1
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Kotulkar M, Paine-Cabrera D, Apte U. Role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha in Liver Cancer. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38901435 DOI: 10.1055/a-2349-7236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and the incidence of HCC is on the rise. Liver cancers in general and HCC in particular do not respond to chemotherapy. Radiological ablation, surgical resection, and liver transplantation are the only medical therapies currently available. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α) is an orphan nuclear receptor expressed only in hepatocytes in the liver. HNF4α is considered the master regulator of hepatic differentiation because it regulates a significant number of genes involved in various liver-specific functions. In addition to maintaining hepatic differentiation, HNF4α also acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation by suppressing the expression of promitogenic genes and inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes. Loss of HNF4α expression and function is associated with rapid progression of chronic liver diseases that ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis and HCC, including metabolism-associated steatohepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and hepatitis virus infection. This review summarizes the role of HNF4α in liver cancer pathogenesis and highlights its potential as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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2
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Leaker BD, Wang Y, Tam J, Anderson RR. Analysis of culture and RNA isolation methods for precision-cut liver slices from cirrhotic rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15349. [PMID: 38961190 PMCID: PMC11222550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66235-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) are increasingly used as a model to investigate anti-fibrotic therapies. However, many studies use PCLS from healthy animals treated with pro-fibrotic stimuli in culture, which reflects only the early stages of fibrosis. The effects of different culture conditions on PCLS from cirrhotic animals has not been well characterized and there is no consensus on optimal methods. In this study, we report a method for the collection and culture of cirrhotic PCLS and compare the effect of common culture conditions on viability, function, and gene expression. Additionally, we compared three methods of RNA isolation and identified a protocol with high yield and purity. We observed significantly increased albumin production when cultured with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone, and when incubated on a rocking platform. Culturing with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone maintained gene expression closer to the levels in fresh slices. However, despite stable viability and function up to 4 days, we found significant changes in expression of key genes by day 2. Interestingly, we also observed that cirrhotic PCLS maintain viability in culture longer than slices from healthy animals. Due to the influence of matrix stiffness on fibrosis and hepatocellular function, it is important to evaluate prospective anti-fibrotic therapies in a platform that preserves tissue biomechanics. PCLS from cirrhotic animals represent a promising tool for the development of treatments for chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Leaker
- Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Tam
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Rox Anderson
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Wei H, Zhang Y, Gao M, Yang J, Wang S, Zhou X, Wei H, Xiao F. Loss of FAM172A gene prompts cell proliferation in liver regeneration. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-05044-7. [PMID: 38896202 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the function of FAM172A in liver regeneration and HCC. Mice were sacrificed after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). RNA sequencing was performed on primary hepatocytes of WT and FAM172A-/- mice. We used HepG2 cells to construct cell lines with stably knockdown and overexpression of FAM172A. The expression of FAM172A in liver tissues was investigated by immunohistochemical staining, and we also used public database to perform survival analysis and prognostic model in HCC. Compared with WT mice after PH, normalized liver weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein level of FAM172A-/- mice elevated. The DEGs were mainly enriched in inflammatory response, tumor necrosis factor production, and wound healing. FAM172A knockdown enhanced the NFκB-TNFα and pERK-YAP1-Cyclin D1 axis. FAM172A peptide inhibited proliferation of primary hepatocytes. Moreover, the low expression of FAM172A in human HCC tissues implies a lower likelihood of survival and a valid diagnostic marker for HCC. Loss of FAM172A gene promotes cell proliferation by pERK-YAP1-Cyclin D1 and pNFκB-TNFα pathways during liver regeneration after PH. FAM172A may be a favorable diagnosis marker of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herui Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Meixin Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Junru Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xingang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Hongshan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Fan Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China.
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
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4
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Miguel V, Alcalde-Estévez E, Sirera B, Rodríguez-Pascual F, Lamas S. Metabolism and bioenergetics in the pathophysiology of organ fibrosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 222:85-105. [PMID: 38838921 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the tissue scarring characterized by excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, mainly collagens. A fibrotic response can take place in any tissue of the body and is the result of an imbalanced reaction to inflammation and wound healing. Metabolism has emerged as a major driver of fibrotic diseases. While glycolytic shifts appear to be a key metabolic switch in activated stromal ECM-producing cells, several other cell types such as immune cells, whose functions are intricately connected to their metabolic characteristics, form a complex network of pro-fibrotic cellular crosstalk. This review purports to clarify shared and particular cellular responses and mechanisms across organs and etiologies. We discuss the impact of the cell-type specific metabolic reprogramming in fibrotic diseases in both experimental and human pathology settings, providing a rationale for new therapeutic interventions based on metabolism-targeted antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Miguel
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Alcalde-Estévez
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain; Department of Systems Biology, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Belén Sirera
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Pascual
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Lamas
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Chang Z, Peng CH, Chen KJ, Xu GK. Enhancing liver fibrosis diagnosis and treatment assessment: a novel biomechanical markers-based machine learning approach. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:115046. [PMID: 38749471 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad4c4e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis and treatment assessment of liver fibrosis face significant challenges, including inherent limitations in current techniques like sampling errors and inter-observer variability. Addressing this, our study introduces a novel machine learning (ML) framework, which integrates light gradient boosting machine and multivariate imputation by chained equations to enhance liver status assessment using biomechanical markers. Building upon our previously established multiscale mechanical characteristics in fibrotic and treated livers, this framework employs Gaussian Bayesian optimization for post-imputation, significantly improving classification performance. Our findings indicate a marked increase in the precision of liver fibrosis diagnosis and provide a novel, quantitative approach for assessing fibrosis treatment. This innovative combination of multiscale biomechanical markers with advanced ML algorithms represents a transformative step in liver disease diagnostics and treatment evaluation, with potential implications for other areas in medical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Hao Peng
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung 41170, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kai-Jung Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 41170, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
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6
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Zhang X, Li P, Zhou J, Zhang Z, Wu H, Shu X, Li W, Wu Y, Du Y, Lü D, Lü S, Li N, Long M. FAK-p38 signaling serves as a potential target for reverting matrix stiffness-modulated liver sinusoidal endothelial cell defenestration. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122462. [PMID: 38171118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are highly specific endothelial cells which play an essential role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis. During the progression of liver fibrosis, matrix stiffening promotes LSEC defenestration, however, the underlying mechanotransduction mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we applied stiffness-tunable hydrogels to assess the matrix stiffening-induced phenotypic changes in primary mouse LSECs. Results indicated that increased stiffness promoted LSEC defenestration through cytoskeletal reorganization. LSECs sensed the increased matrix stiffness via focal adhesion kinase (FAK), leading to the activation of p38-mitogen activated protein kinase activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) pathway, thereby inducing actin remodeling via LIM Kinase 1 (LIMK1) and Cofilin. Interestingly, inhibition of FAK or p38-MK2 pathway was able to effectively restore the fenestrae to a certain degree in LSECs isolated from early to late stages of liver fibrosis mice. Thus, this study highlights the impact of mechanotransduction in LSEC defenestration, and provides novel insights for potential therapeutic interventions for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Peiwen Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Ziliang Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu Du
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dongyuan Lü
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shouqin Lü
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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7
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Kim Y, Kang D, Choi GE, Kim SD, Yang SJ, Kim H, You D, Kim CS, Suh N. Therapeutic potential of BMSC-conditioned medium in an in vitro model of renal fibrosis using the RPTEC/TERT1 cell line. BMB Rep 2024; 57:116-121. [PMID: 38303564 PMCID: PMC10910087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) on immortalized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC/ TERT1) in a fibrotic environment. To replicate the increased stiffness characteristic of kidneys in chronic kidney disease, we utilized polyacrylamide gel platforms. A stiff matrix was shown to increase α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, indicating fibrogenic activation in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Interestingly, treatment with BMSC-CM resulted in significant reductions in the levels of fibrotic markers (α-SMA and vimentin) and increases in the levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and aquaporin 7, particularly under stiff conditions. Furthermore, BMSC-CM modified microRNA (miRNA) expression and reduced oxidative stress levels in these cells. Our findings suggest that BMSC-CM can modulate cellular morphology, miRNA expression, and oxidative stress in RPTEC/TERT1 cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential in fibrotic kidney disease. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(2): 116-121].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunji Kim
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Dayeon Kang
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Ga-eun Choi
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Sang Dae Kim
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | | | - Hyosang Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Dalsan You
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Choung Soo Kim
- Urology Institute, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Nayoung Suh
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
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8
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Northey JJ, Hayward MK, Yui Y, Stashko C, Kai F, Mouw JK, Thakar D, Lakins JN, Ironside AJ, Samson S, Mukhtar RA, Hwang ES, Weaver VM. Mechanosensitive hormone signaling promotes mammary progenitor expansion and breast cancer risk. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:106-126.e13. [PMID: 38181747 PMCID: PMC11050720 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.002] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Tissue stem-progenitor cell frequency has been implicated in tumor risk and progression, but tissue-specific factors linking these associations remain ill-defined. We observed that stiff breast tissue from women with high mammographic density, who exhibit increased lifetime risk for breast cancer, associates with abundant stem-progenitor epithelial cells. Using genetically engineered mouse models of elevated integrin mechanosignaling and collagen density, syngeneic manipulations, and spheroid models, we determined that a stiff matrix and high mechanosignaling increase mammary epithelial stem-progenitor cell frequency and enhance tumor initiation in vivo. Augmented tissue mechanics expand stemness by potentiating extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activity to foster progesterone receptor-dependent RANK signaling. Consistently, we detected elevated phosphorylated ERK and progesterone receptors and increased levels of RANK signaling in stiff breast tissue from women with high mammographic density. The findings link fibrosis and mechanosignaling to stem-progenitor cell frequency and breast cancer risk and causally implicate epidermal growth factor receptor-ERK-dependent hormone signaling in this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Northey
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Yui
- Research Institute, Nozaki Tokushukai Hospital, Tanigawa 2-10-50, Daito, Osaka 574-0074, Japan
| | - Connor Stashko
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - FuiBoon Kai
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Janna K Mouw
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dhruv Thakar
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jonathon N Lakins
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alastair J Ironside
- Department of Pathology, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH42XU, UK
| | - Susan Samson
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rita A Mukhtar
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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9
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Wells RG. Liver fibrosis: Our evolving understanding. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0243. [PMID: 38961878 PMCID: PMC11221862 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
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10
