gets activated, which causes the ductular reaction, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. The findings of Hu et al. shed light on the role of β-catenin in ductular reaction. Further, the results show a previously unknown interaction between β-catenin, CTFR and NF-B, which could lead to better treatments for cystic fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jacquelyn O Russell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Catherine Cao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jackson McGaughey
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Ravi Rai
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Karis Kosar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Aaron Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Donghun Shin
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Reben Raeman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, United States
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11
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Zhou Y, Chen Y, Zhang X, Xu Q, Wu Z, Cao X, Shao M, Shu Y, Lv T, Lu C, Xie M, Wen T, Yang J, Shi Y, Bu H. Brahma-Related Gene 1 Inhibition Prevents Liver Fibrosis and Cholangiocarcinoma by Attenuating Progenitor Expansion. Hepatology 2021; 74:797-815. [PMID: 33650193 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is closely correlated with hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) expansion and liver fibrosis. Brahma-related gene 1 (Brg1), an enzymatic subunit of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable complex that is critical in stem cell maintenance and tumor promotion, is prominently up-regulated in both HPCs and iCCA; however, its role in this correlation remains undefined. APPROACH AND RESULTS A retrospective cohort study indicated that high Brg1 expression suggests poor prognosis in patients with iCCA. In chronically injured livers induced by a 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine diet or bile duct ligation surgery, HPCs were dramatically activated, as indicated by their enhanced expression of Brg1 and a subset of stem cell markers; however, Brg1 ablation in HPCs strongly suppressed HPC expansion and liver fibrosis. Furthermore, in a chemically induced iCCA model, inhibition of Brg1 by a specific inhibitor or inducible gene ablation markedly improved histology and suppressed iCCA growth. Mechanistically, in addition to transcriptionally promoting both Wnt receptor genes and target genes, Brg1 was found to bind to the β-catenin/transcription factor 4 transcription complex, suggesting a possible approach for regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the function of Brg1 in promoting HPC expansion, liver cirrhosis, and, ultimately, iCCA development in chronically injured livers, which is largely dependent on Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our data suggest that therapies targeting Brg1-expressing HPCs are promising for the treatment of liver cirrhosis and iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Zhou
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Laboratory of Liver TransplantationFrontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular NetworkWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yuwei Chen
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Laboratory of Liver TransplantationFrontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular NetworkWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Department of Liver SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qing Xu
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenru Wu
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaoyue Cao
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Mingyang Shao
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yuke Shu
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tao Lv
- Laboratory of Liver TransplantationFrontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular NetworkWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Department of Liver SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Changli Lu
- Department of PathologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Mingjun Xie
- Department of General SurgeryThe First People's Hospital of YibinYibinChina
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Laboratory of Liver TransplantationFrontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular NetworkWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Department of Liver SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Laboratory of Liver TransplantationFrontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular NetworkWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Department of Liver SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yujun Shi
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Laboratory of Liver TransplantationFrontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular NetworkWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hong Bu
- Laboratory of PathologyKey Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and ImmunologyNHCWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina.,Department of PathologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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12
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Cordero-Espinoza L, Dowbaj AM, Kohler TN, Strauss B, Sarlidou O, Belenguer G, Pacini C, Martins NP, Dobie R, Wilson-Kanamori JR, Butler R, Prior N, Serup P, Jug F, Henderson NC, Hollfelder F, Huch M. Dynamic cell contacts between periportal mesenchyme and ductal epithelium act as a rheostat for liver cell proliferation. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1907-1921.e8. [PMID: 34343491 PMCID: PMC8577825 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the liver, ductal cells rarely proliferate during homeostasis but do so transiently after tissue injury. These cells can be expanded as organoids that recapitulate several of the cell-autonomous mechanisms of regeneration but lack the stromal interactions of the native tissue. Here, using organoid co-cultures that recapitulate the ductal-to-mesenchymal cell architecture of the portal tract, we demonstrate that a subpopulation of mouse periportal mesenchymal cells exerts dual control on proliferation of the epithelium. Ductal cell proliferation is either induced and sustained or, conversely, completely abolished, depending on the number of direct mesenchymal cell contacts, through a mechanism mediated, at least in part, by Notch signaling. Our findings expand the concept of the cellular niche in epithelial tissues, whereby not only soluble factors but also cell-cell contacts are the key regulatory cues involved in the control of cellular behaviors, suggesting a critical role for cell-cell contacts during regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Cordero-Espinoza
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Anna M Dowbaj
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Timo N Kohler
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Bernhard Strauss
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Olga Sarlidou
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - German Belenguer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Clare Pacini
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Nuno P Martins
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Ross Dobie
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John R Wilson-Kanamori
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Richard Butler
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Nicole Prior
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Palle Serup
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Florian Jug
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Meritxell Huch
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany.
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13
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Dimri M, Satyanarayana A. Molecular Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020491. [PMID: 32093152 PMCID: PMC7072513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex biological process and is often diagnosed at advanced stages with no effective treatment options. With advances in tumor biology and molecular genetic profiling, several different signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms have been identified as responsible for initiating and promoting HCC. Targeting these critical pathways, which include the receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, the Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/Raf/MAPK), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation and the hedgehog signaling pathway has led to the identification of novel therapeutics for HCC treatment. In this review, we elaborated on our current understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the development and initiation of HCC and anticipate the potential targets for therapeutic drug development.
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14
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He J, Chen J, Wei X, Leng H, Mu H, Cai P, Luo L. Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Signaling Is Required for the Dedifferentiation From Biliary Cell to Bipotential Progenitor Cell in Zebrafish Liver Regeneration. Hepatology 2019; 70:2092-2106. [PMID: 31136010 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver has a high regenerative capacity. Upon two-thirds partial hepatectomy, the hepatocytes proliferate and contribute to liver regeneration. After severe liver injury, when the proliferation of residual hepatocytes is blocked, the biliary epithelial cells (BECs) lose their morphology and express hepatoblast and endoderm markers, dedifferentiate into bipotential progenitor cells (BP-PCs), then proliferate and redifferentiate into mature hepatocytes. Little is known about the mechanisms involved in the formation of BP-PCs after extreme liver injury. Using a zebrafish liver extreme injury model, we found that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling regulated dedifferentiation of BECs and proliferation of BP-PCs. mTORC1 signaling was up-regulated in BECs during extreme hepatocyte ablation and continuously expressed in later liver regeneration. Inhibition of mTORC1 by early chemical treatment before hepatocyte ablation blocked the dedifferentiation from BECs into BP-PCs. Late mTORC1 inhibition after liver injury reduced the proliferation of BP-PC-derived hepatocytes and BECs but did not affect BP-PC redifferentiation. mTOR and raptor mutants exhibited defects in BEC transdifferentiation including dedifferentiation, BP-PC proliferation, and redifferentiation, similar to the chemical inhibition. Conclusion: mTORC1 signaling governs BEC-driven liver regeneration by regulating the dedifferentiation of BECs and the proliferation of BP-PC-derived hepatocytes and BECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo He
