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Ambrosio EMG, Bailey CSL, Unterweger IA, Christensen JB, Bruchez MP, Lundegaard PR, Ober EA. LiverZap: a chemoptogenetic tool for global and locally restricted hepatocyte ablation to study cellular behaviours in liver regeneration. Development 2024; 151:dev202217. [PMID: 38381702 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202217] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The liver restores its mass and architecture after injury. Yet, investigating morphogenetic cell behaviours and signals that repair tissue architecture at high spatiotemporal resolution remains challenging. We developed LiverZap, a tuneable chemoptogenetic liver injury model in zebrafish. LiverZap employs the formation of a binary FAP-TAP photosensitiser followed by brief near-infrared illumination inducing hepatocyte-specific death and recapitulating mammalian liver injury types. The tool enables local hepatocyte ablation and extended live imaging capturing regenerative cell behaviours, which is crucial for studying cellular interactions at the interface of healthy and damaged tissue. Applying LiverZap, we show that targeted hepatocyte ablation in a small region of interest is sufficient to trigger local liver progenitor-like cell (LPC)-mediated regeneration, challenging the current understanding of liver regeneration. Surprisingly, the LPC response is also elicited in adjacent uninjured tissue, at up to 100 µm distance to the injury. Moreover, dynamic biliary network rearrangement suggests active cell movements from uninjured tissue in response to substantial hepatocyte loss as an integral step of LPC-mediated liver regeneration. This precisely targetable liver cell ablation tool will enable the discovery of key molecular and morphogenetic regeneration paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M G Ambrosio
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Charlotte S L Bailey
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Iris A Unterweger
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jens B Christensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1NQ, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Marcel P Bruchez
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
| | - Pia R Lundegaard
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Elke A Ober
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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2
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Zhang C, Sun C, Zhao Y, Ye B, Yu G. Signaling pathways of liver regeneration: Biological mechanisms and implications. iScience 2024; 27:108683. [PMID: 38155779 PMCID: PMC10753089 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver possesses a unique regenerative ability to restore its original mass, in this regard, partial hepatectomy (PHx) and partial liver transplantation (PLTx) can be executed smoothly and safely, which has important implications for the treatment of liver disease. Liver regeneration (LR) can be the very complicated procedure that involves multiple cytokines and transcription factors that interact with each other to activate different signaling pathways. Activation of these pathways can drive the LR process, which can be divided into three stages, namely, the initiation, progression, and termination stages. Therefore, it is important to investigate the pathways involved in LR to elucidate the mechanism of LR. This study reviews the latest research on the key signaling pathways in the different stages of LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Caifang Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Yabin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Bingyu Ye
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - GuoYing Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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3
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Kim M, So J, Shin D. PPARα activation promotes liver progenitor cell-mediated liver regeneration by suppressing YAP signaling in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18312. [PMID: 37880271 PMCID: PMC10600117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44935-5] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the robust regenerative capacity of the liver, prolonged and severe liver damage impairs liver regeneration, leading to liver failure. Since the liver co-opts the differentiation of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) into hepatocytes to restore functional hepatocytes, augmenting LPC-mediated liver regeneration may be beneficial to patients with chronic liver diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation have remained largely unknown. Using the zebrafish model of LPC-mediated liver regeneration, Tg(fabp10a:pt-β-catenin), we present that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) activation augments LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. We found that treating Tg(fabp10a:pt-β-catenin) larvae with GW7647, a potent PPARα agonist, enhanced the expression of hepatocyte markers and simultaneously reduced the expression of biliary epithelial cell (BEC)/LPC markers in the regenerating livers, indicating enhanced LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, PPARα activation augments the differentiation by suppressing YAP signaling. The differentiation phenotypes resulting from GW7647 treatment were rescued by expressing a constitutively active form of Yap1. Moreover, we found that suppression of YAP signaling was sufficient to promote LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Treating Tg(fabp10a:pt-β-catenin) larvae with the TEAD inhibitor K-975, which suppresses YAP signaling, phenocopied the effect of GW7647 on LPC differentiation. Altogether, our findings provide insights into augmenting LPC-mediated liver regeneration as a regenerative therapy for chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave. #5063, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave. #5063, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave. #5063, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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Shimizu N, Shiraishi H, Hanada T. Zebrafish as a Useful Model System for Human Liver Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2246. [PMID: 37759472 PMCID: PMC10526867 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, thereby necessitating extensive research to understand their intricate complexities and to develop effective treatments. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable model organism for studying various aspects of liver disease. The zebrafish liver has striking similarities to the human liver in terms of structure, function, and regenerative capacity. Researchers have successfully induced liver damage in zebrafish using chemical toxins, genetic manipulation, and other methods, thereby allowing the study of disease mechanisms and the progression of liver disease. Zebrafish embryos or larvae, with their transparency and rapid development, provide a unique opportunity for high-throughput drug screening and the identification of potential therapeutics. This review highlights how research on zebrafish has provided valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms of human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Shimizu
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
| | | | - Toshikatsu Hanada
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
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5
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Ma J, Yang Z, Huang Z, Li L, Huang J, Chen J, Ni R, Luo L, He J. Rngtt governs biliary-derived liver regeneration initiation by transcriptional regulation of mTORC1 and Dnmt1 in zebrafish. Hepatology 2023; 78:167-178. [PMID: 36724876 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In cases of end-stage liver diseases, the proliferation of existing hepatocytes is compromised, a feature of human chronic liver disease, in which most hepatocytes are dysfunctional. So far, liver transplantation represents the only curative therapeutic solution for advanced liver diseases, and the shortage of donor organs leads to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The promising treatment is to prompt the biliary epithelial cells (BECs) transdifferentiation. However, the critical factors governing the initiation of BEC-derived liver regeneration are largely unknown. The zebrafish has advantages in large-scale genetic screens to identify the critical factors involved in liver regeneration. Here, we combined N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea screen, positional cloning, transgenic lines, antibody staining, and in situ hybridization methods and identified a liver regeneration defect mutant ( lrd ) using the zebrafish extensive liver injury model. Through positional cloning and genomic sequencing, we mapped the mutation site to rngtt . Loss of rngtt leads to the defects of BEC dedifferentiation, bipotential progenitor cell activation, and cell proliferation in the initiation stage of liver regeneration. The transdifferentiation from BECs to hepatocytes did not occur even at the late stage of liver regeneration. Mechanically, Rngtt transcriptionally regulates the attachment of mRNA cap to mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) components and dnmt1 to maintain the activation of mTORC1 and DNA methylation in BECs after severe liver injury and prompt BEC to hepatocyte conversion. Furthermore, rptor and dnmt1 mutants displayed the same liver regeneration defects as rngtt mutation. In conclusion, our results suggest Rngtt is a new factor that initiates BEC-derived liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Ma
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuolin Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuofu Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Linke Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingliang Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingying Chen
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chongqing), Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
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6
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Cao Q, Shan H, Zhao J, Deng J, Xu M, Kang H, Li T, Zhao Y, Liu H, Jiang J. Liver fibrosis in fish research: From an immunological perspective. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:108885. [PMID: 37290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process whereby the liver is subjected to various acute and chronic injuries, resulting in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), an imbalance of extracellular matrix generation and degradation, and deposition in the liver. This review article summarizes the current understanding of liver fibrosis in fish research. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition that occurs in fish raised in aquaculture. It is often associated with poor water quality, stressful conditions, and the presence of pathogens. The review describes the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in fish, including the roles of various cells and molecules involved in the development and progression of the disease. The review also covers the various methods used to diagnose and assess the severity of liver fibrosis in fish, including histological analysis, biochemical markers, and imaging techniques. In addition, the article discusses the current treatment options for liver fibrosis in fish, including dietary interventions, pharmaceuticals, and probiotics. This review highlights the need for more in-depth research in this area to better understand the mechanisms by which liver fibrosis in fish occurs and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Finally, improved management practices and the development of new treatments will be critical to the sustainability of aquaculture and the health of farmed fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanquan Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ju Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jinhe Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Man Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jun Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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7
