1
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Nishikawa Y. Aberrant differentiation and proliferation of hepatocytes in chronic liver injury and liver tumors. Pathol Int 2024; 74:361-378. [PMID: 38837539 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13441] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury induces liver cirrhosis and facilitates hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the effects of this condition on hepatocyte proliferation and differentiation are unclear. We showed that rodent hepatocytes display a ductular phenotype when they are cultured within a collagenous matrix. This process involves transdifferentiation without the emergence of hepatoblastic features and is at least partially reversible. During the ductular reaction in chronic liver diseases with progressive fibrosis, some hepatocytes, especially those adjacent to ectopic ductules, demonstrate ductular transdifferentiation, but the majority of increased ductules originate from the existing bile ductular system that undergoes extensive remodeling. In chronic injury, hepatocyte proliferation is weak but sustained, and most regenerative nodules in liver cirrhosis are composed of clonally proliferating hepatocytes, suggesting that a small fraction of hepatocytes maintain their proliferative capacity in chronic injury. In mouse hepatocarcinogenesis models, hepatocytes activate the expression of various fetal/neonatal genes, indicating that these cells undergo dedifferentiation. Hepatocyte-specific somatic integration of various oncogenes in mice demonstrated that hepatocytes may be the cells of origin for a broad spectrum of liver tumors through transdifferentiation and dedifferentiation. In conclusion, the phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity of mature hepatocytes are important for understanding the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases and liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nishikawa
- President's Office, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
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2
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Chen Y, Yan Y, Li Y, Zhang L, Luo T, Zhu X, Qin D, Chen N, Huang W, Chen X, Wang L, Zhu X, Zhang L. Deletion of Tgm2 suppresses BMP-mediated hepatocyte-to-cholangiocyte metaplasia in ductular reaction. Cell Prolif 2024:e13646. [PMID: 38623945 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2) plays an essential role in hepatic repair following prolonged toxic injury. During cholestatic liver injury, the intrahepatic cholangiocytes undergo dynamic tissue expansion and remodelling, referred to as ductular reaction (DR), which is crucial for liver regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the dynamics of active cells in DR are still largely unclear. Here, we generated Tgm2-knockout mice (Tgm2-/-) and Tgm2-CreERT2-Rosa26-mTmG flox/flox (Tgm2CreERT2-R26T/Gf/f) mice and performed a three-dimensional (3D) collagen gel culture of mouse hepatocytes to demonstrate how Tgm2 signalling is involved in DR to remodel intrahepatic cholangiocytes. Our results showed that the deletion of Tgm2 adversely affected the functionality and maturity of the proliferative cholangiocytes in DR, thus leading to more severe cholestasis during DDC-induced liver injury. Additionally, Tgm2 hepatocytes played a crucial role in the regulation of DR through metaplasia. We unveiled that Tgm2 regulated H3K4me3Q5ser via serotonin to promote BMP signalling activation to participate in DR. Besides, we revealed that the activation or inhibition of BMP signalling could promote or suppress the development and maturation of cholangiocytes in DDC-induced DR. Furthermore, our 3D collagen gel culture assay indicated that Tgm2 was vital for the development of cholangiocytes in vitro. Our results uncovered a considerable role of BMP signalling in controlling metaplasia of Tgm2 hepatocytes in DR and revealed the phenotypic plasticity of mature hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinlong Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xianmin Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Wuhan University (Hubei Cancer Hospital), Wuhan, China
| | - Lisheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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3
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Hirukawa K, Yagi H, Kuroda K, Watanabe M, Nishi K, Nagata S, Abe Y, Kitago M, Adachi S, Sudo R, Kitagawa Y. Novel approach for reconstruction of the three-dimensional biliary system in decellularized liver scaffold using hepatocyte progenitors. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297285. [PMID: 38359035 PMCID: PMC10868823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Reconstruction of the biliary system is indispensable for the regeneration of transplantable liver grafts. Here, we report the establishment of the first continuous three-dimensional biliary system scaffold for bile acid excretion using a novel method. We confirmed the preservation of the liver-derived extracellular matrix distribution in the scaffold. In addition, hepatocyte progenitors decellularized via the bile duct by slow-speed perfusion differentiated into hepatocyte- and cholangiocyte-like cells, mimicking hepatic cords and bile ducts, respectively. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated increased ALB, BSEP, and AQP8 expression, revealing bile canaliculi- and bile duct-specific genetic patterns. Therefore, we concluded that locally preserved extracellular matrices in the scaffold stimulated hepatic progenitors and provided efficient differentiation, as well as regeneration of a three-dimensional continuous biliary system from hepatic cords through bile ducts. These findings suggest that organ-derived scaffolds can be utilized for the efficient reconstruction of functional biliary systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Hirukawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yagi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Kohei Kuroda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Masafumi Watanabe
