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El‐Ayoubi A, Arakelyan A, Klawitter M, Merk L, Hakobyan S, Gonzalez‐Menendez I, Quintanilla Fend L, Holm PS, Mikulits W, Schwab M, Danielyan L, Naumann U. Development of an optimized, non-stem cell line for intranasal delivery of therapeutic cargo to the central nervous system. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:528-546. [PMID: 38115217 PMCID: PMC10920084 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13569] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are considered to be valuable candidates for delivering a variety of anti-cancer agents, including oncolytic viruses, to brain tumors. However, owing to the previously reported tumorigenic potential of NSC cell lines after intranasal administration (INA), here we identified the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 as a cell type capable of longer resistance to replication of oncolytic adenoviruses (OAVs) as a therapeutic cargo, and that is non-tumorigenic after INA. Our data show that LX-2 cells can longer withstand the OAV XVir-N-31 replication and oncolysis than NSCs. By selecting the highly migratory cell population out of LX-2, an offspring cell line with a higher and more stable capability to migrate was generated. Additionally, as a safety backup, we applied genomic herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) integration into LX-2, leading to high vulnerability to ganciclovir (GCV). Histopathological analyses confirmed the absence of neoplasia in the respiratory tracts and brains of immuno-compromised mice 3 months after INA of LX-2 cells. Our data suggest that LX-2 is a novel, robust, and safe cell line for delivering anti-cancer and other therapeutic agents to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali El‐Ayoubi
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Research Group of BioinformaticsInstitute of Molecular Biology NAS RAYerevanArmenia
| | - Moritz Klawitter
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
| | - Luisa Merk
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
| | - Siras Hakobyan
- Research Group of BioinformaticsInstitute of Molecular Biology NAS RAYerevanArmenia
- Armenian Institute of BioinformaticsYerevanArmenia
| | - Irene Gonzalez‐Menendez
- Institute for Pathology, Department of General and Molecular PathologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image‐Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"Eberhard Karls University of TübingenGermany
| | - Leticia Quintanilla Fend
- Institute for Pathology, Department of General and Molecular PathologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image‐Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"Eberhard Karls University of TübingenGermany
| | - Per Sonne Holm
- Department of Urology, Klinikum rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryMedical University InnsbruckAustria
- XVir Therapeutics GmbHMunichGermany
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer CenterMedical University of ViennaAustria
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image‐Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"Eberhard Karls University of TübingenGermany
- Dr. Margarete Fischer‐Bosch Institute of Clinical PharmacologyStuttgartGermany
- Department of Pharmacy and BiochemistryUniversity of TübingenGermany
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Neuroscience Laboratory and Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical PharmacologyYerevan State Medical UniversityArmenia
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Pharmacy and BiochemistryUniversity of TübingenGermany
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Neuroscience Laboratory and Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical PharmacologyYerevan State Medical UniversityArmenia
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC)Faculty of Medicine University TübingenGermany
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Sabir U, Gu HM, Zhang DW. Extracellular matrix turnover: phytochemicals target and modulate the dual role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4932-4962. [PMID: 37461256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7959] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) resolution by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a well-documented mechanism. MMPs play a dual and complex role in modulating ECM degradation at different stages of liver fibrosis, depending on the timing and levels of their expression. Increased MMP-1 combats disease progression by cleaving the fibrillar ECM. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) increase expression of MMP-2, -9, and -13 in different chemicals-induced animal models, which may alleviate or worsen disease progression based on animal models and the stage of liver fibrosis. In the early stage, elevated expression of certain MMPs may damage surrounding tissue and activate HSCs, promoting fibrosis progression. At the later stage, downregulation of MMPs can facilitate ECM accumulation and disease progression. A number of phytochemicals modulate MMP activity and ECM turnover, alleviating disease progression. However, the effects of phytochemicals on the expression of different MMPs are variable and may depend on the disease models and stage, and the dosage, timing and duration of phytochemicals used in each study. Here, we review the most recent advances in the role of MMPs in the effects of phytochemicals on liver fibrogenesis, which indicates that further studies are warranted to confirm and define the potential clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Sabir
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Friedman SL, Weiskirchen R. Working with Immortalized Hepatic Stellate Cell Lines. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2669:129-162. [PMID: 37247058 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3207-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of extracellular matrix production in the liver. Therefore, this cell population has received considerable attention in studies investigating fundamental features of hepatic fibrosis. However, the limited supply and ever-increasing demand for these cells, combined with the additional tightening of formal standards in animal welfare policy, make working with these primary cells increasingly difficult. Moreover, researchers working in biomedical research are challenged to implement the 3R principle of "replacement," "reduction," and "refinement" in their work. This principle, originally proposed in 1959 by William M. S. Russell and Rex L. Burch, is now widely endorsed by legislators and regulatory bodies in many countries as a roadmap to tackle the ethical dilemma associated with animal experimentation. As such, working with immortalized HSC lines is a good alternative to limit the number of animals and their suffering in biomedical research. This article summarizes issues that need to be considered when working with established HSC cell lines and provides general guidelines for the maintenance and storage of HSC lines from mouse, rat, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institut für Molekulare Pathobiochemie, Experimentelle Gentherapie und Klinische Chemie (IFMPEGKC), Universitätsklinikum Aachen AöR, Aachen, Germany.