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Song J, Ma J, Liu X, Huang Z, Li L, Li L, Luo L, Ni R, He J. The MRN complex maintains the biliary-derived hepatocytes in liver regeneration through ATR-Chk1 pathway. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:20. [PMID: 37024481 PMCID: PMC10079969 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
When the proliferation of residual hepatocytes is prohibited, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) transdifferentiate into nascent hepatocytes to accomplish liver regeneration. Despite significant interest in transdifferentiation, little is known about the maintenance of nascent hepatocytes in post-injured environments. Here, we perform an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) forward genetic screen and identify a mutant containing a nonsense mutation in the gene nibrin (nbn), which encodes a component of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbn (MRN) complex that activates DNA damage response (DDR). The regenerated hepatocytes cannot be maintained and exhibit apoptosis in the mutant. Mechanistically, the nbn mutation results in the abrogation of ATR-Chk1 signaling and accumulations of DNA damage in nascent hepatocytes, which eventually induces p53-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, loss of rad50 or mre11a shows similar phenotypes. This study reveals that the activation of DDR by the MRN complex is essential for the survival of BEC-derived hepatocytes, addressing how to maintain nascent hepatocytes in the post-injured environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmei Song
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianlong Ma
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuofu Huang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lianghui Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Linke Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
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Xu YN, Xu W, Zhang X, Wang DY, Zheng XR, Liu W, Chen JM, Chen GF, Liu CH, Liu P, Mu YP. BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb enhance the therapeutic effect on cholestatic liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ductular reaction. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:45. [PMID: 36941658 PMCID: PMC10029310 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03276-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF) is caused by inflammatory destruction of the intrahepatic bile duct and abnormal proliferation of the small bile duct after cholestasis. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway is required for hepatic stem cells to differentiate into cholangiocytes during the pathogenesis of CLF. Our previous research found that the expression of the Numb protein, a negative regulator of Notch signaling, was significantly reduced in the livers of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and CLF rats. However, the relationship between the Numb gene and CLF is largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the Numb gene in the treatment of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced CLF. METHODS In vivo, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with Numb gene overexpression or knockdown obtained using lentivirus transfection were transplanted into the livers of rats with BDL-induced CLF. The effects of the Numb gene on stem cell differentiation and CLF were evaluated by performing histology, tests of liver function, and measurements of liver hydroxyproline, cytokine gene and protein levels. In vitro, the Numb gene was overexpressed or knocked down in the WB-F344 cell line by lentivirus transfection, Then, cells were subjected immunofluorescence staining and the detection of mRNA levels of related factors, which provided further evidence supporting the results from in vivo experiments. RESULTS BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb gene differentiated into hepatocytes, thereby inhibiting CLF progression. Conversely, BM-MSCs with Numb knockdown differentiated into biliary epithelial cells (BECs), thereby promoting the ductular reaction (DR) and the progression of CLF. In addition, we confirmed that knockdown of Numb in sodium butyrate-treated WB-F344 cells aggravated WB-F344 cell differentiation into BECs, while overexpression of Numb inhibited this process. CONCLUSIONS The transplantation of BM-MSCs overexpressing Numb may be a useful new treatment strategy for CLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Nan Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dan-Yang Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin-Rui Zheng
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Mei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gao-Feng Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Hai Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Kim M, Rizvi F, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. Update on Hepatobiliary Plasticity. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:13-23. [PMID: 36764306 PMCID: PMC10005859 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The liver field has been debating for decades the contribution of the plasticity of the two epithelial compartments in the liver, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs), to derive each other as a repair mechanism. The hepatobiliary plasticity has been first observed in diseased human livers by the presence of biphenotypic cells expressing hepatocyte and BEC markers within bile ducts and regenerative nodules or budding from strings of proliferative BECs in septa. These observations are not surprising as hepatocytes and BECs derive from a common fetal progenitor, the hepatoblast, and, as such, they are expected to compensate for each other's loss in adults. To investigate the cell origin of regenerated cell compartments and associated molecular mechanisms, numerous murine and zebrafish models with ability to trace cell fates have been extensively developed. This short review summarizes the clinical and preclinical studies illustrating the hepatobiliary plasticity and its potential therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fatima Rizvi
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Kim M, Delgado E, Ko S. DNA methylation in cell plasticity and malignant transformation in liver diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108334. [PMID: 36535346 PMCID: PMC9841769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108334] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The liver possesses extraordinary regenerative capacity mainly attributable to the ability of hepatocytes (HCs) and biliary epithelial cells (BECs) to self-replicate. This ability is left over from their bipotent parent cell, the hepatoblast, during development. When this innate regeneration is compromised due to the absence of proliferative parenchymal cells, such as during cirrhosis, HCs and BEC can transdifferentiate; thus, adding another layer of complexity to the process of liver repair. In addition, dysregulated lineage maintenance in these two cell populations has been shown to promote malignant growth in experimental conditions. Here, malignant transformation, driven in part by insufficient maintenance of lineage reprogramming, contributes to end-stage liver disease. Epigenetic changes are key drivers for cell fate decisions as well as transformation by finetuning overall transcription and gene expression. In this review, we address how altered DNA methylation contributes to the initiation and progression of hepatic cell fate conversion and cancer formation. We also discussed the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting DNA methylation in liver cancer, its current limitations, and what future research is necessary to facilitate its contribution to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Evan Delgado
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
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11
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Jaiswal A, Singh R. Loss of Epidermal Homeostasis Underlies the Development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 19:667-679. [PMID: 36520410 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common skin cancers. To develop targeted therapies for SCC, a comprehensive understanding of the disease through a systems approach is required. Here, we have collated and analyzed the literature on SCC and pathways that maintain skin homeostasis. Since, the loss of the Notch and the overactivation of the Wnt pathways in the epidermis cause SCC, we focused on these two pathways. We found that the two pathways are critical in maintaining epidermal homeostasis. Further, we found that the cancer stem cell (CSC) marker CD44 causes the transcription of SOX2, another CSC marker of SCC, activates the Wnt pathway, and blocks the Notch pathway. Similarly, the Wnt pathway causes the transcription of CD44 and SOX2 and blocks the Notch pathway. In this paper, we have discussed how the notch and the Wnt pathways affect epidermal homeostasis and the three CSCs (CD44, SOX2, and LGR6) affect the two pathways, linking the CSCs with epidermal homeostasis.
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12
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Qian Y, Shang Z, Gao Y, Wu H, Kong X. Liver Regeneration in Chronic Liver Injuries: Basic and Clinical Applications Focusing on Macrophages and Natural Killer Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:971-981. [PMID: 35738473 PMCID: PMC9489753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver regeneration is a necessary but complex process involving multiple cell types besides hepatocytes. Mechanisms underlying liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and acute liver injury have been well-described. However, in patients with chronic and severe liver injury, the remnant liver cannot completely restore the liver mass and function, thereby involving liver progenitor-like cells (LPLCs) and various immune cells. RESULTS Macrophages are beneficial to LPLCs proliferation and the differentiation of LPLCs to hepatocytes. Also, cells expressing natural killer (NK) cell markers have been studied in promoting both liver injury and liver regeneration. NK cells can promote LPLC-induced liver regeneration, but the excessive activation of hepatic NK cells may lead to high serum levels of interferon-γ, thus inhibiting liver regeneration. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes the recent research on 2 important innate immune cells, macrophages and NK cells, in LPLC-induced liver regeneration and the mechanisms of liver regeneration during chronic liver injury, as well as the latest macrophage- and NK cell-based therapies for chronic liver injury. These novel findings can further help identify new treatments for chronic liver injury, saving patients from the pain of liver transplantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Qian
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Shang
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Tel2 regulates redifferentiation of bipotential progenitor cells via Hhex during zebrafish liver regeneration. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110596. [PMID: 35385752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon extensive hepatocyte loss or impaired hepatocyte proliferation, liver regeneration occurs via biliary epithelial cell (BEC) transdifferentiation, which includes dedifferentiation of BECs into bipotential progenitor cells (BP-PCs) and then redifferentiation of BP-PCs to nascent hepatocytes and BECs. This BEC-driven liver regeneration involves reactivation of hepatoblast markers, but the underpinning mechanisms and their effects on liver regeneration remain largely unknown. Using a zebrafish extensive hepatocyte ablation model, we perform an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) forward genetic screen and identify a liver regeneration mutant, liver logan (lvl), in which the telomere maintenance 2 (tel2) gene is mutated. During liver regeneration, the tel2 mutation specifically inhibits transcriptional activation of a hepatoblast marker, hematopoietically expressed homeobox (hhex), in BEC-derived cells, which blocks BP-PC redifferentiation. Mechanistic studies show that Tel2 associates with the hhex promoter region and promotes hhex transcription. Our results reveal roles of Tel2 in the BP-PC redifferentiation process of liver regeneration by activating hhex.