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Carvalho AM, Bansal R, Barrias CC, Sarmento B. The Material World of 3D-Bioprinted and Microfluidic-Chip Models of Human Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307673. [PMID: 37961933 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials are extensively used to mimic cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for cell growth, function, and differentiation. This is particularly relevant when developing in vitro disease models of organs rich in extracellular matrix, like the liver. Liver disease involves a chronic wound-healing response with formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis. At early stages, liver disease can be reverted, but as disease progresses, reversion is no longer possible, and there is no cure. Research for new therapies is hampered by the lack of adequate models that replicate the mechanical properties and biochemical stimuli present in the fibrotic liver. Fibrosis is associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix that directly influence cell behavior. Biomaterials could play an essential role in better emulating the disease microenvironment. In this paper, the recent and cutting-edge biomaterials used for creating in vitro models of human liver fibrosis are revised, in combination with cells, bioprinting, and/or microfluidics. These technologies have been instrumental to replicate the intricate structure of the unhealthy tissue and promote medium perfusion that improves cell growth and function, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of material hints and cell-material interactions in a tridimensional context is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Carvalho
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- IUCS - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal
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11
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Li W, Wu Y, Hu W, Zhou J, Shu X, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Wu H, Du Y, Lü D, Lü S, Li N, Long M. Direct mechanical exposure initiates hepatocyte proliferation. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100905. [PMID: 37920845 PMCID: PMC10618550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Liver paracrine signaling from liver sinusoid endothelial cells to hepatocytes in response to mechanical stimuli is crucial in highly coordinated liver regeneration. Interstitial flow through the fenestrated endothelium inside the space of Disse potentiates the role of direct exposure of hepatocytes to fluid flow in the immediate regenerative responses after partial hepatectomy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods Mouse liver perfusion was used to identify the effects of interstitial flow on hepatocyte proliferation ex vivo. Isolated hepatocytes were further exposed to varied shear stresses directly in vitro. Knockdown and/or inhibition of mechanosensitive proteins were used to unravel the signaling pathways responsible for cell proliferation. Results An increased interstitial flow was visualized and hepatocytes' regenerative response was demonstrated experimentally by ex vivo perfusion of mouse livers. In vitro measurements also showed that fluid flow initiated hepatocyte proliferation in a duration- and amplitude-dependent manner. Mechanistically, flow enhanced β1 integrin expression and nuclear translocation of YAP (yes-associated protein), via the Hippo pathway, to stimulate hepatocytes to re-enter the cell cycle. Conclusions Hepatocyte proliferation was initiated after direct exposure to interstitial flow ex vivo or shear stress in vitro, which provides new insights into the contributions of mechanical forces to liver regeneration. Impact and implications By using both ex vivo liver perfusion and in vitro flow exposure tests, we identified the roles of interstitial flow in the space of Disse in stimulating hepatocytes to re-enter the cell cycle. We found an increase in shear flow-induced hepatocyte proliferation via β1 integrin-YAP mechanotransductive pathways. This serves as a useful model to potentiate hepatocyte expansion in vitro using mechanical forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziliang Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Du
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyuan Lü
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shouqin Lü
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Fu X, Zhang Y, Luo Q, Ju Y, Song G. Targeting the mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells: a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229. [PMID: 38009775 PMCID: PMC10690881 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as the root cause of cancer occurrence, progression, chemoradioresistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs is a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer management and treatment. Liver cancer (LC) is a malignant disease that can endanger human health. Studies are increasingly suggesting that changes in the liver mechanical microenvironment are a primary driver triggering the occurrence and development of liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the roles of the liver mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in liver cancer progression. We also discuss the relationship between the mechanical heterogeneity of liver cancer tissues and LCSC recruitment and metastasis. Finally, we highlight potential mechanosensitive molecules in LCSCs and mechanotherapy in liver cancer. Understanding the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the mechano-microenvironment and LCSCs may provide fundamental insights into liver cancer progression and aid in further development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Fu
- School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Ju
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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13
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Felli E, Selicean S, Guixé-Muntet S, Wang C, Bosch J, Berzigotti A, Gracia-Sancho J. Mechanobiology of portal hypertension. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100869. [PMID: 37841641 PMCID: PMC10568428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between mechanical stimuli and cellular mechanobiology orchestrates the physiology of tissues and organs in a dynamic balance characterized by constant remodelling and adaptative processes. Environmental mechanical properties can be interpreted as a complex set of information and instructions that cells read continuously, and to which they respond. In cirrhosis, chronic inflammation and injury drive liver cells dysfunction, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sinusoidal pseudocapillarization, vascular occlusion and parenchymal extinction. These pathological events result in marked remodelling of the liver microarchitecture, which is cause and result of abnormal environmental mechanical forces, triggering and sustaining the long-standing and progressive process of liver fibrosis. Multiple mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress, and hydrostatic pressure can converge at different stages of the disease until reaching a point of no return where the fibrosis is considered non-reversible. Thereafter, reciprocal communication between cells and their niches becomes the driving force for disease progression. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that, rather than being a passive consequence of fibrosis and portal hypertension (PH), mechanical force-mediated pathways could themselves represent strategic targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanobiology of PH, by furnishing an introduction on the most important mechanisms, integrating these concepts into a discussion on the pathogenesis of PH, and exploring potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
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14
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Mitten EK, Portincasa P, Baffy G. Portal Hypertension in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Challenges and Paradigms. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1201-1211. [PMID: 37577237 PMCID: PMC10412712 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension in cirrhosis is defined as an increase in the portal pressure gradient (PPG) between the portal and hepatic veins and is traditionally estimated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which is the difference in pressure between the free-floating and wedged positions of a balloon catheter in the hepatic vein. By convention, HVPG≥10 mmHg indicates clinically significant portal hypertension, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder with a heterogeneous clinical course, which includes the development of portal hypertension. There is increasing evidence that portal hypertension in NAFLD deserves special considerations. First, elevated PPG often precedes fibrosis in NAFLD, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between these pathological processes. Second, HVPG underestimates PPG in NAFLD, suggesting that portal hypertension is more prevalent in this condition than currently believed. Third, cellular mechanoresponses generated early in the pathogenesis of NAFLD provide a mechanistic explanation for the pressure-fibrosis paradigm. Finally, a better understanding of liver mechanobiology in NAFLD may aid in the development of novel pharmaceutical targets for prevention and management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K. Mitten
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Division of Internal Medicine and Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University ‘Aldo Moro’ Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - György Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Chang Z, Zhang L, Hang JT, Liu W, Xu GK. Viscoelastic Multiscale Mechanical Indexes for Assessing Liver Fibrosis and Treatment Outcomes. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:9618-9625. [PMID: 37793647 PMCID: PMC10603793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding liver tissue mechanics, particularly in the context of liver pathologies like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinoma, holds pivotal significance for assessing disease severity and prognosis. Although the static mechanical properties of livers have been gradually studied, the intricacies of their dynamic mechanics remain enigmatic. Here, we characterize the dynamic creep responses of healthy, fibrotic, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-treated fibrotic lives. Strikingly, we unearth a ubiquitous two-stage power-law rheology of livers across different time scales with the exponents and their distribution profiles highly correlated to liver status. Moreover, our self-similar hierarchical theory effectively captures the delicate changes in the dynamical mechanics of livers. Notably, the viscoelastic multiscale mechanical indexes (i.e., power-law exponents and elastic stiffnesses of different hierarchies) and their distribution characteristics prominently vary with liver fibrosis and MSCs therapy. This study unveils the viscoelastic characteristics of livers and underscores the potential of proposed mechanical criteria for assessing disease evolution and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering
Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Institute
for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Jiu-Tao Hang
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering
Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Institute
for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory
for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering
Mechanics, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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16
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Bao L, Kong H, Ja Y, Wang C, Qin L, Sun H, Dai S. The relationship between cancer and biomechanics. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1273154. [PMID: 37901315 PMCID: PMC10602664 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1273154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset, development, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer involve intricate interactions among various factors, spanning the realms of mechanics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Within our bodies, cells are subject to a variety of forces such as gravity, magnetism, tension, compression, shear stress, and biological static force/hydrostatic pressure. These forces are perceived by mechanoreceptors as mechanical signals, which are then transmitted to cells through a process known as mechanical transduction. During tumor development, invasion and metastasis, there are significant biomechanical influences on various aspects such as tumor angiogenesis, interactions between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), interactions between tumor cells and other cells, and interactions between tumor cells and the circulatory system and vasculature. The tumor microenvironment comprises a complex interplay of cells, ECM and vasculature, with the ECM, comprising collagen, fibronectins, integrins, laminins and matrix metalloproteinases, acting as a critical mediator of mechanical properties and a key component within the mechanical signaling pathway. The vasculature exerts appropriate shear forces on tumor cells, enabling their escape from immune surveillance, facilitating their dissemination in the bloodstream, dictating the trajectory of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and playing a pivotal role in regulating adhesion to the vessel wall. Tumor biomechanics plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis, as alterations in biomechanical properties throughout the malignant transformation process trigger a cascade of changes in cellular behavior and the tumor microenvironment, ultimately culminating in the malignant biological behavior of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqi Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Renji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongru Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Ja
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengchao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengjie Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Rodriguez-Fernandez J, Garcia-Legler E, Villanueva-Badenas E, Donato MT, Gomez-Ribelles JL, Salmeron-Sanchez M, Gallego-Ferrer G, Tolosa L. Primary human hepatocytes-laden scaffolds for the treatment of acute liver failure. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 153:213576. [PMID: 37566937 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based liver therapies based on retrieving and steadying failed metabolic function(s) for acute and chronic diseases could be a valuable substitute for liver transplants, even though they are limited by the low engraftment capability and reduced functional quality of primary human hepatocytes (PHH). In this paper we propose the use of gelatin-hyaluronic acid (Gel-HA) scaffolds seeded with PHH for the treatment of liver failure. We first optimized the composition using Gel-HA hydrogels, looking for the mechanical properties closer to the human liver and determining HepG2 cells functionality. Gel-HA scaffolds with interconnected porosity (pore size 102 μm) were prepared and used for PHH culture and evaluation of key hepatic functions. PHH cultured in Gel-HA scaffolds exhibited increased albumin and urea secretion and metabolic capacity (CYP and UGT activity levels) compared to standard monolayer cultures. The transplant of the scaffold containing PHH led to an improvement in liver function (transaminase levels, necrosis) and ameliorated damage in a mouse model of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver failure. The study provided a mechanistic understanding of APAP-induced liver injury and the impact of transplantation by analyzing cytokine production and oxidative stress induction to find suitable biomarkers of cell therapy effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Rodriguez-Fernandez
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Emma Garcia-Legler
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Estela Villanueva-Badenas
- Experimental Hepatology Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia 46026, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - M Teresa Donato
- Experimental Hepatology Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia 46026, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Gomez-Ribelles
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valencia, Spain; Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gloria Gallego-Ferrer
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Laia Tolosa
- Experimental Hepatology Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia 46026, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valencia, Spain.