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Leng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongliang Mu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengcheng Cai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Xu L, Lin W, Wen L, Li G. Lgr5 in cancer biology: functional identification of Lgr5 in cancer progression and potential opportunities for novel therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:219. [PMID: 31358061 PMCID: PMC6664754 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading lethal diseases worldwide. Identifying biomarkers of cancers might provide insights into the strategies for the development of novel targeted anti-cancer therapies. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) has been recently discovered as a candidate marker of cancer stem cell populations. Aberrant increased expression of Lgr5 may represent one of the most common molecular alterations in some human cancers, leading to long-term potentiation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. On the other hand, however, Lgr5-mediated suppression in canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling has also been reported in certain cancers, such as B cell malignancies. Until now, therapeutic approaches targeting Lgr5-associated signaling axis are not yet clinically available. Increasing evidence have indicated that endogenous Lgr5+ cell population is implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. This review is to summarize our current knowledge about the importance of Lgr5 in cancer biology and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Lgr5-mediated tumor-promoting/suppressive activities, as well as potentially useful preventive strategies in treating tumor. Therefore, targeted therapeutic modulation of Lgr5+ cancer cell population by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling through targeted drug delivery system or targeted genome editing might be promising for potential novel anti-cancer treatments. Simultaneously, combination of therapeutics targeting both Lgr5+ and Lgr5- cancer cells may deserve further consideration considering the plasticity of cancer cells. Also, a more specific targeting of cancer cells using double biomarkers may be much safer and more effective for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiping Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
| | - Longping Wen
- Nanobio Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
- The CUHK-ACC Space Medicine Centre on Health Maintenance of Musculoskeletal System, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Crema A, Ledda M, Fioretti D, Lolli MG, Sanchez M, Carico E, Marchese R, Rinaldi M, Lisi A. Combination of cord blood-derived human hepatic progenitors and hepatogenic factors strongly improves recovery after acute liver injury in mice through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:1031-1043. [PMID: 30942524 DOI: 10.1002/term.2854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy represents a promising alternative strategy for end-stage liver disease, and hepatic progenitors are the best candidates. The possibility to maximize the paracrine effects of transplanted cells represents a great potential benefit for cell therapy success. We studied how cell type and microenvironment modulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the onset of hepatocyte commitment was characterized by the presence of nuclear truncated β-catenin. In vivo, we analyzed the effect of human hepatic progenitors on damage recovery and functional regeneration in a mouse model of acute liver injury, either in combination or in absence of a selected mix of hepatogenic factors. Animals injected with human hepatic progenitors and hepatogenic factors showed improved engraftment triggering the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Human hepatic progenitors expressing the human oval cell marker OV6 displayed a consistent colocalization with β-catenin and colocalized with Wnt1 main ligand of the canonical pathway. Wnt5a, on the contrary, was expressed in distinct liver cell populations. Epithelial mesenchymal transition-related markers showed enhanced expression and wider distribution, and the hepato-mesenchymal population Thy1 + CK19- was also present. Control animals injected with hepatogenic factors alone exhibited higher β-catenin, decreased Wnt5a levels, and persistent proliferation of the hepato-mesenchymal population. In conclusion, the combination of human hepatic progenitors with selected hepatogenic factors creates a positive synergy with local microenvironment, ameliorates cell engraftment, stimulates and accelerates regenerative process, and improves the rescue of hepatic function by modulating the Wnt/βcatenin signaling and activating hepato-mesenchymal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Crema
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Ledda
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Fioretti
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Lolli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Sanchez
- Core Facilities, Cytometry Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Carico
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Rinaldi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Lisi
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
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17
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Unzu C, Planet E, Brandenberg N, Fusil F, Cassano M, Perez‐Vargas J, Friedli M, Cosset F, Lutolf MP, Wildhaber BE, Trono D. Pharmacological Induction of a Progenitor State for the Efficient Expansion of Primary Human Hepatocytes. Hepatology 2019; 69:2214-2231. [PMID: 30549291 PMCID: PMC6519263 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The liver is an organ with strong regenerative capacity, yet primary hepatocytes have a low amplification potential in vitro, a major limitation for the cell-based therapy of liver disorders and for ex vivo biological screens. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may help to circumvent this obstacle but often harbor genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, limiting their potential. Here, we describe the pharmacological induction of proliferative human hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) through a cocktail of growth factors and small molecules mimicking the signaling events involved in liver regeneration. Human HPCs from healthy donors and pediatric patients proliferated vigorously while maintaining their genomic stability and could be redifferentiated in vitro into metabolically competent cells that supported the replication of hepatitis B and delta viruses. Redifferentiation efficiency was boosted by three-dimensional culture. Finally, transcriptome analysis showed that HPCs were more closely related to mature hepatocytes than iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells were. Conclusion: HPC induction holds promise for a variety of applications such as ex vivo disease modeling, personalized drug testing or metabolic studies, and development of a bioartificial liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Unzu
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland,Pediatric Surgery Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland,Grousbeck Gene Therapy CenterSchepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryBostonMAUSA,Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of OphthalmologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Evarist Planet
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Nathalie Brandenberg
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Floriane Fusil
- CIRI–International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Marco Cassano
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jimena Perez‐Vargas
- CIRI–International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Marc Friedli
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - François‐Loïc Cosset
- CIRI–International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Matthias P. Lutolf
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Barbara E. Wildhaber
- Pediatric Surgery Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Didier Trono
- School of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
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18
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Jiang A, Okabe H, Popovic B, Preziosi ME, Pradhan-Sundd T, Poddar M, Singh S, Bell A, England SG, Nagarajan S, Monga SP. Loss of Wnt Secretion by Macrophages Promotes Hepatobiliary Injury after Administration of 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-Dihydrocollidine Diet. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:590-603. [PMID: 30610845 PMCID: PMC6436111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of mice to a diet containing 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) induces porphyrin accumulation, cholestasis, immune response, and hepatobiliary damage mimicking hepatic porphyria and sclerosing cholangitis. Although β-catenin signaling promotes hepatocyte proliferation, and macrophages are a source of Wnts, the role of macrophage-derived Wnts in modulating hepatobiliary injury/repair remains unresolved. We investigated the effect of macrophage-specific deletion of Wntless, a cargo protein critical for cellular Wnt secretion, by feeding macrophage-Wntless-knockout (Mac-KO) and wild-type littermates a DDC diet for 14 days. DDC exposure induced Wnt11 up-regulation in macrophages. Mac-KO mice on DDC showed increased serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, direct bilirubin, and histologic evidence of more cell death, inflammation, and ductular reaction. There was impaired hepatocyte proliferation evidenced by Ki-67 immunostaining, which was associated with decreased hepatocyte β-catenin activation and cyclin-D1 in Mac-KO. Mac-KO also showed increased CD45, F4/80, and neutrophil infiltration after DDC diet, along with increased expression of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Gene expression analyses of bone marrow-derived macrophages from Mac-KO mice and F4/80+ macrophages isolated from DDC-fed Mac-KO livers showed proinflammatory M1 polarization. In conclusion, this study shows that a lack of macrophage Wnt secretion leads to more DDC-induced hepatic injury due to impaired hepatocyte proliferation and increased M1 macrophages, which promotes immune-mediated cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Jiang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnostics and Biotherapy, Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo-Ku Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Branimir Popovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Morgan E Preziosi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aaron Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven G England
- Division of Future Therapeutics and Technologies, Abbvie, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shanmugam Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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19
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Abstract
The canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a complex, evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism that regulates fundamental physiological and pathological processes. Wnt-β-catenin signalling tightly controls embryogenesis, including hepatobiliary development, maturation and zonation. In the mature healthy liver, the Wnt-β-catenin pathway is mostly inactive but can become re-activated during cell renewal and/or regenerative processes, as well as in certain pathological conditions, diseases, pre-malignant conditions and cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults, Wnt-β-catenin signalling is frequently hyperactivated and promotes tumour growth and dissemination. A substantial proportion of liver tumours (mainly HCC and, to a lesser extent, CCA) have mutations in genes encoding key components of the Wnt-β-catenin signalling pathway. Likewise, hepatoblastoma, the most common paediatric liver cancer, is characterized by Wnt-β-catenin activation, mostly as a result of β-catenin mutations. In this Review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of Wnt-β-catenin signalling in liver development and pathophysiology. Moreover, we highlight important preclinical and clinical studies and future directions in basic and clinical research.