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14
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DNA methylation maintenance at the p53 locus initiates biliary-mediated liver regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:21. [PMID: 35351894 PMCID: PMC8964678 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In cases of extensive liver injury, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) dedifferentiate into bipotential progenitor cells (BPPCs), then redifferentiate into hepatocytes and BECs to accomplish liver regeneration. Whether epigenetic regulations, particularly DNA methylation maintenance enzymes, play a role in this biliary-mediated liver regeneration remains unknown. Here we show that in response to extensive hepatocyte damages, expression of dnmt1 is upregulated in BECs to methylate DNA at the p53 locus, which represses p53 transcription, and in turn, derepresses mTORC1 signaling to activate BEC dedifferentiation. After BEC dedifferentiation and BPPC formation, DNA methylation at the p53 locus maintains in BPPCs to continue blocking p53 transcription, which derepresses Bmp signaling to induce BPPC redifferentiation. Thus, this study reveals promotive roles and mechanisms of DNA methylation at the p53 locus in both dedifferentiation and redifferentiation stages of biliary-mediated liver regeneration, implicating DNA methylation and p53 as potential targets to stimulate regeneration after extensive liver injury.
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15
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Riley SE, Feng Y, Hansen CG. Hippo-Yap/Taz signalling in zebrafish regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:9. [PMID: 35087046 PMCID: PMC8795407 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00209-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The extent of tissue regeneration varies widely between species. Mammals have a limited regenerative capacity whilst lower vertebrates such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio), a freshwater teleost, can robustly regenerate a range of tissues, including the spinal cord, heart, and fin. The molecular and cellular basis of this altered response is one of intense investigation. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the association between zebrafish regeneration and Hippo pathway function, a phosphorylation cascade that regulates cell proliferation, mechanotransduction, stem cell fate, and tumorigenesis, amongst others. We also compare this function to Hippo pathway activity in the regenerative response of other species. We find that the Hippo pathway effectors Yap/Taz facilitate zebrafish regeneration and that this appears to be latent in mammals, suggesting that therapeutically promoting precise and temporal YAP/TAZ signalling in humans may enhance regeneration and hence reduce morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna E Riley
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yi Feng
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Carsten Gram Hansen
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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16
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Cai P, Mao X, Zhao J, Nie L, Jiang Y, Yang Q, Ni R, He J, Luo L. Farnesoid X Receptor Is Required for the Redifferentiation of Bipotential Progenitor Cells During Biliary-Mediated Zebrafish Liver Regeneration. Hepatology 2021; 74:3345-3361. [PMID: 34320243 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver regeneration after extreme hepatocyte loss occurs through transdifferentiation of biliary epithelial cells (BECs), which includes dedifferentiation of BECs into bipotential progenitor cells (BPPCs) and subsequent redifferentiation into nascent hepatocytes and BECs. Although multiple molecules and signaling pathways have been implicated to play roles in the BEC-mediated liver regeneration, mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation-redifferentiation transition and the early phase of BPPC redifferentiation that is pivotal for both hepatocyte and BEC directions remain largely unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS The zebrafish extreme liver damage model, genetic mutation, pharmacological inhibition, transgenic lines, whole-mount and fluorescent in situ hybridizations and antibody staining, single-cell RNA sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and heat shock-inducible overexpression were used to investigate roles and mechanisms of farnesoid X receptor (FXR; encoded by nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 4 [nr1h4]) in regulating BPPC redifferentiation. The nr1h4 expression was significantly up-regulated in response to extreme liver injury. Genetic mutation or pharmacological inhibition of FXR was ineffective to BEC-to-BPPC dedifferentiation but blocked the redifferentiation of BPPCs to both hepatocytes and BECs, leading to accumulation of undifferentiated or less-differentiated BPPCs. Mechanistically, induced overexpression of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1 (encoded by mitogen-activated protein kinase 3) rescued the defective BPPC-to-hepatocyte redifferentiation in the nr1h4 mutant, and ERK1 itself was necessary for the BPPC-to-hepatocyte redifferentiation. The Notch activities in the regenerating liver of nr1h4 mutant attenuated, and induced Notch activation rescued the defective BPPC-to-BEC redifferentiation in the nr1h4 mutant. CONCLUSIONS FXR regulates BPPC-to-hepatocyte and BPPC-to-BEC redifferentiations through ERK1 and Notch, respectively. Given recent applications of FXR agonists in the clinical trials for liver diseases, this study proposes potential underpinning mechanisms by characterizing roles of FXR in the stimulation of dedifferentiation-redifferentiation transition and BPPC redifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Mao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Nie
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Qifen Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
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17
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Choe CP, Choi SY, Kee Y, Kim MJ, Kim SH, Lee Y, Park HC, Ro H. Transgenic fluorescent zebrafish lines that have revolutionized biomedical research. Lab Anim Res 2021; 37:26. [PMID: 34496973 PMCID: PMC8424172 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-021-00103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its debut in the biomedical research fields in 1981, zebrafish have been used as a vertebrate model organism in more than 40,000 biomedical research studies. Especially useful are zebrafish lines expressing fluorescent proteins in a molecule, intracellular organelle, cell or tissue specific manner because they allow the visualization and tracking of molecules, intracellular organelles, cells or tissues of interest in real time and in vivo. In this review, we summarize representative transgenic fluorescent zebrafish lines that have revolutionized biomedical research on signal transduction, the craniofacial skeletal system, the hematopoietic system, the nervous system, the urogenital system, the digestive system and intracellular organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Pyo Choe
- Division of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.,Division of Applied Life Science, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kee
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hyung Kim
- Department of Marine Life Sciences and Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonsung Lee
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Chul Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan, 15355, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Ro
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
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18
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Minnis-Lyons SE, Ferreira-González S, Aleksieva N, Man TY, Gadd VL, Williams MJ, Guest RV, Lu WY, Dwyer BJ, Jamieson T, Nixon C, Van Hul N, Lemaigre FP, McCafferty J, Leclercq IA, Sansom OJ, Boulter L, Forbes SJ. Notch-IGF1 signaling during liver regeneration drives biliary epithelial cell expansion and inhibits hepatocyte differentiation. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eaay9185. [PMID: 34158399 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aay9185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the adult liver, a population of facultative progenitor cells called biliary epithelial cells (BECs) proliferate and differentiate into cholangiocytes and hepatocytes after injury, thereby restoring liver function. In mammalian models of chronic liver injury, Notch signaling is essential for bile duct formation from these cells. However, the continual proliferation of BECs and differentiation of hepatocytes in these models have limited their use for determining whether Notch signaling is required for BECs to replenish hepatocytes after injury in the mammalian liver. Here, we used a temporally restricted model of hepatic repair in which large-scale hepatocyte injury and regeneration are initiated through the acute loss of Mdm2 in hepatocytes, resulting in the rapid, coordinated proliferation of BECs. We found that transient, early activation of Notch1- and Notch3-mediated signaling and entrance into the cell cycle preceded the phenotypic expansion of BECs into hepatocytes. Notch inhibition reduced BEC proliferation, which resulted in failure of BECs to differentiate into hepatocytes, indicating that Notch-dependent expansion of BECs is essential for hepatocyte regeneration. Notch signaling increased the abundance of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in BECs, and activating IGFR signaling increased BEC numbers but suppressed BEC differentiation into hepatocytes. These results suggest that different signaling mechanisms control BEC expansion and hepatocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Minnis-Lyons
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Niya Aleksieva
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tak Yung Man
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Victoria L Gadd
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael J Williams
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel V Guest
- Clinical Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Benjamin J Dwyer
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tam Jamieson
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin Nixon
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Noemi Van Hul
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - John McCafferty
- IONTAS Ltd., Iconix Park, London Road, Pampisford, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Isabelle A Leclercq
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.
