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Du Y, Shang Y, Qian Y, Guo Y, Chen S, Lin X, Cao W, Tang X, Zhou A, Huang S, Zhang A, Jia Z, Zhang Y. Plk1 promotes renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by targeting autophagy/lysosome axis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:571. [PMID: 37640723 PMCID: PMC10462727 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06093-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing over the past decades. However, no effective therapies are available for delaying or curing CKD. Progressive fibrosis is the major pathological feature of CKD, which leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The present study showed that Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) was upregulated in the kidneys of CKD patients and mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) with location in proximal tubules and tubulointerstitial fibroblasts. Pharmacological inhibition, genetic silencing or knockout of Plk1 attenuated obstructive nephropathy due to suppressed fibroblast activation mediated by reduced autophagic flux. We found Plk1 plays a critical role in maintaining intralysosomal pH by regulating ATP6V1A phosphorylation, and inhibition of Plk1 impaired lysosomal function leading to blockade of autophagic flux. In addition, Plk1 also prevented partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) of tubular epithelial cells via autophagy pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Plk1 plays a pathogenic role in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by regulating autophagy/lysosome axis. Thus, targeting Plk1 could be a promising strategy for CKD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Du
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqiong Shang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuli Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Weidong Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomei Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Anning Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Songming Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhanjun Jia
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road #72, Gulou District, 210008, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road #140, Gulou District, 210029, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gulou District, Guangzhou Road #72, 210008, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Otto J, Verwaayen A, Penners C, Hundertmark J, Lin C, Kallen C, Paffen D, Otto T, Berger H, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R, Nevzorova YA, Bartneck M, Trautwein C, Sonntag R, Liedtke C. Expression of Cyclin E1 in hepatic stellate cells is critical for the induction and progression of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:549. [PMID: 37620309 PMCID: PMC10449804 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06077-4] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe malignancies with increasing incidence and limited treatment options. Typically, HCC develops during a multistep process involving chronic liver inflammation and liver fibrosis. The latter is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). This process involves cell cycle re-entry and proliferation of normally quiescent HSCs in an ordered sequence that is highly regulated by cyclins and associated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) such as the Cyclin E1 (CCNE1)/CDK2 kinase complex. In the present study, we examined the role of Cyclin E1 (Ccne1) and Cdk2 genes in HSCs for liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. To this end, we generated conditional knockout mice lacking Ccne1 or Cdk2 specifically in HSCs (Ccne1∆HSC or Cdk2∆HSC). Ccne1∆HSC mice showed significantly reduced liver fibrosis formation and attenuated HSC activation in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model. In a combined model of fibrosis-driven hepatocarcinogenesis, Ccne1∆HSC mice revealed decreased HSC activation even after long-term observation and substantially reduced tumor load in the liver when compared to wild-type controls. Importantly, the deletion of Cdk2 in HSCs also resulted in attenuated liver fibrosis after chronic CCl4 treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that only a small fraction of HSCs expressed Ccne1/Cdk2 at a distinct time point after CCl4 treatment. In summary, we provide evidence that Ccne1 expression in a small population of HSCs is sufficient to trigger extensive liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in a Cdk2-dependent manner. Thus, HSC-specific targeting of Ccne1 or Cdk2 in patients with liver fibrosis and high risk for HCC development could be therapeutically beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Otto
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Verwaayen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Penners
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cheng Lin
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carina Kallen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Paffen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tobias Otto
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hilmar Berger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roland Sonntag
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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3
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Li ZB, Jiang L, Ni JD, Xu YH, Liu F, Liu WM, Wang SG, Liu ZQ, Wang CY. Salvianolic acid B suppresses hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting ceramide glucosyltransferase in hepatic stellate cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1191-1205. [PMID: 36627345 PMCID: PMC10203340 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01044-9] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) is the first key enzyme in glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolism that produces glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Increased UGCG synthesis is associated with cell proliferation, invasion and multidrug resistance in human cancers. In this study we investigated the role of UGCG in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. We first found that UGCG was over-expressed in fibrotic livers and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In human HSC-LX2 cells, inhibition of UGCG with PDMP or knockdown of UGCG suppressed the expression of the biomarkers of HSC activation (α-SMA and collagen I). Furthermore, pretreatment with PDMP (40 μM) impaired lysosomal homeostasis and blocked the process of autophagy, leading to activation of retinoic acid signaling pathway and accumulation of lipid droplets. After exploring the structure and key catalytic residues of UGCG in the activation of HSCs, we conducted virtual screening, molecular interaction and molecular docking experiments, and demonstrated salvianolic acid B (SAB) from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza as an UGCG inhibitor with an IC50 value of 159 μM. In CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis, intraperitoneal administration of SAB (30 mg · kg-1 · d-1, for 4 weeks) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and collagen deposition. In addition, SAB displayed better anti-inflammatory effects in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that UGCG may represent a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis; SAB could act as an inhibitor of UGCG, which is expected to be a candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Dong Ni
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Hang Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen-Ming Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shao-Gui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Cai-Yan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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4
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Chen L, Li Z, Wei W, An B, Tian Y, Liu W, Niu S, Wang Y, Wang L, Li W, Hao J, Wu J. Human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix regulatory cells promote intrahepatic cell renewal to rescue acute liver failure. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 662:104-113. [PMID: 37104880 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.051] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the accelerated development of hepatocyte necrosis and significant mortality. Given that liver transplantation is now the only curative treatment available for ALF, there is an urgent need to explore innovative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been applied in preclinical studies for ALF. It had been demonstrated that human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix regulatory cells (IMRCs) met the properties of MSCs and had been employed in a wide range of conditions. In this study, we conducted a preclinical evaluation of IMRCs in the treatment of ALF and investigated the mechanism involved. ALF was induced in C57BL/6 mice via intraperitoneal administration of 50% CCl4 (6 mL/kg) mixed with corn oil, followed by intravenous injection of IMRCs (3 × 106 cells/each). IMRCs improved histopathological changes in the liver and reduced alanine transaminase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in serum. IMRCs also promoted cell renewal in the liver and protected it from CCl4 damage. Furthermore, our data indicated that IMRCs protected against CCl4-induced ALF by regulating the IGFBP2-mTOR-PTEN signaling pathway, which is associated with the repopulation of intrahepatic cells. Overall, IMRCs offered protection against CCl4-induced ALF and were capable of preventing apoptosis and necrosis in hepatocytes, which provided a new perspective for treating and improving the prognosis of ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhongwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wumei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bin An
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuaishuai Niu
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Liu Wang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jie Hao
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; National Stem Cell Resource Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
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5
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Ramadori P, Woitok MM, Estévez-Vázquez O, Benedé-Ubieto R, Leal-Lassalle H, Lamas-Paz A, Guo F, Fabre J, Otto J, Verwaayen A, Reissing J, Bruns T, Erschfeld S, Haas U, Paffen D, Nelson LJ, Vaquero J, Bañares R, Trautwein C, Cubero FJ, Liedtke C, Nevzorova YA. Lack of Cyclin E1 in hepatocytes aggravates ethanol-induced liver injury and hepatic steatosis in experimental murine model of acute and chronic alcohol-associated liver disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166646. [PMID: 36736843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166646] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin E1 is the regulatory subunit of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) and one of the central players in cell cycle progression. We recently showed its crucial role for initiation of liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the role of Cyclin E1 in the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). METHODS Mice with constitutive (E1-/-), hepatocyte-specific (Cyclin E1Δhepa), or intestinal-epithelial-cell-specific (Cyclin E1ΔIEC) inactivation of Cyclin E1 and corresponding wild type littermate controls (WT) were administered either a Lieber-DeCarli ethanol diet (LDE) for 3 weeks or acute ethanol binges (6 g/kg) through oral gavage. Serum parameters of liver functionality were measured; hepatic tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. RESULTS The administration of acute EtOH binge and chronic LDE diet to E1-/- mice enhanced hepatic steatosis, worsened liver damage and triggered body weight loss. Similarly, in the acute EtOH binge model, Cyclin E1Δhepa mice revealed a significantly worsened liver phenotype. In contrast, inactivation of Cyclin E1 only in intestinal epithelial cell (IECs)did not lead to any significant changes in comparison to WT mice after acute EtOH challenge. Remarkably, both acute and chronic EtOH administration in E1-/- animals resulted in increased levels of ADH and decreased expression of ALDH1/2. The additional application of a pan-Cdk inhibitor (S-CR8) further promoted liver damage in EtOH-treated WT mice. CONCLUSION Our data point to a novel unexpected role of Cyclin E1 in hepatocytes for alcohol metabolism, which seems to be independent of the canonical Cyclin E1/Cdk2 function as a cell cycle regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Ramadori
