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Urias E, Tedesco NR, Burkholder DA, Moran IJ, Miller MJ, Jasty VSJ, Patil S, Zoellner S, Wijarnpreecha K, Chen VL. PNPLA3 risk allele is associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma but not decompensation in compensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0441. [PMID: 38780253 PMCID: PMC11124711 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000441] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PNPLA3-rs738409-G, TM6SF2-rs58542926-T, and HSD17B13-rs6834314-A polymorphisms have been associated with cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC. However, whether they remain associated with HCC and decompensation in people who already have cirrhosis remains unclear, which limits the clinical utility of genetics in risk stratification as HCC is uncommon in the absence of cirrhosis. We aimed to characterize the effects of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 genotype on hepatic decompensation, HCC, and liver-related mortality or liver transplant in patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients in the Michigan Genomics Initiative who underwent genotyping. The primary predictors were PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 genotypes. Primary outcomes were either hepatic decompensation, HCC, or liver-related mortality/transplant. We conducted competing risk Fine-Gray analyses on our cohort. RESULTS We identified 732 patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. During follow-up, 50% of patients developed decompensation, 13% developed HCC, 24% underwent liver transplant, and 27% died. PNPLA3-rs738409-G genotype was associated with risk of incident HCC: adjusted subhazard hazard ratio 2.42 (1.40-4.17), p=0.0015 for PNPLA3-rs738409-GG vs. PNPLA3-rs738409-CC genotype. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher in PNPLA3-rs738409-GG carriers than PNPLA3-rs738409-CC/-CG carriers: 15.6% (9.0%-24.0%) vs. 7.4% (5.2%-10.0%), p<0.001. PNPLA3 genotype was not associated with decompensation or the combined outcome of liver-related mortality or liver transplant. TM6SF2 and HSD17B13 genotypes were not associated with decompensation or HCC. CONCLUSIONS The PNPLA3-rs738409-G allele is associated with an increased risk of HCC among patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis and PNPLA3-rs738409-GG genotype may warrant more intensive HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Urias
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas R. Tedesco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel A. Burkholder
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Isabel J. Moran
- Michigan State University College of Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew J. Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Venkata Sai J. Jasty
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Snehal Patil
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sebastian Zoellner
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Vincent L. Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Liu J, Ginsberg HN, Reyes-Soffer G. Basic and translational evidence supporting the role of TM6SF2 in VLDL metabolism. Curr Opin Lipidol 2024; 35:157-161. [PMID: 38465912 PMCID: PMC11168781 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 ( TM6SF2 ) gene was identified through exome-wide studies in 2014. A genetic variant from glutamic acid to lysine substitution at amino acid position 167 (NM_001001524.3:c.499G> A) (p.Gln167Lys/p.E167K, rs58542926) was discovered (p.E167K) to be highly associated with increased hepatic fat content and reduced levels of plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. In this review, we focus on the discovery of TM6SF2 and its role in VLDL secretion pathways. Human data suggest TM6SF2 is linked to hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), hence understanding its metabolic pathways is of high scientific interest. RECENT FINDINGS Since its discovery, completed research studies in cell, rodent and human models have defined the role of TM6SF2 and its links to human disease. TM6SF2 resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-Golgi interface and helps with the lipidation of nascent VLDL, the main carrier of triglycerides from the liver to the periphery. Consistent results from cells and rodents indicated that the secretion of triglycerides is reduced in carriers of the p.E167K variant or when hepatic TM6SF2 is deleted. However, data for secretion of APOB, the main protein of VLDL particles responsible for triglycerides transport, are inconsistent. SUMMARY The identification of genetic variants that are highly associated with human disease presentation should be followed by the validation and investigation into the pathways that regulate disease mechanisms. In this review, we highlight the role of TM6SF2 and its role in processing of liver triglycerides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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Martini A, Turato C, Cannito S, Quarta S, Biasiolo A, Ruvoletto M, Novo E, Marafatto F, Guerra P, Tonon M, Clemente N, Bocca C, Piano SS, Guido M, Gregori D, Parola