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20
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Saggi H, Maitra D, Jiang A, Zhang R, Wang P, Cornuet P, Singh S, Locker J, Ma X, Dailey H, Abrams M, Omary MB, Monga SP, Nejak-Bowen K. Loss of hepatocyte β-catenin protects mice from experimental porphyria-associated liver injury. J Hepatol 2019; 70:108-117. [PMID: 30287339 PMCID: PMC6459193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Porphyrias result from anomalies of heme biosynthetic enzymes and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. In mice, these diseases can be modeled by administration of a diet containing 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), which causes accumulation of porphyrin intermediates, resulting in hepatobiliary injury. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to be a modulatable target in models of biliary injury; thus, we investigated its role in DDC-driven injury. METHODS β-Catenin (Ctnnb1) knockout (KO) mice, Wnt co-receptor KO mice, and littermate controls were fed a DDC diet for 2 weeks. β-Catenin was exogenously inhibited in hepatocytes by administering β-catenin dicer-substrate RNA (DsiRNA), conjugated to a lipid nanoparticle, to mice after DDC diet and then weekly for 4 weeks. In all experiments, serum and livers were collected; livers were analyzed by histology, western blotting, and real-time PCR. Porphyrin was measured by fluorescence, quantification of polarized light images, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS DDC-fed mice lacking β-catenin or Wnt signaling had decreased liver injury compared to controls. Exogenous mice that underwent β-catenin suppression by DsiRNA during DDC feeding also showed less injury compared to control mice receiving lipid nanoparticles. Control livers contained extensive porphyrin deposits which were largely absent in mice lacking β-catenin signaling. Notably, we identified a network of key heme biosynthesis enzymes that are suppressed in the absence of β-catenin, preventing accumulation of toxic protoporphyrins. Additionally, mice lacking β-catenin exhibited fewer protein aggregates, improved proteasomal activity, and reduced induction of autophagy, all contributing to protection from injury. CONCLUSIONS β-Catenin inhibition, through its pleiotropic effects on metabolism, cell stress, and autophagy, represents a novel therapeutic approach for patients with porphyria. LAY SUMMARY Porphyrias are disorders resulting from abnormalities in the steps that lead to heme production, which cause build-up of toxic by-products called porphyrins. Liver is commonly either a source or a target of excess porphyrins, and complications can range from minor abnormalities to liver failure. In this report, we inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in an experimental model of porphyria, which resulted in decreased liver injury. Targeting β-catenin affected multiple components of the heme biosynthesis pathway, thus preventing build-up of porphyrin intermediates. Our study suggests that drugs inhibiting β-catenin activity could reduce the amount of porphyrin accumulation and help alleviate symptoms in patients with porphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvinder Saggi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dhiman Maitra
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - An Jiang
- 2nd Affilitated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Chin
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pamela Cornuet
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joseph Locker
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xiaochao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Harry Dailey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Marc Abrams
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - M. Bishr Omary
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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21
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Sato K, Marzioni M, Meng F, Francis H, Glaser S, Alpini G. Ductular Reaction in Liver Diseases: Pathological Mechanisms and Translational Significances. Hepatology 2019; 69:420-430. [PMID: 30070383 PMCID: PMC6324973 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ductular reaction (DR) is characterized by the proliferation of reactive bile ducts induced by liver injuries. DR is pathologically recognized as bile duct hyperplasia and is commonly observed in biliary disorders. It can also be identified in various liver disorders including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. DR is associated with liver fibrosis and damage, and the extent of DR parallels to patient mortality. DR raises scientific interests because it is associated with transdifferentiation of liver cells and may play an important role in hepatic regeneration. The origin of active cells during DR can be cholangiocytes, hepatocytes, or hepatic progenitor cells, and associated signaling pathways could differ depending on the specific liver injury or animal models used in the study. Although further studies are needed to elucidate detailed mechanisms and the functional roles in liver diseases, DR can be a therapeutic target to inhibit liver fibrosis and to promote liver regeneration. This review summarizes previous studies of DR identified in patients and animal models as well as currently understood mechanisms of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedali Riuniti - University Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX 76504
- Academic Research Integration, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Heather Francis
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX 76504
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504
- Baylor Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX 76504
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22
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Gu Y, Wei W, Cheng Y, Wan B, Ding X, Wang H, Zhang Y, Jin M. A pivotal role of BEX1 in liver progenitor cell expansion in mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:164. [PMID: 29907129 PMCID: PMC6002993 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The activation and expansion of bipotent liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are indispensable for liver regeneration after severe or chronic liver injury. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating LPCs and LPC-mediated liver regeneration remain elusive. Methods Hepatic brain-expressed X-linked 1 (BEX1) expression was evaluated using microarray screening, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. LPC activation and liver injury were studied following a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet in wild-type (WT) and Bex1−/− mice. Proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation and hepatic differentiation were examined in LPCs from WT and Bex1−/− mice. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma was detected in Bex1-deficient LPCs and mouse livers, and was silenced to analyse the expansion of LPCs from WT and Bex1−/− mice. Results Hepatic BEX1 expression was increased during CDE diet-induced liver injury and was highly elevated primarily in LPCs. Bex1−/− mice fed a CDE diet displayed impaired LPC expansion and liver regeneration. Bex1 deficiency inhibited LPC proliferation and enhanced LPC apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, Bex1 deficiency inhibited the colony formation of LPCs but had no effect on their hepatic differentiation. Mechanistically, BEX1 inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma to promote LPC expansion. Conclusion Our findings indicate that BEX1 plays a pivotal role in LPC activation and expansion during liver regeneration, potentially providing novel targets for liver regeneration and chronic liver disease therapies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0905-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Gu
- Pediatric Institute of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiting Wei
- Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yiji Cheng
- Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Bing Wan
- Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xinyuan Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, the Affiliated Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yanyun Zhang
- Pediatric Institute of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Min Jin
- Pediatric Institute of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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23
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So J, Khaliq M, Evason K, Ninov N, Martin BL, Stainier DY, Shin D. Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls intrahepatic biliary network formation in zebrafish by regulating notch activity. Hepatology 2018; 67:2352-2366. [PMID: 29266316 PMCID: PMC5991997 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Malformations of the intrahepatic biliary structure cause cholestasis, a liver pathology that corresponds to poor bile flow, which leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Although the specification of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) that line the bile ducts is fairly well understood, the molecular mechanisms underlying intrahepatic biliary morphogenesis remain largely unknown. Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays multiple roles in liver biology; however, its role in intrahepatic biliary morphogenesis remains unclear. Using pharmacological and genetic tools that allow one to manipulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we show that in zebrafish both suppression and overactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling impaired intrahepatic biliary morphogenesis. Hepatocytes, but not BECs, exhibited Wnt/β-catenin activity; and the global suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling reduced Notch activity in BECs. Hepatocyte-specific suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling also reduced Notch activity in BECs, indicating a cell nonautonomous role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulating hepatic Notch activity. Reducing Notch activity to the same level as that observed in Wnt-suppressed livers also impaired biliary morphogenesis. Intriguingly, expression of the Notch ligand genes jag1b and jag2b in hepatocytes was reduced in Wnt-suppressed livers and enhanced in Wnt-overactivated livers, revealing their regulation by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Importantly, restoring Notch activity rescued the biliary defects observed in Wnt-suppressed livers. CONCLUSION Wnt/β-catenin signaling cell nonautonomously controls Notch activity in BECs by regulating the expression of Notch ligand genes in hepatocytes, thereby regulating biliary morphogenesis. (Hepatology 2018;67:2352-2366).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Mehwish Khaliq
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Kimberley Evason
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Diabetes Center, and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nikolay Ninov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Diabetes Center, and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Benjamin L. Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Didier Y.R. Stainier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Diabetes Center, and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA,Correspondence: Donghun Shin, 3501 5 Ave. #5063 Pittsburgh, PA 15260, 1-412-624-2144 (phone), 1-412-383-2211 (fax),
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24
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Hernandez C, Huebener P, Pradere JP, Antoine DJ, Friedman RA, Schwabe RF. HMGB1 links chronic liver injury to progenitor responses and hepatocarcinogenesis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:2436-2451. [PMID: 29558367 DOI: 10.1172/jci91786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death is a key driver of disease progression and carcinogenesis in chronic liver disease (CLD), highlighted by the well-established clinical correlation between hepatocellular death and risk for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, hepatocellular death is sufficient to trigger fibrosis and HCC in mice. However, the pathways through which cell death drives CLD progression remain elusive. Here, we tested the hypothesis that high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) with key roles in acute liver injury, may link cell death to injury responses and hepatocarcinogenesis in CLD. While liver-specific HMGB1 deficiency did not significantly affect chronic injury responses such as fibrosis, regeneration, and inflammation, it inhibited ductular/progenitor cell expansion and hepatocyte metaplasia. HMGB1 promoted ductular expansion independently of active secretion in a nonautonomous fashion, consistent with its role as a DAMP. Liver-specific HMGB1 deficiency reduced HCC development in 3 mouse models of chronic injury but not in a model lacking chronic liver injury. As with CLD, HMGB1 ablation reduced the expression of progenitor and oncofetal markers, a key determinant of HCC aggressiveness, in tumors. In summary, HMGB1 links hepatocyte death to ductular reaction, progenitor signature, and hepatocarcinogenesis in CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter Huebener
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Pradere
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France
| | - Daniel J Antoine
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Friedman
- Biomedical Informatics Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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25