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Olga Estévez-Vázquez
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Benedé-Ubieto
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector Leal-Lassalle
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantza Lamas-Paz
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; 12 de Octubre Health Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Feifei Guo
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jeanne Fabre
- Polytech Angers, Département Génie Biologique et Santé, Angers, France
| | - Julia Otto
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Verwaayen
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johanna Reissing
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Erschfeld
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Haas
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Paffen
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Leonard J Nelson
- Institute for Bioengineering (IBioE), School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Faraday Building, Edinburgh EH9 3 JL, UK
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain,; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain,; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain,; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain,; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain,; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain,; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Zhao J, Bai D, Qi L, Cao W, Du J, Gu C, Zhou C, Gao Y, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Lu N. The flavonoid GL-V9 alleviates liver fibrosis by triggering senescence by regulating the transcription factor GATA4 in activated hepatic stellate cells. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:1072-1089. [PMID: 36455594 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15997] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a critical risk factor for the progression from chronic liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinically, there is a lack of therapeutic drugs for liver fibrosis. Previous studies have confirmed that GL-V9, a newly synthesized flavonoid derivative, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, but whether it has anti-hepatic fibrosis actions remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of GL-V9. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) challenges were used to assess the anti-fibrotic effects of GL-V9 in vivo. Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and the human HSC line LX2 also served as a liver fibrosis model in vitro. Cellular functions and molecular mechanism were analysed using senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation. KEY RESULTS GL-V9 attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation, as well as decreasing the expression of fibrotic genes in vivo. GL-V9 promoted senescence and inhibited the expression of fibrogenic genes in HSCs in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that GL-V9 induced senescence by upregulating GATA4 expression in HSCs. Further studies confirmed that GL-V9 stabilized GATA4 by promoting autophagic degradation of P62. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS GL-V9 exerted potent anti-fibrotic effects both in vivo and in vitro by stabilizing GATA4, thereby promoting the senescence of HSCs, and by avoiding its activation and ultimately inhibiting liver fibrosis. This action indicated that the flavonoid GL-V9 is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongsheng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Wangjia Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaying Du
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, China
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7
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Zhu X, Gao M, Yang Y, Li W, Bao J, Li Y. The CRISPR/Cas9 System Delivered by Extracellular Vesicles. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030984. [PMID: 36986843 PMCID: PMC10053467 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030984] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems can precisely manipulate DNA sequences to change the characteristics of cells and organs, which has potential in the mechanistic research on genes and the treatment of diseases. However, clinical applications are restricted by the lack of safe, targeted and effective delivery vectors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an attractive delivery platform for CRISPR/Cas9. Compared with viral and other vectors, EVs present several advantages, including safety, protection, capacity, penetrating ability, targeting ability and potential for modification. Consequently, EVs are profitably used to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of the delivery form and vectors of the CRISPR/Cas9 are concluded. The favorable traits of EVs as vectors, such as the innate characteristics, physiological and pathological functions, safety and targeting ability of EVs, are summarized. Furthermore, in terms of the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 by EVs, EV sources and isolation strategies, the delivery form and loading methods of the CRISPR/Cas9 and applications have been concluded and discussed. Finally, this review provides future directions of EVs as vectors of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in clinical applications, such as the safety, capacity, consistent quality, yield and targeting ability of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengyu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ji Bao
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Li
- Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Key Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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8
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Li S, Zhou B, Xue M, Zhu J, Tong G, Fan J, Zhu K, Hu Z, Chen R, Dong Y, Chen Y, Lee KY, Li X, Jin L, Cong W. Macrophage-specific FGF12 promotes liver fibrosis progression in mice. Hepatology 2023; 77:816-833. [PMID: 35753047 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic liver diseases are associated with the development of liver fibrosis. Without treatment, liver fibrosis commonly leads to cirrhosis and HCC. FGF12 is an intracrine factor belonging to the FGF superfamily, but its role in liver homeostasis is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of FGF12 in the regulation of liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS FGF12 was up-regulated in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced and CCL 4 -induced liver fibrosis mouse models. Expression of FGF12 was specifically up-regulated in nonparenchymal liver cells, especially in hepatic macrophages. By constructing myeloid-specific FGF12 knockout mice, we found that deletion of FGF12 in macrophages protected against BDL-induced and CCL 4 -induced liver fibrosis. Further results revealed that FGF12 deletion dramatically decreased the population of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus C high macrophages in mouse fibrotic liver tissue and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Meanwhile, loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches revealed that FGF12 promoted the proinflammatory activation of macrophages, thus inducing HSC activation mainly through the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 axis. Further experiments indicated that the regulation of macrophage activation by FGF12 was mainly mediated through the Janus kinase-signal transducer of activators of transcription pathway. Finally, the results revealed that FGF12 expression correlates with the severity of fibrosis across the spectrum of fibrogenesis in human liver samples. CONCLUSIONS FGF12 promotes liver fibrosis progression. Therapeutic approaches to inhibit macrophage FGF12 may be used to combat liver fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santie Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China.,College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Xue
- Central Laboratory , The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Zhu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Gaozan Tong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Junfu Fan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Kunxuan Zhu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Zijing Hu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggan Dong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China.,Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Litai Jin
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Weitao Cong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China.,Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
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9
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Chen C, Chen J, Wang Y, Fang L, Guo C, Sang T, Peng H, Zhao Q, Chen S, Lin X, Wang X. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis via targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interaction mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 110:154626. [PMID: 36603342 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) has many biological properties, however, the anti-fibrosis effect of GLP is unknown at present. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of GLP and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN Both CCl4-induced mouse and TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cellular models of fibrosis were established to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of a water-soluble GLP (25 kDa) extracted from the sporoderm-removed spores of G. lucidum.. METHOD Serum markers of liver injury, histology and fibrosis of liver tissues, and collagen formation were examined using an automatic biochemical analyzer, H&E staining, Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR. RNA-sequencing, enrichment pathway analysis, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry were employed to identify the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways that are responsible for the anti-fibrotic effect of GLP. RESULTS We showed that GLP (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis and inflammation in CCl4-treated mice as mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that GLP significantly inhibited hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation in mice and in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells as manifested by reduced collagen I and a-SMA expressions. RNA-sequencing uncovered inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, ECM-receptor interaction, TLR4/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad signalings as major pathways suppressed by GLP administration. Further studies demonstrated that GLP elicits anti-fibrotic actions that are associated with a novel dual effect on apoptosis in vivo (inhibit) or in vitro (promote), suppression of cell cycle in vivo, induction of S phase arrest in vitro, and attenuation of ECM-receptor interaction-associated molecule expressions including integrins ITGA6 and ITGA8. Furthermore, GLP significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad signaling in mice, and reduced TGF-β1 or its agonist SRI-011381-induced Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, but increased Samd7 expression in HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION This study provides the first evidence that GLP could be a promising dietary strategy for treating liver fibrosis, which protects against liver fibrosis and HSC activation through targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interactions that are mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Liu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Cuiling Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Tingting Sang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - He Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Qian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Shengjia Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xingya Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China.