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18
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Oliva-Vilarnau N, Vorrink SU, Büttner FA, Heinrich T, Sensbach J, Koscielski I, Wienke D, Petersson C, Perrin D, Lauschke VM. Comparative analysis of YAP/TEAD inhibitors in 2D and 3D cultures of primary human hepatocytes reveals a novel non-canonical mechanism of CYP induction. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115755. [PMID: 37607620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes constitutes an important cause of drug-drug interactions and preclinical evaluation of induction liability is mandatory for novel drug candidates. YAP/TEAD signaling has emerged as an attractive target for various oncological indications and multiple chemically distinct YAP/TEAD inhibitors are rapidly progressing towards clinical stages. Here, we tested the liability for CYP induction of a diverse set of YAP/TEAD inhibitors with different modes of action and TEAD isoform selectivity profiles in monolayers and 3D spheroids of primary human hepatocytes (PHH). We found that YAP/TEAD inhibition resulted in broad induction of CYPs in 2D monolayers, whereas, if at all, only marginal induction was seen in spheroid culture. Comprehensive RNA-Seq indicated that YAP/TEAD signaling was increased in 2D culture compared to spheroids, which was paralleled by elevated activities of the interacting transcription factors LXR and ESRRA, likely at least in part due to altered mechanosensing. Inhibition of this YAP/TEAD hyperactivation resulted in an overall reduction of hepatocyte dedifferentiation marked by increased hepatic functionality, including CYPs. These results thus demonstrate that the observed induction is due to on-target effects of the compounds rather than direct activation of xenobiotic sensing nuclear receptors. Combined, the presented data link hepatocyte dedifferentiation to YAP/TEAD dysregulation, reveal a novel non-canonical pathway of CYP induction and highlight the advantage of organotypic 3D cultures to predict clinically relevant pharmacokinetic properties, particularly for atypical induction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Oliva-Vilarnau
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Florian A Büttner
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Timo Heinrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Janike Sensbach
- Department of Chemical and Pre-Clinical Safety, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Isabel Koscielski
- Department of Chemical and Pre-Clinical Safety, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dirk Wienke
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Carl Petersson
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dominique Perrin
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; HepaPredict AB, Stockholm, Sweden; Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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19
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Nahum A, Koren Y, Ergaz B, Natan S, Miller G, Tamir Y, Goren S, Kolel A, Jagadeeshan S, Elkabets M, Lesman A, Zaritsky A. Inference of long-range cell-cell force transmission from ECM remodeling fluctuations. Commun Biol 2023; 6:811. [PMID: 37537232 PMCID: PMC10400639 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells sense, manipulate and respond to their mechanical microenvironment in a plethora of physiological processes, yet the understanding of how cells transmit, receive and interpret environmental cues to communicate with distant cells is severely limited due to lack of tools to quantitatively infer the complex tangle of dynamic cell-cell interactions in complicated environments. We present a computational method to systematically infer and quantify long-range cell-cell force transmission through the extracellular matrix (cell-ECM-cell communication) by correlating ECM remodeling fluctuations in between communicating cells and demonstrating that these fluctuations contain sufficient information to define unique signatures that robustly distinguish between different pairs of communicating cells. We demonstrate our method with finite element simulations and live 3D imaging of fibroblasts and cancer cells embedded in fibrin gels. While previous studies relied on the formation of a visible fibrous 'band' extending between cells to inform on mechanical communication, our method detected mechanical propagation even in cases where visible bands never formed. We revealed that while contractility is required, band formation is not necessary, for cell-ECM-cell communication, and that mechanical signals propagate from one cell to another even upon massive reduction in their contractility. Our method sets the stage to measure the fundamental aspects of intercellular long-range mechanical communication in physiological contexts and may provide a new functional readout for high content 3D image-based screening. The ability to infer cell-ECM-cell communication using standard confocal microscopy holds the promise for wide use and democratizing the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Nahum
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yoni Koren
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Bar Ergaz
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sari Natan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Gad Miller
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Yuval Tamir
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Shahar Goren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Avraham Kolel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ayelet Lesman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Assaf Zaritsky
- Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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20
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Li D, Janmey PA, Wells RG. Local fat content determines global and local stiffness in livers with simple steatosis. FASEB Bioadv 2023; 5:251-261. [PMID: 37287868 PMCID: PMC10242205 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2022-00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fat accumulation during liver steatosis precedes inflammation and fibrosis in fatty liver diseases, and is associated with disease progression. Despite a large body of evidence that liver mechanics play a major role in liver disease progression, the effect of fat accumulation by itself on liver mechanics remains unclear. Thus, we conducted ex vivo studies of liver mechanics in rodent models of simple steatosis to isolate and examine the mechanical effects of intrahepatic fat accumulation, and found that fat accumulation softens the liver. Using a novel adaptation of microindentation to permit association of local mechanics with microarchitectural features, we found evidence that the softening of fatty liver results from local softening of fatty regions rather than uniform softening of the liver. These results suggest that fat accumulation itself exerts a softening effect on liver tissue. This, along with the localized heterogeneity of softening within the liver, has implications in what mechanical mechanisms are involved in the progression of liver steatosis to more severe pathologies and disease. Finally, the ability to examine and associate local mechanics with microarchitectural features is potentially applicable to the study of the role of heterogeneous mechanical microenvironments in both other liver pathologies and other organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Institute for Medicine and EngineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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21
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Javanmardi Y, Agrawal A, Malandrino A, Lasli S, Chen M, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Cammoun L, Li R, Jorfi M, Djordjevic B, Szita N, Spill F, Bertazzo S, Sheridan GK, Shenoy V, Calvo F, Kamm R, Moeendarbary E. Endothelium and Subendothelial Matrix Mechanics Modulate Cancer Cell Transendothelial Migration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206554. [PMID: 37051804 PMCID: PMC10238207 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell extravasation, a key step in the metastatic cascade, involves cancer cell arrest on the endothelium, transendothelial migration (TEM), followed by the invasion into the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) of distant tissues. While cancer research has mostly focused on the biomechanical interactions between tumor cells (TCs) and ECM, particularly at the primary tumor site, very little is known about the mechanical properties of endothelial cells and the subendothelial ECM and how they contribute to the extravasation process. Here, an integrated experimental and theoretical framework is developed to investigate the mechanical crosstalk between TCs, endothelium and subendothelial ECM during in vitro cancer cell extravasation. It is found that cancer cell actin-rich protrusions generate complex push-pull forces to initiate and drive TEM, while transmigration success also relies on the forces generated by the endothelium. Consequently, mechanical properties of the subendothelial ECM and endothelial actomyosin contractility that mediate the endothelial forces also impact the endothelium's resistance to cancer cell transmigration. These results indicate that mechanical features of distant tissues, including force interactions between the endothelium and the subendothelial ECM, are key determinants of metastatic organotropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Ayushi Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Andrea Malandrino
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering GroupDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering and Research Center for Biomedical EngineeringUniversitat Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC)08019BarcelonaSpain
| | - Soufian Lasli
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Michelle Chen
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Leila Cammoun
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Mehdi Jorfi
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Nicolas Szita
- Department of Biochemical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Fabian Spill
- School of MathematicsUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB152TSUK
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Graham K Sheridan
- School of Life SciencesQueen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2UHUK
| | - Vivek Shenoy
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria)Santander39011Spain
| | - Roger Kamm
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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22
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Kerdegari S, Canepa P, Odino D, Oropesa-Nuñez R, Relini A, Cavalleri O, Canale C. Insights in Cell Biomechanics through Atomic Force Microscopy. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2980. [PMID: 37109816 PMCID: PMC10142950 DOI: 10.3390/ma16082980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We review the advances obtained by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based approaches in the field of cell/tissue mechanics and adhesion, comparing the solutions proposed and critically discussing them. AFM offers a wide range of detectable forces with a high force sensitivity, thus allowing a broad class of biological issues to be addressed. Furthermore, it allows for the accurate control of the probe position during the experiments, providing spatially resolved mechanical maps of the biological samples with subcellular resolution. Nowadays, mechanobiology is recognized as a subject of great relevance in biotechnological and biomedical fields. Focusing on the past decade, we discuss the intriguing issues of cellular mechanosensing, i.e., how cells sense and adapt to their mechanical environment. Next, we examine the relationship between cell mechanical properties and pathological states, focusing on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We show how AFM has contributed to the characterization of pathological mechanisms and discuss its role in the development of a new class of diagnostic tools that consider cell mechanics as new tumor biomarkers. Finally, we describe the unique ability of AFM to study cell adhesion, working quantitatively and at the single-cell level. Again, we relate cell adhesion experiments to the study of mechanisms directly or secondarily involved in pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Kerdegari
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Paolo Canepa
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Davide Odino
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Reinier Oropesa-Nuñez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University, Ångströmlaboratoriet, Box 35, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Annalisa Relini
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Ornella Cavalleri
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Claudio Canale
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
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23
