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Shan X, Zhao Z, Lai P, Liu Y, Li B, Ke Y, Jiang H, Zhou Y, Li W, Wang Q, Qin P, Xue Y, Zhang Z, Wei C, Ma B, Liu W, Luo C, Lu X, Lin J, Shu L, Jie Y, Xian X, Delcassian D, Ge Y, Miao L. RNA nanotherapeutics with fibrosis overexpression and retention for MASH treatment. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7263. [PMID: 39191801 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) poses challenges for targeted delivery and retention of therapeutic proteins due to excess extracellular matrix (ECM). Here we present a new approach to treat MASH, termed "Fibrosis overexpression and retention (FORT)". In this strategy, we design (1) retinoid-derivative lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to enable enhanced mRNA overexpression in fibrotic regions, and (2) mRNA modifications which facilitate anchoring of therapeutic proteins in ECM. LNPs containing carboxyl-retinoids, rather than alcohol- or ester-retinoids, effectively deliver mRNA with over 10-fold enhancement of protein expression in fibrotic livers. The carboxyl-retinoid rearrangement on the LNP surface improves protein binding and membrane fusion. Therapeutic proteins are then engineered with an endogenous collagen-binding domain. These fusion proteins exhibit increased retention in fibrotic lesions and reduced systemic toxicity. In vivo, fibrosis-targeting LNPs encoding fusion proteins demonstrate superior therapeutic efficacy in three clinically relevant male-animal MASH models. This approach holds promise in fibrotic diseases unsuited for protein injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhu Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pingping Lai
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiu Liu
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Buyao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yubin Ke
- China Spallation Neutron Source, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dongguan, China
| | - Hanqiu Jiang
- China Spallation Neutron Source, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dongguan, China
| | - Yilong Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wenzhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengxia Qin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhe Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenlong Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Keymed Biosciences (Chengdu) Limited, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cong Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueguang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Li Shu
- Interdisplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Jie
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xunde Xian
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yifan Ge
- Interdisplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, Beijing, China.
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2
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Jeong M, Shin S, Lee G, Lee Y, Park SB, Kang J, Lee YS, Seo W, Lee H. Engineered lipid nanoparticles enable therapeutic gene silencing of GTSE1 for the treatment of liver fibrosis. J Control Release 2024; 374:337-348. [PMID: 39154935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, disrupting normal liver function. Despite its significant health impact, effective treatments remain limited. Here, we present the development of engineered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for targeted RNA therapeutic delivery in the liver. We investigated the therapeutic potential of modulating the G2 and S-phase expressed 1 (GTSE1) protein for treating liver fibrosis. Through screening, we identified P138Y LNP as a potent candidate with superior delivery efficiency and lower toxicity. Using these engineered LNPs, we successfully delivered siGTSE1 to hepatocytes, significantly reducing collagen accumulation and restoring liver function in a fibrosis animal model. Additionally, GTSE1 downregulation altered miRNA expression and upregulated hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α). These findings suggest that therapeutic gene silencing of GTSE1 is a promising strategy for treating liver fibrosis by regenerating liver phenotypes and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongseok Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Bhin Park
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhyo Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Liu Y, Wang X, Wang Z, Gao X, Xu H, Gao Y, Niu J. System analysis based on weighted gene co-expression analysis identifies SOX7 as a novel regulator of hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23495. [PMID: 39126242 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302379r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is the essential pathological process of liver fibrosis (LF). The molecular mechanisms regulating HSC activation and LF are incompletely understood. Here, we explored the effect of transcription factor SRY-related high mobility group box 7 (SOX7) on HSC activation and LF, and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found the expression levels of SOX7 were decreased in human and mouse fibrotic livers, particularly at the fibrotic foci. SOX7 was also downregulated in primary activated HSCs and TGF-β1 stimulated LX-2 cells. SOX7 knockdown promoted activation and proliferation of LX-2 cells while inhibiting their apoptosis. On the other hand, overexpression of SOX7 suppressed the activation and proliferation of HSCs. Mechanistically, SOX7 attenuates HSC activation and LF by decreasing the expression of β-catenin and phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 induced by TGF-β1. Furthermore, overexpression of SOX7 using AAV8-SOX7 mouse models ameliorated the extent of LF in response to CCl4 treatment in vivo. Collectively, SOX7 suppressed HSC activation and LF. Targeting SOX7, therefore, could be a potential novel strategy to protect against LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiuzhu Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hongqin Xu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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4
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Chakraborty S, Anand S, Bhandari RK. Medaka liver developed Human NAFLD-NASH transcriptional signatures in response to ancestral bisphenol A exposure. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4585175. [PMID: 39070641 PMCID: PMC11275980 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4585175/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The progression of fatty liver disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of death in humans. Lifestyles and environmental chemical exposures can increase the susceptibility of humans to NASH. In humans, the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in urine is associated with fatty liver disease, but whether ancestral BPA exposure leads to the activation of human NAFLD-NASH-associated genes in the unexposed descendants is unclear. In this study, using medaka fish as an animal model for human NAFLD, we investigated the transcriptional signatures of human NAFLD-NASH and their associated roles in the pathogenesis of the liver of fish that were not directly exposed, but their ancestors were exposed to BPA during embryonic and perinatal development three generations prior. Comparison of bulk RNA-Seq data of the liver in BPA lineage male and female medaka with publicly available human NAFLD-NASH patient data revealed transgenerational alterations in the transcriptional signature of human NAFLD-NASH in medaka liver. Twenty percent of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in both human NAFLD patients and medaka. Specifically in females, among the total shared DEGs in the liver of BPA lineage fish and NAFLD patient groups, 27.69% were downregulated, and 20% were upregulated. Of all DEGs, 52.31% of DEGs were found in ancestral BPA-lineage females, suggesting that NAFLD in females shared the majority of human NAFLD gene networks. Pathway analysis revealed beta-oxidation, lipoprotein metabolism, and HDL/LDL-mediated transport processes linked to downregulated DEGs in BPA lineage males and females. