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Hrncir HR, Bombin S, Goodloe B, Hogan CB, Jadi O, Gracz AD. Sox9 links biliary maturation to branching morphogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.574730. [PMID: 38293117 PMCID: PMC10827067 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.574730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis couples cellular differentiation with development of tissue architecture. Intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) morphogenesis is initiated with biliary epithelial cell (BEC) specification and eventually forms a heterogeneous network of large ducts and small ductules. Here, we show that Sox9 is required for developmental establishment of small ductules. IHBDs emerge as a webbed structure by E15.5 and undergo morphological maturation through 2 weeks of age. Developmental knockout of Sox9 leads to decreased postnatal branching morphogenesis, manifesting as loss of ductules in adult livers. In the absence of Sox9, BECs fail to mature and exhibit elevated TGF-β signaling and Activin A. Activin A induces developmental gene expression and morphological defects in BEC organoids and represses ductule formation in postnatal livers. Our data demonstrate that adult IHBD morphology and BEC maturation is regulated by the Sox9-dependent formation of precursors to ductules during development, mediated in part by downregulation of Activin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Hrncir
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University. Atlanta, GA USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University
| | - Sergei Bombin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University. Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Brianna Goodloe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University. Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Connor B Hogan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University. Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Othmane Jadi
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Adam D Gracz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University. Atlanta, GA USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University
- Lead contact:
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Manzano-Núñez F, Prates Tiago Aguilar L, Sempoux C, Lemaigre FP. Biliary Tract Cancer: Molecular Biology of Precursor Lesions. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:472-484. [PMID: 37944999 DOI: 10.1055/a-2207-9834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer is a devastating malignancy of the bile ducts and gallbladder with a dismal prognosis. The study of precancerous lesions has received considerable attention and led to a histopathological classification which, in some respects, remains an evolving field. Consequently, increasing efforts have been devoted to characterizing the molecular pathogenesis of the precursor lesions, with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression, and with the ultimate goal of meeting the challenges of early diagnosis and treatment. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms that initiate and promote the development of precursor lesions of intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and of gallbladder carcinoma. It addresses the genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic landscape of these precursors and provides an overview of animal and organoid models used to study them. In conclusion, this review summarizes the known molecular features of precancerous lesions in biliary tract cancer and highlights our fragmentary knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of tumor initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christine Sempoux
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Niknejad N, Fox D, Burwinkel JL, Zarrin-Khameh N, Cho S, Soriano A, Cast AE, Lopez MF, Huppert KA, Rigo F, Huppert SS, Jafar-Nejad P, Jafar-Nejad H. ASO silencing of a glycosyltransferase, Poglut1 , improves the liver phenotypes in mouse models of Alagille syndrome. Hepatology 2023; 78:1337-1351. [PMID: 37021797 PMCID: PMC10558624 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts (BDs) is caused by various etiologies and often leads to cholestatic liver disease. For example, in patients with Alagille syndrome (ALGS), which is a genetic disease primarily caused by mutations in jagged 1 ( JAG1) , BD paucity often results in severe cholestasis and liver damage. However, no mechanism-based therapy exists to restore the biliary system in ALGS or other diseases associated with BD paucity. Based on previous genetic observations, we investigated whether postnatal knockdown of the glycosyltransferase gene protein O -glucosyltransferase 1 ( Poglut1) can improve the ALGS liver phenotypes in several mouse models generated by removing one copy of Jag1 in the germline with or without reducing the gene dosage of sex-determining region Y-box 9 in the liver. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using an ASO established in this study, we show that reducing Poglut1 levels in postnatal livers of ALGS mouse models with moderate to profound biliary abnormalities can significantly improve BD development and biliary tree formation. Importantly, ASO injections prevent liver damage in these models without adverse effects. Furthermore, ASO-mediated Poglut1 knockdown improves biliary tree formation in a different mouse model with no Jag1 mutations. Cell-based signaling assays indicate that reducing POGLUT1 levels or mutating POGLUT1 modification sites on JAG1 increases JAG1 protein level and JAG1-mediated signaling, suggesting a likely mechanism for the observed in vivo rescue. CONCLUSIONS Our preclinical studies establish ASO-mediated POGLUT1 knockdown as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALGS liver disease and possibly other diseases associated with BD paucity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Niknejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Duncan Fox