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Okada H, Yamada M, Kamimoto K, Kok CYY, Kaneko K, Ema M, Miyajima A, Itoh T. The transcription factor Klf5 is essential for intrahepatic biliary epithelial tissue remodeling after cholestatic liver injury. J Biol Chem 2018. [PMID: 29523685 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Under various conditions of liver injury, the intrahepatic biliary epithelium undergoes dynamic tissue expansion and remodeling, a process known as ductular reaction. Mouse models defective in inducing such a tissue-remodeling process are more susceptible to liver injury, suggesting a crucial role of this process in liver regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the biliary epithelial cell (BEC) dynamics in the ductular reaction remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (Klf5) is highly enriched in mouse liver BECs and plays a key role in regulating the ductular reaction, specifically under cholestatic injury conditions. Although mice lacking Klf5 in the entire liver epithelium, including both hepatocytes and BECs (Klf5-LKO (liver epithelial-specific knockout) mice), did not exhibit any apparent phenotype in the hepatobiliary system under normal conditions, they exhibited significant defects in biliary epithelial tissue remodeling upon 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine-induced cholangitis, concomitantly with exacerbated cholestasis and reduced survival rate. In contrast, mice lacking Klf5 solely in hepatocytes did not exhibit any such phenotypes, confirming Klf5's specific role in BECs. RNA-sequencing analyses of BECs isolated from the Klf5-LKO mouse livers revealed that the Klf5 deficiency primarily affected expression of cell cycle-related genes. Moreover, immunostaining analysis with the proliferation marker Ki67 disclosed that the Klf5-LKO mice had significantly reduced BEC proliferation levels upon injury. These results indicate that Klf5 plays a critical role in the ductular reaction and biliary epithelial tissue expansion and remodeling by inducing BEC proliferation and thereby contributing to liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Okada
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
| | - Minami Yamada
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
| | - Kenji Kamimoto
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
| | - Cindy Yuet-Yin Kok
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
| | - Kota Kaneko
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- the Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
| | - Tohru Itoh
- From the Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 and
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26
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Thompson MD, Moghe A, Cornuet P, Marino R, Tian J, Wang P, Ma X, Abrams M, Locker J, Monga SPS, Nejak-Bowen K. β-Catenin regulation of farnesoid X receptor signaling and bile acid metabolism during murine cholestasis. Hepatology 2018; 67:955-971. [PMID: 28714273 PMCID: PMC5771988 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cholestatic liver diseases result from impaired bile flow and are characterized by inflammation, atypical ductular proliferation, and fibrosis. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a role in bile duct development, yet its role in cholestatic injury remains indeterminate. Liver-specific β-catenin knockout mice and wild-type littermates were subjected to cholestatic injury through bile duct ligation or short-term exposure to 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine diet. Intriguingly, knockout mice exhibit a dramatic protection from liver injury, fibrosis, and atypical ductular proliferation, which coincides with significantly decreased total hepatic bile acids (BAs). This led to the discovery of a role for β-catenin in regulating BA synthesis and transport through regulation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation. We show that β-catenin functions as both an inhibitor of nuclear translocation and a nuclear corepressor through formation of a physical complex with FXR. Loss of β-catenin expedited FXR nuclear localization and FXR/retinoic X receptor alpha association, culminating in small heterodimer protein promoter occupancy and activation in response to BA or FXR agonist. Conversely, accumulation of β-catenin sequesters FXR, thus inhibiting its activation. Finally, exogenous suppression of β-catenin expression during cholestatic injury reduces β-catenin/FXR complex activation of FXR to decrease total BA and alleviate hepatic injury. CONCLUSION We have identified an FXR/β-catenin interaction whose modulation through β-catenin suppression promotes FXR activation and decreases hepatic BAs, which may provide unique therapeutic opportunities in cholestatic liver diseases. (Hepatology 2018;67:955-971).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Akshata Moghe
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Pamela Cornuet
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rebecca Marino
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jianmin Tian
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Xiaochao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Joseph Locker
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Satdarshan P. S. Monga
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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27
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Russell JO, Monga SP. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Development, Homeostasis, and Pathobiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2017; 13:351-378. [PMID: 29125798 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-020117-044010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is an organ that performs a multitude of functions, and its health is pertinent and indispensable to survival. Thus, the cellular and molecular machinery driving hepatic functions is of utmost relevance. The Wnt signaling pathway is one such signaling cascade that enables hepatic homeostasis and contributes to unique hepatic attributes such as metabolic zonation and regeneration. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a role in almost every facet of liver biology. Furthermore, its aberrant activation is also a hallmark of various hepatic pathologies. In addition to its signaling function, β-catenin also plays a role at adherens junctions. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also influences the function of many different cell types. Due to this myriad of functions, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is complex, context-dependent, and highly regulated. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, its role in cell-cell adhesion and liver function, and the cell type-specific roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as it relates to liver physiology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn O Russell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
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28
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Choi TY, Khaliq M, Tsurusaki S, Ninov N, Stainier DY, Tanaka M, Shin D. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling governs biliary-driven liver regeneration in zebrafish through tbx2b and id2a. Hepatology 2017; 66:1616-1630. [PMID: 28599080 PMCID: PMC5650528 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Upon mild liver injury, new hepatocytes originate from preexisting hepatocytes. However, if hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, a manifestation of severe liver injury, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) contribute to new hepatocytes through BEC dedifferentiation into liver progenitor cells (LPCs), also termed oval cells or hepatoblast-like cells (HB-LCs), and subsequent differentiation into hepatocytes. Despite the identification of several factors regulating BEC dedifferentiation and activation, little is known about factors involved in the regulation of LPC differentiation into hepatocytes during liver regeneration. Using a zebrafish model of near-complete hepatocyte ablation, we show that bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling is required for BEC conversion to hepatocytes, particularly for LPC differentiation into hepatocytes. We found that severe liver injury led to the up-regulation of genes involved in Bmp signaling, including smad5, tbx2b, and id2a, in the liver. Bmp suppression did not block BEC dedifferentiation into HB-LCs; however, the differentiation of HB-LCs into hepatocytes was impaired due to the maintenance of HB-LCs in an undifferentiated state. Later Bmp suppression did not affect HB-LC differentiation but increased BEC number through proliferation. Notably, smad5, tbx2b, and id2a mutants exhibited similar liver regeneration defects as those observed in Bmp-suppressed livers. Moreover, BMP2 addition promoted the differentiation of a murine LPC line into hepatocytes in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Bmp signaling regulates BEC-driven liver regeneration through smad5, tbx2b, and id2a: it regulates HB-LC differentiation into hepatocytes through tbx2b and BEC proliferation through id2a; our findings provide insights into promoting innate liver regeneration as a novel therapy. (Hepatology 2017;66:1616-1630).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Choi
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Mehwish Khaliq
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Shinya Tsurusaki
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nikolay Ninov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Diabetes Center, and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Didier Y.R. Stainier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Programs in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Genetics and Human Genetics, Diabetes Center, and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA,Correspondence: Donghun Shin, 3501 5 Ave. #5063 Pittsburgh, PA 15260, 1-412-624-2144 (phone), 1-412-383-2211 (fax),
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Xu G, Ye J, Liu XJ, Zhang NP, Zhao YM, Fan J, Liu XP, Wu J. Activation of pluripotent genes in hepatic progenitor cells in the transition of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to pre-malignant lesions. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1201-1217. [PMID: 28869588 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is considered as a precancerous condition. However, hepatic carcinogenesis from NASH is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the activation of pluripotent genes (c-Myc, Oct-4, KLF-4, and Nanog) and morphogenic gene (Gli-1) in hepatic progenitor cells from patient specimens and in an animal model to determine the possibility of normal stem/progenitor cells becoming the origin of NASH-HCC. In this study, expression of pluripotent and morphogenic genes in human NASH-HCC tissues was significantly upregulated compared to adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. After feeding high-fat/calorie diet plus high fructose/glucose in drinking water (HFC diet plus HF/G) for up to 12 months, mice developed obesity, insulin resistance, and steatohepatitis with significant necroptotic inflammation and fibrotic progression, as well as occurrence of hyperplastic nodules with dysplasia; and this model represents pathohistologically as a transition from NASH to NASH-HCC in a pre-carcinomatous stage. High expression of pluripotent and morphogenic genes was immunohistochemically visualized in the dysplasia areas of mouse liver, where there were many OV-6-positive cells, indicating proliferation of HOCs in NASH with fibrotic progression. Moreover, oncogenic transcription factors (c-Myc, KLF-4, and Nanog) were co-localized in these hepatic progenitor cells. In conclusion, pluripotent and morphogenic genes may contribute to the reprogramming of hepatic progenitor cells in driving these cells to be the origin of NASH-HCC in a steatotic and inflamed microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Jing Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Ping Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhao
- Institute of Liver Cancer, Fudan University-Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Institute of Liver Cancer, Fudan University-Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Matsumoto T, Takai A, Eso Y, Kinoshita K, Manabe T, Seno H, Chiba T, Marusawa H. Proliferating EpCAM-Positive Ductal Cells in the Inflamed Liver Give Rise to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2017; 77:6131-6143. [PMID: 28951464 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from regenerating liver cells with genetic alterations in chronically inflamed liver. Ductal cells and hepatocytes proliferate for liver regeneration, and proliferating ductal cells (PDC) derived from bile ductules have long been considered putative liver stem/progenitor cells and candidate cellular origins of HCC. The potential of PDC as tumor-originating cells, however, remains controversial in contrast to accumulating evidence that HCC originates from hepatocytes. Here, we demonstrate that PDCs expressing the established surface and cancer stem cell marker EpCAM give rise to HCC in inflamed liver. EpCAM-expressing PDCs were specifically labeled in newly developed EpcamCreERT2 mice and traced in a chemically induced liver injury model. Stepwise accumulation of genetic alterations in EpCAM-positive cells was induced by the mutagenesis activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase using conditional transgenic mice. Lineage-tracing experiments revealed that labeled PDC differentiated into cholangiocytes, but not into hepatocytes, in the chemically damaged liver. Nevertheless, EpCAM-positive PDC with genetic alterations gave rise to HCC after 8 months of chemical administration. PDC-derived HCC showed histologic characteristics of concomitant ductule-like structures resembling human cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CLC) and exhibited serial transitions from PDC-like CLC cells to hepatocyte-like HCC cells. The Wnt signaling pathway was specifically upregulated in the CLC components of PDC-derived HCC. Our findings provide direct experimental evidence that EpCAM-expressing PDC could be a cellular origin of HCC, suggesting the existence of stem/progenitor-derived hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 77(22); 6131-43. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Eso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kinoshita
- Evolutionary Medicine, Shiga Medical Center Research Institute, Shiga, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Manabe
- Division of Pathology, Shiga Medical Center Research Institute, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Chiba
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Kansai Electric Power Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Marusawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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31