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10
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Ohue-Kitano R, Nonaka H, Nishida A, Masujima Y, Takahashi D, Ikeda T, Uwamizu A, Tanaka M, Kohjima M, Igarashi M, Katoh H, Tanaka T, Inoue A, Suganami T, Hase K, Ogawa Y, Aoki J, Kimura I. Medium-chain fatty acids suppress lipotoxicity-induced hepatic fibrosis via the immunomodulating receptor GPR84. JCI Insight 2023; 8:165469. [PMID: 36480287 PMCID: PMC9977302 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which consist of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), are unique forms of dietary fat with various health benefits. G protein-coupled 84 (GPR84) acts as a receptor for MCFAs (especially C10:0 and C12:0); however, GPR84 is still considered an orphan receptor, and the nutritional signaling of endogenous and dietary MCFAs via GPR84 remains unclear. Here, we showed that endogenous MCFA-mediated GPR84 signaling protected hepatic functions from diet-induced lipotoxicity. Under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions, GPR84-deficient mice exhibited nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the progression of hepatic fibrosis but not steatosis. With markedly increased hepatic MCFA levels under HFD, GPR84 suppressed lipotoxicity-induced macrophage overactivation. Thus, GPR84 is an immunomodulating receptor that suppresses excessive dietary fat intake-induced toxicity by sensing increases in MCFAs. Additionally, administering MCTs, MCFAs (C10:0 or C12:0, but not C8:0), or GPR84 agonists effectively improved NASH in mouse models. Therefore, exogenous GPR84 stimulation is a potential strategy for treating NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Ohue-Kitano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hazuki Nonaka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akari Nishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Masujima
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and
| | - Daisuke Takahashi
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Ikeda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akiharu Uwamizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyako Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Kohjima
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Miki Igarashi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suganami
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koji Hase
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.,International Research and Development Center for Mucosal Vaccines, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (IMSUT), Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junken Aoki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kimura
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies and,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Dong BS, Liu FQ, Yang WN, Li XD, Shi MJ, Li MR, Yan XL, Zhang H. Huangqi Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA-C18orf26-1/microRNA-663a/transforming growth factor-β axis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:47-61. [PMID: 36456413 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a valid treatment for alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Although our previous studies showed that microRNA-663a (miR-663a) suppresses the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the transforming growth factor-β/small mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) pathway, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HSC activation via the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has not yet reported. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA lnc-C18orf26-1 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanism by which HQD inhibits hepatic fibrosis. METHODS The expression levels of lnc-C18orf26-1, miR-663a and related genes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HSCs were transfected with the miR-663a mimic or inhibitor and lnc-C18orf26-1 small interfering RNAs. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of HSCs. Changes in lncRNA expression were evaluated in miR-663a-overexpressing HSCs by using microarray to identify miR-663a-regulated lncRNAs. RNA hybrid was used to predict the potential miR-663a binding sites on lncRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-663a and the lncRNA. The expression levels of collagen α-2(I) chain (COL1A2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were determined using Western blotting. RESULTS Lnc-C18orf26-1 was upregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs and competitively bound to miR-663a. Knockdown of lnc-C18orf26-1 inhibited HSC proliferation and activation, downregulated TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA and COL1A2 expression, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. HQD suppressed the proliferation and activation of HSCs. HQD increased miR-663a expression and decreased lnc-C18orf26-1 expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that HQD inhibited the expression of COL1A2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in HSCs, and these effects were reversed by miR-663a inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSION Our study identified lnc-C18orf26-1 and miR-663a as promising therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. HQD inhibits HSC proliferation and activation at least partially by regulating the lnc-C18orf26-1/miR-663a/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/p-Smad2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Sheng Dong
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fu-Qun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211299, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Na Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211299, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Miao-Juan Shi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mao-Rong Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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12
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Tong H, Wang L, Shi J, Jin H, Zhang K, Bao Y, Wu Y, Cheng Y, Liu P, Wang C. Upregulated miR-322-5p regulates cell cycle and promotes cell proliferation and apoptosis by directly targeting Wee1 in mice liver injury. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2635-2650. [PMID: 35957539 PMCID: PMC9704413 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2108128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver injury from any number of causes (e.g. chemical material, drugs and diet, viral infection) is a global health problem, and its mechanism is not clearly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiling is gaining popularity because miRNAs, as key regulators in gene expression networks, can influence many biological processes and have also shown promise as biomarkers for disease. Previous studies reported the regulation effects of miRNAs in liver injury, whereas function and molecular mechanisms of miR-322-5p were still unclear. Therefore, our study focused on the biological role of miR-322-5p in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. A mouse model of CCl4-induced liver injury was established, and the transcriptomes and miRNAs transcriptomes of 2d and 5d liver tissues after injury were sequenced. The expression of miR-322-5p and the cell cycle genes were detected in liver tissues and Hepa1-6 cell line by miRNA RT-PCR, qRT-PCR. The effects of miR-322-5p on liver cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated using MTS assays and flow cytometry analysis. The relationship between miR-322-5p and Wee1 was predicted and confirmed by bioinformatics analysis and a dual luciferase reporter assay. Functional experiments, including an MTS assay and flow cytometric analysis, were performed to study the effects of Wee1. MiR-322-5p was upregulated in injury liver tissues, and downregulated miR-322-5p was proved to inhibit proliferation, apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at G2/M in vitro. The dual-luciferase reporter assay results indicated that miR-322-5p has a binding site at position 285 in the Wee1 3´UTR. The effects of miR-322-5p in proliferation and cell cycle regulation can be abolished by Wee1 through rescue experiments. By directly targeting Wee1 influenced the expression of several cell cycle factors, including Cyclin dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), cyclin B1 (Ccnb1) and Cell division cyclin 25C (Cdc25C). MiR-322-5p may function as a suppressive factor by negatively controlling Wee1, thus, highlighting the potential role of miR-322-5p as a therapeutic target for liver injury.Abbreviations: ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; GSH: Glutathione, γ-glutamyl cysteinel + glycine; CCl4: Carbon tetrachloride; HE: Haematoxylin and eosin; KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Tong
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Jing Shi
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Haowei Jin
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Kefan Zhang
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Yulong Bao
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Yongshuai Wu
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Yipeng Cheng
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Pengxia Liu
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
| | - Changshan Wang
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner, China
- Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao, China
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13
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Wan T, Zhong J, Pan Q, Zhou T, Ping Y, Liu X. Exosome-mediated delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes for tissue-specific gene therapy of liver diseases. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabp9435. [PMID: 36103526 PMCID: PMC9473578 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp9435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has emerged as a powerful therapeutic technology, but the lack of safe and efficient in vivo delivery systems, especially for tissue-specific vectors, limits its broad clinical applications. Delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) owns competitive advantages over other options; however, the large size of RNPs exceeds the loading capacity of currently available delivery vectors. Here, we report a previously unidentified genome editing delivery system, named exosomeRNP, in which Cas9 RNPs were loaded into purified exosomes isolated from hepatic stellate cells through electroporation. ExosomeRNP facilitated effective cytosolic delivery of RNP in vitro while specifically accumulated in the liver tissue in vivo. ExosomeRNP showed vigorous therapeutic potential in acute liver injury, chronic liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models via targeting p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), cyclin E1 (CcnE1), and K (lysine) acetyltransferase 5 (KAT5), respectively. The developed exosomeRNP provides a feasible platform for precise and tissue-specific gene therapies of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wan
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiafeng Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education and Center for Bionanoengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qi Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Corresponding author. (X.L.); (Y.P.); (T.Z.)
| | - Yuan Ping
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Corresponding author. (X.L.); (Y.P.); (T.Z.)
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Corresponding author. (X.L.); (Y.P.); (T.Z.)