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology (E308), Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kotaro Nishi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Shogo Nagata
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Yuta Abe
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Shungo Adachi
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Sudo
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Japan
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Choi HJ, Kim YA, Ryu J, Park KK, Lee SJ, Kim BS, Song JE, Kim JD. STAT3 Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotides Suppress Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Liver Cancer Cells and a DDC-Induced Liver Injury Mouse Model. Molecules 2024; 29:593. [PMID: 38338338 PMCID: PMC10856653 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver damage caused by various factors results in fibrosis and inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and cancer. Fibrosis results in the accumulation of extracellular matrix components. The role of STAT proteins in mediating liver inflammation and fibrosis has been well documented; however, approved therapies targeting STAT3 inhibition against liver disease are lacking. This study investigated the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) in hepatocytes and liver fibrosis mouse models. STAT3 decoy ODN were delivered into cells using liposomes and hydrodynamic tail vein injection into 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-fed mice in which liver injury was induced. STAT3 target gene expression changes were verified using qPCR and Western blotting. Liver tissue fibrosis and bile duct proliferation were assessed in animal experiments using staining techniques, and macrophage and inflammatory cytokine distribution was verified using immunohistochemistry. STAT3 decoy ODN reduced fibrosis and inflammatory factors in liver cancer cell lines and DDC-induced liver injury mouse model. These results suggest that STAT3 decoy ODN may effectively treat liver fibrosis and must be clinically investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Choi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Young-Ah Kim
- Seoul Clinical Laboratories of Daegu, Daegu 41238, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Ryu
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (K.-K.P.)
| | - Sun-Jae Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (K.-K.P.)
| | - Byung Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (B.S.K.)
| | - Jeong-En Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (B.S.K.)
| | - Joo Dong Kim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
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5
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Ito C, Haraguchi R, Ogawa K, Iwata M, Kitazawa R, Takada Y, Kitazawa S. Demethylation in promoter region of severely damaged hepatocytes enhances chemokine receptor CXCR4 gene expression. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:407-418. [PMID: 37532885 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02229-x] [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] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known to possess remarkable regenerative potential, but persistent inflammation or severe acute injury can lead to liver fibrosis and incomplete regeneration, ultimately resulting in liver failure. Recent studies have shown that the axis of two types of CXCL12 receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, plays a crucial role in liver fibrosis and regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory factors involved in CXCR4 expression in injured liver. Immunohistochemical screening of liver tissue samples collected during liver transplantation revealed a reciprocal expression pattern between CXCR4 and MeCP2. An in vitro system involving cultured cell lines and H2O2 treatment was established to study the impact of oxidative stress on signaling pathways and epigenetic alterations that affect CXCR4 mRNA expression. Operating through distinct signaling pathways, H2O2 treatment induced a dose-dependent increase in CXCR4 expression in both hepatocyte- and intrahepatic cholangiocyte-derived cells. Treatment of the cells with trichostatin and azacytidine modulated CXCR4 expression in hepatocytes by modifying the methylation status of CpG dinucleotides located in a pair of TA repeats adjacent to the TATA box of the CXCR4 gene promoter. Only MeCP2 bound to oligonucleotides representing the TATA box region when the cytosine residues within the sequence were methylated, as revealed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Methylation-specific PCR analysis of microdissected samples revealed a correlation between the loss of CpG methylation and the upregulation of CXCR4 in injured hepatocytes, replicating the findings from the in vitro study. Besides the conventional MEK/ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways that activate CXCR4 in intrahepatic cholangiocytes, the unique epigenetic modifications observed in hepatocytes might also contribute to a shift in the CXCR4-CXCR7 balance towards CXCR4, leading to irreversible liver injury and fibrosis. This study highlights the importance of epigenetic modifications in regulating CXCR4 expression in liver injury and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Ito
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Miku Iwata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yasutsugu Takada
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Sohei Kitazawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa 454, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
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6
