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Liu R, Li Y, Zheng Q, Ding M, Zhou H, Li X. Epigenetic modification in liver fibrosis: Promising therapeutic direction with significant challenges ahead. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1009-1029. [PMID: 38486982 PMCID: PMC10935124 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, characterized by scar tissue formation, can ultimately result in liver failure. It's a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, often associated with chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, current treatment options are limited, highlighting the urgent need for the development of new therapies. As a reversible regulatory mechanism, epigenetic modification is implicated in many biological processes, including liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis could provide valuable insights into developing new treatments for chronic liver diseases, although the current evidence is still controversial. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the regulatory mechanisms and critical targets of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA modification, in liver fibrotic diseases. The potential cooperation of different epigenetic modifications in promoting fibrogenesis was also highlighted. Finally, available agonists or inhibitors regulating these epigenetic mechanisms and their potential application in preventing liver fibrosis were discussed. In summary, elucidating specific druggable epigenetic targets and developing more selective and specific candidate medicines may represent a promising approach with bright prospects for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Yajing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Mingning Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 22460, USA
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
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2
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Yang PW, Jiao JY, Chen Z, Zhu XY, Cheng CS. Keep a watchful eye on methionine adenosyltransferases, novel therapeutic opportunities for hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumours. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188793. [PMID: 36089205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs) synthesize S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) from methionine, which provides methyl groups for DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid methylation. MATs play a critical role in cellular processes, including growth, proliferation, and differentiation, and have been implicated in tumour development and progression. The expression of MATs is altered in hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) cancers, which serves as a rare biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HBP cancers. Independent of SAM depletion in cells, MATs are often dysregulated at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. Dysregulation of MATs is involved in carcinogenesis, chemotherapy resistance, T cell exhaustion, activation of tumour-associated macrophages, cancer stemness, and activation of tumourigenic pathways. Targeting MATs both directly and indirectly is a potential therapeutic strategy. This review summarizes the dysregulations of MATs, their proposed mechanism, diagnostic and prognostic roles, and potential therapeutic effects in context of HBP cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Yang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ju-Ying Jiao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Chien-Shan Cheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Wang H, Wu Y, Tang W. Methionine cycle in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its potential applications. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 200:115033. [PMID: 35395242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As a chronic metabolic disease affecting epidemic proportions worldwide, the pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is not clear yet. There is also a lack of precise biomarkers and specific medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD. Methionine metabolic cycle, which is critical for the maintaining of cellular methylation and redox state, is involved in the pathophysiology of NAFLD. However, the molecular basis and mechanism of methionine metabolism in NAFLD are not completely understood. Here, we mainly focus on specific enzymes that participates in methionine cycle, to reveal their interconnections with NAFLD, in order to recognize the pathogenesis of NAFLD from a new angle and at the same time, explore the clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Laboratory of Anti-inflammation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Yanwei Wu
- Laboratory of Anti-inflammation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Wei Tang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Laboratory of Anti-inflammation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, PR China.