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Chen J, Chen L, Zern MA, Theise ND, Diehl AM, Liu P, Duan Y. The diversity and plasticity of adult hepatic progenitor cells and their niche. Liver Int 2017; 37:1260-1271. [PMID: 28135758 PMCID: PMC5534384 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a unique organ for homoeostasis with regenerative capacities. Hepatocytes possess a remarkable capacity to proliferate upon injury; however, in more severe scenarios liver regeneration is believed to arise from at least one, if not several facultative hepatic progenitor cell compartments. Newly identified pericentral stem/progenitor cells residing around the central vein is responsible for maintaining hepatocyte homoeostasis in the uninjured liver. In addition, hepatic progenitor cells have been reported to contribute to liver fibrosis and cancers. What drives liver homoeostasis, regeneration and diseases is determined by the physiological and pathological conditions, and especially the hepatic progenitor cell niches which influence the fate of hepatic progenitor cells. The hepatic progenitor cell niches are special microenvironments consisting of different cell types, releasing growth factors and cytokines and receiving signals, as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. The hepatic progenitor cell niches maintain and regulate stem cells to ensure organ homoeostasis and regeneration. In recent studies, more evidence has been shown that hepatic cells such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or myofibroblasts can be induced to be oval cell-like state through transitions under some circumstance, those transitional cell types as potential liver-resident progenitor cells play important roles in liver pathophysiology. In this review, we describe and update recent advances in the diversity and plasticity of hepatic progenitor cell and their niches and discuss evidence supporting their roles in liver homoeostasis, regeneration, fibrosis and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai key laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China,E-institutes of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Long Chen
- Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai key laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mark A Zern
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Neil D. Theise
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
| | - Ann Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai key laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China,E-institutes of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
| | - Yuyou Duan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
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32
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Fabris L, Spirli C, Cadamuro M, Fiorotto R, Strazzabosco M. Emerging concepts in biliary repair and fibrosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2017; 313:G102-G116. [PMID: 28526690 PMCID: PMC5582882 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00452.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic diseases of the biliary tree (cholangiopathies) represent one of the major unmet needs in clinical hepatology and a significant knowledge gap in liver pathophysiology. The common theme in cholangiopathies is that the target of the disease is the biliary tree. After damage to the biliary epithelium, inflammatory changes stimulate a reparative response with proliferation of cholangiocytes and restoration of the biliary architecture, owing to the reactivation of a variety of morphogenetic signals. Chronic damage and inflammation will ultimately result in pathological repair with generation of biliary fibrosis and clinical progression of the disease. The hallmark of pathological biliary repair is the appearance of reactive ductular cells, a population of cholangiocyte-like epithelial cells of unclear and likely mixed origin that are able to orchestrate a complex process that involves a number of different cell types, under joint control of inflammatory and morphogenetic signals. Several questions remain open concerning the histogenesis of reactive ductular cells, their role in liver repair, their mechanism of activation, and the signals exchanged with the other cellular elements cooperating in the reparative process. This review contributes to the current debate by highlighting a number of new concepts derived from the study of the pathophysiology of chronic cholangiopathies, such as congenital hepatic fibrosis, biliary atresia, and Alagille syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy; .,Liver Center, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Carlo Spirli
- 2Liver Center, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; ,3International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- 3International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy; and ,4Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Romina Fiorotto
- 2Liver Center, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; ,3International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- 2Liver Center, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; ,3International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy; and ,4Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
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33
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Dadhania VP, Bhushan B, Apte U, Mehendale HM. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Drives Thioacetamide-Mediated Heteroprotection Against Acetaminophen-Induced Lethal Liver Injury. Dose Response 2017; 15:1559325817690287. [PMID: 28210203 PMCID: PMC5302098 DOI: 10.1177/1559325817690287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Preplacement of compensatory tissue repair (CTR) by exposure to a nonlethal dose of a toxicant protects animals against a lethal dose of another toxicant. Although CTR is known to heteroprotect, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely known. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of heteroprotection using thioacetamide (TA): acetaminophen (APAP) heteroprotection model. Male Swiss Webster mice received a low dose of TA or distilled water (DW) vehicle 24 hours prior to a lethal dose of APAP. Liver injury, tissue repair, and promitogenic signaling were studied over a time course of 24 hours after APAP overdose to the TA- and DW-primed mice (TA + APAP and DW + APAP, respectively). Thioacetamide pretreatment afforded 100% protection against APAP overdose compared to 100% lethality in the DW + APAP-treated mice. Although hepatic Cyp2e1 was similar at the time of APAP administration, immediate activation of hepatic c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) was observed in the TA + APAP-treated mice compared to its delayed activation in the DW + APAP group. In contrast to the DW + APAP group, the TA + APAP-treated mice exhibited extensive CTR, which was secondary to the timely activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our data indicate that rapid activation and appropriate termination of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and modulation of JNK activity underlie TA + APAP heteroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivekkumar P Dadhania
- Department of Toxicology, College of Health & Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), Monroe, LA, USA
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Harihara M Mehendale
- Department of Toxicology, College of Health & Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), Monroe, LA, USA
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34
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Okabe H, Yang J, Sylakowski K, Yovchev M, Miyagawa Y, Nagarajan S, Chikina M, Thompson M, Oertel M, Baba H, Monga SP, Nejak-Bowen KN. Wnt signaling regulates hepatobiliary repair following cholestatic liver injury in mice. Hepatology 2016; 64:1652-1666. [PMID: 27533619 PMCID: PMC5074849 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatic repair is directed chiefly by the proliferation of resident mature epithelial cells. Furthermore, if predominant injury is to cholangiocytes, the hepatocytes can transdifferentiate to cholangiocytes to assist in the repair and vice versa, as shown by various fate-tracing studies. However, the molecular bases of reprogramming remain elusive. Using two models of biliary injury where repair occurs through cholangiocyte proliferation and hepatocyte transdifferentiation to cholangiocytes, we identify an important role of Wnt signaling. First we identify up-regulation of specific Wnt proteins in the cholangiocytes. Next, using conditional knockouts of Wntless and Wnt coreceptors low-density lipoprotein-related protein 5/6, transgenic mice expressing stable β-catenin, and in vitro studies, we show a role of Wnt signaling through β-catenin in hepatocyte to biliary transdifferentiation. Last, we show that specific Wnts regulate cholangiocyte proliferation, but in a β-catenin-independent manner. CONCLUSION Wnt signaling regulates hepatobiliary repair after cholestatic injury in both β-catenin-dependent and -independent manners. (Hepatology 2016;64:1652-1666).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kyle Sylakowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mladen Yovchev
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yoshitaka Miyagawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Shanmugam Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Maria Chikina
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
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35
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Passman AM, Low J, London R, Tirnitz-Parker JEE, Miyajima A, Tanaka M, Strick-Marchand H, Darlington GJ, Finch-Edmondson M, Ochsner S, Zhu C, Whelan J, Callus BA, Yeoh GCT. A Transcriptomic Signature of Mouse Liver Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:5702873. [PMID: 27777588 PMCID: PMC5061959 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5702873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) can proliferate extensively, are able to differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, and contribute to liver regeneration. The presence of LPCs, however, often accompanies liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), indicating that they may be a cancer stem cell. Understanding LPC biology and establishing a sensitive, rapid, and reliable method to detect their presence in the liver will assist diagnosis and facilitate monitoring of treatment outcomes in patients with liver pathologies. A transcriptomic meta-analysis of over 400 microarrays was undertaken to compare LPC lines against datasets of muscle and embryonic stem cell lines, embryonic and developed liver (DL), and HCC. Three gene clusters distinguishing LPCs from other liver cell types were identified. Pathways overrepresented in these clusters denote the proliferative nature of LPCs and their association with HCC. Our analysis also revealed 26 novel markers, LPC markers, including Mcm2 and Ltbp3, and eight known LPC markers, including M2pk and Ncam. These markers specified the presence of LPCs in pathological liver tissue by qPCR and correlated with LPC abundance determined using immunohistochemistry. These results showcase the value of global transcript profiling to identify pathways and markers that may be used to detect LPCs in injured or diseased liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. Passman
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- The Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jasmine Low
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Roslyn London
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Janina E. E. Tirnitz-Parker
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | | | | | - Megan Finch-Edmondson
- Department of Physiology, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore 117411
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | - Scott Ochsner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cornelia Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- The Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - James Whelan
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Bernard A. Callus
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- The Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6959, Australia
| | - George C. T. Yeoh
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- The Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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Environmental Ligands of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Their Effects in Models of Adult Liver Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:4326194. [PMID: 27274734 PMCID: PMC4870370 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4326194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of environmental and dietary ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mature liver parenchymal cells is well appreciated, while considerably less attention has been paid to their impact on cell populations exhibiting phenotypic features of liver progenitor cells. Here, we discuss the results suggesting that the consequences of the AhR activation in the cellular models derived from bipotent liver progenitors could markedly differ from those in hepatocytes. In contact-inhibited liver progenitor cells, the AhR agonists induce a range of effects potentially linked with tumor promotion. They can stimulate cell cycle progression/proliferation and deregulate cell-to-cell communication, which is associated with downregulation of proteins forming gap junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes (such as connexin 43, E-cadherin, β-catenin, and plakoglobin), as well as with reduced cell adhesion and inhibition of intercellular communication. At the same time, toxic AhR ligands may affect the activity of the signaling pathways contributing to regulation of liver progenitor cell activation and/or differentiation, such as downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling, or upregulation of transcriptional targets of YAP/TAZ, the effectors of Hippo signaling pathway. These data illustrate the need to better understand the potential role of liver progenitors in the AhR-mediated liver carcinogenesis and tumor promotion.
