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Halimani N, Nesterchuk M, Tsitrina AA, Sabirov M, Andreichenko IN, Dashenkova NO, Petrova E, Kulikov AM, Zatsepin TS, Romanov RA, Mikaelyan AS, Kotelevtsev YV. Knockdown of Hyaluronan synthase 2 suppresses liver fibrosis in mice via induction of transcriptomic changes similar to 4MU treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2797. [PMID: 38307876 PMCID: PMC10837461 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53089-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] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis remains a significant clinical challenge due to ineffective treatments. 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), a hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis inhibitor, has proven safe in phase one clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting HA synthesis. We compared two groups of mice with CCl4-induced fibrosis, treated with 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) targeting siRNA (siHAS2). The administration of 4MU and siHAS2 significantly reduced collagen and HA deposition, as well as biochemical markers of hepatic damage induced by repeated CCl4 injections. The transcriptomic analysis revealed converging pathways associated with downstream HA signalling. 4MU- and siHAS2-treated fibrotic livers shared 405 upregulated and 628 downregulated genes. These genes were associated with xenobiotic and cholesterol metabolism, mitosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, RNA processing, and myeloid cell migration. The functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in siHAS2-treated mice revealed attenuation of extracellular matrix-associated pathways. In comparison, in the 4MU-treated group, DEGs were related to lipid and bile metabolism pathways and cell cycle. These findings confirm that HAS2 is an important pharmacological target for suppressing hepatic fibrosis using siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Halimani
- Vladimir Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Rehabilitation and Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 143025, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Nesterchuk
- Vladimir Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Rehabilitation and Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 143025, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Tsitrina
- IKI-Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Nem Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Marat Sabirov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Irina N Andreichenko
- AO Reproduction Head Centre of Agricultural Animals, Tsentralnaya Street, 3., Podolsk, Moscow Region, 142143, Russia
| | - Nataliya O Dashenkova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Petrova
- Vladimir Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Rehabilitation and Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 143025, Russia
| | - Alexey M Kulikov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman A Romanov
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arsen S Mikaelyan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Yuri V Kotelevtsev
- Vladimir Zelman Center for Neurobiology and Brain Rehabilitation and Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 143025, Russia
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Lu Y, Yang X, Kuang Q, Wu Y, Tan X, Lan J, Qiang Z, Feng T. HBx induced upregulation of FATP2 promotes the development of hepatic lipid accumulation. Exp Cell Res 2023:113721. [PMID: 37437769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B Virus X (HBx) protein plays a crucial role in the HBV-induced hepatic steatosis. Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is a key protein that is involved in hepatic lipogenesis, and it was found to be highly expressed in various metabolic diseases. However, Whether FATP2 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of HBx-induced hepatic steatosis remains unclear. In this study, we found that FATP2 was up-regulated by HBx in vitro and in vivo and participated in HBx-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Treatment of HBx-expressing cell lines and mice with FATP2 inhibitor (FATP2i) lipofermata ameliorated HBx-induced lipid accumulation and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation caused by lipid accumulation. Moreover, the liver injury of mouse was restored after FATP2i treatment. In summary, our results reveal that FATP2 is a key driver factor for HBx-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, and inhibition of FATP2 can ameliorates lipid accumulation caused by HBx. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of HBV-induced hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qin Kuang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yong Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xin Tan
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jizhong Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, 400065, China.
| | - Tao Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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3
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Kim J, Seki E. Hyaluronan in liver fibrosis: basic mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic targets. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0083. [PMID: 36930869 PMCID: PMC10027054 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA), also known as hyaluronic acid, is a glycosaminoglycan that is a critical component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Production and deposition of ECM is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis. ECM production is a sign of the disease progression of fibrosis. Indeed, the accumulation of HA in the liver and elevated serum HA levels are used as biomarkers of cirrhosis. However, recent studies also suggest that the ECM, and HA in particular, as a functional signaling molecule, facilitates disease progression and regulation. The systemic and local levels of HA are regulated by de novo synthesis, cleavage, endocytosis, and degradation of HA, and the molecular mass of HA influences its pathophysiological effects. However, the regulatory mechanisms of HA synthesis and catabolism and the functional role of HA are still poorly understood in liver fibrosis. This review summarizes the role of HA in liver fibrosis at molecular levels as well as its clinical implications and discusses the potential therapeutic uses of targeting HA in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hyaluronan synthase 2, a target of miR-200c, promotes carbon tetrachloride-induced acute and chronic liver inflammation via regulation of CCL3 and CCL4. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:739-752. [PMID: 35662287 PMCID: PMC9256637 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00781-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis occurs during wound healing after repeated liver injury and is characterized by extensive extracellular matrix deposition. We previously identified hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) as a driver of liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Developing strategies to suppress HSC activation is key to alleviating liver fibrosis, and HAS2 is an attractive candidate for intervention. To gain insight into the molecular function of HAS2, we investigated its posttranscriptional regulation. We found that miR-200c directly targets the 3' untranslated regions of HAS2. Moreover, miR-200c and HAS2 were inversely expressed in fibrotic human and mouse livers. After establishing the direct interaction between miR-200c and HAS2, we investigated the functional outcome of regulating HAS2 expression in three murine models: CCl4-induced acute liver injury, CCl4-induced chronic liver fibrosis, and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis. Hepatic Has2 expression was induced by acute and chronic CCl4 treatment. In contrast, miR-200c expression was decreased after CCl4 treatment. HSC-specific Has2 deletion reduced the expression of inflammatory markers and infiltration of macrophages in the models. Importantly, hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2) but not HYAL1 was overexpressed in fibrotic human and murine livers. HYAL2 is an enzyme that can cleave the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan. We found that low-molecular-weight hyaluronan stimulated the expression of inflammatory genes. Treatment with the HA synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone alleviated bile duct ligation-induced expression of these inflammatory markers. Collectively, our results suggest that HAS2 is negatively regulated by miR-200c and contributes to the development of acute liver injury and chronic liver inflammation via hyaluronan-mediated immune signaling.