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4
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Schwinghammer UA, Melkonyan MM, Hunanyan L, Tremmel R, Weiskirchen R, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Schaeffeler E, Seferyan T, Mikulits W, Yenkoyan K, Schwab M, Danielyan L. α2-Adrenergic Receptor in Liver Fibrosis: Implications for the Adrenoblocker Mesedin. Cells 2020; 9:E456. [PMID: 32085378 PMCID: PMC7072854 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The noradrenergic system is proposed to play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. While α1- and β-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are suggested to be involved in a multitude of profibrogenic actions, little is known about α2-AR-mediated effects and their expression pattern during liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We explored the expression of α2-AR in two models of experimental liver fibrosis. We further evaluated the capacity of the α2-AR blocker mesedin to deactivate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and to increase the permeability of human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (hLSECs). The mRNA of α2a-, α2b-, and α2c-AR subtypes was uniformly upregulated in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice vs the controls, while in bile duct-ligated mice, only α2b-AR increased in response to liver injury. In murine HSCs, mesedin led to a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β and α2a-AR expression, which was indicated by RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot analyses. In a hLSEC line, an increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was detected along with downregulated transforming growth factor-β. In conclusion, we suggest that the α2-AR blockade alleviates the activation of HSCs and may increase the permeability of liver sinusoids during liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute A. Schwinghammer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (U.A.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Magda M. Melkonyan
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia; (M.M.M.); (L.H.)
| | - Lilit Hunanyan
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia; (M.M.M.); (L.H.)
| | - Roman Tremmel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (R.T.); (E.S.)
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Elke Schaeffeler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (R.T.); (E.S.)
| | - Torgom Seferyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014 Yerevan, Armenia;
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia;
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (U.A.S.); (M.S.)
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (R.T.); (E.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (U.A.S.); (M.S.)
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5
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Buniatian GH, Weiskirchen R, Weiss TS, Schwinghammer U, Fritz M, Seferyan T, Proksch B, Glaser M, Lourhmati A, Buadze M, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Gaunitz F, Gleiter CH, Lang T, Schaeffeler E, Tremmel R, Cynis H, Frey WH, Gebhardt R, Friedman SL, Mikulits W, Schwab M, Danielyan L. Antifibrotic Effects of Amyloid-Beta and Its Loss in Cirrhotic Liver. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020452. [PMID: 32089540 PMCID: PMC7072823 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020452] [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: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The function and regulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in healthy and diseased liver remains unexplored. Because Aβ reduces the integrity of the blood-brain barrier we have examined its potential role in regulating the sinusoidal permeability of normal and cirrhotic liver. Aβ and key proteins that generate (beta-secretase 1 and presenilin-1) and degrade it (neprilysin and myelin basic protein) were decreased in human cirrhotic liver. In culture, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) internalized Aβ more efficiently than astrocytes and HSC degraded Aβ leading to suppressed expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1 and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Aβ also upregulated sinusoidal permeability marker endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and decreased TGFβ in cultured human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (hLSEC). Liver Aβ levels also correlate with the expression of eNOS in transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice and in human and rodent cirrhosis/fibrosis. These findings suggest a previously unexplored role of Aβ in the maintenance of liver sinusoidal permeability and in protection against cirrhosis/fibrosis via attenuation of HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayane Hrachia Buniatian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), Yerevan 0014, Armenia;
- Correspondence: (G.H.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Thomas S. Weiss
- Children’s University Hospital (KUNO), University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Ute Schwinghammer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Fritz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Torgom Seferyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), Yerevan 0014, Armenia;
| | - Barbara Proksch
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Glaser
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Ali Lourhmati
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Marine Buadze
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Frank Gaunitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Christoph H. Gleiter
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Thomas Lang
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Elke Schaeffeler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Roman Tremmel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - William H. Frey
- Center for Memory & Aging, HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, St. Paul, MN 55130, USA;
| | - Rolf Gebhardt
- Rudolf-Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA;
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria;
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany, and University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (T.L.); (E.S.); (R.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (U.S.); (M.F.); (B.P.); (M.G.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (C.H.G.); (M.S.)
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
- Correspondence: (G.H.B.); (L.D.)