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14
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Liu S, Han D, Xu C, Yang F, Li Y, Zhang K, Zhao X, Zhang J, Lu T, Lu S, Shi C, Zhang R, Yang AG, Zhao A, Qin W, Yang B, Wen W. Antibody-drug conjugates targeting CD248 inhibits liver fibrosis through specific killing on myofibroblasts. Mol Med 2022; 28:37. [PMID: 35317721 PMCID: PMC8939076 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic liver injury induces pathological repair, resulting in fibrosis, during which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated and transform into myofibroblasts. CD248 is mainly expressed on myofibroblasts and was considered as a promising target to treat fibrosis. The primary aim of this study was to generate a CD248 specific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for liver fibrosis and its safety in vivo. Methods CD248 expression was examined in patients with liver cirrhosis and in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The ADC IgG78-DM1, which targets CD248, was prepared and its bioactivity on activated primary HSCs was studied. The anti-fibrotic effects of IgG78-DM1 on liver fibrosis were evaluated in CCl4-induced mice. The reproductive safety and biosafety of IgG78-DM1 were also evaluated in vivo. Results CD248 expression was upregulated in patients with liver cirrhosis and in CCl4-induced mice, and was mainly expressed on alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+ myofibroblasts. IgG78-DM1 was successfully generated, which could effectively bind with and kill CD248+ activated HSCs in vitro and inhibit liver fibrosis in vivo. In addition, IgG78-DM1 was demonstrated to have qualified biosafety and reproductive safety in vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that CD248 could be an ideal target for myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis, and CD248-targeting IgG78-DM1 had excellent anti-fibrotic effects in mice with liver fibrosis. Our study provided a novel strategy to treat liver fibrosis and expanded the application of ADCs beyond tumors. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00460-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Liu
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Donghui Han
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fa Yang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Keying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhao
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Tong Lu
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - An-Gang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Aizhi Zhao
- OriMAbs Ltd., 250 Corporate Blvd, Suite C, Newark, DE, 19702, USA
| | - Weijun Qin
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Weihong Wen
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
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15
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Liedtke C, Nevzorova YA, Luedde T, Zimmermann H, Kroy D, Strnad P, Berres ML, Bernhagen J, Tacke F, Nattermann J, Spengler U, Sauerbruch T, Wree A, Abdullah Z, Tolba RH, Trebicka J, Lammers T, Trautwein C, Weiskirchen R. Liver Fibrosis-From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:814496. [PMID: 35087852 PMCID: PMC8787129 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.814496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transregional Collaborative Research Center "Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease" (referred to as SFB/TRR57) was funded for 13 years (2009-2021) by the German Research Council (DFG). This consortium was hosted by the Medical Schools of the RWTH Aachen University and Bonn University in Germany. The SFB/TRR57 implemented combined basic and clinical research to achieve detailed knowledge in three selected key questions: (i) What are the relevant mechanisms and signal pathways required for initiating organ fibrosis? (ii) Which immunological mechanisms and molecules contribute to organ fibrosis? and (iii) How can organ fibrosis be modulated, e.g., by interventional strategies including imaging and pharmacological approaches? In this review we will summarize the liver-related key findings of this consortium gained within the last 12 years on these three aspects of liver fibrogenesis. We will highlight the role of cell death and cell cycle pathways as well as nutritional and iron-related mechanisms for liver fibrosis initiation. Moreover, we will define and characterize the major immune cell compartments relevant for liver fibrogenesis, and finally point to potential signaling pathways and pharmacological targets that turned out to be suitable to develop novel approaches for improved therapy and diagnosis of liver fibrosis. In summary, this review will provide a comprehensive overview about the knowledge on liver fibrogenesis and its potential therapy gained by the SFB/TRR57 consortium within the last decade. The kidney-related research results obtained by the same consortium are highlighted in an article published back-to-back in Frontiers in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Complutense University Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tom Luedde
- Medical Faculty, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Henning Zimmermann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Kroy
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Berres
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bernhagen
- Chair of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München (KUM), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Wree
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zeinab Abdullah
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - René H Tolba
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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16
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Cyclin E1 in Murine and Human Liver Cancer: A Promising Target for Therapeutic Intervention during Tumour Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225680. [PMID: 34830835 PMCID: PMC8616292 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The cell cycle regulator Cyclin E1 is a key mediator and biomarker of liver cancer progression in mice and man independent of its canonical interacting partner Cyclin-dependent kinase 2. Over-expression of Cyclin E1 during hepatocarcinogenesis modulates several distinct biological processes such as proliferation, DNA damage response, stemness, invasion and the tumour microenvironment. Interventional depletion of Cyclin E1 in the course of liver cancer progression significantly reduces tumour burden. In contrast, the expression of Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 is dispensable for the progression of liver cancer in mice and lacked diagnostic or prognostic value in patients. Thus, specific inhibition of Cyclin E1 expression represents a promising strategy for the treatment of liver cancer. Abstract Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) is a regulatory subunit of Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and is thought to control the transition of quiescent cells into cell cycle progression. Recently, we identified CCNE1 and CDK2 as key factors for the initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we dissected the contributions of CCNE1 and CDK2 for HCC progression in mice and patients. Therefore, we generated genetically modified mice allowing inducible deletion of Ccne1 or Cdk2. After initiation of HCC, using the hepatocarcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN), we deleted Ccne1 or Cdk2 and subsequently analysed HCC progression. The relevance of CCNE1 or CDK2 for human HCC progression was investigated by in silico database analysis. Interventional deletion of Ccne1, but not of Cdk2, substantially reduced the HCC burden in mice. Ccne1-deficient HCCs were characterised by attenuated proliferation, impaired DNA damage response and downregulation of markers for stemness and microinvasion. Additionally, the tumour microenvironment of Ccne1-deficient mice showed a reduction in immune mediators, myeloid cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. In sharp contrast, Cdk2 was dispensable for HCC progression in mice. In agreement with our mouse data, CCNE1 was overexpressed in HCC patients independent of risk factors, and associated with reduced disease-free survival, a common signature for enhanced chromosomal instability, proliferation, dedifferentiation and invasion. However, CDK2 lacked diagnostic or prognostic value in HCC patients. In summary, CCNE1 drives HCC progression in a CDK2-independent manner in mice and man. Therefore, interventional inactivation of CCNE1 represents a promising strategy the treatment of liver cancer.
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17
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Up-regulation of Nrf2/P62/Keap1 involves in the anti-fibrotic effect of combination of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and cysteine hydrochloride induced by CCl 4. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 913:174628. [PMID: 34774851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Combination of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and cysteine hydrochloride (MG-CH) has been used in the treatment of chronic liver disease for decades, however, its mechanism is still unclear. Our previous studies showed that MG-CH confers the optimal therapeutic effect at the ratio of 2:1 to against acute liver damage. In this study, it was used to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect induced by CCl4. The results showed that injection of MG-CH produced anti-fibrotic effect ranged from 30 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg, evidenced by decreased the collagens deposition and inhibited the production of hydroxyproline. Mechanism study found that Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway was activated by MG-CH, whereas loss of hepatocytic Nrf2 abolished its anti-fibrotic effect significantly. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that MG-CH is a non-canonical NRF2 inducer, which promoted the autophagy activity and release the Nrf2 from keap 1 by promoting the phosphorylation of p62 at Ser351. Knockdown of p62 abolished the enhancement of nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 by MG-CH. All of these results suggested that up-regulation of Nrf2/P62/Keap1 involves in the anti-fibrotic effect of MG-CH, which provide a rational explanation for the usage of MG-CH in the treatment of fibrosis.
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18
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Guo J, Wan T, Li B, Pan Q, Xin H, Qiu Y, Ping Y. Rational Design of Poly(disulfide)s as a Universal Platform for Delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 Machineries toward Therapeutic Genome Editing. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:990-1000. [PMID: 34235260 PMCID: PMC8227594 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We synthesized a series of poly(disulfide)s by ring-opening polymerization and demonstrated that the copolymerization of monomer 1 containing diethylenetriamine moieties and monomer 2 containing guanidyl ligands could generate an efficient delivery platform for different forms of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editors, including plasmid, mRNA, and protein. The excellent delivery performance of designed poly(disulfide)s stems from their delicate molecular structures to interact with genome-editing biomacromolecules, unique delivery pathways to mediate the cellular uptake of CRISPR-Cas9 cargoes, and strong ability to escape the endosome. The degradation of poly(disulfide)s by intracellular glutathione not only promotes the timely release of CRISPR-Cas9 machineries into the cytosol but also minimizes the cytotoxicity that nondegradable polymeric carriers often encounter. These merits collectively account for the excellent ability of poly(disulfide)s to mediate different forms of CRISPR-Cas9 for their efficient genome-editing activities in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Guo
- College
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tao Wan
- College
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu
Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical
Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Bowen Li
- College
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qi Pan
- College
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huhu Xin
- College
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yayu Qiu
- Department
of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuan Ping
- College
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Liangzhu
Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical
Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
- E-mail:
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19
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Wang JP, Li TZ, Huang XY, Geng CA, Shen C, Sun JJ, Xue D, Chen JJ. Synthesis and anti-fibrotic effects of santamarin derivatives as cytotoxic agents against hepatic stellate cell line LX2. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 41:127994. [PMID: 33775837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a final result of extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and starts with the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our previous study showed that eudesmane sesquiterpenoid santamarin had cytotoxicity against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 (HSC-LX2) with IC50 values of 16.5 ± 0.7 μM. To explore the structure-activity relationships, twenty-six derivatives were synthesized by modifying the hydroxyl group, double-bond and unsaturated lactone. Cytotoxicity evaluation suggested that eight derivatives (6, 9, 13, 17, 20 and 25-27) increased activity against HSC-LX2. Especially, derivatives 17, 20 and 25 displayed obvious cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 6.4 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.1, and 3.5 ± 0.1 μM, which were 3 to 5-fold higher than santamarin. Preliminary mechanisms study revealed that the active compound 20 exhibited more than 8-fold and 6-fold enhancement of inhibitory effect on the deposition of human hyaluronic acid (HA) and human laminin (HL) with IC50 values of 7.6 ± 0.6 and 3.3 ± 1.2 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-An Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Jin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ji-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Bartneck M. Lipid nanoparticle formulations for targeting leukocytes with therapeutic RNA in liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:70-88. [PMID: 33774114 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and low-grade inflammation are promoters of a multitude of diseases including liver fibrosis. Activation of the mobile leukocytes has a major impact on the outcome of inflammatory disease and can hence foster or mitigate liver fibrosis. This renders immunological targets valuable for directed interventions using nanomedicines. Particularly, RNA-based drugs formulated as lipid nanoparticles (LNP) can open new avenues for the personalized treatment of liver fibrosis both through specific interference and via the induction of the expression of functional and therapeutic proteins. Using microfluidics technology, all components, including lipid-anchored targeting ligands, are assembled in a single-step mixing process. A highlight is set to immunologically relevant liver cell types that are most vulnerable for being reached by LNP. A selection of LNP from other therapeutic fields applicable for reaching these cells in liver fbrosis is summarized. Furthermore, recent proceedings and major obstacles in the field of these targeted LNP are presented.