M, Angeli P, Pontisso P. The polymorphic variant of SerpinB3 (SerpinB3-PD) is associated with faster cirrhosis decompensation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:380-392. [PMID: 37990490 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SerpinB3 is a cysteine protease inhibitor involved in liver disease progression due to its proinflammatory and profibrogenic properties. The polymorphic variant SerpinB3-PD (SB3-PD), presents a substitution in its reactive centre loop, determining the gain of function. AIMS To disclose the clinical characteristics of a cohort of patients with cirrhosis in relation to the presence of SB3-PD and to assess the effect of this genetic variant on fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in vitro. METHODS We assessed SB3 polymorphism in 90 patients with cirrhosis, prospectively followed up in our referral centre. We used HepG2 and HuH-7 cells transfected to overexpress either wild-type SB3 (SB3-WT) or SB3-PD to assess their endogenous effect, while LX2 and THP-1 cells were treated with exogenous SB3-WT or SB3-PD proteins. RESULTS Patients carrying SB3-PD had more severe portal hypertension and higher MELD scores, than patients carrying SB3-WT. In multivariate analysis, SB3-PD was an independent predictor of cirrhosis complications. Patients with SB3-PD polymorphism presented with more severe liver fibrosis and inflammatory features. Hepatoma cells overexpressing SB3-PD showed higher TGF-β1 expression than controls. The addition of recombinant SB3-PD induced an up-regulation of TGF-β1 in LX2 cells and a more prominent inflammatory profile in THP-1 cells, compared to the effect of SB3-WT protein. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphic variant SB3-PD is highly effective in determining activation of TGF-β1 and inflammation in vitro. Patients with cirrhosis who carry SB3-PD polymorphism may be more prone to develop severe liver disease progression. However, further validation studies are warranted to support the in vivo relevance of this polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristian Turato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Cannito
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Santina Quarta
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biasiolo
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Ruvoletto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Erica Novo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Marafatto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Guerra
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Tonon
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Clemente
- Department of Health Science, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Claudia Bocca
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Salvatore Silvio Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Dario Gregori
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
- European Reference Network - ERN RARE-LIVER, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Università, Padova, Italy
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Faccioli LA, Sun Y, Motomura T, Liu Z, Kurihara T, Hu Z, Cetin Z, Franks J, Stolz D, Ostrowska A, Florentino RM, Fox IJ, Soto-Gutierrez A. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell based Hepatic-Modeling of Lipid metabolism associated TM6SF2 E167K variant. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.572248. [PMID: 38187603 PMCID: PMC10769275 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS TM6SF2 rs58542926 (E167K) is associated with an increase in the prevalence of Metabolic Disfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Despite all the investigation related to the role of this variant in lipid metabolism, conflicting results in mouse studies underscore the importance of creating a human model for understanding the TM6SF2 mechanism. Therefore, the aim of this study is to generate a reliable human in vitro model that mimic the effects of the TM6SF2 E167K mutation and can be used for future mechanism studies. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed gene editing on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from a healthy individual to obtain the cells carrying the TM6SF2 E167K mutation. After hepatic differentiation, a decrease in TM6SF2 protein expression was observed in the mutated-induced hepatocyte. An increase in intracellular lipid droplets and a decrease in the efflux of cholesterol and ApoB100 were also observed. Transcriptomics analysis showed up-regulation of genes related to the transport, flux, and oxidation of lipids, fatty acids, and cholesterol in TM6SF2 E167K cells. Additionally, signs of cellular stress were observed in the ER and mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that induced hepatocytes generated from iPSC carrying the TM6SF2 E167K recapitulate the effects observed in human hepatocytes from individuals with the TM6SF2 mutation. This study characterizes an in vitro model that can be used as a platform to help in the identification of potential clinical targets and therapies and to understand the mechanism by which the TM6SF2 E167K variant leads to vulnerability to MASLD.