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding lipogenesis-related proteins was significantly elevated in the liver of BPA lineage females only. BPA lineage females exhibiting activation of myc, atf4, xbp1, stat4, and cancerous pathways, as well as inactivation of igf1, suggest their possible association with an advanced NAFLD phenotype. The present results suggest that gene networks involved in the progression of human NAFLD and the transgenerational NAFLD in medaka are conserved and that medaka can be an excellent animal model to understand the development and progression of liver disease and environmental influences in the liver.
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5
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Kotulkar M, Paine-Cabrera D, Apte U. Role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha in Liver Cancer. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38901435 DOI: 10.1055/a-2349-7236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and the incidence of HCC is on the rise. Liver cancers in general and HCC in particular do not respond to chemotherapy. Radiological ablation, surgical resection, and liver transplantation are the only medical therapies currently available. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α) is an orphan nuclear receptor expressed only in hepatocytes in the liver. HNF4α is considered the master regulator of hepatic differentiation because it regulates a significant number of genes involved in various liver-specific functions. In addition to maintaining hepatic differentiation, HNF4α also acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation by suppressing the expression of promitogenic genes and inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes. Loss of HNF4α expression and function is associated with rapid progression of chronic liver diseases that ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis and HCC, including metabolism-associated steatohepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and hepatitis virus infection. This review summarizes the role of HNF4α in liver cancer pathogenesis and highlights its potential as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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6
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Wang J, Fang Y, Luo Z, Wang J, Zhao Y. Emerging mRNA Technology for Liver Disease Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17378-17406. [PMID: 38916747 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases have consistently posed substantial challenges to global health. It is crucial to find innovative methods to effectively prevent and treat these diseases. In recent times, there has been an increasing interest in the use of mRNA formulations that accumulate in liver tissue for the treatment of hepatic diseases. In this review, we start by providing a detailed introduction to the mRNA technology. Afterward, we highlight types of liver diseases, discussing their causes, risks, and common therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases. This includes systems based on hepatocyte growth factor, hepatitis B virus antibody, left-right determination factor 1, human hepatocyte nuclear factor α, interleukin-12, methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase, etc. Lastly, we provide an outlook on the potential of mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases, while also highlighting the various technical challenges that need to be addressed. Despite these difficulties, mRNA-based therapeutic strategies may change traditional treatment methods, bringing hope to patients with liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yile Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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7
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Zhang J, Ali K, Wang J. Research Advances of Lipid Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6693-6715. [PMID: 38979534 PMCID: PMC11229238 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s466490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer and poses an enormous threat to human health. Current strategies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) therapy primarily focus on chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, their adverse reactions and drug resistance limit their clinical application. Advances in nanotechnology have rendered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) a promising nanomaterial-based drug delivery system for CRC therapy. LNPs can adapt to the biological characteristics of CRC by modifying their formulation, enabling the selective delivery of drugs to cancer tissues. They overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, such as poor water solubility, nonspecific biodistribution, and limited bioavailability. Herein, we review the composition and targeting strategies of LNPs for CRC therapy. Subsequently, the applications of these nanoparticles in CRC treatment including drug delivery, thermal therapy, and nucleic acid-based gene therapy are summarized with examples provided. The last section provides a glimpse into the advantages, current limitations, and prospects of LNPs in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kamran Ali
- Department of Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Androsavich JR. Frameworks for transformational breakthroughs in RNA-based medicines. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:421-444. [PMID: 38740953 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00943-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA has sparked a revolution in modern medicine, with the potential to transform the way we treat diseases. Recent regulatory approvals, hundreds of new clinical trials, the emergence of CRISPR gene editing, and the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in dramatic response to the COVID-19 pandemic have converged to create tremendous momentum and expectation. However, challenges with this relatively new class of drugs persist and require specialized knowledge and expertise to overcome. This Review explores shared strategies for developing RNA drug platforms, including layering technologies, addressing common biases and identifying gaps in understanding. It discusses the potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform medicine, as well as the challenges associated with improving applicability, efficacy and safety profiles. Insights gained from RNA modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs are used to identify important next steps for mRNA and gene editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Androsavich
- RNA Accelerator, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ginkgo Bioworks, Boston, MA, USA.