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Satterwhite ER, Mansfield KD. RNA methyltransferase METTL16: Targets and function. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 13:e1681. [PMID: 34227247 PMCID: PMC9286414 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase METTL16 is an emerging player in the RNA modification landscape of the human cell. Originally thought to be a ribosomal RNA methyltransferase, it has now been shown to bind and methylate the MAT2A messenger RNA (mRNA) and U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA). It has also been shown to bind the MALAT1 long noncoding RNA and several other RNAs. METTL16's methyltransferase domain contains the Rossmann-like fold of class I methyltransferases and uses S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor. It has an RNA methylation consensus sequence of UACAGARAA (modified A underlined), and structural requirements for its known RNA interactors. In addition to the methyltransferase domain, METTL16 protein has two other RNA binding domains, one of which resides in a vertebrate conserved region, and a putative nuclear localization signal. The role of METTL16 in the cell is still being explored, however evidence suggests it is essential for most cells. This is currently hypothesized to be due to its role in regulating the splicing of MAT2A mRNA in response to cellular SAM levels. However, one of the more pressing questions remaining is what role METTL16's methylation of U6 snRNA plays in splicing and potentially cellular survival. METTL16 also has several other putative coding and noncoding RNA interactors but the definitive methylation status of those RNAs and the role METTL16 plays in their life cycle is yet to be determined. Overall, METTL16 is an intriguing RNA binding protein and methyltransferase whose important functions in the cell are just beginning to be understood. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Satterwhite
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kyle D Mansfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Zhang S, Zhuang L, Liu Q, Yu X, Min Q, Chen M, Chen Q. PPARγ induces the paroxysm of endometriosis by regulating the transcription of MAT2A gene. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:1377-1388. [PMID: 33841663 PMCID: PMC8014359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the molecular mechanism of PPARγ impacting the paroxysm of endometriosis. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to determine the expression level of PPARγ and MAT2A in Eu, Ec and normal endometrial tissue (control). ESC and NSC were separately isolated. PPARγ was silenced in NSC and was up-regulated in ESC. Rosiglitazone (RSG) were used to incubate with ESC. Proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and ultrastructure of cells were evaluated in vitro. The combination between PPARγ and the promoters of MAT2A was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS MAT2A was up-regulated and PPARγ was down-regulated in Eu and Ec. The cell viability and the ability of migration and invasion declined greatly after up-regulating the expression of PPARγ or treating with RSG in ESC. Meanwhile, the expression level of MAT2A was significantly inhibited. Plenty of vacuoles and classical morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed in the ESC with PPARγ over-expressed. The cell viability and the ability of migration and invasion of NSC with PPARγ silenced were promoted greatly. Meanwhile, the expression level of MAT2A was significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSION The paroxysm and development of endometriosis were impacted by over-expressing PPARγ or introducing of RSG by inhibiting the transcription of MAT2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Zhuang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjie Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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Methionine metabolism in chronic liver diseases: an update on molecular mechanism and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:280. [PMID: 33273451 PMCID: PMC7714782 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the bicyclic metabolic pathways of one-carbon metabolism, methionine metabolism is the pivot linking the folate cycle to the transsulfuration pathway. In addition to being a precursor for glutathione synthesis, and the principal methyl donor for nucleic acid, phospholipid, histone, biogenic amine, and protein methylation, methionine metabolites can participate in polyamine synthesis. Methionine metabolism disorder can aggravate the damage in the pathological state of a disease. In the occurrence and development of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), changes in various components involved in methionine metabolism can affect the pathological state through various mechanisms. A methionine-deficient diet is commonly used for building CLD models. The conversion of key enzymes of methionine metabolism methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) 1 A and MAT2A/MAT2B is closely related to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that by intervening related enzymes or downstream metabolites to interfere with methionine metabolism, the liver injuries could be reduced. Recently, methionine supplementation has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Most researchers agree that adequate methionine supplementation can help reduce liver damage. Retrospective analysis of recently conducted relevant studies is of profound significance. This paper reviews the latest achievements related to methionine metabolism and CLD, from molecular mechanisms to clinical research, and provides some insights into the future direction of basic and clinical research.