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19
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Notch-Wnt signal crosstalk regulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells during intramembranous bone healing. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:29. [PMID: 34050174 PMCID: PMC8163848 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult bone regeneration is orchestrated by the precise actions of osteoprogenitor cells (OPCs). However, the mechanisms by which OPC proliferation and differentiation are linked and thereby regulated are yet to be defined. Here, we present evidence that during intramembranous bone formation OPC proliferation is controlled by Notch signaling, while differentiation is initiated by activation of canonical Wnt signaling. The temporospatial separation of Notch and Wnt signal activation during the early stages of bone regeneration suggests crosstalk between the two pathways. In vitro and in vivo manipulation of the two essential pathways demonstrate that Wnt activation leads to initiation of osteogenic differentiation and at the same time inhibits Notch signaling, which results in termination of the proliferative phase. Here, we establish canonical Wnt signaling as a key regulator that facilitates the crosstalk between OPC proliferation and differentiation during intramembranous, primary bone healing.
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20
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Gao J, Fan L, Zhao L, Su Y. The interaction of Notch and Wnt signaling pathways in vertebrate regeneration. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 10:11. [PMID: 33791915 PMCID: PMC8012441 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-020-00072-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration is an evolutionarily conserved process in animal kingdoms, however, the regenerative capacities differ from species and organ/tissues. Mammals possess very limited regenerative potential to replace damaged organs, whereas non-mammalian species usually have impressive abilities to regenerate organs. The regeneration process requires proper spatiotemporal regulation from key signaling pathways. The canonical Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, two fundamental signals guiding animal development, have been demonstrated to play significant roles in the regeneration of vertebrates. In recent years, increasing evidence has implicated the cross-talking between Notch and Wnt signals during organ regeneration. In this review, we summarize the roles of Notch signaling and Wnt signaling during several representative organ regenerative events, emphasizing the functions and molecular bases of their interplay in these processes, shedding light on utilizing these two signaling pathways to enhance regeneration in mammals and design legitimate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Gao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.,College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Lixia Fan
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.,College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China. .,College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
| | - Ying Su
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China. .,College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
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21
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So J, Kim M, Lee SH, Ko S, Lee DA, Park H, Azuma M, Parsons MJ, Prober D, Shin D. Attenuating the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Sex-Determining Region Y-Box 9 Axis Promotes Liver Progenitor Cell-Mediated Liver Regeneration in Zebrafish. Hepatology 2021; 73:1494-1508. [PMID: 32602149 PMCID: PMC7769917 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The liver is a highly regenerative organ, but its regenerative capacity is compromised in severe liver injury settings. In chronic liver diseases, the number of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) correlates proportionally to disease severity, implying that their inefficient differentiation into hepatocytes exacerbates the disease. Moreover, LPCs secrete proinflammatory cytokines; thus, their prolonged presence worsens inflammation and induces fibrosis. Promoting LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation in patients with advanced liver disease, for whom liver transplantation is currently the only therapeutic option, may be a feasible clinical approach because such promotion generates more functional hepatocytes and concomitantly reduces inflammation and fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, using zebrafish models of LPC-mediated liver regeneration, we present a proof of principle of such therapeutics by demonstrating a role for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes. We found that suppression of EGFR signaling promoted LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation through the mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) cascade. Pharmacological inhibition of EGFR or MEK/ERK promoted LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation as well as genetic suppression of the EGFR-ERK-SOX9 axis. Moreover, Sox9b overexpression in LPCs blocked their differentiation into hepatocytes. In the zebrafish liver injury model, both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells contributed to LPCs. EGFR inhibition promoted the differentiation of LPCs regardless of their origin. Notably, short-term treatment with EGFR inhibitors resulted in better liver recovery over the long term. CONCLUSIONS The EGFR-ERK-SOX9 axis suppresses LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation during LPC-mediated liver regeneration. We suggest EGFR inhibitors as a proregenerative therapeutic drug for patients with advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Minwook Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Seung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Present address: Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Daniel A. Lee
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Hyewon Park
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Mizuki Azuma
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Michael J. Parsons
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David Prober
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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22
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Zhang W, Chen J, Ni R, Yang Q, Luo L, He J. Contributions of biliary epithelial cells to hepatocyte homeostasis and regeneration in zebrafish. iScience 2021; 24:102142. [PMID: 33665561 PMCID: PMC7900353 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether transdifferentiation of the biliary epithelial cells (BECs) to hepatocytes occurs under physiological conditions and contributes to liver homeostasis remains under long-term debate. Similar questions have been raised under pathological circumstances if a fibrotic liver is suffered from severe injuries. To address these questions in zebrafish, we established a sensitive lineage tracing system specific for the detection of BEC-derived hepatocytes. The BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation occurred and became minor contributors to hepatocyte homeostasis in a portion of adult individuals. The BEC-derived hepatocytes distributed in clusters in the liver. When a fibrotic liver underwent extreme hepatocyte damages, BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation acted as the major origin of regenerating hepatocytes. In contrast, partial hepatectomy failed to induce the BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion. In conclusion, based on a sensitive lineage tracing system, our results suggest that BECs are able to transdifferentiate into hepatocytes and contribute to both physiological hepatocyte homeostasis and pathological regeneration. Developed sensitivity system to trace BECs derived hepatocytes in liver homeostasis BECs convert to hepatocytes in liver homeostasis but are individually heterogeneous BECs are the primary regeneration sources in the extreme injury of the fibrotic liver BECs fail to contribute to new hepatocytes after partial hepatectomy
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Jingying Chen
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chongqing), Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beibei, 400714 Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Qifen Yang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, 400715 Chongqing, China
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23
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Li H, Chang C, Li X, Zhang R. The roles and activation of endocardial Notch signaling in heart regeneration. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 33521843 PMCID: PMC7847831 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-020-00060-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As a highly conserved signaling pathway in metazoans, the Notch pathway plays important roles in embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Recently, cardiac injury and regeneration have become an increasingly popular topic for biomedical research, and Notch signaling has been shown to exert crucial functions during heart regeneration as well. In this review, we briefly summarize the molecular functions of the endocardial Notch pathway in several cardiac injury and stress models. Although there is an increase in appreciating the importance of endocardial Notch signaling in heart regeneration, the mechanism of its activation is not fully understood. This review highlights recent findings on the activation of the endocardial Notch pathway by hemodynamic blood flow change in larval zebrafish ventricle after partial ablation, a process involving primary cilia, mechanosensitive ion channel Trpv4 and mechanosensitive transcription factor Klf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huicong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Chang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruilin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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24
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Li J, Dong S, Ye M, Peng G, Luo J, Wang C, Wang J, Zhao Q, Chang Y, Wang H. MicroRNA-489-3p Represses Hepatic Stellate Cells Activation by Negatively Regulating the JAG1/Notch3 Signaling Pathway. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:143-150. [PMID: 32144602 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06174-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transformation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into collagen-producing myofibroblasts is a key event in hepatic fibrogenesis. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the transformation of HSCs. However, the function of miR-489-3p in liver fibrosis remains unclear. METHODS Here, we detected the levels of miR-489-3p and jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 (JAG1) in liver fibrosis by using CCl4-treated rats as an in vivo model and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-treated HSC cell lines LX-2 and HSC-T6 as in vitro models. The expression of profibrotic markers was affected by transfecting LX-2 cells with either miR-489-3p mimic or si-JAG1. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to study the interaction of JAG1 with miR-489-3p. RESULTS We found that miR-489-3p was remarkably decreased while JAG1 was increased in liver fibrosis models both in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of miR-489-3p reduced the expression of profibrotic markers and the activation of LX-2 cells induced by TGF-β1. Moreover, miR-489-3p decreased the expression of jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 (JAG1) in LX-2 cells by interacting with its 3'-UTR. As JAG1 is a Notch ligand, decreased JAG1 by miR-489-3p inhibited the Notch signaling pathway. Moreover, the downregulation of JAG1 inhibited the expression of fibrotic markers. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that miR-489-3p can inhibit HSC activation by inhibiting the JAG1/Notch3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Shouquan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Mingliang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Ganjing Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Hongling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China. .,The Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
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Shi J, Han G, Wang J, Han X, Zhao M, Duan X, Mi L, Li N, Yin X, Shi H, Li C, Xu J, Yin F. Matrine promotes hepatic oval cells differentiation into hepatocytes and alleviates liver injury by suppression of Notch signalling pathway. Life Sci 2020; 261:118354. [PMID: 32866517 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Recent studies have shown that the hyperactive Notch pathway is involved in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development by regulating differentiation of hepatic oval cells (HOCs) into cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether matrine can alleviate liver injury and promote HOC differentiation into hepatocytes by suppression of Notch pathway. MAIN METHODS We evaluated the expression of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and Hes-1 in HCC tissue by immunohistochemistry. Stem cell characteristics of HOCs were evaluated by CCK-8, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The expression of Notch pathway, HOC markers and albumin (ALB) was detected by immunohistochemistry, QRT-PCR and western blotting. The effects of matrine in protecting liver in vivo were investigated in a rat Solt-Farber precancerous model. KEY FINDINGS We found an abnormal activated Notch pathway in HCC tissue, and the hyperactive Notch pathway was strongly associated with poor liver function in patients with cirrhosis with HCC. Using siNotch-1 to inhibit Notch pathway confirmed that Notch pathway could maintain stem cell characteristics of HOCs. Matrine inhibited stem cell characteristics of HOCs, the expression of Notch pathway and HOC markers but upregulated ALB. Matrine in combined with siNotch-1 RNA decreased the more potently inhibited HOC markers and Notch pathway. In rat Solt-Farber precancerous model, prophylactic application of matrine alleviated liver injury, downregulated Notch pathway and HOC markers, and upregulated ALB in a dose-dependent manner. SIGNIFICANCE Matrine could promote the differentiation of HOCs into hepatocytes by inhibiting the Notch signalling pathway and alleviate liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Guangjie Han
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Xin Han
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Man Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Lili Mi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Xiaolei Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Huacun Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Cuizhen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China
| | - Jinsheng Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China.