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Shiode Y, Kodama T, Shigeno S, Murai K, Tanaka S, Newberg JY, Kondo J, Kobayashi S, Yamada R, Hikita H, Sakamori R, Suemizu H, Tatsumi T, Eguchi H, Jenkins NA, Copeland NG, Takehara T. TNF receptor-related factor 3 inactivation promotes the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma through NF-κB-inducing kinase-mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation. Hepatology 2023; 77:395-410. [PMID: 34995376 PMCID: PMC9869956 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a deadly but poorly understood disease, and its treatment options are very limited. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular drivers of ICC and search for therapeutic targets. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed a Sleeping Beauty transposon-based in vivo insertional mutagenesis screen in liver-specific Pten -deficient mice and identified TNF receptor-related factor 3 ( Traf3 ) as the most significantly mutated gene in murine ICCs in a loss-of-function manner. Liver-specific Traf3 deletion caused marked cholangiocyte overgrowth and spontaneous development of ICC in Pten knockout and KrasG12D mutant mice. Hepatocyte-specific, but not cholangiocyte-specific, Traf3 -deficient and Pten -deficient mice recapitulated these phenotypes. Lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing suggested that these ICCs were derived from hepatocytes through transdifferentiation. TRAF3 and PTEN inhibition induced a transdifferentiation-like phenotype of hepatocyte-lineage cells into proliferative cholangiocytes through NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) up-regulation in vitro. Intrahepatic NIK levels were elevated in liver-specific Traf3 -deficient and Pten -deficient mice, and NIK inhibition alleviated cholangiocyte overgrowth. In human ICCs, we identified an inverse correlation between TRAF3 and NIK expression, with low TRAF3 or high NIK expression associated with poor prognosis. Finally, we showed that NIK inhibition by a small molecule inhibitor or gene silencing suppressed the growth of multiple human ICC cells in vitro and ICC xenografts in vivo. CONCLUSIONS TRAF3 inactivation promotes ICC development through NIK-mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation. The oncogenic TRAF3-NIK axis may be a potential therapeutic target for ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Shiode
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shigeno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Murai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Hospital Organization, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Justin Y. Newberg
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jumpei Kondo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Sakamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suemizu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Research, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nancy A. Jenkins
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Genetics Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Neal G. Copeland
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Genetics Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Fu Q, Ohnishi S, Suda G, Sakamoto N. Small-molecule inhibitor cocktail promotes the proliferation of pre-existing liver progenitor cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1589-1603. [PMID: 35777357 PMCID: PMC9287679 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent study showed that a cocktail of three small molecules, Y-27632, A83-01, and CHIR99021 (YAC), converts mature hepatocytes (MHs) into proliferative bipotent cells that can be induced into MHs and cholangiocytes in rats. However, when we reproduced these experiments, it was found that bipotent cells may be derived from resident liver progenitor cells (LPCs), whose proliferative activity was promoted by YAC. A simple and efficient sorting scheme was also developed in this study to harvest high-purity and high-yield LPCs. The inducible bipotency of purified LPCs was verified; in addition, they were found to spontaneously differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes due to changes in proliferative status even without induction. Moreover, during the differentiation process, some hepatocytes spontaneously reconverted to LPCs under certain conditions, such as the release of contact inhibition. These findings may improve our understanding of LPCs and provide a cell source for regenerative medicine. A small-molecule cocktail promotes rat liver progenitor proliferation in vitro Highly purified progenitors can be simply obtained by their physical properties Purified progenitors preferentially proliferate and then spontaneously differentiate Progenitor differentiation is closely related to varied proliferation signals
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjie Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ohnishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Goki Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
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8
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Feedback Signaling between Cholangiopathies, Ductular Reaction, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082072. [PMID: 34440841 PMCID: PMC8391272 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are global health disparities, particularly in the United States, as a result of cultural eating habits and lifestyle. Pathological studies on NAFLD have been mostly focused on hepatocytes and other inflammatory cell types; however, the impact of other biliary epithelial cells (i.e., cholangiocytes) in the promotion of NAFLD is growing. This review article will discuss how cholestatic injury and cholangiocyte activity/ductular reaction influence NAFLD progression. Furthermore, this review will provide informative details regarding the fundamental properties of cholangiocytes and bile acid signaling that can influence NAFLD. Lastly, studies relating to the pathogenesis of NAFLD, cholangiopathies, and ductular reaction will be analyzed to help gain insight for potential therapies.