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6
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Fabian A, Stegner S, Miarka L, Zimmermann J, Lenk L, Rahn S, Buttlar J, Viol F, Knaack H, Esser D, Schäuble S, Großmann P, Marinos G, Häsler R, Mikulits W, Saur D, Kaleta C, Schäfer H, Sebens S. Metastasis of pancreatic cancer: An uninflamed liver micromilieu controls cell growth and cancer stem cell properties by oxidative phosphorylation in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Cancer Lett 2019; 453:95-106. [PMID: 30930235 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is commonly diagnosed when liver metastases already emerged. We recently demonstrated that hepatic stromal cells determine the dormancy status along with cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) during metastasis. This study investigated the influence of the hepatic microenvironment - and its inflammatory status - on metabolic alterations and how these impact cell growth and CSC-characteristics of PDECs. Coculture with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), simulating a physiological liver stroma, but not with hepatic myofibroblasts (HMFs) representing liver inflammation promoted expression of Succinate Dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) and an oxidative metabolism along with a quiescent phenotype in PDECs. SiRNA-mediated SDHB knockdown increased cell growth and CSC-properties. Moreover, liver micrometastases of tumor bearing KPC mice strongly expressed SDHB while expression of the CSC-marker Nestin was exclusively found in macrometastases. Consistently, RNA-sequencing and in silico modeling revealed significantly altered metabolic fluxes and enhanced SDH activity predominantly in premalignant PDECs in the presence of HSC compared to HMF. Overall, these data emphasize that the hepatic microenvironment determines the metabolism of disseminated PDECs thereby controlling cell growth and CSC-properties during liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fabian
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Simon Stegner
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lauritz Miarka
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Johannes Zimmermann
- Group Medical Systems Biology, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Michaelisstr. 5, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lennart Lenk
- Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Schwanenweg 20, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sascha Rahn
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jann Buttlar
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabrice Viol
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hendrike Knaack
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Esser
- Group Medical Systems Biology, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Michaelisstr. 5, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11A, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Großmann
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11A, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Group Medical Systems Biology, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Michaelisstr. 5, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Robert Häsler
- Group Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Saur
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Kaleta
- Group Medical Systems Biology, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Michaelisstr. 5, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Heiner Schäfer
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Group Inflammatory Carcinogenesis, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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7
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Lenk L, Pein M, Will O, Gomez B, Viol F, Hauser C, Egberts JH, Gundlach JP, Helm O, Tiwari S, Weiskirchen R, Rose-John S, Röcken C, Mikulits W, Wenzel P, Schneider G, Saur D, Schäfer H, Sebens S. The hepatic microenvironment essentially determines tumor cell dormancy and metastatic outgrowth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1368603. [PMID: 29296518 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1368603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often diagnosed when liver metastases already emerged. This study elucidated the impact of hepatic stromal cells on growth behavior of premalignant and malignant pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs). Liver sections of tumor-bearing KPC mice comprised micrometastases displaying low proliferation located in an unobtrusive hepatic microenvironment whereas macrometastases containing more proliferating cells were surrounded by hepatic myofibroblasts (HMFs). In an age-related syngeneic PDAC mouse model livers with signs of age-related inflammation exhibited significantly more proliferating disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) and micrometastases despite comparable primary tumor growth and DTC numbers. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC), representing a physiologic liver stroma, promoted an IL-8 mediated quiescence-associated phenotype (QAP) of PDECs in coculture. QAP included flattened cell morphology, Ki67-negativity and reduced proliferation, elevated senescence-associated β galactosidase activity and diminished p-Erk/p-p38-ratio. In contrast, proliferation of PDECs was enhanced by VEGF in the presence of HMF. Switching the micromilieu from HSC to HMF or blocking VEGF reversed QAP in PDECs. This study demonstrates how HSCs induce and maintain a reversible QAP in disseminated PDAC cells, while inflammatory HMFs foster QAP reversal and metastatic outgrowth. Overall, the importance of the hepatic microenvironment in induction and reversal of dormancy during PDAC metastasis is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Lenk
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maren Pein
- Cell Biology and Tumor Biology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olga Will
- Molecular Imaging North Competence Center, Clinic of Radiology and Neuroradiology, CAU and UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Beatriz Gomez
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabrice Viol
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Egberts
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ole Helm
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sanjay Tiwari
- Molecular Imaging North Competence Center, Clinic of Radiology and Neuroradiology, CAU and UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Wenzel
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Heiner Schäfer
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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8