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, ShiJiaZhuang, PR China.
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26
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So J, Kim A, Lee SH, Shin D. Liver progenitor cell-driven liver regeneration. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1230-1238. [PMID: 32796957 PMCID: PMC8080804 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a highly regenerative organ, but its regenerative capacity is compromised in severe liver diseases. Hepatocyte-driven liver regeneration that involves the proliferation of preexisting hepatocytes is a primary regeneration mode. On the other hand, liver progenitor cell (LPC)-driven liver regeneration that involves dedifferentiation of biliary epithelial cells or hepatocytes into LPCs, LPC proliferation, and subsequent differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes is a secondary mode. This secondary mode plays a significant role in liver regeneration when the primary mode does not effectively work, as observed in severe liver injury settings. Thus, promoting LPC-driven liver regeneration may be clinically beneficial to patients with severe liver diseases. In this review, we describe the current understanding of LPC-driven liver regeneration by exploring current knowledge on the activation, origin, and roles of LPCs during regeneration. We also describe animal models used to study LPC-driven liver regeneration, given their potential to further deepen our understanding of the regeneration process. This understanding will eventually contribute to developing strategies to promote LPC-driven liver regeneration in patients with severe liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Angie Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Seung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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27
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Endocardial Notch Signaling Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation in the Regenerating Zebrafish Heart through Wnt Pathway Antagonism. Cell Rep 2020; 26:546-554.e5. [PMID: 30650349 PMCID: PMC6366857 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate that the regenerative zebrafish heart responds to injury by upregulating Notch receptors in the endocardium and epicardium. Moreover, global suppression of Notch activity following injury impairs cardiomyocyte proliferation and induces scarring. However, the lineage-specific requirements for Notch signaling and full array of downstream targets remain unidentified. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of endocardial Notch signaling following ventricular amputation compromises cardiomyocyte proliferation and stimulates fibrosis. RNA sequencing uncovered reduced levels of two transcripts encoding secreted Wnt antagonists, Wif1 and Notum1b, in Notch-suppressed hearts. Like Notch receptors, wif1 and notum1b are induced following injury in the endocardium and epicardium. Small-molecule-mediated activation of Wnt signaling is sufficient to impair cardiomyocyte proliferation and induce scarring. Last, Wnt pathway suppression partially restored cardiomyocyte proliferation in hearts experiencing endocardial Notch inhibition. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Notch signaling supports cardiomyocyte proliferation by dampening myocardial Wnt activity during zebrafish heart regeneration. The highly regenerative zebrafish heart responds to injury by upregulating Notch receptors in the endocardium and epicardium to support myocardial proliferation and regeneration. Zhao et al. demonstrate that endocardial (EC) Notch signaling augments the expression of secreted endocardial Wnt antagonists that dampen myocardial Wnt signaling to support regenerative cardiomyocyte renewal.
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28
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Ko S, Russell JO, Molina LM, Monga SP. Liver Progenitors and Adult Cell Plasticity in Hepatic Injury and Repair: Knowns and Unknowns. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 15:23-50. [PMID: 31399003 PMCID: PMC7212705 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-012419-032824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ performing numerous vital physiological functions. For that reason, it possesses immense regenerative potential. The capacity for repair is largely attributable to the ability of its differentiated epithelial cells, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, to proliferate after injury. However, in cases of extreme acute injury or prolonged chronic insult, the liver may fail to regenerate or do so suboptimally. This often results in life-threatening end-stage liver disease for which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. In many forms of liver injury, bipotent liver progenitor cells are theorized to be activated as an additional tier of liver repair. However, the existence, origin, fate, activation, and contribution to regeneration of liver progenitor cells is hotly debated, especially since hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells themselves may serve as facultative stem cells for one another during severe liver injury. Here, we discuss the evidence both supporting and refuting the existence of liver progenitor cells in a variety of experimental models. We also debate the validity of developing therapies harnessing the capabilities of these cells as potential treatments for patients with severe and chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Ko
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Jacquelyn O Russell
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Laura M Molina
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA;
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and 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;
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and 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
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29
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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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30
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Genz B, Coleman MA, Irvine KM, Kutasovic JR, Miranda M, Gratte FD, Tirnitz-Parker JEE, Olynyk JK, Calvopina DA, Weis A, Cloonan N, Robinson H, Hill MM, Al-Ejeh F, Ramm GA. Overexpression of miRNA-25-3p inhibits Notch1 signaling and TGF-β-induced collagen expression in hepatic stellate cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8541. [PMID: 31189969 PMCID: PMC6561916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44865-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver injury hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the principal source of extracellular matrix in the fibrotic liver, transdifferentiate into pro-fibrotic myofibroblast-like cells - a process potentially regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). Recently, we found serum miRNA-25-3p (miR-25) levels were upregulated in children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) without liver disease, compared to children with CF-associated liver disease and healthy individuals. Here we examine the role of miR-25 in HSC biology. MiR-25 was detected in the human HSC cell line LX-2 and in primary murine HSCs, and increased with culture-induced activation. Transient overexpression of miR-25 inhibited TGF-β and its type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) mRNA expression, TGF-β-induced Smad2 phosphorylation and subsequent collagen1α1 induction in LX-2 cells. Pull-down experiments with biotinylated miR-25 revealed Notch signaling (co-)activators ADAM-17 and FKBP14 as miR-25 targets in HSCs. NanoString analysis confirmed miR-25 regulation of Notch- and Wnt-signaling pathways. Expression of Notch signaling pathway components and endogenous Notch1 signaling was downregulated in miR-25 overexpressing LX-2 cells, as were components of Wnt signaling such as Wnt5a. We propose that miR-25 acts as a negative feedback anti-fibrotic control during HSC activation by reducing the reactivity of HSCs to TGF-β-induced collagen expression and modulating the cross-talk between Notch, Wnt and TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Genz
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miranda A Coleman
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie R Kutasovic
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Personalised Medicine Team, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mariska Miranda
- Personalised Medicine Team, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Francis D Gratte
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - John K Olynyk
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Diego A Calvopina
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Weis
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Cloonan
- Genomic Biology Lab, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Harley Robinson
- Precision & Systems Biomedicine, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle M Hill
- Precision & Systems Biomedicine, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fares Al-Ejeh
- Personalised Medicine Team, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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31
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Wrighton PJ, Oderberg IM, Goessling W. There Is Something Fishy About Liver Cancer: Zebrafish Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 8:347-363. [PMID: 31108233 PMCID: PMC6713889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the mortality resulting from HCC are both increasing. Most patients with HCC are diagnosed at advanced stages when curative treatments are impossible. Current drug therapy extends mean overall survival by only a short period of time. Genetic mutations associated with HCC vary widely. Therefore, transgenic and mutant animal models are needed to investigate the molecular effects of specific mutations, classify them as drivers or passengers, and develop targeted treatments. Cirrhosis, however, is the premalignant state common to 90% of HCC patients. Currently, no specific therapies are available to halt or reverse the progression of cirrhosis to HCC. Understanding the genetic drivers of HCC as well as the biochemical, mechanical, hormonal, and metabolic changes associated with cirrhosis could lead to novel treatments and cancer prevention strategies. Although additional therapies recently received Food and Drug Administration approval, significant clinical breakthroughs have not emerged since the introduction of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, necessitating alternate research strategies. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are effective for disease modeling because of their high degree of gene and organ architecture conservation with human beings, ease of transgenesis and mutagenesis, high fecundity, and low housing cost. Here, we review zebrafish models of HCC and identify areas on which to focus future research efforts to maximize the advantages of the zebrafish model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wrighton
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isaac M Oderberg
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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32