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Murray B, Barbier-Torres L, Fan W, Mato JM, Lu SC. Methionine adenosyltransferases in liver cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4300-4319. [PMID: 31496615 PMCID: PMC6710175 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i31.4300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs) are essential enzymes for life as they produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the biological methyl donor required for a plethora of reactions within the cell. Mammalian systems express two genes, MAT1A and MAT2A, which encode for MATα1 and MATα2, the catalytic subunits of the MAT isoenzymes, respectively. A third gene MAT2B, encodes a regulatory subunit known as MATβ which controls the activity of MATα2. MAT1A, which is mainly expressed in hepatocytes, maintains the differentiated state of these cells, whilst MAT2A and MAT2B are expressed in extrahepatic tissues as well as non-parenchymal cells of the liver (e.g., hepatic stellate and Kupffer cells). The biosynthesis of SAMe is impaired in patients with chronic liver disease and liver cancer due to decreased expression and inactivation of MATα1. A switch from MAT1A to MAT2A/MAT2B occurs in multiple liver diseases and during liver growth and dedifferentiation, but this change in the expression pattern of MATs results in reduced hepatic SAMe level. Decades of study have utilized the Mat1a-knockout (KO) mouse that spontaneously develops non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to elucidate a variety of mechanisms by which MAT proteins dysregulation contributes to liver carcinogenesis. An increasing volume of work indicates that MATs have SAMe-independent functions, distinct interactomes and multiple subcellular localizations. Here we aim to provide an overview of MAT biology including genes, isoenzymes and their regulation to provide the context for understanding consequences of their dysregulation. We will highlight recent breakthroughs in the field and underscore the importance of MAT’s in liver tumorigenesis as well as their potential as targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Murray
- Division of Digestive and Liver diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States
| | - Lucia Barbier-Torres
- Division of Digestive and Liver diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States
| | - Wei Fan
- Division of Digestive and Liver diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States
| | - José M Mato
- CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Technology, Park of Bizkaia, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Shelly C Lu
- Division of Digestive and Liver diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States
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Wang K, Fang S, Liu Q, Gao J, Wang X, Zhu H, Zhu Z, Ji F, Wu J, Ma Y, Hu L, Shen X, Gao D, Zhu J, Liu P, Zhou H. TGF-β1/p65/MAT2A pathway regulates liver fibrogenesis via intracellular SAM. EBioMedicine 2019; 42:458-469. [PMID: 30926424 PMCID: PMC6491716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plays a pivotal role in fibrogenesis, while the complex downstream mediators of TGF-β1 in such process are largely unknown. Methods We performed pharmacoproteomic profiling of the mice liver tissues from control, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis and NPLC0393 administrated groups. The target gene MAT2A was overexpressed or knocked down in vivo by tail vein injection of AAV vectors. We examined NF-κB transcriptional activity on MAT2A promoter via luciferase assay. Intracellular SAM contents were analyzed by LC-MS method. Findings We found that methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) is significantly upregulated in the CCl4-induced fibrosis mice, and application of NPLC0393, a known small molecule inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling pathway, inhibits the upregulation of MAT2A. Mechanistically, TGF-β1 induces phosphorylation of p65, i.e., activation of NF-κB, thereby promoting mRNA transcription and protein expression of MAT2A and reduces S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentration in HSCs. Consistently, in vivo and in vitro knockdown of MAT2A alleviates CCl4- and TGF-β1-induced HSC activation, whereas in vivo overexpression of MAT2A facilitates hepatic fibrosis and abolishes therapeutic effect of NPLC0393. Interpretation This study identifies TGF-β1/p65/MAT2A pathway that is involved in the regulation of intracellular SAM concentration and liver fibrogenesis, suggesting that this pathway is a potential therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis. Fund This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81500469, 81573873, 81774196 and 31800693), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. Y15H030004), the National Key Research and Development Program from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (No. 2017YFC1700200) and the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 8153000502).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuifeng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 150 Ximen Road of Linhai City, Taizhou 317000, China; Suzhou GenHouse Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Shanhua Fang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhenyun Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feihong Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 150 Ximen Road of Linhai City, Taizhou 317000, China; Suzhou GenHouse Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 388 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiasheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yueming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lihong Hu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xu Shen
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Daming Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 150 Ximen Road of Linhai City, Taizhou 317000, China.