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21
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Cao K, Lv W, Wang X, Dong S, Liu X, Yang T, Xu J, Zeng M, Zou X, Zhao D, Ma Q, Lin M, Long J, Zang W, Gao F, Feng Z, Liu J. Hypermethylation of Hepatic Mitochondrial ND6 Provokes Systemic Insulin Resistance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004507. [PMID: 34141522 PMCID: PMC8188198 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial epigenetics is rising as intriguing notion for its potential involvement in aging and diseases, while the details remain largely unexplored. Here it is shown that among the 13 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encoded genes, NADH-dehydrogenase 6 (ND6) transcript is primarily decreased in obese and type 2 diabetes populations, which negatively correlates with its distinctive hypermethylation. Hepatic mtDNA sequencing in mice unveils that ND6 presents the highest methylation level, which dramatically increases under diabetic condition due to enhanced mitochondrial translocation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) promoted by free fatty acid through adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Hepatic knockdown of ND6 or overexpression of Dnmt1 similarly impairs mitochondrial function and induces systemic insulin resistance both in vivo and in vitro. Genetic or chemical targeting hepatic DNMT1 shows significant benefits against insulin resistance associated metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the pivotal role of ND6 epigenetic network in regulating mitochondrial function and onset of insulin resistance, shedding light on potential preventive and therapeutic strategies of insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders from a perspective of mitochondrial epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Cao
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Weiqiang Lv
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Xueqiang Wang
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Shanshan Dong
- Biomedical Informatics & Genomics CenterThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShannxi710049China
| | - Xuyun Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Tielin Yang
- Biomedical Informatics & Genomics CenterThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShannxi710049China
| | - Jie Xu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Mengqi Zeng
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Xuan Zou
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and BiotherapyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShannxi710004China
| | - Daina Zhao
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Qingqing Ma
- Guizhou Aerospace HospitalZunyiGuizhou563099China
| | - Mu Lin
- Guizhou Aerospace HospitalZunyiGuizhou563099China
| | - Jiangang Long
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Weijin Zang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anShaanxi710061China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Aerospace MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Zhihui Feng
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
- Frontier Institute of Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and MedicineThe Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
- Frontier Institute of Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxi710049China
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and BiotherapyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShannxi710004China
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Chu C, Geng Y, Zhou Y, Sicinski P. Cyclin E in normal physiology and disease states. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:732-746. [PMID: 34052101 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
E-type cyclins, collectively called cyclin E, represent key components of the core cell cycle machinery. In mammalian cells, two E-type cyclins, E1 and E2, activate cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and drive cell cycle progression by phosphorylating several cellular proteins. Abnormally elevated activity of cyclin E-CDK2 has been documented in many human tumor types. Moreover, cyclin E overexpression mediates resistance of tumor cells to various therapeutic agents. Recent work has revealed that the role of cyclin E extends well beyond cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, and it may regulate a diverse array of physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we discuss these various cyclin E functions and the potential for therapeutic targeting of cyclin E and cyclin E-CDK2 kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Zhu X, Ye S, Yu D, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang M, Leng Y, Yang T, Luo J, Chen X, Zhang H, Kong L. Physalin B attenuates liver fibrosis via suppressing LAP2α-HDAC1-mediated deacetylation of the transcription factor GLI1 and hepatic stellate cell activation. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3428-3447. [PMID: 33864382 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide but lacks any acceptable therapy. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene homologue 1 (GLI1) is a potentially important therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. This study investigates the anti-fibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of the phytochemical, physalin B. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two mouse models (CCl4 challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess antifibrotic effects of physalin B in vivo. Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and human HSC line LX-2 also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models. Liver fibrogenic genes, GLI1 and GLI1 downstream genes were examined using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). GLI1 acetylation and LAP2α-HDAC1 interaction were analysed by co-immunoprecipitation. KEY RESULTS In vivo, physalin B administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and decreased expression of fibrogenic genes. Physalin B dose-dependently suppressed fibrotic marker expression in LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs. Mechanistic studies showed that physalin B inhibited GLI activity by non-canonical Hedgehog signalling. Physalin B blocked formation of lamina-associated polypeptide 2α (LAP2α)/histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) complexes, thus inhibiting HDAC1-mediated GLI1 deacetylation. Physalin B up-regulated acetylation of GLI1, down-regulated expression of GLI1 and subsequently inhibited HSC activation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Physalin B exerted potent antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo by disrupting LAP2α/HDAC1 complexes, increasing GLI1 acetylation and inactivating GLI1. This indicates that the phytochemical physalin B may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengtao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongke Yu
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingrong Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianguang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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24
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Yang G, Li S, Jin J, Xuan Y, Ding L, Huang M, Liu J, Wang B, Lan T. Protective effects of Longhu Rendan on chronic liver injury and fibrosis in mice. LIVER RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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25
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Chen H, Cai J, Wang J, Qiu Y, Jiang C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Yi C, Guo Lv, Pan L, Guan Y, Zheng J, Qiu D, Du C, Liu Q, Chen G, Yang Y, Xu Y, Xiang AP, Zhang Q. Targeting Nestin + hepatic stellate cells ameliorates liver fibrosis by facilitating TβRI degradation. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1176-1187. [PMID: 33217494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis is a wound healing response that arises from various aetiologies. The intermediate filament protein Nestin has been reported to participate in maintaining tissue homeostasis during wound healing responses. However, little is known about the role Nestin plays in liver fibrosis. This study investigated the function and precise regulatory network of Nestin during liver fibrosis. METHODS Nestin expression was assessed via immunostaining and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in fibrotic/cirrhotic samples. The induction of Nestin expression by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-Smad2/3 signalling was investigated through luciferase reporter assays. The functional role of Nestin in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was investigated by examining the pathway activity of profibrogenic TGFβ-Smad2/3 signalling and degradation of TGFβ receptor I (TβRI) after interfering with Nestin. The in vivo effects of knocking down Nestin were examined with an adeno-associated virus vector (serotype 6, AAV6) carrying short-hairpin RNA targeting Nestin in fibrotic mouse models. RESULTS Nestin was mainly expressed in activated HSCs and increased with the progression of liver fibrosis. The profibrogenic pathway TGFβ-Smad2/3 induced Nestin expression directly. Knocking down Nestin promoted caveolin 1-mediated TβRI degradation, resulting in TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathway impairment and reduced fibrosis marker expression in HSCs. In AAV6-treated murine fibrotic models, knocking down Nestin resulted in decreased levels of inflammatory infiltration, hepatocellular damage, and a reduced degree of fibrosis. CONCLUSION The expression of Nestin in HSCs was induced by TGFβ and positively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. Knockdown of Nestin decreased activation of the TGFβ pathway and alleviated liver fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate a novel role of Nestin in controlling HSC activation in liver fibrosis. LAY SUMMARY Liver fibrosis has various aetiologies but represents a common process in chronic liver diseases that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Herein, we demonstrate that the intermediate filament protein Nestin plays an essential profibrogenic role in liver fibrosis by forming a positive feedback loop with the TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathway, providing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxin Chen
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianye Cai
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Scientific Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenhao Jiang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqin Wang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenju Yi
- Scientific Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guo Lv
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijie Pan
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanjun Guan
- Core Facility Centre, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongbo Qiu
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Du
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuli Liu
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yan Xu
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Wang S, Shuai C, Gao S, Jiang J, Luan J, Lv X. Chemokine CXCL14 acts as a potential genetic target for liver fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107067. [PMID: 33039963 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are multiple causes of liver fibrosis, common ones include ethanol, toxins, and cholestasis. However, whether these different etiologies lead to the same pathological outcomes contain common genetic targets or signaling pathways, the current research has not attracted widespread attention. GSE40041 and GSE55747 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GSE40041 and GSE55747 represent the differential expression profiles in the liver of mice with bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis models, respectively. By using GEO2R, 701 differential expression genes (DEGs) in GSE40041 and 6540 DEGs in GSE55747 were identified. 260 co-DEGs were shared and extracted for gene ontology (GO) analysis. Through GO analysis, it was found that the regulation of cell migration in biological processes (BPs) was closely related to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and the genes involved in this process include a key gene, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14). Subsequently, further bioinformatic analysis showed that CXCL14 may be regulated by miR-122 to participate in the progression of liver fibrosis. Then real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to validate the expression of CXCL14 in liver tissue after liver fibrosis caused by different etiologies (ethanol, CCl4). The expression of CXCL4 in liver fibrosis induced by BDL was verified in another GEO dataset. Basically consistent with our bioinformatics results, our experimental results showed that the expression of CXCL14 was most significantly increased in alcoholic liver fibrosis model, followed by CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, which was also significantly increased in the BDL-induced model. Thus, CXCL14 can act as a common potential genetic target for different liver fibrosis diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chen Shuai