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Abu Rmilah A, Zhou W, Nelson E, Lin L, Amiot B, Nyberg SL. Understanding the marvels behind liver regeneration. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 8:e340. [PMID: 30924280 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration is a process by which the remaining cells of an injured organ regrow to offset the missed cells. This field is relatively a new discipline that has been a focus of intense research by clinicians, surgeons, and scientists for decades. It constitutes the cornerstone of tissue engineering, creation of artificial organs, and generation and utilization of therapeutic stem cells to undergo transformation to different types of mature cells. Many medical experts, scientists, biologists, and bioengineers have dedicated their efforts to deeply comprehend the process of liver regeneration, striving for harnessing it to invent new therapies for liver failure. Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rodents has been extensively studied by researchers for many years. It is divided into three important distinctive phases including (a) Initiation or priming phase which includes an overexpression of specific genes to prepare the liver cells for replication, (b) Proliferation phase in which the liver cells undergo a series of cycles of cell division and expansion and finally, (c) termination phase which acts as brake to stop the regenerative process and prevent the liver tissue overgrowth. These events are well controlled by cytokines, growth factors, and signaling pathways. In this review, we describe the function, embryology, and anatomy of human liver, discuss the molecular basis of liver regeneration, elucidate the hepatocyte and cholangiocyte lineages mediating this process, explain the role of hepatic progenitor cells and elaborate the developmental signaling pathways and regulatory molecules required to procure a complete restoration of hepatic lobule. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration Signaling Pathways > Global Signaling Mechanisms Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anan Abu Rmilah
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Erek Nelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bruce Amiot
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Scott L Nyberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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33
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Russell JO, Ko S, Monga SP, Shin D. Notch Inhibition Promotes Differentiation of Liver Progenitor Cells into Hepatocytes via sox9b Repression in Zebrafish. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:8451282. [PMID: 30992706 PMCID: PMC6434270 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8451282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration after most forms of injury is mediated through the proliferation of hepatocytes. However, when hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, such as during chronic liver disease, liver progenitor cells (LPCs) arising from the biliary epithelial cell (BEC) compartment can give rise to hepatocytes to mediate hepatic repair. Promotion of LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation in patients with chronic liver disease could serve as a potentially new therapeutic option, but first requires the identification of the molecular mechanisms driving this process. Notch signaling has been identified as an important signaling pathway promoting the BEC fate during development and has also been implicated in regulating LPC differentiation during regeneration. SRY-related HMG box transcription factor 9 (Sox9) is a direct target of Notch signaling in the liver, and Sox9 has also been shown to promote the BEC fate during development. We have recently shown in a zebrafish model of LPC-driven liver regeneration that inhibition of Hdac1 activity through MS-275 treatment enhances sox9b expression in LPCs and impairs LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhibition of Notch signaling would promote LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation by repressing sox9b expression in zebrafish. We ablated the hepatocytes of Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR) larvae and blocked Notch activation during liver regeneration through treatment with γ-secretase inhibitor LY411575 and demonstrated enhanced induction of Hnf4a in LPCs. Alternatively, enhancing Notch signaling via Notch3 intracellular domain (N3ICD) overexpression impaired Hnf4a induction. Hepatocyte ablation in sox9b heterozygous mutant embryos enhanced Hnf4a induction, while BEC-specific Sox9b overexpression impaired LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Our results establish the Notch-Sox9b signaling axis as inhibitory to LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation in a well-established in vivo LPC-driven liver regeneration model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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Ko S, Russell JO, Tian J, Gao C, Kobayashi M, Feng R, Yuan X, Shao C, Ding H, Poddar M, Singh S, Locker J, Weng HL, Monga SP, Shin D. Hdac1 Regulates Differentiation of Bipotent Liver Progenitor Cells During Regeneration via Sox9b and Cdk8. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:187-202.e14. [PMID: 30267710 PMCID: PMC6309465 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Upon liver injury in which hepatocyte proliferation is compromised, liver progenitor cells (LPCs), derived from biliary epithelial cells (BECs), differentiate into hepatocytes. Little is known about the mechanisms of LPC differentiation. We used zebrafish and mouse models of liver injury to study the mechanisms. METHODS We used transgenic zebrafish, Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR), to study the effects of compounds that alter epigenetic factors on BEC-mediated liver regeneration. We analyzed zebrafish with disruptions of the histone deacetylase 1 gene (hdac1) or exposed to MS-275 (an inhibitor of Hdac1, Hdac2, and Hdac3). We also analyzed zebrafish with mutations in sox9b, fbxw7, kdm1a, and notch3. Zebrafish larvae were collected and analyzed by whole-mount immunostaining and in situ hybridization; their liver tissues were collected for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We studied mice in which hepatocyte-specific deletion of β-catenin (Ctnnb1flox/flox mice injected with Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 [AAV8]-TBG-Cre) induces differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes after a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet. Liver tissues were collected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblots. We performed immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissues from patients with compensated or decompensated cirrhosis or acute on chronic liver failure (n = 15). RESULTS Loss of Hdac1 activity in zebrafish blocked differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes by increasing levels of sox9b mRNA and reduced differentiation of LPCs into BECs by increasing levels of cdk8 mRNA, which encodes a negative regulator gene of Notch signaling. We identified Notch3 as the receptor that regulates differentiation of LPCs into BECs. Loss of activity of Kdm1a, a lysine demethylase that forms repressive complexes with Hdac1, produced the same defects in differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes and BECs as observed in zebrafish with loss of Hdac1 activity. Administration of MS-275 to mice with hepatocyte-specific loss of β-catenin impaired differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes after the CDE diet. HDAC1 was expressed in reactive ducts and hepatocyte buds of liver tissues from patients with cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Hdac1 regulates differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes via Sox9b and differentiation of LPCs into BECs via Cdk8, Fbxw7, and Notch3 in zebrafish with severe hepatocyte loss. HDAC1 activity was also required for differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes in mice with liver injury after the CDE diet. These pathways might be manipulated to induce LPC differentiation for treatment of patients with advanced liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Ko
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | | | - Jianmin Tian
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ce Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Makoto Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Rilu Feng
- Department of Medicine II, Section Molecular Hepatology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Department of Medicine II, Section Molecular Hepatology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chen Shao
- Department of Pathology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Sucha Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Joseph Locker
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Hong-Lei Weng
- Department of Medicine II, Section Molecular Hepatology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Xu J, Jia YF, Tapadar S, Weaver JD, Raji IO, Pithadia DJ, Javeed N, García AJ, Choi DS, Matveyenko AV, Oyelere AK, Shin CH. Inhibition of TBK1/IKKε Promotes Regeneration of Pancreatic β-cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15587. [PMID: 30349097 PMCID: PMC6197228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33875-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
β-cell proliferation induction is a promising therapeutic strategy to restore β-cell mass. By screening small molecules in a transgenic zebrafish model of type 1 diabetes, we identified inhibitors of non-canonical IκB kinases (IKKs), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IκB kinase ε (IKKε), as enhancers of β-cell regeneration. The most potent β-cell regeneration enhancer was a cinnamic acid derivative (E)-3-(3-phenylbenzo[c]isoxazol-5-yl)acrylic acid (PIAA), which, acting through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), stimulated β-cell-specific proliferation by increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. A combination of PIAA and cilostamide, an inhibitor of β-cell-enriched cAMP hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3, enhanced β-cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of PDE3 blunted the mitogenic effect of PIAA in zebrafish. PIAA augmented proliferation of INS-1β-cells and β-cells in mammalian islets including human islets with elevation in cAMP levels and insulin secretion. PIAA improved glycemic control in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice with increases in β-cell proliferation, β-cell area, and insulin content in the pancreas. Collectively, these data reveal an evolutionarily conserved and critical role of TBK1/IKKε suppression in expanding functional β-cell mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xu
- School of Biological Sciences and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Yun-Fang Jia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Subhasish Tapadar
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jessica D Weaver
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Idris O Raji
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Deeti J Pithadia
- School of Biological Sciences and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Naureen Javeed
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Andrés J García
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Aleksey V Matveyenko
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Chong Hyun Shin
- School of Biological Sciences and the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA. .,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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The role of the Notch signaling pathway in liver injury and repair. JOURNAL OF BIO-X RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1097/jbr.0000000000000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Khaliq M, Ko S, Liu Y, Wang H, Sun Y, Solnica-Krezel L, Shin D. Stat3 Regulates Liver Progenitor Cell-Driven Liver Regeneration in Zebrafish. Gene Expr 2018; 18:157-170. [PMID: 29690953 PMCID: PMC6190120 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15242506133273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