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Dai H, Zhu C, Huai Q, Xu W, Zhu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Sun B, Xu H, Zheng M, Li X, Wang H. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified macrophages ameliorate liver fibrosis in preclinical models. J Hepatol 2024; 80:913-927. [PMID: 38340812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.034] [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] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatments directly targeting fibrosis remain limited. Given the unique intrinsic features of macrophages and their capacity to engraft in the liver, we genetically engineered bone marrow-derived macrophages with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to direct their phagocytic activity against hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in multiple mouse models. This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of CAR macrophages (CAR-Ms) in mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS uPAR expression was studied in patients with fibrosis/cirrhosis and in murine models of liver fibrosis, including mice treated with carbon tetrachloride, a 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine diet, or a high-fat/cholesterol/fructose diet. The safety and efficacy of CAR-Ms were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Adoptive transfer of CAR-Ms resulted in a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and the restoration of function in murine models of liver fibrosis. CAR-Ms modulated the hepatic immune microenvironment to recruit and modify the activation of endogenous immune cells to drive fibrosis regression. These CAR-Ms were able to recruit and present antigens to T cells and mount specific antifibrotic T-cell responses to reduce fibroblasts and liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential of using macrophages as a platform for CAR technology to provide an effective treatment option for liver fibrosis. CAR-Ms might be developed for treatment of patients with liver fibrosis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Liver fibrosis is an incurable condition that afflicts millions of people globally. Despite the clear clinical need, therapies for liver fibrosis are limited. Our findings provide the first preclinical evidence that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages (CAR-Ms) targeting uPAR can attenuate liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We show that macrophages expressing this uPAR CAR exert a direct antifibrotic effect and elicit a specific T-cell response that augments the immune response against liver fibrosis. These findings demonstrate the potential of using CAR-Ms as an effective cell-based therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanren Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qian Huai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiejie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Honghai Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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10
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Chu R, Wang Y, Kong J, Pan T, Yang Y, He J. Lipid nanoparticles as the drug carrier for targeted therapy of hepatic disorders. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4759-4784. [PMID: 38682294 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02766j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The liver, a complex and vital organ in the human body, is susceptible to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent decades, these diseases have significantly contributed to global morbidity and mortality. Currently, liver transplantation remains the most effective treatment for hepatic disorders. Nucleic acid therapeutics offer a selective approach to disease treatment through diverse mechanisms, enabling the regulation of relevant genes and providing a novel therapeutic avenue for hepatic disorders. It is expected that nucleic acid drugs will emerge as the third generation of pharmaceuticals, succeeding small molecule drugs and antibody drugs. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent a crucial technology in the field of drug delivery and constitute a significant advancement in gene therapies. Nucleic acids encapsulated in LNPs are shielded from the degradation of enzymes and effectively delivered to cells, where they are released and regulate specific genes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the structure, composition, and applications of LNPs in the treatment of hepatic disorders and offers insights into prospects and challenges in the future development of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxuan Chu
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Jianglong Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Pan
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
- Department of Pharmaceutics School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yani Yang
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Jun He
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
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11
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Chakraborty S, Anand S, Bhandari RK. Sex-specific expression of the human NAFLD-NASH transcriptional signatures in the liver of medaka with a history of ancestral bisphenol A exposure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.19.594843. [PMID: 38826193 PMCID: PMC11142124 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.19.594843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The progression of fatty liver disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of death in humans. Lifestyles and environmental chemical exposures can increase the susceptibility of humans to NASH. In humans, the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in urine is associated with fatty liver disease, but whether ancestral BPA exposure leads to the activation of human NAFLD-NASH-associated genes in the unexposed descendants is unclear. In this study, using medaka fish as an animal model for human NAFLD, we investigated the transcriptional signatures of human NAFLD-NASH and their associated roles in the pathogenesis of the liver of fish who were not directly exposed but their ancestors were exposed to BPA during embryonic and perinatal development three generations prior. Comparison of bulk RNA-Seq data of the liver in BPA lineage male and female medaka with publicly available human NAFLD-NASH patient data revealed transgenerational alterations in the transcriptional signature of human NAFLD-NASH in medaka liver. Twenty percent of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in both human NAFLD patients and medaka. Specifically in females, among the total shared DEGs in the liver of BPA lineage fish and NAFLD patient groups, 27.69% DEGs were downregulated and 20% DEGs were upregulated. Off all DEGs, 52.31% DEGs were found in ancestral BPA-lineage females, suggesting that NAFLD in females shared majority of human NAFLD gene networks. Pathway analysis revealed beta-oxidation, lipoprotein metabolism, and HDL/LDL-mediated transport processes linked to downregulated DEGs in BPA lineage males and females. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding lipogenesis-related proteins was significantly elevated in the liver of BPA lineage females only. BPA lineage females exhibiting activation of myc, atf4, xbp1, stat4, and cancerous pathways, as well as inactivation of igf1, suggest their possible association with an advanced NAFLD phenotype. The present results suggest that gene networks involved in the progression of human NAFLD and the transgenerational NAFLD in medaka are conserved and that medaka can be an excellent animal model to understand the development and progression of liver disease and environmental influences in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Chakraborty