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Songsen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics (Spinal Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jia Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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27
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Hou L, Yang L, Chang N, Zhao X, Zhou X, Dong C, Liu F, Yang L, Li L. Macrophage Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 2 Blockade Attenuates Liver Inflammation and Fibrogenesis Triggered by NLRP3 Inflammasome. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1149. [PMID: 32695095 PMCID: PMC7333785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome accompanies chronic liver injury and is a critical mediator of inflammation-driven liver fibrosis. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P Receptor (S1PR) signaling participates in liver fibrogenesis by affecting bone marrow (BM)-derived monocytes/macrophage (BMM) activation. However, the relationship between S1P/S1PR signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome in BMMs remains unclear. Here, we found significantly elevated gene expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, pro-interleukin-1β, and pro-interleukin-18) and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome significantly elevated during murine chronic liver injury induced by a bile duct ligation operation, a methionine-choline–deficient and high-fat diet, or carbon tetrachloride intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, the increased expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), the rate-limiting synthetic enzyme of S1P, was positively correlated with NLRP3 inflammasome components in both patients and mouse model livers. Flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining showed BMMs contributed to the significant proportion of NLRP3+ cells in murine inflammatory livers, but not Kupffer cells, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, T cells, and hepatocytes. Focusing on macrophages, S1P promoted NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Blockade of S1PR2 by JTE-013 (antagonist of S1PR2) or S1PR2-siRNA inhibited S1P-induced NLRP3 inflammasome priming and inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1β and interleukin-18) secretion, whereas blockade of S1PR1 or S1PR3 had no such effect. in vivo, a β1,3-d-glucan-encapsulated siRNA particle (GeRP) delivery system is capable of silencing genes in macrophages specifically. Treatment with S1PR2 siRNA-GeRPs markedly reduced NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation and attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis. Together, the conclusions indicated that targeting macrophage S1PR2 retarded liver inflammation and fibrogenesis via downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome, which may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hou
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Chang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhao Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengbin Dong
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fuquan Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Hübbers A, Hennings J, Lambertz D, Haas U, Trautwein C, Nevzorova YA, Sonntag R, Liedtke C. Pharmacological Inhibition of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases Triggers Anti-Fibrotic Effects in Hepatic Stellate Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093267. [PMID: 32380742 PMCID: PMC7246535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury, which is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular collagen produced by Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). This process involves cell cycle re-entry and proliferation of normally quiescent HSCs controlled by cyclins and associated cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Cdk2 mediates the entry and progression through S-phase in complex with E-and A-type cyclins. We have demonstrated that cyclin E1 is essential for liver fibrogenesis in mice, but it is not known if this is dependent on Cdk2 or related Cdks. Here, we aimed to evaluate the benefit of the pan-Cdk inhibitor CR8 for treatment of liver fibrosis in vitro. CR8-treatment reduced proliferation and survival in immortalized HSC lines and in addition attenuated pro-fibrotic properties in primary murine HSCs. Importantly, primary murine hepatocytes were much more tolerant against the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects of CR8. We identified CR8 dosages mediating anti-fibrotic effects in primary HSCs without affecting cell cycle activity and survival in primary hepatocytes. In conclusion, the pharmacological pan-Cdk inhibitor CR8 restricts the pro-fibrotic properties of HSCs, while preserving proliferation and viability of hepatocytes at least in vitro. Therefore, CR8 and related drugs might be beneficial for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hübbers
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Julia Hennings
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Daniela Lambertz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Ute Haas
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Yulia A. Nevzorova
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roland Sonntag
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.H.); (J.H.); (D.L.); (U.H.); (C.T.); (Y.A.N.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (C.L.)
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Tadesse S, Anshabo AT, Portman N, Lim E, Tilley W, Caldon CE, Wang S. Targeting CDK2 in cancer: challenges and opportunities for therapy. Drug Discov Today 2019; 25:406-413. [PMID: 31839441 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) plays a pivotal part in cell cycle regulation and is involved in a range of biological processes. CDK2 interacts with and phosphorylates proteins in pathways such as DNA damage, intracellular transport, protein degradation, signal transduction, DNA and RNA metabolism and translation. CDK2 and its regulatory subunits are deregulated in many human cancers and there is emerging evidence suggesting CDK2 inhibition elicits antitumor activity in a subset of tumors with defined genetic features. Previous CDK2 inhibitors were nonspecific and limited by off-target effects. The development of new-generation CDK2 inhibitors represents a therapeutic opportunity for CDK2-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Tadesse
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Departement of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abel T Anshabo
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Neil Portman
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Wayne Tilley
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Shudong Wang
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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Zhao J, Han M, Zhou L, Liang P, Wang Y, Feng S, Lu H, Yuan X, Han K, Chen X, Liu S, Cheng J. TAF and TDF attenuate liver fibrosis through NS5ATP9, TGFβ1/Smad3, and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. Hepatol Int 2019; 14:145-160. [PMID: 31758498 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treating liver fibrosis. METHODS The effects of TAF/TDF on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6 wild-type or nonstructural protein 5A transactivated protein 9 (NS5ATP9) knockout mice were studied. The differentiation, activation, and proliferation of LX-2 cells after TAF/TDF treatment were tested in vitro. The expression of NS5ATP9 and activities of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)/Sekelsky mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and NF-κB/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways were detected in TAF/TDF-treated mice and LX-2 cells. The genes related to extracellular matrix accumulation were detected in vivo and in vitro after NS5ATP9 silencing or knockout. RESULTS TAF/TDF significantly inhibited CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, and regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, TAF/TDF suppressed the activities of TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. NS5ATP9 inhibited liver fibrosis through TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. TAF/TDF upregulated the expression of NS5ATP9 in vivo and in vitro. Finally, TAF/TDF could only show marginal therapeutic effects when NS5ATP9 was silenced and knocked out in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS TAF/TDF prevented progression and promoted reversion of liver fibrosis through assembling TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways via upregulating the expression of NS5ATP9. TAF/TDF also regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of HSCs. The findings provided strong evidence for the role of TAF/TDF as a new promising therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Ming Han
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Pu Liang
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shenghu Feng
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hongping Lu
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yuan
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Kai Han
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shunai Liu
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Levada K, Omelyanchik A, Rodionova V, Weiskirchen R, Bartneck M. Magnetic-Assisted Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:E1279. [PMID: 31635053 PMCID: PMC6830324 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury can be induced by viruses, toxins, cellular activation, and metabolic dysregulation and can lead to liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis still remains a major burden on the global health systems. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are considered the main cause of liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key targets in antifibrotic treatment, but selective engagement of these cells is an unresolved issue. Current strategies for antifibrotic drugs, which are at the critical stage 3 clinical trials, target metabolic regulation, immune cell activation, and cell death. Here, we report on the critical factors for liver fibrosis, and on prospective novel drugs, which might soon enter the market. Apart from the current clinical trials, novel perspectives for anti-fibrotic treatment may arise from magnetic particles and controlled magnetic forces in various different fields. Magnetic-assisted techniques can, for instance, enable cell engineering and cell therapy to fight cancer, might enable to control the shape or orientation of single cells or tissues mechanically. Furthermore, magnetic forces may improve localized drug delivery mediated by magnetism-induced conformational changes, and they may also enhance non-invasive imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Levada
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
| | - Alexander Omelyanchik
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
| | - Valeria Rodionova
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
- National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", 119049 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Xu H, Hong S, Yan Z, Zhao Q, Shi Y, Song N, Xie J, Jiang X. RAP-8 ameliorates liver fibrosis by modulating cell cycle and oxidative stress. Life Sci 2019; 229:200-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Chen L, Gu T, Li B, Li F, Ma Z, Zhang Q, Cai X, Lu L. Delta-like ligand 4/DLL4 regulates the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell and liver fibrogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:1663-1675. [PMID: 31233801 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) undergo capillarization, or loss of fenestrae, and produce basement membrane during liver fibrotic progression. DLL4, a ligand of the Notch signaling pathway, is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells and maintains liver sinusoidal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to explore the role of DLL4 in LSEC capillarization. The expression levels of DLL4 and the related genes, capillarization markers and basement membrane proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and immunoblotting as appropriate. Fenestrae and basement membrane formation were examined by electron microscopy. We found DLL4 was up-regulated in the LSECs of human and CCl4-induced murine fibrotic liver, consistent with LSEC capillarization and liver fibrosis. Primary murine LSECs also underwent capillarization in vitro, with concomitant DLL4 overexpression. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that DLL4 induced the production of basement membrane proteins in LSECs, which were also increased in the LSECs from 4 and 6-week CCl4-treated mice. DLL4 overexpression also increased the coverage of liver sinusoids by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis. The hypoxic conditions that was instrumental in driving DLL4 overexpression in the LSECs. Consistent with the above findings, DLL4 silencing in vivo alleviated LSEC capillarization and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In conclusion, DLL4 mediates LSEC capillarization and the vicious circle between fibrosis and pathological sinusoidal remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Tianyi Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Binghang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Zhenzeng Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Qidi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China.