After liver injury, regeneration manifests as either (1) hepatocytes proliferating to restore the lost hepatocyte mass or (2) if hepatocyte proliferation is compromised, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) dedifferentiating into liver progenitor cells (LPCs), which subsequently differentiate into hepatocytes. Following pharmacogenetic ablation of hepatocytes in Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR) zebrafish, resulting in severe liver injury, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and its target gene and negative regulator, socs3a, were upregulated in regenerating livers. Using either Stat3 inhibitors, JSI-124 and S3I-201, or stat3 zebrafish mutants, we investigated the role of Stat3 in LPC-driven liver regeneration. Although Stat3 suppression reduced the size of regenerating livers, BEC dedifferentiation into LPCs was unaffected. However, regenerating livers displayed a delay in LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation and a significant reduction in the number of BECs. While no difference in cell death was detected, Stat3 inhibition significantly reduced LPC proliferation. Notably, stat3 mutants phenocopied the effects of Stat3 chemical inhibitors, although the mutant phenotype was incompletely penetrant. Intriguingly, a subset of socs3a mutants also displayed a lower number of BECs in regenerating livers. We conclude that the Stat3/Socs3a pathway is necessary for the proper timing of LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation and establishing the proper number of BECs during LPC-driven liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Khaliq
- *Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sungjin Ko
- *Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yinzi Liu
- †Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hualin Wang
- ‡China Zebrafish Resource Center, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- ‡China Zebrafish Resource Center, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Lila Solnica-Krezel
- †Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- *Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Yan C, Yang Q, Gong Z. Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells During Liver Carcinogenesis Requires Fibrinogen/Integrin αvβ5 in Zebrafish. Neoplasia 2018; 20:533-542. [PMID: 29649779 PMCID: PMC5915969 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and it usually develops from a background of liver fibrosis or inflammation. The crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cells plays an important and stimulating role during tumor progression. Previously we found in a krasV12-induced zebrafish HCC model that oncogenic hepatocytes activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by up-regulation of serotonin and activate neutrophils and macrophages by up-regulation of cortisol. In the present study, we found a novel signaling transduction mechanism between oncogenic hepatocytes and HSCs. After krasV12 induction, fibrinogen was up-regulated in oncogenic hepatocytes. We reasoned that fibrinogen may bind to integrin αvβ5 on HSCs to activate HSCs. Consistent with this notion, pharmaceutical treatment using an antagonist of integrin αvβ5, cilengitide, significantly blocked HSC activation and function, accompanied by attenuated proliferation of oncogenic hepatocytes and progression of liver fibrosis. On the contrary, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, an agonist of αvβ5, activated HSCs significantly that further stimulated the tumor progression and liver fibrosis. Interestingly, in human liver disease samples, we detected an increased level of fibrinogen during tumor progression which indicated the potential role of fibrinogen signaling in HCC progression. Thus, we concluded a novel interaction between oncogenic hepatocytes and HSCs through the fibrinogen related pathway in both the zebrafish HCC model and human liver disease samples.
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Key Words
- a-sma, alpha-smooth muscle actin
- dox, doxycycline
- dpf, day post fertilization
- dpi, day post induction
- facs, fluorescence-activated cell sorting
- gfap, glial fibrillary acidic protein
- h&e, hematoxylin and eosin
- hcc, hepatocellular carcinoma
- hsc, hepatic stellate cell
- if, immunofluorescence
- ihc, immunohistochemistry
- oh, oncogenic hepatocyte
- tme, tumor microenvironment
- wt, wild type
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qiqi Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Kamel M, Ninov N. Catching new targets in metabolic disease with a zebrafish. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 37:41-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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40
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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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Bria A, Marda J, Zhou J, Sun X, Cao Q, Petersen BE, Pi L. Hepatic progenitor cell activation in liver repair. LIVER RESEARCH 2017; 1:81-87. [PMID: 29276644 PMCID: PMC5739327 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The liver possesses an extraordinary ability to regenerate after injury. Hepatocyte-driven liver regeneration is the default pathway in response to mild-to-moderate acute liver damage. When replication of mature hepatocytes is blocked, facultative hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), also referred to as oval cells (OCs) in rodents, are activated. HPC/OCs have the ability to proliferate clonogenically and differentiate into several lineages including hepatocytes and bile ductal epithelia. This is a conserved liver injury response that has been studied in many species ranging from mammals (rat, mouse, and human) to fish. In addition, improper HPC/OC activation is closely associated with fibrotic responses, characterized by myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix production, in many chronic liver diseases. Matrix remodeling and metalloprotease activities play an important role in the regulation of HPC/OC proliferation and fibrosis progression. Thus, understanding molecular mechanisms underlying HPC/OC activation has therapeutic implications for rational design of anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Liya Pi
- Corresponding author. Pediatric Stem Cell Research and Hepatic Disorders, Child Health Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, (L. Pi)
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Wu J, Choi TY, Shin D. tomm22 Knockdown-Mediated Hepatocyte Damages Elicit Both the Formation of Hybrid Hepatocytes and Biliary Conversion to Hepatocytes in Zebrafish Larvae. Gene Expr 2017; 17:237-249. [PMID: 28251883 PMCID: PMC5542045 DOI: 10.3727/105221617x695195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The liver has a highly regenerative capacity. In the normal liver, hepatocytes proliferate to restore lost liver mass. However, when hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) activate and contribute to hepatocytes. We previously reported in zebrafish that upon severe hepatocyte ablation, BECs extensively contribute to regenerated hepatocytes. It was also speculated that BEC-driven liver regeneration might occur in another zebrafish liver injury model in which temporary knockdown of the mitochondrial import gene tomm22 by morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MO) induces hepatocyte death. Given the importance of multiple BEC-driven liver regeneration models for better elucidating the mechanisms underlying innate liver regeneration in the diseased liver, we hypothesized that BECs would contribute to hepatocytes in tomm22 MO-injected larvae. In this MO-based liver injury model, by tracing the lineage of BECs, we found that BECs significantly contributed to hepatocytes. Moreover, we found that surviving, preexisting hepatocytes become BEC-hepatocyte hybrid cells in tomm22 MO-injected larvae. Intriguingly, both the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and macrophage ablation suppressed the formation of the hybrid hepatocytes. This new liver injury model in which both hepatocytes and BECs contribute to regenerated hepatocytes will aid in better understanding the mechanisms of innate liver regeneration in the diseased liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchen Wu
- *Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tae-Young Choi
- *Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- *Department of Developmental Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Pham DH, Zhang C, Yin C. Using zebrafish to model liver diseases-Where do we stand? CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 5:207-221. [PMID: 29098121 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-017-0141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The liver is the largest internal organ and performs both exocrine and endocrine function that is necessary for survival. Liver failure is among the leading causes of death and represents a major global health burden. Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage liver diseases. Animal models advance our understanding of liver disease etiology and hold promise for the development of alternative therapies. Zebrafish has become an increasingly popular system for modeling liver diseases and complements the rodent models. Recent Findings The zebrafish liver contains main cell types that are found in mammalian liver and exhibits similar pathogenic responses to environmental insults and genetic mutations. Zebrafish have been used to model neonatal cholestasis, cholangiopathies, such as polycystic liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It also provides a unique opportunity to study the plasticity of liver parenchymal cells during regeneration. Summary In this review, we summarize the recent work of building zebrafish models of liver diseases. We highlight how these studies have brought new knowledge of disease mechanisms. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of using zebrafish to model liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc-Hung Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
| | - Changwen Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
| | - Chunyue Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA.,Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, USA
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Yang Q, Yan C, Yin C, Gong Z. Serotonin Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Contribute to Sex Disparity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:484-499. [PMID: 28462385 PMCID: PMC5403976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs more frequently and aggressively in men than in women. Although sex hormones are believed to play a critical role in this disparity, the possible contribution of other factors largely is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role of serotonin on its contribution of sex discrepancy during HCC. METHODS By using an inducible zebrafish HCC model through hepatocyte-specific transgenic krasV12 expression, differential rates of HCC in male and female fish were characterized by both pharmaceutical and genetic interventions. The findings were validated further in human liver disease samples. RESULTS Accelerated HCC progression was observed in krasV12-expressing male zebrafish and male fish liver tumors were found to have higher hepatic stellate cell (HSC) density and activation. Serotonin, which is essential for HSC survival and activation, similarly were found to be synthesized and accumulated more robustly in males than in females. Serotonin-activated HSCs could promote HCC carcinogenesis and concurrently increase serotonin synthesis via transforming growth factor (Tgf)b1 expression, hence contributing to sex disparity in HCC. Analysis of liver disease patient samples showed similar male predominant serotonin accumulation and Tgfb1 expression. CONCLUSIONS In both zebrafish HCC models and human liver disease samples, a predominant serotonin synthesis and accumulation in males resulted in higher HSC density and activation as well as Tgfb1 expression, thus accelerating HCC carcinogenesis in males.