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Shalaby S, Ronzoni L, Hernandez-Gea V, Valenti L. The genetics of portal hypertension: Recent developments and the road ahead. Liver Int 2023; 43:2592-2603. [PMID: 37718732 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH), defined as a pathological increase in the portal vein pressure, has different aetiologies and causes. Intrahepatic PH is mostly secondary to the presence of underlying liver disease leading to cirrhosis, characterized by parenchymal changes with deregulated accumulation of extracellular matrix and vascular abnormalities; liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells are key players in PH progression, able to influence each other. However, PH may also develop independently of parenchymal damage, as occur in portosinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD), a group of clinical and histological entities characterized by portal vasculature dysfunctions. In this particular group of disorders, the pathophysiology of PH is still poorly understood. In the last years, several genetic studies, based on genome-wide association studies or whole-exome sequencing analysis, have highlighted the importance of genetic heritability in PH pathogenesis, both in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic cases. The common PNPLA3 p.I148M variant, one of the main determinants of the susceptibility to steatotic liver disease, has also been associated with decompensation in patients with PH. Genetic variations at loci influencing coagulation, mainly the ABO locus, may directly contribute to the pathogenesis of PH. Rare genetic variants have been associated with familiar cases of progressive PSVD. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledges on genetic variants predisposing to PH development, contributing to better understand the role of genetic factors in PH pathogenesis.
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Grants
- Commissioner for Universities and Research from the Department of Economy and Knowledge" of the "Generalitat de Catalunya" (AGAUR SGR2017_517) (VHG)
- Fondazione Patrimonio Ca' Granda, "Liver BIBLE" (PR-0361) (LV)
- Gilead_IN-IT-989-5790 (LV)
- Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 joint undertaking of European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA European Union (EU) Programme Horizon 2020 (under grant agreement No. 777377) for the project LITMUS (LV)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III" FIS PI20/00569 FEDER from the European Union (Fondos FEDER, "Una manera de hacer Europa") (VHG)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Ricerca Corrente (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Rete Cardiologica "CV-PREVITAL" (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Ricerca Finalizzata 2016, RF-2016-02364358 ("Impact of whole exome sequencing on the clinical management of patients with advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver and cryptogenic liver disease"), Ricerca Finalizzata 2021 RF-2021-12373889, Italian Ministry of Health, Ricerca Finalizzata PNRR 2022 "RATIONAL: Risk strAtificaTIon Of Nonalcoholic fAtty Liver" PNRR-MAD-2022-12375656 (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute). PNRR PNC-E3-2022-23683266 PNC-HLS-DA, INNOVA (LV)
- The European Union, H2020-ICT-2018-20/H2020-ICT-2020-2 programme "Photonics" under grant agreement No. 101016726 - REVEAL (LV)
- The European Union, HORIZON-MISS-2021-CANCER-02-03 programme "Genial" under grant agreement "101096312" (LV)
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shalaby
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Ronzoni
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Hernandez-Gea
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Shi Y, Qi W. Histone Modifications in NAFLD: Mechanisms and Potential Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14653. [PMID: 37834101 PMCID: PMC10572202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914653] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive condition that encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders, beginning with the simple steatosis, progressing to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and possibly leading to more severe diseases, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In recent years, the prevalence of NAFLD has increased due to a shift towards energy-dense dietary patterns and a sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD is also strongly associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and hyperlipidemia. The progression of NAFLD could be influenced by a variety of factors, such as diet, genetic factors, and even epigenetic factors. In contrast to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, including histone modifications, exhibit dynamic and reversible features. Therefore, the epigenetic regulation of the initiation and progression of NAFLD is one of the directions under intensive investigation in terms of pathogenic mechanisms and possible therapeutic interventions. This review aims to discuss the possible mechanisms and the crucial role of histone modifications in the framework of epigenetic regulation in NAFLD, which may provide potential therapeutic targets and a scientific basis for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Shi
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wei Qi
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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