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9
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Merrell AJ, Peng T, Li J, Sun K, Li B, Katsuda T, Grompe M, Tan K, Stanger BZ. Dynamic Transcriptional and Epigenetic Changes Drive Cellular Plasticity in the Liver. Hepatology 2021; 74:444-457. [PMID: 33423324 PMCID: PMC8271088 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Following liver injury, a fraction of hepatocytes adopt features of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in a process known as biliary reprogramming. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular events accompanying this dramatic shift in cellular identity. APPROACH AND RESULTS We applied the techniques of bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA-seq, and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing to define the epigenetic and transcriptional changes associated with biliary reprogramming. In addition, we examined the role of TGF-β signaling by profiling cells undergoing reprogramming in mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion in the downstream TGF-β signaling component mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Smad4). Biliary reprogramming followed a stereotyped pattern of altered gene expression consisting of robust induction of biliary genes and weaker repression of hepatocyte genes. These changes in gene expression were accompanied by corresponding modifications at the chromatin level. Although some reprogrammed cells had molecular features of "fully differentiated" BECs, most lacked some biliary characteristics and retained some hepatocyte characteristics. Surprisingly, single-cell analysis of Smad4 mutant mice revealed a dramatic increase in reprogramming. CONCLUSION Hepatocytes undergo widespread chromatin and transcriptional changes during biliary reprogramming, resulting in epigenetic and gene expression profiles that are similar to, but distinct from, native BECs. Reprogramming involves a progressive accumulation of biliary molecular features without discrete intermediates. Paradoxically, canonical TGF-β signaling through Smad4 appears to constrain biliary reprogramming, indicating that TGF-β can either promote or inhibit biliary differentiation depending on which downstream components of the pathway are engaged. This work has implications for the formation of BECs and bile ducts in the adult liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson J Merrell
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jinyang Li
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathryn Sun
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Takeshi Katsuda
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kai Tan
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ben Z. Stanger
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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10
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Ooshio T, Yamamoto M, Fujii K, Xin B, Watanabe K, Goto M, Okada Y, Suzuki A, Penninger JM, Nishina H, Nishikawa Y. Hepatocyte Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 7 Contributes to Restoration of the Liver Parenchyma Following Injury in Mice. Hepatology 2021; 73:2510-2526. [PMID: 32969030 PMCID: PMC8252741 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 7 and MKK4 are upstream activators of c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinases (JNKs) and have been shown to be required for the early development of the liver. Although it has been suggested that MKK7 might be involved in the regulation of hepatocyte proliferation, the functional role of MKK7 in the liver has remained unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we examined phenotypic alterations in liver-specific or hepatocyte/hematopoietic cell-specific MKK7 knockout (KO) mice, which were generated by crossing MKK7LoxP/LoxP with albumin-cyclization recombination (Alb-Cre) or myxovirus resistance protein 1-Cre mice, respectively. The livers of Alb-Cre-/+ MKK7LoxP/LoxP mice developed without discernible tissue disorganization. MKK7 KO mice responded normally to liver injuries incurred by partial hepatectomy or injection of CCl4 . However, tissue repair following CCl4 -induced injury was delayed in MKK7 KO mice compared with that of control mice. Furthermore, after repeated injections of CCl4 for 8 weeks, the liver in MKK7 KO mice showed intense fibrosis with increased protractive hepatocyte proliferation, suggesting that MKK7 deficiency might affect regenerative responses of hepatocytes in the altered tissue microenvironment. MKK7 KO hepatocytes demonstrated normal proliferative activity when cultured in monolayers. However, MKK7 KO significantly suppressed branching morphogenesis of hepatocyte aggregates within a collagen gel matrix. Microarray analyses revealed that suppression of branching morphogenesis in MKK7 KO hepatocytes was associated with a reduction in mRNA expression of transgelin, glioma pathogenesis related 2, and plasminogen activator urokinase-type (Plau); and forced expression of these genes in MKK7 KO hepatocytes partially recovered the attenuated morphogenesis. Furthermore, hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Plau rescued the impaired tissue repair of MKK7 KO mice following CCl4 -induced injury. CONCLUSIONS MKK7 is dispensable for the regenerative proliferation of hepatocytes but plays important roles in repair processes following parenchymal destruction, possibly through modulation of hepatocyte-extracellular matrix interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Ooshio
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Kiyonaga Fujii
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Bing Xin
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan,Division of Gastroenterological and General SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Masanori Goto
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Yoko Okada