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases & Institution of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China.
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Wu S, Liu L, Yang S, Kuang G, Yin X, Wang Y, Xu F, Xiong L, Zhang M, Wan J, Gong X. Paeonol alleviates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of hepatic stellate cells activation via inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2019; 41:438-445. [PMID: 31119954 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2019.1613427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Paeonol is a natural phenolic component isolated from the root bark of peony with multiple pharmacological activities. We investigated the anti-fibrotic effect and underlying mechanism of paeonol. Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 in each group), injected with CCl4 to induce liver fibrosis and administrated with paeonol according to the regimen. The serum activity of ALT and AST, and H&E staining were to assess liver injury. Sirius and Masson staining, and hydroxyproline content were to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis. TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, MDA, GSH-PX, SOD, and CAT were detected to reflect inflammation and oxidative stress. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis to assess the activation of HSCs and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Results: Paeonol ameliorated liver injury and liver fibrosis, reflected by the decrease of ALT, AST, less lesion in H&E staining, mitigated fibrosis in Sirius and Masson staining, lessened content of hydroxyproline. Paeonol attenuated the level of IL-6 and TNF-α, and elevated the activity of GSH-PX, SOD, and CAT with reducing the level of MDA. The expression of col 1a, α-SMA, vimentin, and desmin were down-regulated and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway was inhibited. Conclusion: These data demonstrated that paeonol could alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of hepatic stellate cells activation via inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwang Wu
- a Department of Anatomy , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Laicheng Liu
- b Department of Medical Laboratory , Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Yang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Kuang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xinru Yin
- d Department of Gastroenterology , Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Fangzhi Xu
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyi Xiong
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Wan
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Gong
- a Department of Anatomy , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
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Grading Distress of Different Animal Models for Gastrointestinal Diseases Based on Plasma Corticosterone Kinetics. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9040145. [PMID: 30987232 PMCID: PMC6523747 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animal welfare is an important aspect of biomedical research. Many regulations have been implemented to combine high quality of research with minimal harm to laboratory animals. These guidelines also demand a prospective severity assessment of each animal model. A comparison of distress between animal models could allow realistic harm and benefit analysis and an appropriate use of refinement methods. However, studies comparing distress between different animal models are still rare. One good parameter for analyzing distress is the concentration of the stress hormone corticosterone in the blood. Therefore, we compared the corticosterone kinetics of distinct gastrointestinal animal models. The aim of this study was to evaluate which parameter the highest corticosterone concentration or the duration of increased stress hormone level could be used to quantify distress. We observed a significant increase of corticosterone 30 min after stress induction in all animal models. However, the corticosterone kinetics differed between the distinct interventions. Both the absolute value and the duration of increased corticosterone level correlated directly with an assessed distress score. We conclude that both variables of corticosterone kinetics are valid parameters to compare distress between animal models. Abstract Comparative studies for evaluating distress in established animal models are still rare. However, this issue is becoming more important as a consequence of worldwide appreciation of animal welfare. One good parameter for evaluating distress is the quantification of corticosterone. We hypothesized that not just the absolute value but also the duration of increased corticosterone concentration in the blood is an important aspect for evaluating animal distress. Therefore, we analyzed plasma corticosterone concentrations 30, 60, 120, and 240 min after induction of pancreatitis by cerulein, liver damage by carbon tetrachloride, liver damage by bile duct ligation, and after orthotopic injection of pancreatic cancer cells. We also evaluated corticosterone kinetics after injection of distinct carrier substances. Compared to phosphate buffered saline, dimethyl sulfoxide leads to dose-dependent higher and longer-lasting circulating corticosterone concentrations. In all disease models, we observed significantly increased corticosterone concentration 30 min after stress induction. However, the corticosterone kinetics differed among the animal models. Both the absolute value of corticosterone concentration and the duration correlated positively with the quantification of animal distress by a score sheet. This suggests that both variables of corticosterone kinetics might provide a solid basis for comparing and grading distress of different animal models.