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37
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Karin M, Clevers H. Reparative inflammation takes charge of tissue regeneration. Nature 2016; 529:307-15. [PMID: 26791721 DOI: 10.1038/nature17039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation underlies many chronic and degenerative diseases, but it also mitigates infections, clears damaged cells and initiates tissue repair. Many of the mechanisms that link inflammation to damage repair and regeneration in mammals are conserved in lower organisms, indicating that it is an evolutionarily important process. Recent insights have shed light on the cellular and molecular processes through which conventional inflammatory cytokines and Wnt factors control mammalian tissue repair and regeneration. This is particularly important for regeneration in the gastrointestinal system, especially for intestine and liver tissues in which aberrant and deregulated repair results in severe pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0636, USA
| | - Hans Clevers
- Princess Máxima Center and Hubrecht Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CR Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Köhn-Gaone J, Gogoi-Tiwari J, Ramm GA, Olynyk JK, Tirnitz-Parker JEE. The role of liver progenitor cells during liver regeneration, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 310:G143-54. [PMID: 26608186 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00215.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The growing worldwide challenge of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma due to increasing prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome has sparked interest in stem cell-like liver progenitor cells (LPCs) as potential candidates for cell therapy and tissue engineering, as an alternative approach to whole organ transplantation. However, LPCs always proliferate in chronic liver diseases with a predisposition to cancer; they have been suggested to play major roles in driving fibrosis, disease progression, and may even represent tumor-initiating cells. Hence, a greater understanding of the factors that govern their activation, communication with other hepatic cell types, and bipotential differentiation as opposed to their potential transformation is needed before their therapeutic potential can be harnessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Köhn-Gaone
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jully Gogoi-Tiwari
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth Western Australia, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John K Olynyk
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth Western Australia, Australia; Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals, Western Australia, Australia; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; and
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth Western Australia, Australia; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Western Australia, Australia
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Irvine KM, Clouston AD, Gadd VL, Miller GC, Wong WY, Melino M, Maradana MR, MacDonald K, Lang RA, Sweet MJ, Blumenthal A, Powell EE. Deletion of Wntless in myeloid cells exacerbates liver fibrosis and the ductular reaction in chronic liver injury. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2015; 8:19. [PMID: 26473015 PMCID: PMC4606475 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-015-0036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Macrophages play critical roles in liver regeneration, fibrosis development and resolution. They are among the first responders to liver injury and are implicated in orchestrating the fibrogenic response via multiple mechanisms. Macrophages are also intimately associated with the activated hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) niche or ductular reaction that develops in parallel with fibrosis. Among the many macrophage-derived mediators implicated in liver disease progression, a key role for macrophage-derived Wnt proteins in driving pro-regenerative HPC activation towards a hepatocellular fate has been suggested. Wnt proteins, in general, however, have been associated with both pro- and anti-fibrogenic activities in the liver and other organs. We investigated the role of macrophage-derived Wnt proteins in fibrogenesis and HPC activation in murine models of chronic liver disease by conditionally deleting Wntless expression, which encodes a chaperone essential for Wnt protein secretion, in LysM-Cre-expressing myeloid cells (LysM-Wls mice). Results Fibrosis and HPC activation were exacerbated in LysM-Wls mice compared to littermate controls, in the absence of an apparent increase in myofibroblast activation or interstitial collagen mRNA expression, in both the TAA and CDE models of chronic liver disease. Increased Epcam mRNA levels paralleled the increased HPC activation and more mature ductular reactions, in LysM-Wls mice. Increased Epcam expression in LysM-Wls HPC was also observed, consistent with a more cholangiocytic phenotype. No differences in the mRNA expression levels of key pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines or the macrophage-derived HPC mitogen, Tweak, were observed. LysM-Wls mice exhibited increased expression of Timp1, encoding the key Mmp inhibitor Timp1 that blocks interstitial collagen degradation, and, in the TAA model, reduced expression of the anti-fibrotic matrix metalloproteinases, Mmp12 and Mmp13, suggesting a role for macrophage-derived Wnt proteins in restraining fibrogenesis during ongoing liver injury. Conclusion In summary, these data suggest that macrophage-derived Wnt proteins possess anti-fibrogenic potential in chronic liver disease, which may be able to be manipulated for therapeutic benefit. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13069-015-0036-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Brisbane, 4102 Australia
| | - Andrew D Clouston
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Brisbane, 4102 Australia
| | - Victoria L Gadd
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Brisbane, 4102 Australia
| | - Gregory C Miller
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Brisbane, 4102 Australia
| | - Weng-Yew Wong
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Brisbane, 4102 Australia
| | - Michelle Melino
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Muralidhara Rao Maradana
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kelli MacDonald
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard A Lang
- Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Antje Blumenthal
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Brisbane, 4102 Australia
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Wen Y, Feng D, Wu H, Liu W, Li H, Wang F, Xia Q, Gao WQ, Kong X. Defective Initiation of Liver Regeneration in Osteopontin-Deficient Mice after Partial Hepatectomy due to Insufficient Activation of IL-6/Stat3 Pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:1236-47. [PMID: 26327817 PMCID: PMC4551759 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial process in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy involves the recruitment of immune cells and the release of cytokines. Osteopontin (OPN), a pro-inflammatory protein, plays critical roles in immune cell activation and migration. Although OPN has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases, the role of OPN in liver regeneration remains obscure. In the present study, we found that serum and hepatic OPN protein levels were significantly elevated in wild-type (WT) mice after partial hepatectomy (PHx) and that bile ductal epithelia were the major cell source of hepatic OPN. Compared to WT mice, OPN knockout (KO) mice exhibited delayed liver regeneration after PHx. This delay in OPN-/- mice was attributed to impaired hepatic infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, decreased serum and hepatic IL-6 levels, and blunted activation of macrophages after PHx. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the attenuated activation of macrophages is at least partially due to decreased hepatic and portal vein LPS levels in OPN-/- mice. In response to decreased IL-6 levels, the activation of signal transducer and transcription (Stat) 3 was reduced in hepatocytes of OPN-/- mice compared to WT mice after PHx. Consequently, hepatic activation of the downstream direct targets of IL6/Stat3, such as c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc, was also suppressed post-PHx in OPN-/- mice compared to WT mice. Collectively, these results support a unique role for OPN during the priming phase of liver regeneration, in which OPN enhances the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, and triggers hepatocyte proliferation through Kupffer cell-derived IL-6 release and the downstream activation of Stat3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Wen
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dechun Feng
- 2. Laboratory of liver diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hailong Wu
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjie Li
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Wang
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Hepatic Progenitor Cells Contribute to the Progression of 2-Acetylaminofluorene/Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Cirrhosis via the Non-Canonical Wnt Pathway. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130310. [PMID: 26087010 PMCID: PMC4473299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) appear to play an important role in chronic liver injury. In this study, cirrhosis was induced in F-344 rats (n = 32) via subcutaneous injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for 8 weeks. Then, 30% CCl4 was administered in conjunction with intragastric 2-acetylaminofluorine (2-AAF) for 4 weeks to induce activation of HPCs. WB-F344 cells were used to provide direct evidence for differentiation of HPCs to myofibroblasts. The results showed that after administration of 2-AAF, the hydroxyproline content and the expressions of α-SMA, Col I, Col IV, TGF-β1, CD68, TNF-α, CK19 and OV6 were significantly increased. OV6 and α-SMA were largely co-expressed in fibrous septum and the expressions of Wnt5b, frizzled2, frizzled3 and frizzled6 were markedly increased, while β-catenin expression was not statistically different among the different groups. Consistent with the above results, WB-F344 cells, treated with TGF-β1 in vitro, differentiated into myofibroblasts and α-SMA, Col I, Col IV, Wnt5b and frizzled2 expressions were significantly increased, while β-catenin expression was decreased. After blocking the non-canonical Wnt pathway via WIF-1, the Wnt5b level was down regulated, and α-SMA and F-actin expressions were significantly decreased in the WIF-1-treated cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that HPCs appear to differentiate into myofibroblasts and exhibit a profibrotic effect in progressive cirrhosis via activation of the non-canonical Wnt pathway. Blocking the non-canonical Wnt pathway can inhibit the differentiation of HPCs into myofibroblasts, suggesting that blocking this pathway and changing the fate of differentiated HPCs may be a potential treatment for cirrhosis.