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Berasain C, Arechederra M, Argemí J, Fernández-Barrena MG, Avila MA. Loss of liver function in chronic liver disease: An identity crisis. J Hepatol 2023; 78:401-414. [PMID: 36115636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adult hepatocyte identity is constructed throughout embryonic development and fine-tuned after birth. A multinodular network of transcription factors, along with pre-mRNA splicing regulators, define the transcriptome, which encodes the proteins needed to perform the complex metabolic and secretory functions of the mature liver. Transient hepatocellular dedifferentiation can occur as part of the regenerative mechanisms triggered in response to acute liver injury. However, persistent downregulation of key identity genes is now accepted as a strong determinant of organ dysfunction in chronic liver disease, a major global health burden. Therefore, the identification of core transcription factors and splicing regulators that preserve hepatocellular phenotype, and a thorough understanding of how these networks become disrupted in diseased hepatocytes, is of high clinical relevance. In this context, we review the key players in liver differentiation and discuss in detail critical factors, such as HNF4α, whose impairment mediates the breakdown of liver function. Moreover, we present compelling experimental evidence demonstrating that restoration of core transcription factor expression in a chronically injured liver can reset hepatocellular identity, improve function and ameliorate structural abnormalities. The possibility of correcting the phenotype of severely damaged and malfunctional livers may reveal new therapeutic opportunities for individuals with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Berasain
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Maria Arechederra
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemí
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; Liver Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite G Fernández-Barrena
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matías A Avila
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
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24
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Blackford SJI, Yu TTL, Norman MDA, Syanda AM, Manolakakis M, Lachowski D, Yan Z, Guo Y, Garitta E, Riccio F, Jowett GM, Ng SS, Vernia S, Del Río Hernández AE, Gentleman E, Rashid ST. RGD density along with substrate stiffness regulate hPSC hepatocyte functionality through YAP signalling. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121982. [PMID: 36640555 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hPSC-Heps) may be suitable for treating liver diseases, but differentiation protocols often fail to yield adult-like cells. We hypothesised that replicating healthy liver niche biochemical and biophysical cues would produce hepatocytes with desired metabolic functionality. Using 2D synthetic hydrogels which independently control mechanical properties and biochemical cues, we found that culturing hPSC-Heps on surfaces matching the stiffness of fibrotic liver tissue upregulated expression of genes for RGD-binding integrins, and increased expression of YAP/TAZ and their transcriptional targets. Alternatively, culture on soft, healthy liver-like substrates drove increases in cytochrome p450 activity and ureagenesis. Knockdown of ITGB1 or reducing RGD-motif-containing peptide concentration in stiff hydrogels reduced YAP activity and improved metabolic functionality; however, on soft substrates, reducing RGD concentration had the opposite effect. Furthermore, targeting YAP activity with verteporfin or forskolin increased cytochrome p450 activity, with forskolin dramatically enhancing urea synthesis. hPSC-Heps could also be successfully encapsulated within RGD peptide-containing hydrogels without negatively impacting hepatic functionality, and compared to 2D cultures, 3D cultured hPSC-Heps secreted significantly less fetal liver-associated alpha-fetoprotein, suggesting furthered differentiation. Our platform overcomes technical hurdles in replicating the liver niche, and allowed us to identify a role for YAP/TAZ-mediated mechanosensing in hPSC-Hep differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK; Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Tracy T L Yu
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Michael D A Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Adam M Syanda
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Michail Manolakakis
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ziqian Yan
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Yunzhe Guo
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Elena Garitta
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Federica Riccio
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Geraldine M Jowett
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK; Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Soon Seng Ng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Santiago Vernia
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK.
| | - S Tamir Rashid
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK.
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25
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Gurbuz B, Guldiken N, Reuken P, Fu L, Remih K, Preisinger C, Brůha R, Leníček M, Petrtýl J, Reissing J, Aly M, Fromme M, Zhou B, Karkossa I, Schubert K, von Bergen M, Stallmach A, Bruns T, Strnad P. Biomarkers of hepatocellular synthesis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:698-708. [PMID: 36652164 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10473-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Since hepatocytes produce majority of serum proteins, patients with cirrhosis display substantial alterations in the serum proteome. The aim of the current study was to characterize these changes and to study the prognostic utility of hepatocellular proteins available in routine clinical testing. METHODS Sera from 29 healthy controls and 43 patients with cirrhosis were subjected to untargeted proteomic analysis. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed with Perseus software and R. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) suggested upstream regulators that were validated in liver tissues. The behavior and prognostic usefulness of selected biomarkers was investigated in 61 controls and 285 subjects with decompensated cirrhosis. RESULTS Proteomics uncovered 65 and 16 hepatocellular serum proteins that are significantly downregulated or upregulated in patients with cirrhosis vs. controls. Hierarchical clustering revealed two main clusters and six sub-clusters. IPA identified HNF4α and IL-6 as the two major upstream regulators that were confirmed by hepatic gene expression analyses. Among pseudocholinesterase, transferrin, transthyretin, albumin, and apolipoprotein AI (Apo-AI), Apo-AI was the best predictor of 90-days transplant-free survival (AUROC 0.678; p = 0.0001) and remained an independent predictor in multivariable Cox independently of the presence of acute-on-chronic liver failure. CONCLUSION Our study reveals cirrhosis-associated changes in hepatocellular serum proteins and underlying transcription factors. Serum apolipoprotein AI may constitute a useful prognostic adjunct in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berivan Gurbuz
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nurdan Guldiken
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Philipp Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Science and Technology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530011, China
| | - Katharina Remih
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Preisinger
- Proteomics Facility, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Radan Brůha
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Leníček
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromír Petrtýl
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Johanna Reissing
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Aly
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat, 12 City, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Malin Fromme
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Biaohuan Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Isabel Karkossa
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristin Schubert
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III and IZKF, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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26
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Guo T, Wantono C, Tan Y, Deng F, Duan T, Liu D. Regulators, functions, and mechanotransduction pathways of matrix stiffness in hepatic disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098129. [PMID: 36711017 PMCID: PMC9878334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and imparts significant biochemical and mechanical cues to cells. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of liver fibrosis and is associated with many hepatic diseases, especially liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a consequence of liver fibrosis but is also recognized as an active driver in the progression of fibrotic hepatic disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the role of matrix stiffness in the pathological progression of hepatic disease. The regulators that modulate matrix stiffness including ECM components, MMPs, and crosslinking modifications are discussed. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating intercellular signaling and cell phenotype are classified, especially for hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immunocytes. The molecular mechanism that sensing and transducing mechanical signaling is highlighted. The current progress of ECM stiffness's role in hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer is introduced and summarized. Finally, the recent trials targeting ECM stiffness for the treatment of liver disease are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cindy Wantono
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feihong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Deliang Liu,
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27
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Warren I, Moeller MM, Guiggey D, Chiang A, Maloy M, Ogoke O, Groth T, Mon T, Meamardoost S, Liu X, Thompson S, Szeglowski A, Thompson R, Chen P, Paulmurugan R, Yarmush ML, Kidambi S, Parashurama N. FOXA1/2 depletion drives global reprogramming of differentiation state and metabolism in a human liver cell line and inhibits differentiation of human stem cell-derived hepatic progenitor cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22652. [PMID: 36515690 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101506rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
FOXA factors are critical members of the developmental gene regulatory network (GRN) composed of master transcription factors (TF) which regulate murine cell fate and metabolism in the gut and liver. How FOXA factors dictate human liver cell fate, differentiation, and simultaneously regulate metabolic pathways is poorly understood. Here, we aimed to determine the role of FOXA2 (and FOXA1 which is believed to compensate for FOXA2) in controlling hepatic differentiation and cell metabolism in a human hepatic cell line (HepG2). siRNA mediated knockdown of FOXA1/2 in HepG2 cells significantly downregulated albumin (p < .05) and GRN TF gene expression (HNF4α, HEX, HNF1ß, TBX3) (p < .05) and significantly upregulated endoderm/gut/hepatic endoderm markers (goosecoid [GSC], FOXA3, and GATA4), gut TF (CDX2), pluripotent TF (NANOG), and neuroectodermal TF (PAX6) (p < .05), all consistent with partial/transient reprograming. shFOXA1/2 targeting resulted in similar findings and demonstrated evidence of reversibility of phenotype. RNA-seq followed by bioinformatic analysis of shFOXA1/2 knockdown HepG2 cells demonstrated 235 significant downregulated genes and 448 upregulated genes, including upregulation of markers for alternate germ layers lineages (cardiac, endothelial, muscle) and neurectoderm (eye, neural). We found widespread downregulation of glycolysis, citric acid cycle, mitochondrial genes, and alterations in lipid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and ketogenesis. Functional metabolic analysis agreed with these findings, demonstrating significantly diminished glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, with concomitant accumulation of lipid droplets. We hypothesized that FOXA1/2 inhibit the initiation of human liver differentiation in vitro. During human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC)-hepatic differentiation, siRNA knockdown demonstrated de-differentiation and unexpectedly, activation of pluripotency factors and neuroectoderm. shRNA knockdown demonstrated similar results and activation of SOX9 (hepatobiliary). These results demonstrate that FOXA1/2 controls hepatic and developmental GRN, and their knockdown leads to reprogramming of both differentiation and metabolism, with applications in studies of cancer, differentiation, and organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyan Warren
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Michael M Moeller
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Daniel Guiggey
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Alexander Chiang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mitchell Maloy
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ogechi Ogoke
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Theodore Groth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Tala Mon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Saber Meamardoost
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Thompson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Antoni Szeglowski
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ryan Thompson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Peter Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center for Early Cancer Detection and the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Martin L Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Srivatsan Kidambi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Natesh Parashurama