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Hintermann E, Bayer M, Ehser J, Aurrand-Lions M, Pfeilschifter JM, Imhof BA, Christen U. Murine junctional adhesion molecules JAM-B and JAM-C mediate endothelial and stellate cell interactions during hepatic fibrosis. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:419-33. [PMID: 27111582 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1178448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical junctional adhesion molecules JAM-A, JAM-B and JAM-C influence vascular permeability, cell polarity as well as leukocyte recruitment and immigration into inflamed tissue. As the vasculature becomes remodelled in chronically injured, fibrotic livers we aimed to determine distribution and role of junctional adhesion molecules during this pathological process. Therefore, livers of naïve or carbon tetrachloride-treated mice were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to localize all 3 classical junctional adhesion molecules. Hepatic stellate cells and endothelial cells were isolated and subjected to immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to determine localization and functionality of JAM-B and JAM-C. Cells were further used to perform contractility and migration assays and to study endothelial tubulogenesis and pericytic coverage by hepatic stellate cells. We found that in healthy tissue, JAM-A was ubiquitously expressed whereas JAM-B and JAM-C were restricted to the vasculature. During fibrosis, JAM-B and JAM-C levels increased in endothelial cells and JAM-C was de novo generated in myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells. Soluble JAM-C blocked contractility but increased motility in hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, soluble JAM-C reduced endothelial tubulogenesis and endothelial cell/stellate cell interaction. Thus, during liver fibrogenesis, JAM-B and JAM-C expression increase on the vascular endothelium. More importantly, JAM-C appears on myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells linking them as pericytes to JAM-B positive endothelial cells. This JAM-B/JAM-C mediated interaction between endothelial cells and stellate cells stabilizes vessel walls and may control the sinusoidal diameter. Increased hepatic stellate cell contraction mediated by JAM-C/JAM-C interaction may cause intrahepatic vasoconstriction, which is a major complication in liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- a Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Monika Bayer
- a Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Janine Ehser
- a Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | | | - Josef M Pfeilschifter
- a Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Beat A Imhof
- c Department of Pathology and Immunology , Centre Médical Universitaire, University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Urs Christen
- a Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
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9
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Koudelkova P, Weber G, Mikulits W. Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Escape Senescence by Loss of p19ARF. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142134. [PMID: 26528722 PMCID: PMC4631446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) represent a highly differentiated cell type that lines hepatic sinusoids. LSECs form a discontinuous endothelium due to fenestrations under physiological conditions, which are reduced upon chronic liver injury. Cultivation of rodent LSECs associates with a rapid onset of stress-induced senescence a few days post isolation, which limits genetic and biochemical studies ex vivo. Here we show the establishment of LSECs isolated from p19ARF-/- mice which undergo more than 50 cell doublings in the absence of senescence. Isolated p19ARF-/- LSECs display a cobblestone-like morphology and show the ability of tube formation. Analysis of DNA content revealed a stable diploid phenotype after long-term passaging without a gain of aneuploidy. Notably, p19ARF-/- LSECs express the endothelial markers CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, VE-cadherin, von Willebrand factor, stabilin-2 and CD146 suggesting that these cells harbor and maintain an endothelial phenotype. In line, treatment with small molecule inhibitors against VEGFR-2 caused cell death, demonstrating the sustained ability of p19ARF-/- LSECs to respond to anti-angiogenic therapeutics. From these data we conclude that loss of p19ARF overcomes senescence of LSECs, allowing immortalization of cells without losing endothelial characteristics. Thus, p19ARF-/- LSECs provide a novel cellular model to study endothelial cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Koudelkova
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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10
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Yanguas SC, Cogliati B, Willebrords J, Maes M, Colle I, van den Bossche B, de Oliveira CPMS, Andraus W, Alves VAF, Leclercq I, Vinken M. Experimental models of liver fibrosis. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:1025-1048. [PMID: 26047667 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a wound healing response to insults and as such affects the entire world population. In industrialized countries, the main causes of liver fibrosis include alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A central event in liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which is triggered by a plethora of signaling pathways. Liver fibrosis can progress into more severe stages, known as cirrhosis, when liver acini are substituted by nodules, and further to hepatocellular carcinoma. Considerable efforts are currently devoted to liver fibrosis research, not only with the goal of further elucidating the molecular mechanisms that drive this disease, but equally in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used in the field of experimental liver fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Bert van den Bossche
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | | | - Wellington Andraus