| | - Ping Liu
- E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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Ramani K, Tomasi ML, Berlind J, Mavila N, Sun Z. Role of A-Kinase Anchoring Protein Phosphorylation in Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:640-655. [PMID: 29305319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver injury is associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) scaffolds protein kinase C and cyclin-D1, which is regulated by its phosphorylation, and spatiotemporally controls cell proliferation, invasiveness, and chemotaxis. HSC activation induces AKAP12 expression, but the role of AKAP12's scaffolding activity in liver function is unknown. Because AKAP12 phosphorylation is enhanced in ethanol-treated HSCs, we examined AKAP12's scaffolding functions in alcohol-mediated HSC activation and liver injury. AKAP12 expression, interaction, and phosphorylation were assayed in in vitro and in vivo ethanol models and human subjects by real-time PCR, coimmunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and phosphorylated proteomics/Phos-tag. Ethanol induced AKAP12 phosphorylation in the liver and in primary HSCs, but not in hepatocytes. AKAP12's scaffolding activity for protein kinase C/cyclin-D1 decreased in ethanol-treated HSCs but not hepatocytes. AKAP12 negatively regulated HSC activation, which was reversed by ethanol-mediated AKAP12 phosphorylation. AKAP12 interacted with heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), which chaperones collagen and induces its secretion. Ethanol inhibited AKAP12-HSP47 and induced HSP47-collagen interaction. Ethanol-induced phosphorylated AKAP12 was unable to bind to HSP47 compared with its unphosphorylated counterpart, thereby proving that ethanol-mediated phosphorylation of AKAP12 inhibited the HSP47-AKAP12 scaffold. Silencing AKAP12 facilitated the chaperoning of collagen by HSP47. Hence, AKAP12 scaffolds HSP47 and regulates collagen-HSP47 interaction. Ethanol quenches AKAP12's scaffolding activity through phosphorylation and facilitates HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Ramani
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Maria Lauda Tomasi
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joshua Berlind
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nirmala Mavila
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhaoli Sun
- Transplant Biology Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Zeng J, Hu J, Lian Y, Jiang Y, Chen B. SFRP5 is a target gene transcriptionally regulated by PPARγ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Gene 2017; 641:190-195. [PMID: 29066306 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is a newly identified adipokine. SFRP5 expression increases during the differentiation and maturation of adipocytes, but the factors regulating SFRP5 expression during this process remain unclear. This study showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) adenovirus transfection could enhance the SFRP5 expression of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Three potential binding sites of PPARγ in the SFRP5 promoter domain were found by bioinformatics analysis. Luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that PPARγ regulated the activity of the SFRP5 promoter through cis-acting elements at -2,284--1,500bp. Further experiments verified that PPARγ could specifically bind to the SFRP5 promoter at -2,284--2,263bp using chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These results suggest that SFRP5 be a target gene of PPARγ, and its expression may be under the transcriptional regulation of PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiongyu Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yu Lian
- Department of Endocrinology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Youzhao Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Abstract
Methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs) are essential for cell survival because they catalyze the biosynthesis of the biological methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) from methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mammalian cells express two genes, MAT1A and MAT2A, which encode two MAT catalytic subunits, α1 and α2, respectively. The α1 subunit organizes into dimers (MATIII) or tetramers (MATI). The α2 subunit is found in the MATII isoform. A third gene MAT2B, encodes a regulatory subunit β, that regulates the activity of MATII by lowering the inhibition constant (Ki) for SAMe and the Michaelis constant (Km) for methionine. MAT1A expressed mainly in hepatocytes maintains the differentiated state of these cells whereas MAT2A and MAT2B are expressed in non-parenchymal cells of the liver (hepatic stellate cells [HSCs] and Kupffer cells) and extrahepatic tissues. A switch from the liver-specific MAT1A to MAT2A has been observed during conditions of active liver growth and de-differentiation. Liver injury, fibrosis, and cancer are associated with MAT1A silencing and MAT2A/MAT2B induction. Even though both MAT1A and MAT2A are involved in SAMe biosynthesis, they exhibit distinct molecular interactions in liver cells. This review provides an update on MAT genes and their roles in liver pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Ramani
- Corresponding authors: Division of Digestive and Liver
Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA,
USA (K.Ramani)