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42
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Gehart H, Clevers H. Repairing organs: lessons from intestine and liver. Trends Genet 2015; 31:344-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Xu CQ, de la Monte SM, Tong M, Huang CK, Kim M. Chronic Ethanol-Induced Impairment of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling is Attenuated by PPAR-δ Agonist. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:969-79. [PMID: 25903395 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates liver growth, repair, and regeneration. Chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure blunts normal liver regenerative responses, in part by inhibiting insulin/IGF signaling, and correspondingly, previous studies showed that EtOH-impaired liver regeneration could be restored by insulin sensitizer (proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR]-δ agonist) treatment. As Wnt/β-catenin functions overlap and cross talk with insulin/IGF pathways, we investigated the effects of EtOH exposure and PPAR-δ agonist treatment on Wnt pathway gene expression in relation to liver regeneration. METHODS Adult male Long Evans rats were fed with isocaloric liquid diets containing 0 or 37% EtOH for 8 weeks and also treated with vehicle or a PPAR-δ agonist during the last 3 weeks of the feeding regimen. The rats were then subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) and livers harvested at various post-PH time points were used to quantitate expression of 19 Wnt pathway genes using Quantigene 2.0 Multiplex Assay. RESULTS EtOH broadly inhibited expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related genes, including down-regulation of Wnt1, Fzd3, Lef1, and Bcl9 throughout the post-PH time course (0 to 72 hours), and suppression of Wnt7a, Ccnd1, Fgf4, Wif1, Sfrp2, and Sfrp5 at 18- and 24-hour post-PH time points. PPAR-δ agonist treatments rescued the EtOH-induced suppression of Wnt1, Wnt7a, Fzd3, Lef1, Bcl9, Ccnd1, and Sfrp2 gene expression in liver, corresponding with the improvements in DNA synthesis and restoration of hepatic architecture. CONCLUSIONS Chronic high-dose EtOH exposures inhibit Wnt signaling, which likely contributes to the impairments in liver regeneration. Therapeutic effects of PPAR-δ agonists extend beyond restoration of insulin/IGF signaling mechanisms and are mediated in part by enhancement of Wnt pathway signaling. Future studies will determine the degree to which targeted restoration of Wnt signaling is sufficient to improve liver regeneration and remodeling in the context of chronic EtOH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Q Xu
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Suzanne M de la Monte
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ming Tong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Miran Kim
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Tennakoon AH, Izawa T, Wijesundera KK, Katou-Ichikawa C, Tanaka M, Golbar HM, Kuwamura M, Yamate J. Analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing ductular cells in a rat liver cirrhosis model induced by repeated injections of thioacetamide (TAA). Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 98:476-85. [PMID: 25758201 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.03.010] [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: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a type III intermediate filament protein, is expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the principal fibrogenic cell type in the liver. Further, GFAP could be a marker for hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). In this study, the participation of GFAP-expressing cells in HPC expansion/ductular reaction was investigated in a rat model of liver cirrhosis. Six-week-old male F344 rats were injected intraperitoneally with thioacetamide (100mg/kg BW, twice a week) and examined at post-first injection weeks 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25. Fibrosis-related proliferation of ductular cells was observed as demonstrated by CK19 immunostaining. Some of these cells were stained with GFAP. No co-staining was observed between CK19 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; myofibroblast marker). There were proliferating ductular cells stained with α-fetoprotein or β-catenin; the ductular reaction was related to increased expression of hepatocarcinogenesis-related factors (Wnt2, Wnt4 and glypican-3). These results for the first time show the participation of GFAP-positive HPCs in ductular reaction in a chemically induced rodent model. Though the ductular cells were chaperoned by myofibroblasts, they show no direct evidence for epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These findings shed new light in understanding the roles of GFAP-expressing HPCs in liver cirrhosis and provide further evidence of interaction between newly-formed bile ductules and HSCs, suggesting that both cells could be in the common lineage of HPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha H Tennakoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takeshi Izawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Kavindra K Wijesundera
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Chisa Katou-Ichikawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Miyuu Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Hossain M Golbar
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kuwamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Jyoji Yamate
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58, Rinku-ourai-kita, Izumisano City, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan.
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Ji XK, Xie YK, Zhong JQ, Xu QG, Zeng QQ, Wang Y, Zhang QY, Shan YF. GSK-3β suppresses the proliferation of rat hepatic oval cells through modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:334-42. [PMID: 25661318 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) plays a crucial role in hepatic biology, including liver development, regeneration, proliferation and carcinogenesis. In this study we investigated the role of GSK-3β in regulation of growth of hepatic oval cells in vitro and in liver regeneration in partially hepatectomized rats. METHODS WB-F344 cells, the rat hepatic stem-like epithelial cells, were used as representative of oval cells. Cell viability was examined using a WST-8 assay. The cells were transfected with a recombinant lentivirus expressing siRNA against GSK-3β (GSK-3βRNAiLV) or a lentivirus that overexpressed GSK-3β (GC-GSK-3βLV). Adult rats underwent partial (70%) hepatectomy, and liver weight and femur length were measured at d 7 after the surgery. The expression of GSK-3β, phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 was examined with immunoblotting assays or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Treatment of WB-F344 cells with the GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 (5 and 10 μmol/L) dose-dependently increased the levels of phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β, but not the levels of total GSK-3β, and promoted the cell proliferation. Knockout of GSK-3β with GSK-3βRNAiLV increased the cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of GSK-3β with GC-GSK-3βLV decreased the proliferation. Both SB216763 and GSK-3βRNAiLV significantly increased the levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1 in the cells, whereas GSK-3β overexpression decreased their levels. In rats with a partial hepatectomy, administration of SB216763 (2 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased the number of oval cells, the levels of phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 in liver, as well as the ratio of liver weight to femur length at d 7 after the surgery. CONCLUSION GSK-3β suppresses the proliferation of hepatic oval cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Schotanus BA, Kruitwagen HS, van den Ingh TSGAM, van Wolferen ME, Rothuizen J, Penning LC, Spee B. Enhanced Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling in the activated canine hepatic progenitor cell niche. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:309. [PMID: 25551829 PMCID: PMC4302101 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0309-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The liver has a large regenerative capacity. Hepatocytes can replicate and regenerate a diseased liver. However, as is the case in severe liver diseases, this replication may become insufficient or exhausted and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) can be activated in an attempt to restore liver function. Due to their bi-potent differentiation capacity, these HPCs have great potential for regenerative approaches yet over-activation does pose potential health risks. Therefore the mechanisms leading to activation must be elucidated prior to safe implementation in the veterinary clinic. Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling have been implicated in the activation of HPCs in mouse models and in humans. Here we assessed the involvement in canine HPC activation. Gene-expression profiles were derived from laser microdissected HPC niches from lobular dissecting hepatitis (LDH) and normal liver tissue, with a focus on Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies were combined to assess the role of the pathways in HPCs during LDH. Results Gene-expression confirmed higher expression of Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathway components and target genes in activated HPC niches in diseased liver compared to quiescent HPC niches from normal liver. Immunofluorescence confirmed the activation of these pathways in the HPCs during disease. Immunohistochemistry showed proliferating HPCs during LDH, and double immunofluorescence showed downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin and Notch in differentiating HPCs. Vimentin, a mesenchymal marker, was expressed on a subset of undifferentiated HPCs. Conclusions Together these studies clearly revealed that both Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling pathways are enhanced in undifferentiated, proliferating and potentially migrating HPCs during severe progressive canine liver disease (LDH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Baukje A Schotanus