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratoire d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Hintermann E, Bayer M, Pfeilschifter JM, Deák F, Kiss I, Paulsson M, Christen U. Upregulation of matrilin-2 expression in murine hepatic stellate cells during liver injury has no effect on fibrosis formation and resolution. Liver Int 2015; 35:1265-73. [PMID: 24905825 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Matrilins are a family of four oligomeric adaptor proteins whose functions in extracellular matrix assembly during pathophysiological events still need to be explored in more detail. Matrilin-2 is the largest family member and the only matrilin expressed in the naive liver. Several studies demonstrate that matrilin-2 interacts with collagen I, fibronectin or laminin-111-nidogen-1 complexes. All these matrix components get upregulated during hepatic scar tissue formation. Therefore, we tested whether matrilin-2 has an influence on the formation and/or the resolution of fibrotic tissue in the mouse liver. METHODS Fibrosis was induced by infection with an adenovirus encoding cytochrome P450 2D6 (autoimmune liver damage) or by exposure to the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. Fibrosis severity and matrilin-2 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and analysed by immunocytochemistry and Transwell migration assays. RESULTS Both autoimmune as well as chemically induced liver damage led to simultaneous upregulation of matrilin-2 and collagen I expression. Discontinuation of carbon tetrachloride exposure resulted in concomitant dissolution of both proteins. Activated HSCs were the source of de novo matrilin-2 expression. Comparing wild type and matrilin-2-deficient mice, no differences were detected in fibronectin and collagen I upregulation and resolution kinetics as well as amount or location of fibronectin and collagen I production and degradation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the absence of matrilin-2 has no effect on HSC activation and regression kinetics, synthetic activity, proliferative capacity, motility, or HSC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt / ZAFES, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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12
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Hintermann E, Ehser J, Bayer M, Pfeilschifter JM, Christen U. Mechanism of autoimmune hepatic fibrogenesis induced by an adenovirus encoding the human liver autoantigen cytochrome P450 2D6. J Autoimmun 2013; 44:49-60. [PMID: 23809878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 (AIH-2) is a severe autoimmune liver disease with unknown etiology. We recently developed the CYP2D6 mouse model for AIH-2, in which mice are challenged with an adenovirus (Ad-2D6) expressing human cytochrome P450 2D6 (hCYP2D6), the major autoantigen in AIH-2. Such mice develop chronic hepatitis with cellular infiltrations and generation of hCYP2D6-specific antibodies and T cells. Importantly, the CYP2D6 model represents the only model displaying chronic fibrosis allowing for a detailed investigation of the mechanisms of chronic autoimmune-mediated liver fibrogenesis. We found that hCYP2D6-dependent chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) resulted in an increased extracellular matrix deposition and elevated expression of α-smooth muscle actin predominantly in and underneath the liver capsule. The route of Ad-2D6 infection dramatically influenced the activation and trafficking of inflammatory monocytes, NK cells and hCYP2D6-specific T cells. Intraperitoneal Ad-2D6 infection caused subcapsular fibrosis and persistent clustering of inflammatory monocytes. In contrast, intravenous infection caused an accumulation of hCYP2D6-specific CD4 T cells throughout the liver parenchyma and induced a strong NK cell response preventing chronic HSC activation and fibrosis. In summary, we found that the location of the initial site of inflammation and autoantigen expression caused a differential cellular trafficking and activation and thereby determined the outcome of AIH-2-like hepatic damage and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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13
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Sancho P, Mainez J, Crosas-Molist E, Roncero C, Fernández-Rodriguez CM, Pinedo F, Huber H, Eferl R, Mikulits W, Fabregat I. NADPH oxidase NOX4 mediates stellate cell activation and hepatocyte cell death during liver fibrosis development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45285. [PMID: 23049784 PMCID: PMC3458844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A role for the NADPH oxidases NOX1 and NOX2 in liver fibrosis has been proposed, but the implication of NOX4 is poorly understood yet. The aim of this work was to study the functional role of NOX4 in different cell populations implicated in liver fibrosis: hepatic stellate cells (HSC), myofibroblats (MFBs) and hepatocytes. Two different mice models that develop spontaneous fibrosis (Mdr2(-/-)/p19(ARF-/-), Stat3(Δhc)/Mdr2(-/-)) and a model of experimental induced fibrosis (CCl(4)) were used. In addition, gene expression in biopsies from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients or non-fibrotic liver samples was analyzed. Results have indicated that NOX4 expression was increased in the livers of all animal models, concomitantly with fibrosis development and TGF-β pathway activation. In vitro TGF-β-treated HSC increased NOX4 expression correlating with transdifferentiation to MFBs. Knockdown experiments revealed that NOX4 downstream TGF-β is necessary for HSC activation as well as for the maintenance of the MFB phenotype. NOX4 was not necessary for TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but was required for TGF-β-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. Finally, NOX4 expression was elevated in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-derived fibrosis, increasing along the fibrosis degree. In summary, fibrosis progression both in vitro and in vivo (animal models and patients) is accompanied by increased NOX4 expression, which mediates acquisition and maintenance of the MFB phenotype, as well as TGF-β-induced death of hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Sancho
- Biological Clues of the Invasive and Metastatic Phenotype Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Ueberham E, Böttger J, Ueberham U, Grosche J, Gebhardt R. Response of sinusoidal mouse liver cells to choline-deficient ethionine-supplemented diet. COMPARATIVE HEPATOLOGY 2010; 9:8. [PMID: 20942944 PMCID: PMC2964607 DOI: 10.1186/1476-5926-9-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proliferation of oval cells, the bipotent precursor cells of the liver, requires impeded proliferation and loss of hepatocytes as well as a specific micro-environment, provided by adjacent sinusoidal cells of liver. Despite their immense importance for triggering the oval cell response, cells of hepatic sinusoids are rarely investigated. To elucidate the response of sinusoidal liver cells we have employed a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet, a common method for inducing an oval cell response in rodent liver. We have utilised selected expression markers commonly used in the past for phenotypic discrimination of oval cells and sinusoidal cells: cytokeratin, E-cadherin and M2-pyruvate kinase for oval cells; and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was used for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RESULTS CDE diet leads to an activation of all cells of the hepatic sinusoid in the mouse liver. Beside oval cells, also HSCs and Kupffer cells proliferate. The entire fraction of proliferating cells in mouse liver as well as endothelial cells and cholangiocytes express M2-pyruvate kinase. Concomitantly, GFAP, long considered a unique marker of quiescent HSCs was upregulated in activated HSCs and expressed also in cholangiocytes and oval cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to an important role of all types of sinusoidal cells in regeneration from CDE induced liver damage and call for utmost caution in using traditional marker for identifying specific cell types. Thus, M2-pyruvate kinase should no longer be used for estimating the oval cell response in mouse liver. CDE diet leads to activation of GFAP positive HSCs in the pericentral zone of liver lobulus. In the periportal zone the detection of GFAP in biliary cells and oval cells, calls other cell types as progenitors of hepatocytes into question under CDE diet conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Ueberham