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Hong DG, Song GY, Eom CB, Ahn JH, Kim SM, Shim A, Han YH, Roh YS, Han CY, Bae EJ, Ko HJ, Yang YM. Loss of ERdj5 exacerbates oxidative stress in mice with alcoholic liver disease via suppressing Nrf2. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 184:42-52. [PMID: 35390453 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease is the major cause of chronic liver diseases. Excessive alcohol intake results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ERdj5, a member of DNAJ family, is an ER-resident chaperone protein, whose role in alcoholic liver disease remains to be investigated. In this study, we aim to address the effect of ERdj5 on alcoholic liver disease and the underlying mechanism. Hepatic Dnajc10 (ERdj5) mRNA expression was elevated in both human and mouse alcoholic hepatitis. In mice subjected to chronic and binge ethanol feeding, ERdj5 levels were also markedly increased. Hepatic Dnajc10 correlated with Xbp1s mRNA. Tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, increased ERdj5 levels. Dnajc10 knockout mice exhibited exacerbated alcohol-induced liver injury and hepatic steatosis. However, the macrophage numbers and chemokine levels were similar to those in wild-type mice. Depletion of Dnajc10 promoted oxidative stress. Ethanol feeding increased hepatic H2O2 levels, and these were further increased in Dnajc10 knockout mice. Additionally, Dnajc10-deficient hepatocytes produced large amounts of reactive oxygen species. Notably, Nrf2, a central regulator of oxidative stress, was decreased by depletion of Dnajc10 in the nuclear fraction of ethanol-treated mouse liver. Consistently, liver tissues from ethanol-fed Dnajc10 knockout mice had reduced expression of downstream antioxidant genes. Furthermore, hepatic glutathione content in the liver of knockout mice declined compared to wild-type mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that ethanol-induced ERdj5 may regulate the Nrf2 pathway and glutathione contents, and have protective effects on liver damage and alcohol-mediated oxidative stress in mice. These suggest that ERdj5 has the potential to protect against alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Gyun Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Yeon Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Bin Eom
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hee Ahn
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Myoung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Aeri Shim
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hyun Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Seok Roh
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Yeob Han
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jeong Ko
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Mee Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; KNU Researcher Training Program for Developing Anti-Viral Innovative Drugs, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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Kumar V, Xin X, Ma J, Tan C, Osna N, Mahato RI. Therapeutic targets, novel drugs, and delivery systems for diabetes associated NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113888. [PMID: 34314787 PMCID: PMC8440458 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fourth-leading cause of death. Hyperglycemia induces various complications, including nephropathy, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are several etiological factors leading to liver disease development, which involve insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation in the liver exerts oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses. Hepatocyte injury induces release of inflammatory cytokines from Kupffer cells (KCs), which are responsible for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this review, we will discuss various molecular targets for treating chronic liver diseases, including homeostasis of FFA, lipid metabolism, and decrease in hepatocyte apoptosis, role of growth factors, and regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HSC activation. This review will also critically assess different strategies to enhance drug delivery to different cell types. Targeting nanocarriers to specific liver cell types have the potential to increase efficacy and suppress off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jingyi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Natalia Osna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Exosomal microRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in non-malignant liver diseases. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:574-587. [PMID: 34165701 PMCID: PMC8223764 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ responsible for various physiological functions, such as metabolism, immune response, digestion, and detoxification. Crosstalk between hepatocytes, hepatic macrophages, and hepatic stellate cells is critical for liver pathology. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (50-150 nm) that play an important role in cell-cell or organ-organ communication as they transfer their cargo, such as protein, DNA, and RNA to recipient cells or distant organs. In various liver diseases, the number of liver cell-derived exosomes is increased and the exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profile is altered. Early studies investigated the value of circulating exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers. Several exosomal miRNAs showed excellent diagnostic values, suggesting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers in liver diseases. Exosomal miRNAs have emerged as critical regulators of liver pathology because they control the expression of multiple genes in recipient cells. In this review, we discuss the biology of exosomes and summarize the recent findings of exosome-mediated intercellular and organ-to-organ communication during liver pathology. As there are many review articles dealing with exosomal miRNAs in liver cancer, we focused on non-malignant liver diseases. The therapeutic potential of exosomal miRNAs in liver pathology is also highlighted.
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