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Hedwig S Kruitwagen
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Monique E van Wolferen
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Rothuizen
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Louis C Penning
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart Spee
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Soeda J, Mouralidarane A, Ray S, Novelli M, Thomas S, Roskams T, Diehl AM, Oben JA. The β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol rescues acetaminophen-injured livers through increasing progenitor numbers by Wnt in mice. Hepatology 2014; 60:1023-34. [PMID: 24923719 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury (AILI) is a major health problem. Accumulating evidence suggests that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) regulates neuronal and hematopoietic progenitors. SNS signaling affects hepatic progenitor/oval cells (HPCs) and β-adrenoceptor agonism will expand HPCs to reduce AILI. Dopamine β-hydroxylase-deficient mice (Dbh-/-), lacking catecholamine SNS neurotransmitters, isolated HPCs, and immature ductular 603B cells were initially used to investigate SNS involvement in HPC physiology. Subsequently, control mice were treated with APAP (350 mg/kg) followed by the β-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol (ISO), or the β-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol. Mechanistic studies examined effects of non-SNS HPC expansion on AILI, involvement of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway (CWP) in the action of ISO on HPC expansion and comparison of ISO with the current standard of care, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Dbh-/- mice lacking catecholamines had low HPC numbers, reconstituted by ISO. In vitro, ISO-induced proliferation of 603B cells was CWP dependent. In control mice, AILI raised HPC numbers, further increased by ISO, with attenuation of liver injury. Delayed administration of NAC did not, but delayed ISO did, reverse AILI. Propranolol worsened AILI. AILI activated the CWP, and ISO enhanced Wnt-ligand production. HPCs were the major source of Wnt ligands. Recombinant Wnt3a and ISO-603B-conditioned media, but not ISO alone, protected isolated hepatocytes from death, reversed by DKK1-a Wnt antagonist. Additionally, tumor-associated weak inducer of apoptosis expanded HPCs and protected against AILI. Furthermore, allotransplantation of HPCs from APAP+ISO-treated mice to other APAP-injured mice improved AILI, an effect antagonized by DKK1. CONCLUSION SNS catecholamines expand HPCs, which are both targets and sources of Wnt ligands. Hepatoprotection by ISO is mediated by para- and autocrine effects of Wnt signaling. ISO represents novel pharmacotherapy for AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpei Soeda
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Yang J, Mowry LE, Nejak-Bowen KN, Okabe H, R. Diegel C, Lang RA, Williams BO, Monga SP. β-catenin signaling in murine liver zonation and regeneration: a Wnt-Wnt situation! Hepatology 2014; 60:964-76. [PMID: 24700412 PMCID: PMC4139486 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Liver-specific β-catenin knockout (β-Catenin-LKO) mice have revealed an essential role of β-catenin in metabolic zonation where it regulates pericentral gene expression and in initiating liver regeneration (LR) after partial hepatectomy (PH), by regulating expression of Cyclin-D1. However, what regulates β-catenin activity in these events remains an enigma. Here we investigate to what extent β-catenin activation is Wnt-signaling-dependent and the potential cell source of Wnts. We studied liver-specific Lrp5/6 KO (Lrp-LKO) mice where Wnt-signaling was abolished in hepatocytes while the β-catenin gene remained intact. Intriguingly, like β-catenin-LKO mice, Lrp-LKO exhibited a defect in metabolic zonation observed as a lack of glutamine synthetase (GS), Cyp1a2, and Cyp2e1. Lrp-LKO also displayed a significant delay in initiation of LR due to the absence of β-catenin-TCF4 association and lack of Cyclin-D1. To address the source of Wnt proteins in liver, we investigated conditional Wntless (Wls) KO mice, which lacked the ability to secrete Wnts from either liver epithelial cells (Wls-LKO), or macrophages including Kupffer cells (Wls-MKO), or endothelial cells (Wls-EKO). While Wls-EKO was embryonic lethal precluding further analysis in adult hepatic homeostasis and growth, Wls-LKO and Wls-MKO were viable but did not show any defect in hepatic zonation. Wls-LKO showed normal initiation of LR; however, Wls-MKO showed a significant but temporal deficit in LR that was associated with decreased β-catenin-TCF4 association and diminished Cyclin-D1 expression. CONCLUSION Wnt-signaling is the major upstream effector of β-catenin activity in pericentral hepatocytes and during LR. Hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, or macrophages are not the source of Wnts in regulating hepatic zonation. However, Kupffer cells are a major contributing source of Wnt secretion necessary for β-catenin activation during LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Laura E. Mowry
- Lab of Cell Signaling and Carcinogenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grant Rapids, MI
| | | | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Cassandra R. Diegel
- Lab of Cell Signaling and Carcinogenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grant Rapids, MI
| | - Richard A. Lang
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Childrens, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Bart O. Williams
- Lab of Cell Signaling and Carcinogenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grant Rapids, MI
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA,Address correspondence to: Satdarshan Pal Singh Monga, MD, Vice Chair of Experimental Pathology, Endowed Chair of Experimental Pathology, Professor of Pathology & Medicine (GI, Hepatology & Nutrition), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street S-422 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261; Tel: (412) 648-9966; Fax: (412) 648-1916;
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49
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Yamashita T, Kaneko S. Orchestration of hepatocellular carcinoma development by diverse liver cancer stem cells. J Gastroenterol 2014; 49:1105-10. [PMID: 24647548 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-014-0951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world's most aggressive diseases and carries a poor prognosis for patients. Recent evidence suggests that HCC is organized by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a subset of cells with stem cell-like features. CSCs are considered a pivotal target for the eradication of cancer, and liver CSCs have been investigated using various stem cell markers. Several hepatic stem/progenitor markers have been shown to be useful for isolating putative CSCs from HCC, although the expression patterns and phenotypic diversity of CSCs purified by these markers remain obscure. Recently, we found that liver CSCs defined by different markers show unique features of tumorigenicity and metastasis, with phenotypes closely associated with committed liver lineages. Furthermore, our data suggest that these distinct CSCs collaborate to orchestrate the tumorigenicity and metastasis of HCC. In this review article, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis and heterogeneity of liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Yamashita
- Departments of General Medicine, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan,
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50
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Delgado E, Bahal R, Yang J, Lee JM, Ly DH, Monga SPS. β-Catenin knockdown in liver tumor cells by a cell permeable gamma guanidine-based peptide nucleic acid. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2014; 13:867-78. [PMID: 23822752 DOI: 10.2174/15680096113139990081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the third cause of death by cancer worldwide. In the current study we target β- catenin, an oncogene mutated and constitutively active in 20-30% of HCCs, via a novel, cell permeable gamma guanidine-based peptide nucleic acid (γGPNA) antisense oligonucleotide designed against either the transcription or the translation start site of the human β-catenin gene. Using TOPflash, a luciferase reporter assay, we show that γGPNA targeting the transcription start site showed more robust activity against β-catenin activity in liver tumor cells that harbor β-catenin gene mutations (HepG2 & Snu-449). We identified concomitant suppression of β-catenin expression and of various Wnt targets including glutamine synthetase (GS) and cyclin-D1. Concurrently, γGPNA treatment reduced proliferation, survival and viability of HCC cells. Intriguingly, an angiogenesis quantitative Real-Time-PCR array identified decreased expression of several pro-angiogenic secreted factors such as EphrinA1, FGF-2, and VEGF-A upon β-catenin inhibition in liver tumor cells. Conversely, transfection of stabilized-β-catenin mutants enhanced the expression of angiogenic factors like VEGF-A. Conditioned media from HepG2 cells treated with β-catenin but not the mismatch γGPNA significantly diminished spheroid and tubule formation by SK-Hep1 cells, an HCC-associated endothelial cell line. Thus, we report a novel class of cell permeable and efficacious γGPNAs that effectively targets β-catenin, a known oncogene in the liver. Our study also identifies a novel role of β-catenin in liver tumor angiogenesis through paracrine mechanisms in addition to its roles in proliferation, survival, metabolism and cancer stem cell biology, thus further strengthening its effectiveness as a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Delgado
- Endowed Chair for Experimental Pathology, Director- Division of Experimental Pathology (EP), Professor of Pathology (EP) & Medicine (GI, Hepatology and Nutrition), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street S-422 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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