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA.,Clinical and Translation Research Center (CTRC), University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
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28
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Chen S, Zhu J, Xue J, Wang X, Jing P, Zhou L, Cui Y, Wang T, Gong X, Lü S, Long M. Numerical simulation of flow characteristics in a permeable liver sinusoid with leukocytes. Biophys J 2022; 121:4666-4678. [PMID: 36271623 PMCID: PMC9748252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-layered channels of sinusoid lumen and Disse space separated by fenestrated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) endow the unique mechanical environment of the liver sinusoid network, which further guarantees its biological function. It is also known that this mechanical environment changes dramatically under liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, including the reduced plasma penetration and metabolite exchange between the two flow channels and the reduced Disse space deformability. The squeezing of leukocytes through narrow sinusoid lumen also affects the mechanical environment of liver sinusoid. To date, the detailed flow-field profile of liver sinusoid is still far from clear due to experimental limitations. It also remains elusive whether and how the varied physical properties of the pathological liver sinusoid regulate the fluid flow characteristics. Here a numerical model based on the immersed boundary method was established, and the effects of Disse space and leukocyte elasticities, endothelium permeability, and sinusoidal stenosis degree on fluid flow as well as leukocyte trafficking were specified upon a mimic liver sinusoid structure. Results showed that endothelium permeability dominantly controlled the plasma penetration velocity across the endothelium, whereas leukocyte squeezing promoted local penetration and significantly regulated wall shear stress on hepatocytes, which was strongly related to the Disse space and leukocyte deformability. Permeability and elasticity cooperatively regulated the process of leukocytes trafficking through the liver sinusoid, especially for stiffer leukocytes. This study will offer new insights into deeper understanding of the elaborate mechanical features of liver sinusoid and corresponding biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenbao Chen
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, and CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingchen Zhu
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, and CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Xue
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics (LNM), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamics (Ministry of Education), Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Jing
- Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamics (Ministry of Education), Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lüwen Zhou
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, and CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Cui
- Department of Mechanics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianhao Wang
- Department of Mechanics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaobo Gong
- Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamics (Ministry of Education), Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shouqin Lü
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, and CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Mian Long
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, and CAS Center for Excellence in Complex System Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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29
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Mitten EK, Baffy G. Mechanotransduction in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1642-1656. [PMID: 36063966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a domain of interdisciplinary research that aims to explore the impact of physical force, applied externally or internally, on cell and tissue function, including development, growth, and differentiation. Mechanotransduction is a term that describes how cells sense physical forces (such as compression, stretch, and shear stress), convert them into biochemical signals, and mount adaptive responses integrated by the nucleus. There is accumulating evidence that mechanical forces extensively inform the biological behaviour of liver cells in health and disease. Recent research has elucidated many cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process including the pleiotropic control and diverse effects of the paralogous transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ, which play a prominent role in mechanotransduction. The liver sinusoids represent a unique microenvironment in which cells are exposed to mechanical cues originating in the cytoskeleton and at interfaces with adjacent cells, the extracellular matrix, and vascular or interstitial fluids. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning, activation of inflammatory responses, dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells into a pro-contractile and pro-fibrotic phenotype have been associated with aberrant cycles of mechanosensing and mechanoresponses. The downstream consequences of disrupted mechanical homeostasis likely contribute to the progression of NAFLD and promote the development of portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of molecular targets involved in pathogenic mechanotransduction will allow for the development of novel strategies to prevent the progression of liver disease in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K Mitten
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - György Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston MA, USA.
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30
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Kaur S, Kidambi S, Ortega-Ribera M, Thuy LTT, Nieto N, Cogger VC, Xie WF, Tacke F, Gracia-Sancho J. In Vitro Models for the Study of Liver Biology and Diseases: Advances and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:559-571. [PMID: 36442812 PMCID: PMC9868680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In vitro models of liver (patho)physiology, new technologies, and experimental approaches are progressing rapidly. Based on cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells or primary cells derived from mouse or human liver as well as whole tissue (slices), such in vitro single- and multicellular models, including complex microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems, provide tools to functionally understand mechanisms of liver health and disease. The International Society of Hepatic Sinusoidal Research (ISHSR) commissioned this working group to review the currently available in vitro liver models and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each in the context of evaluating their use for the study of liver functionality, disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, and clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savneet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Srivatsan Kidambi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Martí Ortega-Ribera
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Le Thi Thanh Thuy
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Victoria C Cogger
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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31
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Modulation of human iPSC-derived hepatocyte phenotype via extracellular matrix microarrays. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:216-230. [PMID: 36115650 PMCID: PMC9869484 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In vitro human liver models are essential for drug screening, disease modeling, and cell-based therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) mitigate sourcing limitations of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and enable precision medicine; however, current protocols yield iHeps with very low differentiated functions. The composition and stiffness of liver's extracellular matrix (ECM) cooperatively regulate hepatic phenotype in vivo, but such effects on iHeps remain unelucidated. Here, we utilized ECM microarrays and high content imaging to assess human iHep attachment and functions on ten major liver ECM proteins in single and two-way combinations robotically spotted onto polyacrylamide gels of liver-like stiffnesses; microarray findings were validated using hydrogel-conjugated multiwell plates. Collagen-IV supported higher iHep attachment than collagen-I over 2 weeks on 1 kPa, while laminin and its combinations with collagen-III, fibronectin, tenascin C, or hyaluronic acid led to both high iHep attachment and differentiated functions; laminin and its combination with tenascin or fibronectin led to similar albumin expression in iHeps and PHHs. Additionally, several collagen-IV-, laminin-, fibronectin-, and collagen-V-containing combinations on 1 kPa led to similar or higher CYP3A4 staining in iHeps than PHHs. Lastly, collagen-I or -III mixed with laminin, collagen-IV mixed with lumican, and collagen-V mixed with fibronectin led to high and stable functional output (albumin/urea secretions; CYP1A2/2C9/3A4 activities) in iHep cultures versus declining PHH numbers/functions for 3 weeks within multiwell plates containing 1 kPa hydrogels. Ultimately, these platforms can help elucidate ECM's role in liver diseases and serve as building blocks of engineered tissues for applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We utilized high-throughput extracellular matrix (ECM) microarrays and high content imaging to assess the attachment and differentiated functions of iPSC-derived human hepatocyte-like cells (iHep) on major liver ECM protein combinations spotted onto polyacrylamide gels of liver-like stiffnesses. We observed that iHep responses are regulated in unexpected ways via the cooperation between ECM stiffness and protein composition. Using this approach, we induced mature functions in iHeps on substrates of physiological stiffness and select ECM coatings at higher levels over 3+ weeks than analogous primary human hepatocyte cultures, which is useful for building platforms for drug screening, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
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32
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Xiong H, Zhang C, Han L, Xu T, Saeed K, Han J, Liu J, Klaassen CD, Gonzalez FJ, Lu Y, Zhang Y. Suppressed farnesoid X receptor by iron overload in mice and humans potentiates iron-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatology 2022; 76:387-403. [PMID: 34870866 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Iron overload (IO) is a frequent finding in the general population. As the major iron storage site, the liver is subject to iron toxicity. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates bile acid metabolism and is implicated in various liver diseases. We aimed to determine whether FXR plays a role in regulating iron hepatotoxicity. APPROACH AND RESULTS Human and mouse hepatocytes were treated with ferric ammonium citrate or iron dextran (FeDx). Mice were orally administered ferrous sulfate or injected i.p. with FeDx. Wild-type and Fxr-/- mice were fed an iron-rich diet for 1 or 5 weeks. Mice fed an iron-rich diet were coadministered the FXR agonist, GW4064. Forced expression of FXR was carried out with recombinant adeno-associated virus 1 week before iron-rich diet feeding. Serum levels of bile acids and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) were quantified in adults with hyperferritinemia and children with β-thalassemia. The data demonstrated that iron suppressed FXR expression and signaling in human and mouse hepatocytes as well as in mouse liver and intestine. FXR deficiency potentiated iron hepatotoxicity, accompanied with hepatic steatosis as well as dysregulated iron and bile acid homeostasis. FXR negatively regulated iron-regulatory proteins 1 and 2 and prevented hepatic iron accumulation. Forced FXR expression and ligand activation significantly suppressed iron hepatotoxicity in iron-fed mice. The FXR agonist, GW4064, almost completely restored dysregulated bile acid signaling and metabolic syndrome in iron-fed mice. Conjugated primary bile acids were increased and FGF19 was decreased in serum of adults with hyperferritinemia and children with β-thalassemia. CONCLUSIONS FXR plays a pivotal role in regulating iron homeostasis and protects mice against iron hepatotoxicity. Targeting FXR may represent a therapeutic strategy for IO-associated chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunze Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Lifeng Han
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of TCM Chemistry and Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Khawar Saeed
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Curtis D Klaassen
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuanfu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Youcai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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33