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Zhan Z, Chen Y, Duan Y, Li L, Mew K, Hu P, Ren H, Peng M. Identification of key genes, pathways and potential therapeutic agents for liver fibrosis using an integrated bioinformatics analysis. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6645. [PMID: 30923657 PMCID: PMC6432904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is often a consequence of chronic liver injury, and has the potential to progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite being an important human disease, there are currently no approved anti-fibrotic drugs. In this study, we aim to identify the key genes and pathways governing the pathophysiological processes of liver fibrosis, and to screen therapeutic anti-fibrotic agents. Methods Expression profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by R packages (Affy and limma). Gene functional enrichments of each dataset were performed on the DAVID database. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database and visualized in Cytoscape software. The hub genes were explored by the CytoHubba plugin app and validated in another GEO dataset and in a liver fibrosis cell model by quantitative real-time PCR assay. The Connectivity Map L1000 platform was used to identify potential anti-fibrotic agents. Results We integrated three fibrosis datasets of different disease etiologies, incorporating a total of 70 severe (F3–F4) and 116 mild (F0–F1) fibrotic tissue samples. Gene functional enrichment analyses revealed that cell cycle was a pathway uniquely enriched in a dataset from those patients infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV), while the immune-inflammatory response was enriched in both the HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) datasets, but not in the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) dataset. There was overlap between these three datasets; 185 total shared DEGs that were enriched for pathways associated with extracellular matrix constitution, platelet-derived growth-factor binding, protein digestion and absorption, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling. In the PPI network, 25 hub genes were extracted and deemed to be essential genes for fibrogenesis, and the expression trends were consistent with GSE14323 (an additional dataset) and liver fibrosis cell model, confirming the relevance of our findings. Among the 10 best matching anti-fibrotic agents, Zosuquidar and its corresponding gene target ABCB1 might be a novel anti-fibrotic agent or therapeutic target, but further work will be needed to verify its utility. Conclusions Through this bioinformatics analysis, we identified that cell cycle is a pathway uniquely enriched in HBV related dataset and immune-inflammatory response is clearly enriched in the virus-related datasets. Zosuquidar and ABCB1 might be a novel anti-fibrotic agent or target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanqin Duan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Hepatic Disease, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Kenley Mew
- Department of Foreign Language, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Jia Y, Wang F, Guo Q, Li M, Wang L, Zhang Z, Jiang S, Jin H, Chen A, Tan S, Zhang F, Shao J, Zheng S. Curcumol induces RIPK1/RIPK3 complex-dependent necroptosis via JNK1/2-ROS signaling in hepatic stellate cells. Redox Biol 2018; 19:375-387. [PMID: 30237126 PMCID: PMC6142373 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally recognized that hepatic fibrogenesis is an end result of increased extracellular matrix (ECM) production from the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of HSC necroptosis might provide a new therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of curcumol on necroptosis in HSCs, and further to explore the molecular mechanisms. We found that curcumol ameliorated the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mice liver fibrosis and suppressed HSC proliferation and activation, which was associated with regulating HSC necroptosis through increasing the phosphorylation of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3). Moreover, curcumol promoted the migration of RIPK1 and RIPK3 into necrosome in HSCs. RIPK3 depletion impaired the anti-fibrotic effect of curcumol. Importantly, we showed that curcumol-induced RIPK3 up-regulation significantly increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial depolarization. ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) impaired RIPK3-mediated necroptosis. In addition, our study also identified that the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) was regulated by RIPK3, which mediated curcumol-induced ROS production. Down-regulation of RIPK3 expression, using siRIPK3, markedly abrogated JNK1/2 expression. The use of specific JNK1/2 inhibitor (SP600125) resulted in the suppression of curcumol-induced ROS production and mitochondrial depolarization, which in turn, contributed to the inhibition of curcumol-triggered necroptosis. In summary, our study results reveal the molecular mechanism of curcumol-induced HSC necroptosis, and suggest a potential clinical use of curcumol-targeted RIPK1/RIPK3 complex-dependent necroptosis via JNK1/2-ROS signaling for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Curcumol exerted anti-hepatic fibrogenesis effects in CCl4-treated mice. Curcumol inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cell in vitro. Curcumol promoted the generation of RIPK1/RIPK3-complex to induce hepatic stellate cell necroptosis. Curcumol modulated RIPK3/JNK/ROS signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qin Guo
- Dermatology of Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuoyi Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Hepatology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing Second Hospital, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Feng X, Li MH, Xia J, Deng Ba DJ, Ruan LY, Xing YX, Chen C, Wang JS, Zhong GJ. Tibetan Medical Formula Shi-Wei-Gan-Ning-Pill Protects Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis - An NMR-Based Metabolic Profiling. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:965. [PMID: 30210344 PMCID: PMC6123542 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a severe health problem, threatening the life quality and causing death, raising great concerns worldwide. Shi-Wei-Gan-Ning-Pill (SWGNP) is a traditional Tibetan recipe used to treat hepatic injuries; however, its hepatoprotective mechanism has not yet fully clarified. In this study, histological staining, biochemical assays, and elements determination were applied to evaluate the anti-fibrotic efficacy of SWGNP on a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepato-fibrosis rat model. NMR-based metabolomics combined with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), canonical regression analysis, and correlation networks analysis was used to characterize the potential biomarkers as well as metabolic pathways associated with the hepatoprotective activity of SWGNP. The results showed that SWGNP could significantly attenuate the pathological changes and decrease the levels of fibrosis markers (ColIV, HA, LN, and PCIII), and regulate the disordered elements distribution. Multivariate analysis and correlation network analysis revealed that SWGNP could protect rats against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through anti-oxidation, repairing the impaired energy metabolisms and reversing the disturbed amino acids and nucleic acids metabolisms. In conclusion, this integrated metabolomics approach provided new insights into the mechanism of the hepatoprotective effect of SWGNP in liver fibrosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Feng
- Institute for Tibetan Medicine, China Tibetology Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Division of TCM and Natural Products, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Da J Deng Ba
- Institute for Tibetan Medicine, China Tibetology Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Yu Ruan
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Xiao Xing
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun-Song Wang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ge-Jia Zhong
- Institute for Tibetan Medicine, China Tibetology Research Center, Beijing, China
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Cyclin E1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 are critical for initiation, but not for progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:9282-9287. [PMID: 30150405 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1807155115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
E-type cyclins E1 (CcnE1) and E2 (CcnE2) are regulatory subunits of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) and thought to control the transition of quiescent cells into the cell cycle. Initial findings indicated that CcnE1 and CcnE2 have largely overlapping functions for cancer development in several tumor entities including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we dissected the differential contributions of CcnE1, CcnE2, and Cdk2 for initiation and progression of HCC in mice and patients. To this end, we tested the HCC susceptibility in mice with constitutive deficiency for CcnE1 or CcnE2 as well as in mice lacking Cdk2 in hepatocytes. Genetic inactivation of CcnE1 largely prevented development of liver cancer in mice in two established HCC models, while ablation of CcnE2 had no effect on hepatocarcinogenesis. Importantly, CcnE1-driven HCC initiation was dependent on Cdk2. However, isolated primary hepatoma cells typically acquired independence on CcnE1 and Cdk2 with increasing progression in vitro, which was associated with a gene signature involving secondary induction of CcnE2 and up-regulation of cell cycle and DNA repair pathways. Importantly, a similar expression profile was also found in HCC patients with elevated CcnE2 expression and poor survival. In general, overall survival in HCC patients was synergistically affected by expression of CcnE1 and CcnE2, but not through Cdk2. Our study suggests that HCC initiation specifically depends on CcnE1 and Cdk2, while HCC progression requires expression of any E-cyclin, but no Cdk2.
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Ehedego H, Mohs A, Jansen B, Hiththetiya K, Sicinski P, Liedtke C, Trautwein C. Loss of Cyclin E1 attenuates hepatitis and hepatocarcinogenesis in a mouse model of chronic liver injury. Oncogene 2018; 37:3329-3339. [PMID: 29551768 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury triggers liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Cyclin E1 (CcnE1, formerly designated Cyclin E) is a regulatory subunit of the Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). It is overexpressed in approximately 70% of human HCCs correlating with poor prognosis, while the relevance of its orthologue Cyclin E2 (CcnE2) is unclear. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of NF-kappa-B essential modulator (NEMOΔhepa) leads to chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and HCC as well as CcnE upregulation. To this end, we generated NEMOΔhepa/CcnE1-/- and NEMOΔhepa/CcnE2-/- double knockout mice and investigated age-dependent liver disease progression in these animals. Deletion of CcnE1 in NEMOΔhepa mice decreased basal liver damage and reduced spontaneous liver inflammation in young mice. In contrast, loss of CcnE2 did not affect liver injury in NEMOΔhepa livers pointing to a unique, non-redundant function of CcnE1 in chronic hepatitis. Accordingly, basal compensatory hepatocyte proliferation in NEMOΔhepa mice was reduced by concomitant ablation of CcnE1, but not after loss of CcnE2. In aged NEMOΔhepa mice, loss of CcnE1 resulted in significant reduction of liver tumorigenesis, while deletion of CcnE2 had no effect on HCC formation. CcnE1, but not its orthologue CcnE2, substantially contributes to hepatic inflammatory response, liver disease progression, and hepatocarcinogenesis in NEMOΔhepa mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haksier Ehedego
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Antje Mohs
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bettina Jansen
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Maepa MB, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. How successful has targeted RNA interference for hepatic fibrosis been? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:381-388. [PMID: 29265946 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1420775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to toxins from the portal circulation, viral infection and by-products of metabolic activity make liver tissue prone to injury. When sustained, associated inflammation leads to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and complicating hepatic fibrosis. AREAS COVERED In this article, the authors discuss utility of therapeutic gene silencing to disable key steps of hepatic fibrogenesis. Strategies aimed at inhibiting HSC activation and silencing primary causes of fibrogenesis, such as viruses that cause chronic hepatitis, are reviewed. Both synthetic and expressed artificial intermediates of the RNAi pathway have potential to treat hepatic fibrosis, and each type of gene silencer has advantages for clinical translation. Silencing expression cassettes comprising DNA templates are compatible with efficient hepatotropic viral vectors, which may effect sustained gene silencing. By contrast, synthetic short interfering RNAs are amenable to chemical modification, incorporation into non-viral formulations, more precise dose control and large scale preparation. EXPERT OPINION Clinical translation of RNAi-based technology for treatment of hepatic fibrosis is now a realistic goal. However, achieving this aim will require safe, efficient delivery of artificial RNAi intermediates to target cells, economic large scale production of candidate drugs and specificity of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube Betty Maepa
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Yang J, Sun JF, Wang TT, Guo XH, Wei JX, Jia LT, Yang AG. Targeted inhibition of hantavirus replication and intracranial pathogenesis by a chimeric protein-delivered siRNA. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:107-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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