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, U.S.A
| | - Santosh Anand
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, U.S.A
| | - Ramji Kumar Bhandari
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, U.S.A
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12
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Ehle C, Iyer-Bierhoff A, Wu Y, Xing S, Kiehntopf M, Mosig AS, Godmann M, Heinzel T. Downregulation of HNF4A enables transcriptomic reprogramming during the hepatic acute-phase response. Commun Biol 2024; 7:589. [PMID: 38755249 PMCID: PMC11099168 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06288-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatic acute-phase response is characterized by a massive upregulation of serum proteins, such as haptoglobin and serum amyloid A, at the expense of liver homeostatic functions. Although the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) has a well-established role in safeguarding liver function and its cistrome spans around 50% of liver-specific genes, its role in the acute-phase response has received little attention so far. We demonstrate that HNF4A binds to and represses acute-phase genes under basal conditions. The reprogramming of hepatic transcription during inflammation necessitates loss of HNF4A function to allow expression of acute-phase genes while liver homeostatic genes are repressed. In a pre-clinical liver organoid model overexpression of HNF4A maintained liver functionality in spite of inflammation-induced cell damage. Conversely, HNF4A overexpression potently impaired the acute-phase response by retaining chromatin at regulatory regions of acute-phase genes inaccessible to transcription. Taken together, our data extend the understanding of dual HNF4A action as transcriptional activator and repressor, establishing HNF4A as gatekeeper for the hepatic acute-phase response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Ehle
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Aishwarya Iyer-Bierhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Yunchen Wu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Shaojun Xing
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Michael Kiehntopf
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Jena University Hospital, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S Mosig
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Maren Godmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinzel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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13
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Madasu C, Liao Z, Parks SE, Sharma KL, Bohren KM, Ye Q, Li F, Palaniappan M, Tan Z, Yuan F, Creighton CJ, Tang S, Masand RP, Guan X, Young DW, Monsivais D, Matzuk MM. Identification of potent pan-ephrin receptor kinase inhibitors using DNA-encoded chemistry technology. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322934121. [PMID: 38701119 PMCID: PMC11087803 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322934121] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
EPH receptors (EPHs), the largest family of tyrosine kinases, phosphorylate downstream substrates upon binding of ephrin cell surface-associated ligands. In a large cohort of endometriotic lesions from individuals with endometriosis, we found that EPHA2 and EPHA4 expressions are increased in endometriotic lesions relative to normal eutopic endometrium. Because signaling through EPHs is associated with increased cell migration and invasion, we hypothesized that chemical inhibition of EPHA2/4 could have therapeutic value. We screened DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DECL) to rapidly identify EPHA2/4 kinase inhibitors. Hit compound, CDD-2693, exhibited picomolar/nanomolar kinase activity against EPHA2 (Ki: 4.0 nM) and EPHA4 (Ki: 0.81 nM). Kinome profiling revealed that CDD-2693 bound to most EPH family and SRC family kinases. Using NanoBRET target engagement assays, CDD-2693 had nanomolar activity versus EPHA2 (IC50: 461 nM) and EPHA4 (IC50: 40 nM) but was a micromolar inhibitor of SRC, YES, and FGR. Chemical optimization produced CDD-3167, having picomolar biochemical activity toward EPHA2 (Ki: 0.13 nM) and EPHA4 (Ki: 0.38 nM) with excellent cell-based potency EPHA2 (IC50: 8.0 nM) and EPHA4 (IC50: 2.3 nM). Moreover, CDD-3167 maintained superior off-target cellular selectivity. In 12Z endometriotic epithelial cells, CDD-2693 and CDD-3167 significantly decreased EFNA5 (ligand) induced phosphorylation of EPHA2/4, decreased 12Z cell viability, and decreased IL-1β-mediated expression of prostaglandin synthase 2 (PTGS2). CDD-2693 and CDD-3167 decreased expansion of primary endometrial epithelial organoids from patients with endometriosis and decreased Ewing's sarcoma viability. Thus, using DECL, we identified potent pan-EPH inhibitors that show specificity and activity in cellular models of endometriosis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekhar Madasu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Sydney E. Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Kiran L. Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Kurt M. Bohren
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Qiuji Ye
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Murugesan Palaniappan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Chad J. Creighton
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Ramya P. Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Damian W. Young
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
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14