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Division of Molecular and Cellular BiologyKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeHyogoJapan
| | - Josef M. Penninger
- Department of Medical GeneticsLife Sciences InstituteUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of SciencesViennaAustria
| | - Hiroshi Nishina
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative BiologyMedical Research InstituteTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityBunkyo‐ku, TokyoJapan
| | - Yuji Nishikawa
- Division of Tumor PathologyDepartment of PathologyAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
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Pathological Study of Facial Eczema (Pithomycotoxicosis) in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041070. [PMID: 33918904 PMCID: PMC8070102 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041070] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Facial eczema (FE) is a secondary photosensitization disease of farm ruminants caused by the sporidesmin A, present in the spores of the saprophytic fungus Pithomyces chartarum. This study communicates an outbreak of ovine FE in Asturias (Spain) and characterizes the local immune response that may contribute to liver damage promoting cholestasis and progression towards fibrosis and cirrhosis. Animals showed clinical signs of photosensitivity and lower gain of weight, loss of wool and crusting in the head for at least 6 months after the FE outbreak. Some sheep presented acute lesions characterized by subcutaneous edema in the head, cholestasis and nephrosis with macrophages and neutrophils present in areas of canalicular cholestasis. In chronic cases, alopecia and crusting, hepatic atrophy with regenerative nodules, fibrosis and gallstones were seen. The surviving parenchyma persisted with a jigsaw pattern characteristic of biliary cirrhosis. Concentric and eccentric myointimal proliferation was found in arteries near damaged bile ducts, where macrophages and lymphocytes were also observed. Abstract Facial eczema (FE) is a secondary photosensitization disease of farm ruminants caused by the sporidesmin A, produced in the spores of the saprophytic fungus Pithomyces chartarum. This study communicates an outbreak of ovine FE in Asturias (Spain) and characterizes the serum biochemical pattern and the immune response that may contribute to liver damage, favoring cholestasis and the progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Animals showed clinical signs of photosensitivity, with decrease of daily weight gain and loss of wool and crusting for at least 6 months after the FE outbreak. Serum activity of γ-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in sheep with skin lesions. In the acute phase, edematous skin lesions in the head, hepatocytic and canalicular cholestasis in centrilobular regions, presence of neutrophils in small clumps surrounding deposits of bile pigment, ductular proliferation, as well as cholemic nephrosis, were observed. Macrophages, stained positively for MAC387, were found in areas of canalicular cholestasis. In the chronic phase, areas of alopecia and crusting were seen in the head, and the liver was atrophic with large regeneration nodules and gallstones. Fibrosis around dilated bile ducts, “typical” and “atypical” ductular reaction and an inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and pigmented macrophages, with iron deposits and lipofuscin, were found. The surviving parenchyma persisted with a jigsaw pattern characteristic of biliary cirrhosis. Concentric and eccentric myointimal proliferation was found in arteries near damaged bile ducts. In cirrhotic livers, stellated cells, ductular reaction, ectatic bile ducts and presence of M2 macrophages and lymphocytes, were observed in areas of bile ductular reaction.
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12
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Cholangiogenic potential of human deciduous pulp stem cell-converted hepatocyte-like cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:57. [PMID: 33436050 PMCID: PMC7805240 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have been reported to show the in vivo and in vitro hepatic differentiation, SHED-Heps; however, the cholangiogenic potency of SHED-Heps remains unclear. Here, we hypothesized that SHED-Heps contribute to the regeneration of intrahepatic bile duct system in chronic fibrotic liver. Methods SHED were induced into SHED-Heps under cytokine stimulation. SHED-Heps were intrasplenically transplanted into chronically CCl4-treated liver fibrosis model mice, followed by the analysis of donor integration and hepatobiliary metabolism in vivo. Immunohistochemical assay was examined for the regeneration of intrahepatic bile duct system in the recipient liver. Furthermore, SHED-Heps were induced under the stimulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA). Results The intrasplenic transplantation of SHED-Heps into CCl4-treated mice showed that donor SHED-Heps behaved as human hepatocyte paraffin 1- and human albumin-expressing hepatocyte-like cells in situ and ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Of interest, the integrated SHED-Heps not only expressed biliary canaliculi ATP-binding cassette transporters including ABCB1, ABCB11, and ABCC2, but also recruited human keratin 19- (KRT19-) and KRT17-positive cells, which are considered donor-derived cholangiocytes, regenerating the intrahepatic bile duct system in the recipient liver. Furthermore, the stimulation of TNFA induced SHED-Heps into KRT7- and SRY-box 9-positive cells. Conclusions Collectively, our findings demonstrate that infused SHED-Heps showed cholangiogenic ability under the stimulation of TNFA in CCl4-damaged livers, resulting in the regeneration of biliary canaliculi and interlobular bile ducts in chronic fibrotic liver. Thus, the present findings suggest that SHED-Heps may be a novel source for the treatment of cholangiopathy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-020-02113-8.