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Dooling LJ, Saini K, Anlaş AA, Discher DE. Tissue mechanics coevolves with fibrillar matrisomes in healthy and fibrotic tissues. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:153-188. [PMID: 35764212 PMCID: PMC9990088 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar proteins are principal components of extracellular matrix (ECM) that confer mechanical properties to tissues. Fibrosis can result from wound repair in nearly every tissue in adults, and it associates with increased ECM density and crosslinking as well as increased tissue stiffness. Such fibrotic tissues are a major biomedical challenge, and an emerging view posits that the altered mechanical environment supports both synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts in a state of persistent activation. Here, we review the matrisome in several fibrotic diseases, as well as normal tissues, with a focus on physicochemical properties. Stiffness generally increases with the abundance of fibrillar collagens, the major constituent of ECM, with similar mathematical trends for fibrosis as well as adult tissues from soft brain to stiff bone and heart development. Changes in expression of other core matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins or proteoglycans contribute to tissue stiffening in fibrosis by organizing collagen, crosslinking ECM, and facilitating adhesion of myofibroblasts. Understanding how ECM composition and mechanics coevolve during fibrosis can lead to better models and help with antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Dooling
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alişya A Anlaş
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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34
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Li N, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li W, Shu X, Wu Y, Long M. Multiscale biomechanics and mechanotransduction from liver fibrosis to cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114448. [PMID: 35820602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of multiscale biomechanical studies has been proposed to highlight the mechanical cues in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cancer. At the cellular level, changes in mechanical microenvironment induce phenotypic and functional alterations of hepatic cells, initiating a positive feedback loop that promotes liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Tumor mechanical microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates tumor cell growth and metastasis, and hinders the drug delivery and immunotherapy. At the molecular level, mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted into hepatic cells via allosteric activation of mechanoreceptors on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of various mechanotransduction pathways including integrin and YAP signaling and then regulating cell function. Thus, the application of mechanomedicine concept in the treatment of liver diseases is promising for rational design and cell-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs. This review mainly discusses the correlation between biomechanical cues and liver diseases from the viewpoint of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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35
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Pressure Loading Induces DNA Damage in Human Hepatocyte Line L02 Cells via the ERK1/2-Dicer Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105342. [PMID: 35628153 PMCID: PMC9140865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105342] [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] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration of liver tissue mechanical microenvironment is proven to be a key factor for causing hepatocyte injury and even triggering the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma; however, the underlying mechanisms involved are not fully understood. In this study, using a customized, pressure-loading device, we assess the effect of pressure loading on DNA damage in human hepatocytes. We show that pressure loading leads to DNA damage and S-phase arresting in the cell cycle, and activates the DNA damage response in hepatocytes. Meanwhile, pressure loading upregulates Dicer expression, and its silencing exacerbates pressure-induced DNA damage. Moreover, pressure loading also activates ERK1/2 signaling molecules. Blockage of ERK1/2 signaling inhibits pressure-upregulated Dicer expression and exacerbates DNA damage by suppressing DNA damage response in hepatocytes. Our findings demonstrate that compressive stress loading induces hepatocyte DNA damage through the ERK1/2–Dicer signaling pathway, which provides evidence for a better understanding of the link between the altered mechanical environment and liver diseases.
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36
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Huang Z, Khalifa MO, Gu W, Li TS. Hydrostatic pressure induces pro-fibrotic properties in hepatic stellate cells via the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1230-1240. [PMID: 35357779 PMCID: PMC9157409 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13405] [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] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure is commonly observed in diseased livers. We herein examined the hypothesis that hydrostatic pressure induces hepatic stellate cells to acquire pro-fibrotic properties under pathological conditions. Human hepatic stellate cells were exposed to 50 mmHg pressure for 24 hours. Although we observed few changes of cell growth and morphology, PCR array data on the expression of fibrosis-associated genes suggested the acquisition of pro-fibrotic properties. The exposure of hepatic stellate cells to 50 mmHg pressure for 24 hours also significantly enhanced the expression of RhoA, ROCK1, α-SMA, TGF-β1 , p-MLC and p-Smad2, and this was effectively attenuated by ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. Our ex vivo experimental data suggests that elevated interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure under pathological conditions may promote liver fibrosis by inducing acquisition of pro-fibrotic properties of hepatic stellate cells through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zisheng Huang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Mahmoud Osman Khalifa
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Weili Gu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Tao-Sheng Li
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
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37
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Willemse J, van Tienderen G, van Hengel E, Schurink I, van der Ven D, Kan Y, de Ruiter P, Rosmark O, Westergren-Thorsson G G, Schneeberger K, van der Eerden B, Roest H, Spee B, van der Laan L, de Jonge J, Verstegen M. Hydrogels derived from decellularized liver tissue support the growth and differentiation of cholangiocyte organoids. Biomaterials 2022; 284:121473. [PMID: 35344800 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human cholangiocyte organoids are promising for regenerative medicine applications, such as repair of damaged bile ducts. However, organoids are typically cultured in mouse tumor-derived basement membrane extracts (BME), which is poorly defined, highly variable and limits the direct clinical applications of organoids in patients. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels prepared from decellularized human or porcine livers are attractive alternative culture substrates. Here, the culture and expansion of human cholangiocyte organoids in liver ECM(LECM)-derived hydrogels is described. These hydrogels support proliferation of cholangiocyte organoids and maintain the cholangiocyte-like phenotype. The use of LECM hydrogels does not significantly alter the expression of selected genes or proteins, such as the cholangiocyte marker cytokeratin-7, and no species-specific effect is found between human or porcine LECM hydrogels. Proliferation rates of organoids cultured in LECM hydrogels are lower, but the differentiation capacity of the cholangiocyte organoids towards hepatocyte-like cells is not altered by the presence of tissue-specific ECM components. Moreover, human LECM extracts support the expansion of ICO in a dynamic culture set up without the need for laborious static culture of organoids in hydrogel domes. Liver ECM hydrogels can successfully replace tumor-derived BME and can potentially unlock the full clinical potential of human cholangiocyte organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorke Willemse
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gilles van Tienderen
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eline van Hengel
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo Schurink
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Diana van der Ven
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yik Kan
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Petra de Ruiter
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Oskar Rosmark
- Lung Biology, Department Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Kerstin Schneeberger
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bram van der Eerden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Calcium and Bone Metabolism, Erasmus MC-University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk Roest
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Spee
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Luc van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen de Jonge
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monique Verstegen
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Agnetti J, Desterke C, Gassama-Diagne A. Impact of HCV Infection on Hepatocyte Polarity and Plasticity. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030337. [PMID: 35335661 PMCID: PMC8955246 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an oncogenic virus that alters the cell polarization machinery in order to enter the hepatocyte and replicate. While these alterations are relatively well defined, their consequences in the evolution of the disease remain poorly documented. Since 2012, HCV infection can be effectively cured with the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAA). Nevertheless, patients cured of their HCV infection still have a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, it has been shown that some of the deregulations induced by HCV are maintained despite a sustained virologic response (SVR), including the down-regulation of some hepatocyte functions such as bile acid metabolism, exemplifying cell dedifferentiation, and the up-regulation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process by which epithelial cells lose their differentiation and their specific polarity to acquire mesenchymal cell properties, including migration and extracellular matrix remodeling capabilities. Of note, epithelial cell polarity acts as a gatekeeper against EMT. Thus, it remains important to elucidate the mechanisms by which HCV alters polarity and promotes EMT that could participate in viral-induced hepatic carcinogenesis. In this review, we define the main steps involved in the polarization process of epithelial cells and recall the essential cellular actors involved. We also highlight the particularities of hepatocyte polarity, responsible for their unique morphology. We then focus on the alterations by HCV of epithelial cell polarity and the consequences of the transformation of hepatocytes involved in the carcinogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Agnetti
- INSERM, UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Sud, F-94800 Villejuif, France;
| | | | - Ama Gassama-Diagne
- INSERM, UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Sud, F-94800 Villejuif, France;
- Correspondence:
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Design by Nature: Emerging Applications of Native Liver Extracellular Matrix for Cholangiocyte Organoid-Based Regenerative Medicine. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9030110. [PMID: 35324799 PMCID: PMC8945468 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9030110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoid technology holds great promise for regenerative medicine. Recent studies show feasibility for bile duct tissue repair in humans by successfully transplanting cholangiocyte organoids in liver grafts during perfusion. Large-scale expansion of cholangiocytes is essential for extending these regenerative medicine applications. Human cholangiocyte organoids have a high and stable proliferation capacity, making them an attractive source of cholangiocytes. Commercially available basement membrane extract (BME) is used to expand the organoids. BME allows the cells to self-organize into 3D structures and stimulates cell proliferation. However, the use of BME is limiting the clinical applications of the organoids. There is a need for alternative tissue-specific and clinically relevant culture substrates capable of supporting organoid proliferation. Hydrogels prepared from decellularized and solubilized native livers are an attractive alternative for BME. These hydrogels can be used for the culture and expansion of cholangiocyte organoids in a clinically relevant manner. Moreover, the liver-derived hydrogels retain tissue-specific aspects of the extracellular microenvironment. They are composed of a complex mixture of bioactive and biodegradable extracellular matrix (ECM) components and can support the growth of various hepatobiliary cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical potential of native liver ECM-based hydrogels for applications with human cholangiocyte organoids. We discuss the current limitations of BME for the clinical applications of organoids and how native ECM hydrogels can potentially overcome these problems in an effort to unlock the full regenerative clinical potential of the organoids.