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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15
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Hintermann E, Bayer M, Pfeilschifter JM, Luster AD, Christen U. CXCL10 promotes liver fibrosis by prevention of NK cell mediated hepatic stellate cell inactivation. J Autoimmun 2010; 35:424-35. [PMID: 20932719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2010.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines, such as CXCL10, promote hepatic inflammation in chronic or acute liver injury through recruitment of leukocytes to the liver parenchyma. The CXCL10 receptor CXCR3, which is expressed on a subset of leukocytes, plays an important part in Th1-dependent inflammatory responses. Here, we investigated the role of CXCL10 in chemically induced liver fibrosis. We used carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) to trigger chronic liver damage in wildtype C57BL/6 and CXCL10-deficient mice. Fibrosis severity was assessed by Sirius Red staining and intrahepatic leukocyte subsets were investigated by immunohistochemistry. We have further analyzed hepatic stellate cell (HSC) distribution and activation and investigated the effect of CXCL10 on HSC motility and proliferation. In order to demonstrate a possible therapeutic intervention strategy, we have examined the anti-fibrotic potential of a neutralizing anti-CXCL10 antibody. Upon CCl(4) administration, CXCL10-deficient mice showed massively reduced liver fibrosis, when compared to wildtype mice. CXCL10-deficient mice had less B- and T lymphocyte and dendritic cell infiltrations within the liver and the number and activity of HSCs was reduced. In contrast, natural killer (NK) cells were more abundant in CXCL10-deficient mice and granzyme B expression was increased in areas with high numbers of NK cells. Further detailed analysis revealed that HSCs express CXCR3, respond to CXCL10 and secrete CXCL10 when stimulated with IFNγ. Blockade of CXCL10 with a neutralizing antibody exhibited a significant anti-fibrotic effect. Our data suggest that CXCL10 is a pro-fibrotic factor, which participates in a crosstalk between hepatocytes, HSCs and immune cells. NK cells seem to play an important role in controlling HSC activity and fibrosis. CXCL10 blockade may constitute a possible therapeutic intervention for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Hintermann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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16
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van Zijl F, Mair M, Csiszar A, Schneller D, Zulehner G, Huber H, Eferl R, Beug H, Dolznig H, Mikulits W. Hepatic tumor-stroma crosstalk guides epithelial to mesenchymal transition at the tumor edge. Oncogene 2009; 28:4022-33. [PMID: 19718050 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2009.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-stroma crosstalk is a dynamic process fundamental in tumor development. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the progression of malignant hepatocytes frequently depends on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta provided by stromal cells. TGF-beta induces an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of oncogenic Ras-transformed hepatocytes and an upregulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling. To analyse the influence of the hepatic tumor-stroma crosstalk onto tumor growth and progression, we co-injected malignant hepatocytes and myofibroblasts (MFBs). For this, we either used in vitro-activated p19(ARF) MFBs or in vivo-activated MFBs derived from physiologically inflamed livers of Mdr2/p19(ARF) double-null mice. We show that co-transplantation of MFBs with Ras-transformed hepatocytes strongly enhances tumor growth. Genetic interference with the PDGF signaling decreases tumor cell growth and maintains plasma membrane-located E-cadherin and beta-catenin at the tumor-host border, indicating a blockade of hepatocellular EMT. We further generated a collagen gel-based three dimensional HCC model in vitro to monitor the MFB-induced invasion of micro-organoid HCC spheroids. This invasion was diminished after inhibition of TGF-beta or PDGF signaling. These data suggest that the TGF-beta/PDGF axis is crucial during hepatic tumor-stroma crosstalk, regulating both tumor growth and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- F van Zijl
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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17
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Abstract
To enable detailed analyses of cell interactions in tumour development, new epithelial and mesenchymal cell lines were established from human hepatocellular carcinoma by spontaneous outgrowth in culture. We obtained several hepatocarcinoma (HCC)-, B-lymphoblastoid (BLC)-, and myofibroblastoid (MF)-lines from seven cases. In-depth characterisation included cell kinetics, genotype, tumourigenicity, expression of cell-type specific markers, and proteome patterns. Many functions of the cells of origin were found to be preserved. We studied the impact of the mesenchymal lines on hepatocarcinogenesis by in vitro assays. BLC- and MF-supernatants strongly increased the DNA replication of premalignant hepatocytes. The stimulation by MF-lines was mainly attributed to HGF secretion. In HCC-cells, MF-supernatant had only minor effects on cell growth but enhanced migration. MF-lines also stimulated neoangiogenesis through vEGF release. BLC-supernatant dramatically induced death of HCC-cells, which could be largely abrogated by preincubating the supernatant with TNFβ-antiserum. Thus, the new cell lines reveal stage-specific stimulatory and inhibitory interactions between mesenchymal and epithelial tumour cells. In conclusion, the new cell lines provide unique tools to analyse essential components of the complex interplay between the microenvironment and the developing liver cancer, and to identify factors affecting proliferation, migration and death of tumour cells, neoangiogenesis, and outgrowth of additional malignancy.