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13
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Wang Y, Dong B, Xue W, Feng Y, Yang C, Liu P, Cao J, Zhu C. Anticancer Effect of Radix Astragali on Cholangiocarcinoma In Vitro and Its Mechanism via Network Pharmacology. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e921162. [PMID: 32246704 PMCID: PMC7154565 DOI: 10.12659/msm.921162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study used network pharmacology method and cell model to assess the effects of Radix Astragali (RA) on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and to predict core targets and molecular mechanisms. Material/Methods We performed an in vitro study to assess the effect of RA on CCA using CCK8 assay, the Live-Cell Analysis System, and trypan blue staining. The components and targets of RA were analyzed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and genes associated with CCA were retrieved from the GeneCards and OMIM platforms. Protein–protein interactions were analyzed with the STRING platform. The components–targets–disease network was built by Cytoscape. The TIMER database revealed the expression of core targets with diverse immune infiltration levels. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to identify molecular-biology processes and signaling pathways. The predictions were verified by Western blotting. Results Concentration-dependent antitumor activity was confirmed in the cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cell line treated with RA. RA contained 16 active compounds, with quercetin and kaempferol as the core compounds. The most important biotargets for RA in CCA were caspase 3, MAPK8, MYC, EGFR, and PARP. The TIMER database revealed that the expression of caspase3 and MYC was related with diverse immune infiltration levels of CCA. The results of Western blotting showed RA significantly influenced the expression of the 5 targets that network pharmacology predicted. Conclusions RA is an active medicinal material that can be developed into a safe and effective multi-targeted anticancer treatment for CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Bingzi Dong
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Computer Assisted Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Weijie Xue
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Yujie Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Chenyu Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Jingyu Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Chengzhan Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland).,Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Computer Assisted Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
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TNF-α Differentially Regulates Cell Cycle Genes in Promyelocytic and Granulocytic HL-60/S4 Cells. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:2775-2786. [PMID: 31263060 PMCID: PMC6686940 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a potent cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and immune modulation. Signaling responses that involve TNF-α are context dependent and capable of stimulating pathways promoting both cell death and survival. TNF-α treatment has been investigated as part of a combined therapy for acute myeloid leukemia due to its modifying effects on all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) mediated differentiation into granulocytes. To investigate the interaction between cellular differentiation and TNF-α, we performed RNA-sequencing on two forms of the human HL-60/S4 promyelocytic leukemia cell line treated with TNF-α. The ATRA-differentiated granulocytic form of HL-60/S4 cells had an enhanced transcriptional response to TNF-α treatment compared to the undifferentiated promyelocytes. The observed TNF-α responses included differential expression of cell cycle gene sets, which were generally upregulated in TNF-α treated promyelocytes, and downregulated in TNF-α treated granulocytes. This is consistent with TNF-α induced cell cycle repression in granulocytes and cell cycle progression in promyelocytes. Moreover, we found evidence that TNF-α treatment of granulocytes shifts the transcriptome toward that of a macrophage. We conclude that TNF-α treatment promotes a divergent transcriptional program in promyelocytes and granulocytes. TNF-α promotes cell cycle associated gene expression in promyelocytes. In contrast, TNF-α stimulated granulocytes have reduced cell cycle gene expression, and a macrophage-like transcriptional program.