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jennifer L. Burwinkel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neda Zarrin-Khameh
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Ben Taub Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Soomin Cho
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Ashley E. Cast
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Mario F. Lopez
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Kari A. Huppert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Stacey S. Huppert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Hamed Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Hrncir HR, Gracz AD. Cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity in the intrahepatic biliary epithelium. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:108-120. [PMID: 36593993 PMCID: PMC9802653 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissues comprise heterogeneous cellular subpopulations, which often compartmentalize specialized functions like absorption and secretion to distinct cell types. In the liver, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs; also called cholangiocytes) are the two major epithelial lineages and play distinct roles in (1) metabolism, protein synthesis, detoxification, and (2) bile transport and modification, respectively. Recent technological advances, including single cell transcriptomic assays, have shed new light on well-established heterogeneity among hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and immune cells in the liver. However, a "ground truth" understanding of molecular heterogeneity in BECs has remained elusive, and the field currently lacks a set of consensus biomarkers for identifying BEC subpopulations. Here, we review long-standing definitions of BEC heterogeneity as well as emerging studies that aim to characterize BEC subpopulations using next generation single cell assays. Understanding cellular heterogeneity in the intrahepatic bile ducts holds promise for expanding our foundational mechanistic knowledge of BECs during homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Hrncir
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Adam D Gracz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Wang W, Chen D, Wang J, Wen L. Cellular Homeostasis and Repair in the Biliary Tree. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:271-282. [PMID: 35672015 DOI: 10.1055/a-1869-7714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
During biliary tree homeostasis, BECs are largely in a quiescent state and their turnover is slow for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis. BTSCs continually replenish new BECs in the luminal surface of EHBDs. In response to various types of biliary injuries, distinct cellular sources, including HPCs, BTSCs, hepatocytes, and BECs, repair or regenerate the injured bile duct. BEC, biliary epithelial cell; BTSC, biliary tree stem/progenitor cell; EHBD, extrahepatic bile ducts; HPC, hepatic progenitor cell.The biliary tree comprises intrahepatic bile ducts and extrahepatic bile ducts lined with epithelial cells known as biliary epithelial cells (BECs). BECs are a common target of various cholangiopathies for which there is an unmet therapeutic need in clinical hepatology. The repair and regeneration of biliary tissue may potentially restore the normal architecture and function of the biliary tree. Hence, the repair and regeneration process in detail, including the replication of existing BECs, expansion and differentiation of the hepatic progenitor cells and biliary tree stem/progenitor cells, and transdifferentiation of the hepatocytes, should be understood. In this paper, we review biliary tree homeostasis, repair, and regeneration and discuss the feasibility of regenerative therapy strategies for cholangiopathy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangzhi Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Tao X, Xu S, Zhang X, Zurashvili T, Lu Z, Bayascas JR, Jin L, Zhao J, Zhou X. Acox2 is a regulator of lysine crotonylation that mediates hepatic metabolic homeostasis in mice. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:279. [PMID: 35351852 PMCID: PMC8964741 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Acyl-CoA oxidase 2 (Acox2) is an enzyme involved in peroxisomal bile acid synthesis and branched-chain fatty acid degradation. Acox2 knockout (−/−) mice spontaneously developed liver cancer with marked lymphocytic infiltrate. Tandem-affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Acox2 interacted with methylcrotonoyl-CoA carboxylase followed by co-immunoprecipitation confirmation. Here we reported that non-histone lysine crotonylation (Kcr) levels were downregulated in Acox2−/− mice livers. Interestingly, Kcr signals were concentrated in the nucleus of tumor cells but mostly located in the cytoplasm of adjacent normal liver cells of Acox2−/− mice. Quantitative analysis of the global crotonylome further revealed that 54% (27/50) of downregulated non-histone Kcr sites were located in mitochondrial (11/50) and peroxisomal (17/50) enzymes including Ehhadh, Scp2, Hsd17b4, Crot, Etfa, Cpt1a, Eci1/2, Hadha, Etfdh, and Idh2. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis and transcriptome analysis revealed that Ehhadh K572cr might have site-specific regulatory roles by downregulating TOP3B expression that lead to increased DNA damage in vitro. Our findings suggested Acox2 is a regulator of Kcr that might play critical role on hepatic metabolic homeostasis.