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Abstract
Cell manipulation in droplets has emerged as one of the great successes of microfluidic technologies, with the development of single-cell screening. However, the droplet format has also served to go beyond single-cell studies, namely by considering the interactions between different cells or between cells and their physical or chemical environment. These studies pose specific challenges linked to the need for long-term culture of adherent cells or the diverse types of measurements associated with complex biological phenomena. Here we review the emergence of droplet microfluidic methods for culturing cells and studying their interactions. We begin by characterizing the quantitative aspects that determine the ability to encapsulate cells, transport molecules, and provide sufficient nutrients within the droplets. This is followed by an evaluation of the biological constraints such as the control of the biochemical environment and promoting the anchorage of adherent cells. This first part ends with a description of measurement methods that have been developed. The second part of the manuscript focuses on applications of these technologies for cancer studies, immunology, and stem cells while paying special attention to the biological relevance of the cellular assays and providing guidelines on improving this relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Sart
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gustave Ronteix
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Shreyansh Jain
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Amselem
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Charles N Baroud
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.,Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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Van Liedekerke P, Gannoun L, Loriot A, Johann T, Lemaigre FP, Drasdo D. Quantitative modeling identifies critical cell mechanics driving bile duct lumen formation. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009653. [PMID: 35180209 PMCID: PMC8856558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary ducts collect bile from liver lobules, the smallest functional and anatomical units of liver, and carry it to the gallbladder. Disruptions in this process caused by defective embryonic development, or through ductal reaction in liver disease have a major impact on life quality and survival of patients. A deep understanding of the processes underlying bile duct lumen formation is crucial to identify intervention points to avoid or treat the appearance of defective bile ducts. Several hypotheses have been proposed to characterize the biophysical mechanisms driving initial bile duct lumen formation during embryogenesis. Here, guided by the quantification of morphological features and expression of genes in bile ducts from embryonic mouse liver, we sharpened these hypotheses and collected data to develop a high resolution individual cell-based computational model that enables to test alternative hypotheses in silico. This model permits realistic simulations of tissue and cell mechanics at sub-cellular scale. Our simulations suggest that successful bile duct lumen formation requires a simultaneous contribution of directed cell division of cholangiocytes, local osmotic effects generated by salt excretion in the lumen, and temporally-controlled differentiation of hepatoblasts to cholangiocytes, with apical constriction of cholangiocytes only moderately affecting luminal size. The initial step in bile duct development is the formation of a biliary lumen, a process which involves several cellular mechanisms, such as cell division and polarization, and secretion of fluid. However, how these mechanisms are orchestrated in time and space is difficult to understand. Here, we built a computational model of biliary lumen formation which represents every cell and its function in detail. With the model we can simulate the effect of biophysical aspects that affect duct formation. We have tested the individual and combined effects of directed cell division, apical constriction, and osmotic effects on lumen expansion by varying the parameters that control their relative strength. Our simulations suggest that successful bile duct lumen formation requires the simultaneous contribution of directed cell division of cholangiocytes, local osmotic effects generated by salt excretion in the lumen, and temporally-controlled differentiation of hepatoblasts to cholangiocytes, with apical constriction of cholangiocytes only moderately affecting luminal size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Van Liedekerke
- Inria Saclay Île-De-France, Palaiseau, France
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Inria de Paris & Sorbonne Université LJLL, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (PVL); (DD)
| | - Lila Gannoun
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Loriot
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim Johann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Drasdo
- Inria Saclay Île-De-France, Palaiseau, France
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
- Inria de Paris & Sorbonne Université LJLL, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (PVL); (DD)
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Kostallari E, Wei B, Sicard D, Li J, Cooper SA, Gao J, Dehankar M, Li Y, Cao S, Yin M, Tschumperlin DJ, Shah VH. Stiffness is associated with hepatic stellate cell heterogeneity during liver fibrosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G234-G246. [PMID: 34941452 PMCID: PMC8793867 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00254.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The fibrogenic wound-healing response in liver increases stiffness. Stiffness mechanotransduction, in turn, amplifies fibrogenesis. Here, we aimed to understand the distribution of stiffness in fibrotic liver, how it impacts hepatic stellate cell (HSC) heterogeneity, and identify mechanisms by which stiffness amplifies fibrogenic responses. Magnetic resonance elastography and atomic force microscopy demonstrated a heterogeneous distribution of liver stiffness at macroscopic and microscopic levels, respectively, in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) mouse model of liver fibrosis as compared with controls. High stiffness was mainly attributed to extracellular matrix dense areas. To identify a stiffness-sensitive HSC subpopulation, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on primary HSCs derived from healthy versus CCl4-treated mice. A subcluster of HSCs was matrix-associated with the most upregulated pathway in this subpopulation being focal adhesion signaling, including a specific protein termed four and a half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2). In vitro, FHL2 expression was increased in primary human HSCs cultured on stiff matrix as compared with HSCs on soft matrix. Moreover, FHL2 knockdown inhibited fibronectin and collagen 1 expression, whereas its overexpression promoted matrix production. In summary, we demonstrate stiffness heterogeneity at the whole organ, lobular, and cellular level, which drives an amplification loop of fibrogenesis through specific focal adhesion molecular pathways.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The fibrogenic wound-healing response in liver increases stiffness. Here, macro and microheterogeneity of liver stiffness correlate with HSC heterogeneity in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. Fibrogenic HSCs localized in stiff collagen-high areas upregulate the expression of focal adhesion molecule FHL2, which, in turn, promotes extracellular matrix protein expression. These results demonstrate that stiffness heterogeneity at the whole organ, lobular, and cellular level drives an amplification loop of fibrogenesis through specific focal adhesion molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enis Kostallari
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bo Wei
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,2Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Delphine Sicard
- 3Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jiahui Li
- 4Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Shawna A. Cooper
- 5Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jinhang Gao
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,2Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mrunal Dehankar
- 6Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ying Li
- 6Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Sheng Cao
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Meng Yin
- 4Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Vijay H. Shah
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Wang AJ, Allen A, Sofman M, Sphabmixay P, Yildiz E, Griffith LG. Engineering Modular 3D Liver Culture Microenvironments In Vitro to Parse the Interplay between Biophysical and Biochemical Microenvironment Cues on Hepatic Phenotypes. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 2:2100049. [PMID: 35872804 PMCID: PMC9307216 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of human liver functions are used across a diverse range of applications in preclinical drug development and disease modeling, with particular increasing interest in models that capture facets of liver inflammatory status. This study investigates how the interplay between biophysical and biochemical microenvironment cues influence phenotypic responses, including inflammation signatures, of primary human hepatocytes (PHH) cultured in a commercially available perfused bioreactor. A 3D printing-based alginate microwell system was designed to form thousands of hepatic spheroids in a scalable manner as a comparator 3D culture modality to the bioreactor. Soft, synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel scaffolds with biophysical properties mimicking features of liver were engineered to replace polystyrene scaffolds, and the biochemical microenvironment was modulated with a defined set of growth factors and signaling modulators. The supplemented media significantly increased tissue density, albumin secretion, and CYP3A4 activity but also upregulated inflammatory markers. Basal inflammatory markers were lower for cells maintained in ECM hydrogel scaffolds or spheroid formats than polystyrene scaffolds, while hydrogel scaffolds exhibited the most sensitive response to inflammation as assessed by multiplexed cytokine and RNA-seq analyses. Together, these engineered 3D liver microenvironments provide insights for probing human liver functions and inflammatory response in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Wang
- Biological Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Allysa Allen
- Biological Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Marianna Sofman
- Biological Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Pierre Sphabmixay
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Ece Yildiz
- Biological Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Linda G. Griffith
- Biological Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Yang T, Poenisch M, Khanal R, Hu Q, Dai Z, Li R, Song G, Yuan Q, Yao Q, Shen X, Taubert R, Engel B, Jaeckel E, Vogel A, Falk CS, Schambach A, Gerovska D, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Vondran FWR, Cantz T, Horscroft N, Balakrishnan A, Chevessier F, Ott M, Sharma AD. Therapeutic HNF4A mRNA attenuates liver fibrosis in a preclinical model. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1420-1433. [PMID: 34453962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Therapeutic targeting of injuries that require transient restoration of proteins by mRNA delivery is an attractive approach that, until recently, has remained poorly explored. In this study, we examined the therapeutic utility of mRNA delivery for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Specifically, we aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of human hepatocyte nuclear factor alpha (HNF4A) mRNA in mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis. METHODS We investigated restoration of hepatocyte functions by HNF4A mRNA transfection in vitro, and analyzed the attenuation of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in multiple mouse models, by delivering hepatocyte-targeted biodegradable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating HNF4A mRNA. To identify potential mechanisms of action, we performed microarray-based gene expression profiling, single-cell RNA sequencing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. We used primary liver cells and human liver buds for additional functional validation. RESULTS Expression of HNF4A mRNA led to restoration of the metabolic activity of fibrotic primary murine and human hepatocytes in vitro. Repeated in vivo delivery of LNP-encapsulated HNF4A mRNA induced a robust inhibition of fibrogenesis in 4 independent mouse models of hepatotoxin- and cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, we discovered that paraoxonase 1 is a direct target of HNF4A and it contributes to HNF4A-mediated attenuation of liver fibrosis via modulation of liver macrophages and hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings provide the first direct preclinical evidence of the applicability of HNF4A mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis in the liver. LAY SUMMARY Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis remain unmet medical needs and contribute to high mortality worldwide. Herein, we take advantage of a promising therapeutic approach to treat liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We demonstrate that restoration of a key gene, HNF4A, via mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles decreased injury in multiple mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Our study provides proof-of-concept that mRNA therapy is a promising strategy for reversing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taihua Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Present address of TY, Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, , China