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Xiao MC, Jiang N, Chen LL, Liu F, Liu SQ, Ding CH, Wu SH, Wang KQ, Luo YY, Peng Y, Yan FZ, Zhang X, Qian H, Xie WF. TRIB3-TRIM8 complex drives NAFLD progression by regulating HNF4α stability. J Hepatol 2024; 80:778-791. [PMID: 38237865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.12.029] [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] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress of hepatocytes plays a causative role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Reduced expression of hepatic nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and other liver diseases. Whether ER stress regulates HNF4α expression remains unknown. The aim of this study was to delineate the machinery of HNF4α protein degradation and explore a therapeutic strategy based on protecting HNF4α stability during NAFLD progression. METHODS Correlation of HNF4α and tribbles homologue 3 (TRIB3), an ER stress sensor, was evaluated in human and mouse NAFLD tissues. RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, in vivo and in vitro ubiquitination assays were used to elucidate the mechanisms of TRIB3-mediated HNF4α degradation. Molecular docking and co-immunoprecipitation analyses were performed to identify a cell-penetrating peptide that ablates the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction. RESULTS TRIB3 directly interacts with HNF4α and mediates ER stress-induced HNF4α degradation. TRIB3 recruits tripartite motif containing 8 (TRIM8) to form an E3 ligase complex that catalyzes K48-linked polyubiquitination of HNF4α on lysine 470. Abrogating the degradation of HNF4α attenuated the effect of TRIB3 on a diet-induced NAFLD model. Moreover, the TRIB3 gain-of-function variant p.Q84R is associated with NAFLD progression in patients, and induces lower HNF4α levels and more severe hepatic steatosis in mice. Importantly, disrupting the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction using a cell-penetrating peptide restores HNF4α levels and ameliorates NAFLD progression in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings unravel the machinery of HNF4α protein degradation and indicate that targeting TRIB3-TRIM8 E3 complex-mediated HNF4α polyubiquitination may be an ideal strategy for NAFLD therapy. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Reduced expression of hepatic nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and other liver diseases. However, the mechanism of HNF4α protein degradation remains unknown. Herein, we reveal that TRIB3-TRIM8 E3 ligase complex is responsible for HNF4α degradation during NAFLD. Inhibiting the TRIB3-HNF4α interaction effectively stabilized HNF4α protein levels and transcription factor activity in the liver and ameliorated TRIB3-mediated NAFLD progression. Our findings demonstrate that disturbing the TRIM8-TRIB3-HNF4α interaction may provide a novel approach to treat NAFLD and even other liver diseases by stabilizing the HNF4α protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chao Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Lin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Hong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Han Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Zhi Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200120, China.
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15
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Wehrli M, Guinn S, Birocchi F, Kuo A, Sun Y, Larson RC, Almazan AJ, Scarfò I, Bouffard AA, Bailey SR, Anekal PV, Llopis PM, Nieman LT, Song Y, Xu KH, Berger TR, Kann MC, Leick MB, Silva H, Salas-Benito D, Kienka T, Grauwet K, Armstrong TD, Zhang R, Zhu Q, Fu J, Schmidts A, Korell F, Jan M, Choi BD, Liss AS, Boland GM, Ting DT, Burkhart RA, Jenkins RW, Zheng L, Jaffee EM, Zimmerman JW, Maus MV. Mesothelin CAR T Cells Secreting Anti-FAP/Anti-CD3 Molecules Efficiently Target Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and its Stroma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1859-1877. [PMID: 38393682 PMCID: PMC11062832 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Targeting solid tumors with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells remains challenging due to heterogenous target antigen expression, antigen escape, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a thick stroma generated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), which may contribute to the limited efficacy of mesothelin-directed CAR T cells in early-phase clinical trials. To provide a more favorable TME for CAR T cells to target pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we generated T cells with an antimesothelin CAR and a secreted T-cell-engaging molecule (TEAM) that targets CAF through fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and engages T cells through CD3 (termed mesoFAP CAR-TEAM cells). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using a suite of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo patient-derived models containing cancer cells and CAF, we examined the ability of mesoFAP CAR-TEAM cells to target PDAC cells and CAF within the TME. We developed and used patient-derived ex vivo models, including patient-derived organoids with patient-matched CAF and patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids. RESULTS We demonstrated specific and significant binding of the TEAM to its respective antigens (CD3 and FAP) when released from mesothelin-targeting CAR T cells, leading to T-cell activation and cytotoxicity of the target cell. MesoFAP CAR-TEAM cells were superior in eliminating PDAC and CAF compared with T cells engineered to target either antigen alone in our ex vivo patient-derived models and in mouse models of PDAC with primary or metastatic liver tumors. CONCLUSIONS CAR-TEAM cells enable modification of tumor stroma, leading to increased elimination of PDAC tumors. This approach represents a promising treatment option for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Wehrli
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Guinn
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Filippo Birocchi
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Kuo
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Larson
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio J. Almazan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Scarfò
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda A. Bouffard
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefanie R. Bailey
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Linda T. Nieman
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuhui Song
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine H. Xu
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Trisha R. Berger
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael C. Kann
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark B. Leick
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harrison Silva
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diego Salas-Benito
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamina Kienka
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Korneel Grauwet
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Todd D. Armstrong