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18
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Herrmann J, Gressner AM, Weiskirchen R. Immortal hepatic stellate cell lines: useful tools to study hepatic stellate cell biology and function? J Cell Mol Med 2007; 11:704-22. [PMID: 17760834 PMCID: PMC3823251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
At the cellular level, the activation and transdifferentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into myofibroblasts is the key process involved in hepatic fibrogenesis that is associated with an increased and altered deposition of extracellular matrix components in the liver. The temporal sequence of molecular events associated with stellate cell activation turned out to be appropriately mimicked when HSC isolated from normal livers are cultured on uncoated plastic surface. Therefore, cultured primary cells isolated from rodents and human beings are common in vitro models in investigations addressing these issues of hepatic stellate biology and function. However, the limited supply, cost-effective isolation procedure and the ever growing need have resulted in efforts to establish immortalized stellate cell lines having the advantage of virtually unlimited access. They allow rapid screening for disease-associated factors and restrict the necessary number of animal experiments. From the first description of an immortal HSC line in 1986, a huge number of studies were conducted with these established cell lines. However, differences in morphology, growth characteristics and anomalies of chromosome number and structure make the applications of these models questionable. Here, we summarize the history and cellular characteristics of respective cell lines and discuss the differences of continuous HSC lines and their primary counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Herrmann
- *Correspondence to: Prof. Dr R. WEISKIRCHEN Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 24 1 80 88 68 3 Fax: +49 24 1 80 82 5 12 E-mail:
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- *Correspondence to: Prof. Dr R. WEISKIRCHEN Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 24 1 80 88 68 3 Fax: +49 24 1 80 82 5 12 E-mail:
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19
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Proell V, Carmona-Cuenca I, Murillo MM, Huber H, Fabregat I, Mikulits W. TGF-beta dependent regulation of oxygen radicals during transdifferentiation of activated hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblastoid cells. COMPARATIVE HEPATOLOGY 2007; 6:1. [PMID: 17311678 PMCID: PMC1804283 DOI: 10.1186/1476-5926-6-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a pivotal role during liver injury because the resulting myofibroblasts (MFBs) are mainly responsible for connective tissue re-assembly. MFBs represent therefore cellular targets for anti-fibrotic therapy. In this study, we employed activated HSCs, termed M1-4HSCs, whose transdifferentiation to myofibroblastoid cells (named M-HTs) depends on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. We analyzed the oxidative stress induced by TGF-beta and examined cellular defense mechanisms upon transdifferentiation of HSCs to M-HTs. RESULTS We found reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly upregulated in M1-4HSCs within 72 hours of TGF-beta administration. In contrast, M-HTs harbored lower intracellular ROS content than M1-4HSCs, despite of elevated NADPH oxidase activity. These observations indicated an upregulation of cellular defense mechanisms in order to protect cells from harmful consequences caused by oxidative stress. In line with this hypothesis, superoxide dismutase activation provided the resistance to augmented radical production in M-HTs, and glutathione rather than catalase was responsible for intracellular hydrogen peroxide removal. Finally, the TGF-beta/NADPH oxidase mediated ROS production correlated with the upregulation of AP-1 as well as platelet-derived growth factor receptor subunits, which points to important contributions in establishing antioxidant defense. CONCLUSION The data provide evidence that TGF-beta induces NADPH oxidase activity which causes radical production upon the transdifferentiation of activated HSCs to M-HTs. Myofibroblastoid cells are equipped with high levels of superoxide dismutase activity as well as glutathione to counterbalance NADPH oxidase dependent oxidative stress and to avoid cellular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Proell
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschke-Gasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Carmona-Cuenca
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Miguel M Murillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- IDIBELL-Institut de Recerca Oncològica, Gran Via s/n, Km 2.7, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Heidemarie Huber
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschke-Gasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- IDIBELL-Institut de Recerca Oncològica, Gran Via s/n, Km 2.7, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschke-Gasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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20
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Fischer ANM, Fuchs E, Mikula M, Huber H, Beug H, Mikulits W. PDGF essentially links TGF-beta signaling to nuclear beta-catenin accumulation in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Oncogene 2006; 26:3395-405. [PMID: 17130832 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The cooperation of Ras - extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling provokes an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of differentiated p19(ARF) null hepatocytes, which is accompanied by a shift in malignancy and gain of metastatic properties. Upon EMT, TGF-beta induces the secretion and autocrine regulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) by upregulation of PDGF-A and both PDGF receptors. Here, we demonstrate by loss-of-function analyses that PDGF provides adhesive and migratory properties in vitro as well as proliferative stimuli during tumor formation. PDGF signaling resulted in the activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, and furthermore associated with nuclear beta-catenin accumulation upon EMT. Hepatocytes expressing constitutively active beta-catenin or its negative regulator Axin were employed to study the impact of nuclear beta-catenin. Unexpectedly, active beta-catenin failed to accelerate proliferation during tumor formation, but in contrast, correlated with growth arrest. Nuclear localization of beta-catenin was accompanied by strong expression of the Cdk inhibitor p16(INK4A) and the concomitant induction of the beta-catenin target genes cyclin D1 and c-myc. In addition, active beta-catenin revealed protection of malignant hepatocytes against anoikis, which provides a prerequisite for the dissemination of carcinoma. From these data, we conclude that TGF-beta acts tumor progressive by induction of PDGF signaling and subsequent activation of beta-catenin, which endows a subpopulation of neoplastic hepatocytes with features of cancer stem cells..