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Key Words
- EGFP, enhanced green fluorescence protein
- Gfap, glial fibrillary acidic protein
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- Htr2b, 5-hydoxytryptamine receptor 2B
- IF, immunofluorescence
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- Kras
- Liver Cancer
- P-Tph1, phosphorylated tryptophan hydroxylase 1
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- TGFB1
- Tph1, tryptophan hydroxylase 1
- WT, wild type
- Zebrafish
- cDNA, complementary DNA
- dox, doxycycline
- α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chuan Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chunyue Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Wang S, Miller SR, Ober EA, Sadler KC. Making It New Again: Insight Into Liver Development, Regeneration, and Disease From Zebrafish Research. Curr Top Dev Biol 2017; 124:161-195. [PMID: 28335859 PMCID: PMC6450094 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The adult liver of most vertebrates is predominantly comprised of hepatocytes. However, these cells must work in concert with biliary, stellate, vascular, and immune cells to accomplish the vast array of hepatic functions required for physiological homeostasis. Our understanding of liver development was accelerated as zebrafish emerged as an ideal vertebrate system to study embryogenesis. Through work in zebrafish and other models, it is now clear that the cells in the liver develop in a coordinated fashion during embryogenesis through a complex yet incompletely understood set of molecular guidelines. Zebrafish research has uncovered many key players that govern the acquisition of hepatic potential, cell fate, and plasticity. Although rare, some hepatobiliary diseases-especially biliary atresia-are caused by developmental defects; we discuss how research using zebrafish to study liver development has informed our understanding of and approaches to liver disease. The liver can be injured in response to an array of stressors including viral, mechanical/surgical, toxin-induced, immune-mediated, or inborn defects in metabolism. The liver has thus evolved the capacity to efficiently repair and regenerate. We discuss the emerging field of using zebrafish to study liver regeneration and highlight recent advances where zebrafish genetics and imaging approaches have provided novel insights into how cell plasticity contributes to liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sophie R Miller
- Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Elke A Ober
- Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kirsten C Sadler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Cha SH, Lee JH, Kim EA, Shin CH, Jun HS, Jeon YJ. Phloroglucinol accelerates the regeneration of liver damaged by H2O2or MNZ treatment in zebrafish. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra05994a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ROSs can cause oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. Particularly, liver is a vital organ in vertebrates and easily attacked by ROS. PG attenuates H2O2-induced oxidative stress, even in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Heui Cha
- College of Pharmacy
- Gachon University
- Incheon 21936
- Republic of Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute
| | - Ji-Hyeok Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute
- Gachon University
- Incheon 21936
- Republic of Korea
- Korea Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (KMMPC)
| | - Eun-Ah Kim
- Jeju International Marine Science Center for Research & Education
- Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST)
- Jeju
- Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Hyun Shin
- School of Biology
- The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Atlanta
- USA
| | - Hee-Sook Jun
- College of Pharmacy
- Gachon University
- Incheon 21936
- Republic of Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute
| | - You-Jin Jeon
- School of Marine Biomedical Sciences
- Jeju National University
- Jeju
- Republic of Korea
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48
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Chronic alcohol exposure induces muscle atrophy (myopathy) in zebrafish and alters the expression of microRNAs targeting the Notch pathway in skeletal muscle. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 479:590-595. [PMID: 27671199 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.09.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Muscle wasting is estimated to affect 40-60% of alcoholics, and is more common than cirrhosis among chronic alcohol abusers. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying alcohol-related musculoskeletal dysfunction are, however, poorly understood. Muscle-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) referred to as myoMirs are now known to play a key role in both myogenesis and muscle atrophy. Yet, no studies have investigated a role for myoMirs in alcohol-related skeletal muscle damage. We developed a zebrafish model of chronic ethanol exposure to better define the mechanisms mediating alcohol-induced muscle atrophy. Adult fish maintained at 0.5% ethanol for eight weeks demonstrated significantly reduced muscle fiber cross-sectional area (∼12%, P < 0.05) compared to fish housed in normal water. Zebrafish miRNA microarray revealed marked changes in several miRNAs with ethanol treatment. Importantly, miR-140, a miRNA that shows 100% sequence homology with miR-140 from both mouse and human, is decreased 10-fold in ethanol treated fish. miR-140 targets several members of the Notch signaling pathway such as DNER, JAG1, and Hey1, and PCR data show that both Hey1 and Notch 1 are significantly up-related (3-fold) in muscle of ethanol treated fish. In addition, miR-146a, which targets the Notch antagonist Numb, is elevated in muscle from ethanol-treated fish. Upregulation of Notch signaling suppresses myogenesis and maintains muscle satellite cell quiescence. These data suggest that miRNAs targeting Notch are likely to play important roles in alcohol-related myopathy. Furthermore, zebrafish may serve as a useful model for better understanding the role of microRNAs in alcohol-related tissue damage.
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Yin C. Molecular mechanisms of Sox transcription factors during the development of liver, bile duct, and pancreas. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 63:68-78. [PMID: 27552918 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The liver and pancreas are the prime digestive and metabolic organs in the body. After emerging from the neighboring domains of the foregut endoderm, they turn on distinct differentiation and morphogenesis programs that are regulated by hierarchies of transcription factors. Members of SOX family of transcription factors are expressed in the liver and pancreas throughout development and act upstream of other organ-specific transcription factors. They play key roles in maintaining stem cells and progenitors. They are also master regulators of cell fate determination and tissue morphogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of SOX transcription factors in mediating liver and pancreas development. We discuss their contribution to adult organ function, homeostasis and injury responses. We also speculate how the knowledge of SOX transcription factors can be applied to improve therapies for liver diseases and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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50
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Abstract
Liver regeneration has been studied for many decades and the mechanisms underlying regeneration of the normal liver following resection or moderate damage are well described. A large number of factors extrinsic (such as bile acids and circulating growth factors) and intrinsic to the liver interact to initiate and regulate liver regeneration. Less well understood, and more clinically relevant, are the factors at play when the abnormal liver is required to regenerate. Fatty liver disease, chronic scarring, prior chemotherapy and massive liver injury can all inhibit the normal programme of regeneration and can lead to liver failure. Understanding these mechanisms could enable the rational targeting of specific therapies to either reduce the factors inhibiting regeneration or directly stimulate liver regeneration. Although animal models of liver regeneration have been highly instructive, the clinical relevance of some models could be improved to bridge the gap between our in vivo model systems and the clinical situation. Likewise, modern imaging techniques such as spectroscopy will probably improve our understanding of whole-organ metabolism and how this predicts the liver's regenerative capacity. This Review describes briefly the mechanisms underpinning liver regeneration, the models used to study this process, and discusses areas in which failed or compromised liver regeneration is clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Forbes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Philip N Newsome
- Birmingham National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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