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Marinho TDS, Kawasaki A, Bryntesson M, Souza-Mello V, Barbosa-da-Silva S, Aguila MB, Mandarim-de-Lacerda CA. Rosuvastatin limits the activation of hepatic stellate cells in diet-induced obese mice. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:928-940. [PMID: 27653239 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin in a model of diet-induced obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with attention to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHOD Male C57BL/6 mice received a control diet (C; 10% energy as lipids) or a high-fat diet (HF; 50% energy as lipids) for 12 weeks, followed by 7 weeks of treatment. Group CR received control diet + rosuvastatin; group HFR received high-fat diet + rosuvastatin. RESULTS The HF group showed higher insulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and leptin levels than the C group, all of which were significantly diminished by rosuvastatin in the HFR group. The HF group had greater steatosis and activated HSCs than the C group, whereas rosuvastatin diminished the steatosis (less 21%, P < 0.001) and significantly inhibited the activation of the HSCs in the HFR group compared to the HF group. The sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ protein expressions were increased in HF animals and reduced after treatment in the HFR group. By contrast, low PPAR-α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 expressions were found in the HF group, and were restored by rosuvastatin treatment in the HFR group. CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin mitigated hepatic steatosis by modulating PPAR balance, favoring PPAR-α over PPAR-γ downstream effects. The effects were accompanied by a diminishing of insulin resistance, the anti-inflammatory adipokine profile, and HSC activation, avoiding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis onset in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatiany de Souza Marinho
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Kawasaki
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Souza-Mello
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Barbosa-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia B Aguila
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Mandarim-de-Lacerda
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme 9 Phosphorylation as a Novel Mechanism for Potentiation of the Inflammatory Response. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 186:2326-36. [PMID: 27561301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, induces inflammation in macrophages via activation of NF-κB signaling. Sumoylation is a post-translational modification mediated by the small ubiquitin-like modifier, SUMO. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9) is the only known SUMO conjugating enzyme. LPS treatment lowers SUMO-1 and UBC9 mRNA levels in primary astrocytes. UBC9 can degrade NF-κB inhibitor α (Ikbα) via a SUMO2/3-ubiquitin pathway. However, UBC9 may also promote Ikbα stability by SUMO-1 conjugation that further regulates NF-κB signaling. The role of UBC9 in liver inflammation is unknown. We reported that CDK1-mediated phosphorylation of UBC9 enhanced its stability. Herein, we describe an anti-inflammatory role of UBC9 that is lost when it is phosphorylated during inflammation. LPS exposure caused induction in UBC9 phosphorylation and CDK1 activation specifically in Kupffer cells in vivo and in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Silencing or overexpression experiments in vitro and in vivo showed that UBC9 was required to blunt the proinflammatory response elicited by LPS. LPS stimulation raised the binding of phospho-UBC9 but not the unphosphorylated counterpart, to Ikbα in RAW264.7 macrophages. Hence, phospho-UBC9 may promote NF-κB signaling by regulating Ikbα and this may be a novel mechanism that deregulates liver inflammatory signaling.
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Cheng Y, Mai JY, Wang MF, Chen GF, Ping J. Antifibrotic effect of total flavonoids of Astmgali Radix on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Chin J Integr Med 2016; 23:48-54. [PMID: 27787720 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-016-2627-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of total flavonoids of Astmgali Radix (TFA) on liver cirrhosis induced with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats, and the effect on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). METHODS Fifty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (10 rats) and a DMN group (43 rats). Rats in the DMN group were given DMN for 4 weeks and divided randomly into a model group (14 rats), a low-dosage TFA group (14 rats) and a high-dosage TFA group (15 rats) in the 3rd week. Rats were given TFA for 4 weeks at the dosage of 15 and 30 mg/kg in the low- and high-TFA groups, respectively. At the end of the experiment blood and liver samples were collected. Serum liver function and liver tissue hydroxyproline content were determined. hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Sirus red and immunohistochemical stainings of collagen I, smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was conducted in paraffinembedded liver tissue slices. Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was adopted to determine PPARγ, UCP2 and FXR mRNA levels. Western blot was adopted to determine protein levels of collagen I, α-SMA, PPARγ, UCP2 and FXR. RESULTS Compared with the model group, TFA increased the ratio of liver/body weight (low-TFA group P<0.05, high-TFA group P<0.01), improved liver biochemical indices (P<0.01 for ALT, AST, GGT in both groups, P<0.05 for albumin and TBil in the high-TFA group) and reduced liver tissue hydroxproline content (P<0.01 in both groups) in treatment groups significantly. HE staining showed that TFA alleviated liver pathological changes markedly and Sirus red staining showed that TFA reduced collagen deposition, alleviated formation and extent of liver pseudolobule. Collagen I and α-SMA immunohistochemical staining showed that staining area and extent markedly decreased in TFA groups compared with the model group. TFA could increase PPARγ, it regulated target UCP2, and FXR levels significantly compared with the model group (in the low-TFA group all P<0.05, in the high group all P<0.01). CONCLUSION TFA could improve liver function, alleviate liver pathological changes, and reduce collagen deposition and formation of liver pseudolobule in rats with liver cirrhosis. The antifibrotic effect of TFA was through regulating PPARγ signal pathway and the interaction with FXR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cheng