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15
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Tevis KM, Colson YL, Grinstaff MW. Embedded Spheroids as Models of the Cancer Microenvironment. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2017; 1:1700083. [PMID: 30221187 PMCID: PMC6135264 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To more accurately study the complex mechanisms behind cancer invasion, progression, and response to treatment, researchers require models that replicate both the multicellular nature and 3D stromal environment present in an in vivo tumor. Multicellular aggregates (i.e., spheroids) embedded in an extracellular matrix mimic are a prevalent model. Recently, quantitative metrics that fully utilize the capability of spheroids are described along with conventional experiments, such as invasion into a matrix, to provide additional details and insights into the underlying cancer biology. The review begins with a discussion of the salient features of the tumor microenvironment, introduces the early work on non-embedded spheroids as tumor models, and then concentrates on the successes achieved with the study of embedded spheroids. Examples of studies include cell movement, drug response, tumor cellular heterogeneity, stromal effects, and cancer progression. Additionally, new methodologies and those borrowed from other research fields (e.g., vascularization and tissue engineering) are highlighted that expand the capability of spheroids to aid future users in designing their cancer-related experiments. The convergence of spheroid research among the various fields catalyzes new applications and leads to a natural synergy. Finally, the review concludes with a reflection and future perspectives for cancer spheroid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie M. Tevis
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Medicine, Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Yolonda L. Colson
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Mark W. Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Medicine, Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
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Yuan D, Huang S, Berger E, Liu L, Gross N, Heinzmann F, Ringelhan M, Connor TO, Stadler M, Meister M, Weber J, Öllinger R, Simonavicius N, Reisinger F, Hartmann D, Meyer R, Reich M, Seehawer M, Leone V, Höchst B, Wohlleber D, Jörs S, Prinz M, Spalding D, Protzer U, Luedde T, Terracciano L, Matter M, Longerich T, Knolle P, Ried T, Keitel V, Geisler F, Unger K, Cinnamon E, Pikarsky E, Hüser N, Davis RJ, Tschaharganeh DF, Rad R, Weber A, Zender L, Haller D, Heikenwalder M. Kupffer Cell-Derived Tnf Triggers Cholangiocellular Tumorigenesis through JNK due to Chronic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and ROS. Cancer Cell 2017; 31:771-789.e6. [PMID: 28609656 PMCID: PMC7909318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly malignant, heterogeneous cancer with poor treatment options. We found that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress trigger a niche favoring cholangiocellular overgrowth and tumorigenesis. Liver damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and paracrine tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) from Kupffer cells caused JNK-mediated cholangiocellular proliferation and oncogenic transformation. Anti-oxidant treatment, Kupffer cell depletion, Tnfr1 deletion, or JNK inhibition reduced cholangiocellular pre-neoplastic lesions. Liver-specific JNK1/2 deletion led to tumor reduction and enhanced survival in Akt/Notch- or p53/Kras-induced ICC models. In human ICC, high Tnf expression near ICC lesions, cholangiocellular JNK-phosphorylation, and ROS accumulation in surrounding hepatocytes are present. Thus, Kupffer cell-derived Tnf favors cholangiocellular proliferation/differentiation and carcinogenesis. Targeting the ROS/Tnf/JNK axis may provide opportunities for ICC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detian Yuan
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shan Huang
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Berger
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85350 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Gross
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Heinzmann
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Physiology I, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Ringelhan
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany; 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Tracy O Connor
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mira Stadler
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Meister
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Weber
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Simonavicius
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Reisinger
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hartmann
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Meyer
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maria Reich
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Physiology I, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Valentina Leone
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Bastian Höchst
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Jörs
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Duncan Spalding
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Hepatobiliary Oncology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Matter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Percy Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Ried
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Verena Keitel
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine University, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Geisler
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit of Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Einat Cinnamon
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Roger J Davis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Darjus F Tschaharganeh
- Helmholtz-University Group "Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & Institute of Pathology University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Physiology I, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology Group within the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Haller
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85350 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany; ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universität München, 85350 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany.
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Conversion of Terminally Committed Hepatocytes to Culturable Bipotent Progenitor Cells with Regenerative Capacity. Cell Stem Cell 2016; 20:41-55. [PMID: 27840021 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A challenge for advancing approaches to liver regeneration is loss of functional differentiation capacity when hepatocyte progenitors are maintained in culture. Recent lineage-tracing studies have shown that mature hepatocytes (MHs) convert to an immature state during chronic liver injury, and we investigated whether this conversion could be recapitulated in vitro and whether such converted cells could represent a source of expandable hepatocytes. We report that a cocktail of small molecules, Y-27632, A-83-01, and CHIR99021, can convert rat and mouse MHs in vitro into proliferative bipotent cells, which we term chemically induced liver progenitors (CLiPs). CLiPs can differentiate into both MHs and biliary epithelial cells that can form functional ductal structures. CLiPs in long-term culture did not lose their proliferative capacity or their hepatic differentiation ability, and rat CLiPs were shown to extensively repopulate chronically injured liver tissue. Thus, our study advances the goals of liver regenerative medicine.