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan Fu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Schmidts
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Felix Korell
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Max Jan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryan D. Choi
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew S. Liss
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Genevieve M. Boland
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - David T. Ting
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard A. Burkhart
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacquelyn W. Zimmerman
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Convergence Institute and Bloomberg Kimmel Institute at Johns Hopkins; University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcela V. Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Liu F, Peng Y, Qian H, Xiao MC, Ding CH, Zhang X, Xie WF. Abrogating K458 acetylation enhances hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-induced differentiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Dig Dis 2024; 25:255-265. [PMID: 38837552 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13272] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study we aimed to assess the impact of acetylation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) on lysine 458 on the differentiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Dil-acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL) uptake, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity analysis were performed to assess the differentiation of HCC cells. HNF4α protein was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of HNF4α-K458 acetylation on HCC malignancy were evaluated in HCC cell lines, a Huh-7 xenograft mouse model, and an orthotopic model. The differential expression genes in Huh-7 xenograft tumors were screened by RNA-sequencing analysis. RESULTS K458R significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of HNF4α on the malignancy of HCC cells, whereas K458Q reduced the inhibitory effects of HNF4α. Moreover, K458R promoted, while K458Q decreased, HNF4α-induced HCC cell differentiation. K458R stabilized HNF4α, while K458Q accelerated the degradation of HNF4α via the ubiquitin proteasome system. K458R also enhanced the ability of HNF4α to inhibit cell growth of HCC in the Huh-7 xenograft mouse model and the orthotopic model. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that inhibiting K458 acetylation enhanced the transcriptional activity of HNF4α without altering the transcriptome induced by HNF4α in HCC. CONCLUSION Our data revealed that inhibiting K458 acetylation of HNF4α might provide a more promising candidate for differential therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Chao Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Hong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Zheng Q, Lu C, Yu L, Zhan Y, Chen Z. Exploring the metastasis-related biomarker and carcinogenic mechanism in liver cancer based on single cell technology. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27473. [PMID: 38509894 PMCID: PMC10950590 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal primary malignancy characterized by high invasion and migration. We aimed to explore the underlying metastasis-related mechanism supporting the development of HCC. Methods The dataset of single cell RNA-seq (GSE149614) were collected for cell clustering by using the Seurat R package, the FindAllMarkers function was used to find the highly expression and defined the cell cluster. The WebGestaltR package was used for the GO and KEGG function analysis of shared genes, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSVA) was performed by clusterProfiler R package, the hTFtarget database was used to identify the crucial transcription factors (TFs), the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was used for the drug sensitivity analysis. Finally, the overexpression and trans-well assay was used for gene function analysis. Results We obtained 9 cell clusters from the scRNA-seq data, including the nature killer (NK)/T cells, Myeloid cells, Hepatocytes, Epithelial cells, Endothelial cells, Plasma B cells, Smooth muscle cells, B cells, Liver bud hepatic cells. Further cell ecological analysis indicated that the Hepatocytes and Endothelial cell cluster were closely related to the cancer metastasis. Subsequently, the NDUFA4L2-Hepatocyte, GTSE1-Hepatocyte, ENTPD1-Endothelial and NDUFA4L2-Endothelial were defined as metastasis-supporting cell clusters, in which the NDUFA4L2-Hepatocyte cells was closely related to angiogenesis, while the NDUFA4L2-Endothelial was related with the inflammatory response and complement response. The overexpression and trans-well assay displayed that NDUFA4L2 exhibited clearly metastasis-promoting role in HCC progression. Conclusion We identified and defined 4 metastasis-supporting cell clusters by using the single cell technology, the specify shared gene was observed and played crucial role in promoting cancer progression, our findings were expected to provide new insight in control cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxiang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Cuiping Lu
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Department of Hematology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Ying Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
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18
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Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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19
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Adesanya O, Das D, Kalsotra A. Emerging roles of RNA-binding proteins in fatty liver disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1840. [PMID: 38613185 PMCID: PMC11018357 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
A rampant and urgent global health issue of the 21st century is the emergence and progression of fatty liver disease (FLD), including alcoholic fatty liver disease and the more heterogenous metabolism-associated (or non-alcoholic) fatty liver disease (MAFLD/NAFLD) phenotypes. These conditions manifest as disease spectra, progressing from benign hepatic steatosis to symptomatic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and, ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma. With numerous intricately regulated molecular pathways implicated in its pathophysiology, recent data have emphasized the critical roles of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the onset and development of FLD. They regulate gene transcription and post-transcriptional processes, including pre-mRNA splicing, capping, and polyadenylation, as well as mature mRNA transport, stability, and translation. RBP dysfunction at every point along the mRNA life cycle has been associated with altered lipid metabolism and cellular stress response, resulting in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the role of RBPs in the post-transcriptional processes associated with FLD and highlight the possible and emerging therapeutic strategies leveraging RBP function for FLD treatment. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diptatanu Das