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Affiliation(s)
- A N M Fischer
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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MIKULA M, PROELL V, FISCHER A, MIKULITS W. Activated hepatic stellate cells induce tumor progression of neoplastic hepatocytes in a TGF-beta dependent fashion. J Cell Physiol 2006; 209:560-7. [PMID: 16883581 PMCID: PMC2900580 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of hepatocellular carcinomas from malignant hepatocytes is frequently associated with intra- and peritumoral accumulation of connective tissue arising from activated hepatic stellate cells. For both tumorigenesis and hepatic fibrogenesis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling executes key roles and therefore is considered as a hallmark of these pathological events. By employing cellular transplantation we show that the interaction of neoplastic MIM-R hepatocytes with the tumor microenvironment, containing either activated hepatic stellate cells (M1-4HSCs) or myofibroblasts derived thereof (M-HTs), induces progression in malignancy. Cotransplantation of MIM-R hepatocytes with M-HTs yielded strongest MIM-R generated tumor formation accompanied by nuclear localization of Smad2/3 as well as of beta-catenin. Genetic interference with TGF-beta signaling by gain of antagonistic Smad7 in MIM-R hepatocytes diminished epithelial dedifferentiation and tumor progression upon interaction with M1-4HSCs or M-HTs. Further analysis showed that tumors harboring disrupted Smad signaling are devoid of nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, indicating a crosstalk between TGF-beta and beta-catenin signaling. Together, these data demonstrate that activated HSCs and myofibroblasts directly govern hepatocarcinogenesis in a TGF-beta dependent fashion by inducing autocrine TGF-beta signaling and nuclear beta-catenin accumulation in neoplastic hepatocytes. These results indicate that intervention with TGF-beta signaling is highly promising in liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - W. MIKULITS
- Correspondence to: W. Mikulits, Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschke-Gasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Mikula M, Proell V, Fischer ANM, Mikulits W. Activated hepatic stellate cells induce tumor progression of neoplastic hepatocytes in a TGF-beta dependent fashion. J Cell Physiol 2006. [PMID: 16883581 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20772.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The development of hepatocellular carcinomas from malignant hepatocytes is frequently associated with intra- and peritumoral accumulation of connective tissue arising from activated hepatic stellate cells. For both tumorigenesis and hepatic fibrogenesis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling executes key roles and therefore is considered as a hallmark of these pathological events. By employing cellular transplantation we show that the interaction of neoplastic MIM-R hepatocytes with the tumor microenvironment, containing either activated hepatic stellate cells (M1-4HSCs) or myofibroblasts derived thereof (M-HTs), induces progression in malignancy. Cotransplantation of MIM-R hepatocytes with M-HTs yielded strongest MIM-R generated tumor formation accompanied by nuclear localization of Smad2/3 as well as of beta-catenin. Genetic interference with TGF-beta signaling by gain of antagonistic Smad7 in MIM-R hepatocytes diminished epithelial dedifferentiation and tumor progression upon interaction with M1-4HSCs or M-HTs. Further analysis showed that tumors harboring disrupted Smad signaling are devoid of nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, indicating a crosstalk between TGF-beta and beta-catenin signaling. Together, these data demonstrate that activated HSCs and myofibroblasts directly govern hepatocarcinogenesis in a TGF-beta dependent fashion by inducing autocrine TGF-beta signaling and nuclear beta-catenin accumulation in neoplastic hepatocytes. These results indicate that intervention with TGF-beta signaling is highly promising in liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mikula
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Gotzmann J, Fischer ANM, Zojer M, Mikula M, Proell V, Huber H, Jechlinger M, Waerner T, Weith A, Beug H, Mikulits W. A crucial function of PDGF in TGF-beta-mediated cancer progression of hepatocytes. Oncogene 2006; 25:3170-85. [PMID: 16607286 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Polarized hepatocytes expressing hyperactive Ha-Ras adopt an invasive and metastatic phenotype in cooperation with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. This dramatic increase in malignancy is displayed by an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which mimics the TGF-beta-mediated progression of human hepatocellular carcinomas. In culture, hepatocellular EMT occurs highly synchronously, facilitating the analysis of molecular events underlying the various stages of this process. Here, we show that in response to TGF-beta, phosphorylated Smads rapidly translocated into the nucleus and activated transcription of target genes such as E-cadherin repressors of the Snail superfamily, causing loss of cell adhesion. Within the TGF-beta superfamily of cytokines, TGF-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 were specific for the induction of hepatocellular EMT. Expression profiling of EMT kinetics revealed 78 up- and 235 downregulated genes, which preferentially modulate metabolic activities, extracellular matrix composition, transcriptional activities and cell survival. Independent of the genetic background, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A ligand and both PDGF receptor subunits were highly elevated, together with autocrine secretion of bioactive PDGF. Interference with PDGF signalling by employing hepatocytes expressing the dominant-negative PDGF-alpha receptor revealed decreased TGF-beta-induced migration in vitro and efficient suppression of tumour growth in vivo. In conclusion, these results provide evidence for a crucial role of PDGF in TGF-beta-mediated tumour progression of hepatocytes and suggest PDGF as a target for therapeutic intervention in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gotzmann
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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