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jing-Yin Mai
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201299, China
| | - Mei-Feng Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gao-Feng Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Ping
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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Yanguas SC, Cogliati B, Willebrords J, Maes M, Colle I, van den Bossche B, de Oliveira CPMS, Andraus W, Alves VAF, Leclercq I, Vinken M. Experimental models of liver fibrosis. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:1025-1048. [PMID: 26047667 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a wound healing response to insults and as such affects the entire world population. In industrialized countries, the main causes of liver fibrosis include alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A central event in liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which is triggered by a plethora of signaling pathways. Liver fibrosis can progress into more severe stages, known as cirrhosis, when liver acini are substituted by nodules, and further to hepatocellular carcinoma. Considerable efforts are currently devoted to liver fibrosis research, not only with the goal of further elucidating the molecular mechanisms that drive this disease, but equally in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used in the field of experimental liver fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Bert van den Bossche
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | | | - Wellington Andraus
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratoire d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Ramani K, Donoyan S, Tomasi ML, Park S. Role of methionine adenosyltransferase α2 and β phosphorylation and stabilization in human hepatic stellate cell trans-differentiation. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1075-85. [PMID: 25294683 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblastic trans-differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an essential event in the development of liver fibrogenesis. These changes involve modulation of key regulators of the genome and the proteome. Methionine adenosyltransferases (MAT) catalyze the biosynthesis of the methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) from methionine. We have previously shown that two MAT genes, MAT2A and MAT2B (encoding MATα2 and MATβ proteins respectively), are required for HSC activation and loss of MAT2A transcriptional control favors its up-regulation during trans-differentiation. Hence MAT genes are intrinsically linked to the HSC machinery during activation. In the current study, we have identified for the first time, post-translational modifications in the MATα2 and MATβ proteins that stabilize them and favor human HSC trans-differentiation. Culture-activation of human HSCs induced the MATα2 and MATβ proteins. Using mass spectrometry, we identified phosphorylation sites in MATα2 and MATβ predicted to be phosphorylated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members (ERK1/2, V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B1 [B-Raf], MEK). Phosphorylation of both proteins was enhanced during HSC activation. Blocking MEK activation lowered the phosphorylation and stability of MAT proteins without influencing their mRNA levels. Silencing ERK1/2 or B-Raf lowered the phosphorylation and stability of MATβ but not MATα2. Reversal of the activated human HSC cell line, LX2 to quiescence lowered phosphorylation and destabilized MAT proteins. Mutagenesis of MATα2 and MATβ phospho-sites destabilized them and prevented HSC trans-differentiation. The data reveal that phosphorylation of MAT proteins during HSC activation stabilizes them thereby positively regulating trans-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Ramani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Zhang K, Ai WB, Liu CB, Wu JF. Progress in understanding the relationship between Notch signaling pathway and hepatic stellate cell activation. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2013; 21:3611-3616. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v21.i33.3611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis, and the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). This pathway participates in the activation of HSCs mainly by cooperating with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/BMP, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Wnt signaling pathways directly or indirectly. This review aims to explore the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and the activation of HSCs as well as the cooperative actions between TGF-β/BMP, NF-κB, and Wnt and the Notch signaling pathway in the process of the activation of HSCs.
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