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Auinash Kalsotra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Cancer Center @ Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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20
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Dunn TN, Cope DI, Tang S, Sirupangi T, Parks SE, Liao Z, Yuan F, Creighton CJ, Masand RP, Alpuing Radilla L, Guan X, Detti L, Monsivais D, Matzuk MM. Inhibition of CSF1R and KIT With Pexidartinib Reduces Inflammatory Signaling and Cell Viability in Endometriosis. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae003. [PMID: 38227801 PMCID: PMC10948355 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae003] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and debilitating disease, affecting ∼170 million women worldwide. Affected patients have limited therapeutic options such as hormonal suppression or surgical excision of the lesions, though therapies are often not completely curative. Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) could provide a nonhormonal treatment option for endometriosis. We determined that 2 RTKs, macrophage-colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT (KIT), are overexpressed in endometriotic lesions and could be novel nonhormonal therapeutic targets for endometriosis. The kinase activity of CSF1R and KIT is suppressed by pexidartinib, a small molecule inhibitor that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Using immunohistochemistry, we detected CSF1R and KIT in endometriotic tissues obtained from peritoneal lesions, colorectal lesions, and endometriomas. Specifically, we show that KIT is localized to the epithelium of the lesions, while CSF1R is expressed in the stroma and macrophages of the endometriotic lesions. Given the high epithelial expression of CSF1R and KIT, 12Z endometriotic epithelial cells were used to evaluate the efficacy of dual CSF1R and KIT inhibition with pexidartinib. We found that pexidartinib suppressed activation in 12Z cells of JNK, STAT3, and AKT signaling pathways, which control key proinflammatory and survival networks within the cell. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we determined that pexidartinib suppressed interleukin 8 (IL8) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) expression. Lastly, we demonstrated that pexidartinib decreased cell growth and viability. Overall, these results indicate that pexidartinib-mediated CSF1R and KIT inhibition reduces proinflammatory signaling and cell viability in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N Dunn
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tirupataiah Sirupangi
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Linda Alpuing Radilla
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Laura Detti
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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Thakur A, Park K, Cullum R, Fuglerud BM, Khoshnoodi M, Drissler S, Stephan TL, Lotto J, Kim D, Gonzalez FJ, Hoodless PA. HNF4A guides the MLL4 complex to establish and maintain H3K4me1 at gene regulatory elements. Commun Biol 2024; 7:144. [PMID: 38297077 PMCID: PMC10830483 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05835-0] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A/NR2a1), a transcriptional regulator of hepatocyte identity, controls genes that are crucial for liver functions, primarily through binding to enhancers. In mammalian cells, active and primed enhancers are marked by monomethylation of histone 3 (H3) at lysine 4 (K4) (H3K4me1) in a cell type-specific manner. How this modification is established and maintained at enhancers in connection with transcription factors (TFs) remains unknown. Using analysis of genome-wide histone modifications, TF binding, chromatin accessibility and gene expression, we show that HNF4A is essential for an active chromatin state. Using HNF4A loss and gain of function experiments in vivo and in cell lines in vitro, we show that HNF4A affects H3K4me1, H3K27ac and chromatin accessibility, highlighting its contribution to the establishment and maintenance of a transcriptionally permissive epigenetic state. Mechanistically, HNF4A interacts with the mixed-lineage leukaemia 4 (MLL4) complex facilitating recruitment to HNF4A-bound regions. Our findings indicate that HNF4A enriches H3K4me1, H3K27ac and establishes chromatin opening at transcriptional regulatory regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Thakur
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kwangjin Park
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rebecca Cullum
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Bettina M Fuglerud
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | | | - Sibyl Drissler
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tabea L Stephan
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jeremy Lotto
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Donghwan Kim
- Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, 2089, USA
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, 2089, USA
| | - Pamela A Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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22
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Li Z, Zheng D, Zhang T, Ruan S, Li N, Yu Y, Peng Y, Wang D. The roles of nuclear receptors in cholesterol metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0343. [PMID: 38099854 PMCID: PMC10727660 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000343] [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] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, NAFLD encompasses a pathological process that ranges from simple steatosis to NASH, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, closely associated with numerous extrahepatic diseases. While the initial etiology was believed to be hepatocyte injury caused by lipid toxicity from accumulated triglycerides, recent studies suggest that an imbalance of cholesterol homeostasis is of greater significance. The role of nuclear receptors in regulating liver cholesterol homeostasis has been demonstrated to be crucial. This review summarizes the roles and regulatory mechanisms of nuclear receptors in the 3 main aspects of cholesterol production, excretion, and storage in the liver, as well as their cross talk in reverse cholesterol transport. It is hoped that this review will offer new insights and theoretical foundations for the study of the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD and provide new research directions for extrahepatic diseases associated with NAFLD.