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Vasconcellos R, Alvarenga ÉC, Parreira RC, Lima SS, Resende RR. Exploring the cell signalling in hepatocyte differentiation. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1773-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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19
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Kumagai A, Kondo F, Sano K, Inoue M, Fujii T, Hashimoto M, Watanabe M, Soejima Y, Ishida T, Tokairin T, Saito K, Sasajima Y, Takahashi Y, Uozaki H, Fukusato T. Immunohistochemical study of hepatocyte, cholangiocyte and stem cell markers of hepatocellular carcinoma: the second report: relationship with tumor size and cell differentiation. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2016; 23:414-21. [PMID: 27161394 PMCID: PMC5029768 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ordinary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) show positivity of stem/progenitor cell markers and cholangiocyte markers during the process of tumor progression. Methods Ninety‐four HCC lesions no larger than 8 cm from 94 patients were immuno‐histochemically studied using two hepatocyte markers (Hep par 1 and α‐fetoprotein), five cholangiocyte markers (cytokeratin CK7, CK19, Muc1, epithelial membrane antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen) and three hepatic stem/progenitor cell markers (CD56, c‐Kit and EpCAM). The tumors were classified into three groups by tumor size: S1, < 2.0 cm; S2, 2.0–5.0 cm; S3, 5.0–8.0 cm. The tumors were also classified according to tumor differentiation: well, moderately and poorly differentiated. The relationship between the positive ratios of these markers, tumor size and tumor differentiation was examined. Results The positive ratios of cholangiocyte markers tended to be higher in larger sized and more poorly differentiated tumors (except for CK7). The positive ratios of stem/progenitor cell markers tended to be higher in larger sized and more poorly differentiated tumors (except for c‐Kit). Conclusion Ordinary HCC can acquire the characteristic of positivity of cholangiocyte and stem/progenitor cell markers during the process of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arisa Kumagai
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fukuo Kondo
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiji Sano
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Inoue
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pathology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaji Hashimoto
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Unit, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Watanabe
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yurie Soejima
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ishida
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuo Tokairin
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Saito
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Sasajima
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Uozaki
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Fukusato
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Nagahama Y, Sone M, Chen X, Okada Y, Yamamoto M, Xin B, Matsuo Y, Komatsu M, Suzuki A, Enomoto K, Nishikawa Y. Contributions of hepatocytes and bile ductular cells in ductular reactions and remodeling of the biliary system after chronic liver injury. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:3001-12. [PMID: 25193593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mature hepatocytes are suggested to possess a capacity for bile ductular transdifferentiation, but whether and how hepatocytes contribute to ductular reaction in chronic liver diseases has not been elucidated. We examined whether mouse hepatocytes can transdifferentiate into bile ductular cells in vitro, using a three-dimensional collagen gel culture method, and in vivo, using a liver repopulation model in which β-galactosidase-positive hepatocytes from Alb-Cre × ROSA26R mice were transplanted into the liver of wild-type mice. We further examined the relative contribution of intrinsic hepatocytes in ductular reaction in a hepatocyte lineage-tracing model using Mx1-Cre × ROSA26R mice treated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. Within collagen gels, hepatocytes exhibited branching morphogenesis associated with the emergence of bile duct-like phenotype. In the liver repopulation model, many β-galactosidase-positive, hepatocyte-derived bile ductular structures were identified; these markedly increased after liver injury. In Mx1-Cre × ROSA26R mice, relatively minor but significant contributions of hepatocyte-derived bile ductules were observed in both periportal and centrilobular ductular reaction. As the centrilobular ductular reaction progressed, the portal ducts or ductules migrated toward the injured area and joined with hepatocyte-derived ductules, leaving the portal tract without biliary structures. We conclude that hepatocytes and bile ducts or ductules are important sources of ductular reaction and that the intrahepatic biliary system undergoes remarkable remodeling in response to chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuharu Nagahama
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan; Fujii Memorial Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Otsu, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sone
- Fujii Memorial Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Otsu, Japan
| | - Xi Chen
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yoko Okada
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Bing Xin
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Matsuo
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Mikiko Komatsu
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Division of Embryonic and Genetic Engineering, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Nishikawa
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
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