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Yang W, He H, Wang T, Su N, Zhang F, Jiang K, Zhu J, Zhang C, Niu K, Wang L, Yuan X, Liu N, Li L, Wei W, Hu J. Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals a Hepatic Stellate Cell-Activation Roadmap and Myofibroblast Origin During Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Hepatology 2021; 74:2774-2790. [PMID: 34089528 PMCID: PMC8597108 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HSCs and portal fibroblasts (PFs) are the major sources of collagen-producing myofibroblasts during liver fibrosis, depending on different etiologies. However, the mechanisms by which their dynamic gene expression directs the transition from the quiescent to the activated state-as well as their contributions to fibrotic myofibroblasts-remain unclear. Here, we analyze the activation of HSCs and PFs in CCL4 -induced and bile duct ligation-induced fibrosis mouse models, using single-cell RNA sequencing and lineage tracing. APPROACH AND RESULTS We demonstrate that HSCs, rather than PFs, undergo dramatic transcriptomic changes, with the sequential activation of inflammatory, migrative, and extracellular matrix-producing programs. The data also reveal that HSCs are the exclusive source of myofibroblasts in CCL4 -treated liver, while PFs are the major source of myofibroblasts in early cholestatic liver fibrosis. Single-cell and lineage-tracing analysis also uncovers differential gene-expression features between HSCs and PFs; for example, nitric oxide receptor soluble guanylate cyclase is exclusively expressed in HSCs, but not in PFs. The soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator Riociguat potently reduced liver fibrosis in CCL4 -treated livers but showed no therapeutic efficacy in bile duct ligation livers. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a transcriptional roadmap for the activation of HSCs during liver fibrosis and yields comprehensive evidence that the differential transcriptomic features of HSCs and PFs, along with their relative contributions to liver fibrosis of different etiologies, should be considered in developing effective antifibrotic therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Laboratory of Translational Nutritional BiologyDepartment Health Sciences and TechnologySwiss Federal Institute of Technology ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Nan Su
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Kai Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chonghe Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kongyan Niu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Luyue Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,CAS Key Laboratory of Computational BiologyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Division of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of Organ Transplantation CenterTransplant & Immunology Laboratorythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Nan Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lingjie Li
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental BiologyShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai JiaoTong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wu Wei
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,CAS Key Laboratory of Computational BiologyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Junhao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Pack M. Model Organisms Help Define the ABCs of Neonatal Cholestasis. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:35-37. [PMID: 33865839 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pack
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Recent Advances in Implantation-Based Genetic Modeling of Biliary Carcinogenesis in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102292. [PMID: 34064809 PMCID: PMC8151177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is often refractory to conventional therapeutics and is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. In addition, the pathogenesis of BTC is not fully understood, despite recent advances in cancer genome analysis. To address these issues, the development of fine disease models is critical for BTC. Although still limited in number, there are various platforms for genetic models of BTC owing to newly emerging technology. Among these, implantation-based models have recently drawn attention for their convenience, flexibility, and scalability. To highlight the relevance of this approach, we comprehensively summarize the advantages and disadvantages of BTC models developed using diverse approaches. Currently available research data on intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma are presented in this review. This information will likely help in selecting the optimal models for various applications and develop novel innovative models based on these technologies. Abstract Epithelial cells in the biliary system can develop refractory types of cancers, which are often associated with inflammation caused by viruses, parasites, stones, and chemicals. Genomic studies have revealed recurrent genetic changes and deregulated signaling pathways in biliary tract cancer (BTC). The causal roles have been at least partly clarified using various genetically engineered mice. Technical advances in Cre-LoxP technology, together with hydrodynamic tail injection, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in vivo electroporation, and organoid culture have enabled more precise modeling of BTC. Organoid-based genetic modeling, combined with implantation in mice, has recently drawn attention as a means to accelerate the development of BTC models. Although each model may not perfectly mimic the disease, they can complement one another, or two different approaches can be integrated to establish a novel model. In addition, a comparison of the outcomes among these models with the same genotype provides mechanistic insights into the interplay between genetic alterations and the microenvironment in the pathogenesis of BTCs. Here, we review the current status of genetic models of BTCs in mice to provide information that facilitates the wise selection of models and to inform the future development of ideal disease models.
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