| | | | - Rajendra Khanal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qingluan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Zhen Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ruomeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guangqi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinggong Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qunyan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xizhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bastian Engel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine S Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Daniela Gerovska
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Florian W R Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery Regenerative Medicine and Experimental Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Cantz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nigel Horscroft
- CureVac AG, Tübingen, Germany; Present address of NH, MRM Health NV Technologie park-Zwijnaarde 94, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Asha Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Monckton CP, Brougham-Cook A, Kaylan KB, Underhill GH, Khetani SR. Elucidating Extracellular Matrix and Stiffness Control of Primary Human Hepatocyte Phenotype Via Cell Microarrays. ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES 2021; 8:2101284. [PMID: 35111564 PMCID: PMC8803000 DOI: 10.1002/admi.202101284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
How the liver's extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition and stiffness cooperatively regulate primary human hepatocyte (PHH) phenotype is unelucidated. Here, we utilize protein microarrays and high content imaging with single-cell resolution to assess PHH attachment/functions on 10 major liver ECM proteins in single and two-way combinations robotically spotted onto polyacrylamide gels of 1 kPa or 25 kPa stiffness. Albumin, cytochrome-P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), and hepatocyte nuclear factor alpha (HNF4α) positively correlate with each other and cell density on both stiffnesses. The 25 kPa stiffness supports higher average albumin and HNF4α expression after 14 days, while ECM protein composition significantly modulates PHH functions across both stiffnesses. Unlike previous rodent data, PHH functions are highest only when collagen-IV or fibronectin are mixed with specific proteins, whereas non-collagenous proteins without mixed collagens downregulate functions. Combination of collagen-IV and hyaluronic acid retains high CYP3A4 on 1 kPa, whereas collagens-IV and -V better retain HNF4α on 25 kPa over 14 days. Adapting ECM conditions to 96-well plates containing conjugated hydrogels reveals novel regulation of other functions (urea, CYP1A2/2A6/2C9) and drug-mediated CYP induction by the ECM protein composition/stiffness. This high-throughput pipeline can be adapted to elucidate ECM's role in liver diseases and facilitate optimization of engineered tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase P Monckton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 South Morgan Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA
| | - Aidan Brougham-Cook
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2112 Everitt Laboratory, 1406 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Kerim B Kaylan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2112 Everitt Laboratory, 1406 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2112 Everitt Laboratory, 1406 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Salman R Khetani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 South Morgan Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA
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Passi M, Zahler S. Mechano-Signaling Aspects of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:6411-6421. [PMID: 34659531 PMCID: PMC8489129 DOI: 10.7150/jca.60102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HCC is one of the leading causes of cancer related death worldwide and comprises about 90% of the cases of primary liver cancer. It is generally accompanied by chronic liver fibrosis characterised by deposition of collagen fibres, which, in turn, causes enhanced stiffness of the liver tissue. Changes of tissue stiffness give rise to alterations of signalling pathways that are associated to mechanical properties of the cells and the extracellular matrix, and that can be subsumed as "mechano-signaling pathways", like, e.g., the YAP/TAZ pathway, or the SRF pathway. Stiffness of the liver tissue modulates mechanical regulation of many genes involved in HCC progression. However, mechano-signaling is still rather underrepresented in our concepts of cancer in comparison to "classical" biochemical signalling pathways. This review aims to give an overview of various stiffness induced mechano-biological aspects of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehak Passi
- Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zahler
- Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Perspective: The Mechanobiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174275. [PMID: 34503085 PMCID: PMC8428343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most deadly primary cancer in the world and is thus a major global health challenge. HCC primarily develops in patients with an underlying chronic liver disease, the vast majority with advanced cirrhosis, characterized by increased matrix deposition and liver stiffness. Liver stiffness is highly associated with cancer development and poor patient outcome and is measured clinically to assess cancer risk; cirrhotic livers greatly exceed the threshold stiffness shown to alter hepatocyte cell behavior and to increase the malignancy of cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that cirrhotic liver cells have highly irregular nuclear morphologies and that nuclear deformation mediates mechanosensitive signaling. Separate research has shown that nuclear deformation can increase genetic instability and the accumulation of DNA damage in migrating cancer cells. We hypothesize that the mechanical changes associated with chronic liver disease are drivers of oncogenesis, activating mechanosensitive signaling pathways, increasing rates of DNA damage, and ultimately inducing malignant transformation.
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Alsamman S, Christenson SA, Yu A, Ayad NME, Mooring MS, Segal JM, Hu JKH, Schaub JR, Ho SS, Rao V, Marlow MM, Turner SM, Sedki M, Pantano L, Ghoshal S, Ferreira DDS, Ma HY, Duwaerts CC, Espanol-Suner R, Wei L, Newcomb B, Mileva I, Canals D, Hannun YA, Chung RT, Mattis AN, Fuchs BC, Tager AM, Yimlamai D, Weaver VM, Mullen AC, Sheppard D, Chen JY. Targeting acid ceramidase inhibits YAP/TAZ signaling to reduce fibrosis in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/557/eaay8798. [PMID: 32817366 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay8798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) drive hepatic fibrosis. Therapies that inactivate HSCs have clinical potential as antifibrotic agents. We previously identified acid ceramidase (aCDase) as an antifibrotic target. We showed that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) reduce hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting aCDase and increasing the bioactive sphingolipid ceramide. We now demonstrate that targeting aCDase inhibits YAP/TAZ activity by potentiating its phosphorylation-mediated proteasomal degradation via the ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein β-TrCP. In mouse models of fibrosis, pharmacologic inhibition of aCDase or genetic knockout of aCDase in HSCs reduces fibrosis, stromal stiffness, and YAP/TAZ activity. In patients with advanced fibrosis, aCDase expression in HSCs is increased. Consistently, a signature of the genes most down-regulated by ceramide identifies patients with advanced fibrosis who could benefit from aCDase targeting. The findings implicate ceramide as a critical regulator of YAP/TAZ signaling and HSC activation and highlight aCDase as a therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsamman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Stephanie A Christenson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Amy Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Nadia M E Ayad
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Meghan S Mooring
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Joe M Segal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jimmy Kuang-Hsien Hu
- Division of Oral Biology & Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Steve S Ho
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Vikram Rao
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | | | - Mai Sedki
- Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Lorena Pantano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarani Ghoshal
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Diego Dos Santos Ferreira
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Caroline C Duwaerts
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Regina Espanol-Suner
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lan Wei
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin Newcomb
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Izolda Mileva
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Daniel Canals
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aras N Mattis
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bryan C Fuchs
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dean Yimlamai
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alan C Mullen
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. .,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Pocaterra A, Scattolin G, Romani P, Ament C, Ribback S, Chen X, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Dupont S. Fascin1 empowers YAP mechanotransduction and promotes cholangiocarcinoma development. Commun Biol 2021; 4:763. [PMID: 34155338 PMCID: PMC8217270 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02286-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces control cell behavior, including cancer progression. Cells sense forces through actomyosin to activate YAP. However, the regulators of F-actin dynamics playing relevant roles during mechanostransduction in vitro and in vivo remain poorly characterized. Here we identify the Fascin1 F-actin bundling protein as a factor that sustains YAP activation in response to ECM mechanical cues. This is conserved in the mouse liver, where Fascin1 regulates YAP-dependent phenotypes, and in human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Moreover, this is relevant for liver tumorigenesis, because Fascin1 is required in the AKT/NICD cholangiocarcinogenesis model and it is sufficient, together with AKT, to induce cholangiocellular lesions in mice, recapitulating genetic YAP requirements. In support of these findings, Fascin1 expression in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. We propose that Fascin1 represents a pro-oncogenic mechanism that can be exploited during intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma development to overcome a mechanical tumor-suppressive environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Pocaterra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy
| | - Gloria Scattolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy
| | - Cindy Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sirio Dupont
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua Medical School, Padua, Italy.
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50
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Heydari Z, Zarkesh I, Ghanian MH, Aghdaei MH, Kotova S, Zahmatkesh E, Farzaneh Z, Piryaei A, Akbarzadeh I, Shpichka A, Gramignoli R, Timashev P, Baharvand H, Vosough M. Biofabrication of size-controlled liver microtissues incorporated with ECM-derived microparticles to prolong hepatocyte function. Biodes Manuf 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-021-00137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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