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23
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Jia Y, Wang X, Li L, Li F, Zhang J, Liang XJ. Lipid Nanoparticles Optimized for Targeting and Release of Nucleic Acid. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305300. [PMID: 37547955 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most promising clinical nucleic acids drug delivery vehicles. LNPs prevent the degradation of cargo nucleic acids during blood circulation. Upon entry into the cell, specific components of the lipid nanoparticles can promote the endosomal escape of nucleic acids. These are the basic properties of lipid nanoparticles as nucleic acid carriers. As LNPs exhibit hepatic aggregation characteristics, enhancing targeting out of the liver is a crucial way to improve LNPs administrated in vivo. Meanwhile, endosomal escape of nucleic acids loaded in LNPs is often considered inadequate, and therefore, much effort is devoted to enhancing the intracellular release efficiency of nucleic acids. Here, different strategies to efficiently deliver nucleic acid delivery from LNPs are concluded and their mechanisms are investigated. In addition, based on the information on LNPs that are in clinical trials or have completed clinical trials, the issues that are necessary to be approached in the clinical translation of LNPs are discussed, which it is hoped will shed light on the development of LNP nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Jia
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiuguang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Luwei Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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24
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Qu N, Luan T, Liu N, Kong C, Xu L, Yu H, Kang Y, Han Y. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 a (HNF4α): A perspective in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115923. [PMID: 38000355 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HNF4α, a transcription factor, plays a vital role in regulating functional genes and biological processes. Its alternative splicing leads to various transcript variants encoding different isoforms. The spotlight has shifted towards the extensive discussion on tumors interplayed withHNF4α abnormalities. Aberrant HNF4α expression has emerged as sentinel markers of epigenetic shifts, casting reverberations upon downstream target genes and intricate signaling pathways, most notably with cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HNF4α's involvement in tumor progression and metastasis, elucidating its role and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Qu
- The Breast Oncology Dept., Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ting Luan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Naiquan Liu
- The Nephrological Dept., Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chenhui Kong
- The Breast Oncology Dept., Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Le Xu
- The Breast Oncology Dept., Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hong Yu
- The Breast Oncology Dept., Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye Kang
- The Pathology Dept, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye Han
- The Breast Oncology Dept., Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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25
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Porukala M, Vinod PK. Gene expression signatures of stepwise progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296454. [PMID: 38157373 PMCID: PMC10756545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a complex process progressing from premalignant stages to cancer in a stepwise manner. Mostly, HCC is detected at advanced stages, leading to high mortality rates. Hence, characterising the molecular underpinnings of HCC from normal to cancer state through precancerous state may help in early detection and improve its prognosis and treatment. In this work, we analysed the transcriptomic profile of tumour and premalignant samples from HCC or chronic liver disease patients, who had undergone either total or partial hepatectomy. The normal samples from patients with metastatic cancer/polycystic liver disease/ cholangiocarcinoma were also included. A gene co-expression network approach was applied to identify hierarchical changes: modules, pathways, and genes related to different trajectories of HCC and patient survival. Our analysis shows that the progression from premalignant conditions to tumour is accompanied by differences in the downregulation of genes associated with HNF4A activity and the immune system and upregulation of cell cycle genes, bringing about variability in patient outcomes. However, an increase in immune and cell cycle activity is observed in premalignant samples. Interestingly, co-expression modules and genes from premalignant stages are associated with survival. THBD, a classical marker for dendritic cells, is a predictor of survival at the premalignant stage. Further, genes linked to microtubules, kinetochores, and centromere are altered in both premalignant and tumour conditions and are associated with survival. Our analysis revealed a three-way molecular axis of liver function, immune pathways, and cell cycle driving HCC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisri Porukala
- Centre for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, IIIT, Hyderabad, India
| | - P. K. Vinod
- Centre for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, IIIT, Hyderabad, India
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26
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Inagaki M. Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Utilizing Messenger RNA for Regenerative Medicine. J Dev Biol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 38535481 PMCID: PMC10971469 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic generated interest in the medicinal applications of messenger RNA (mRNA). It is expected that mRNA will be applied, not only to vaccines, but also to regenerative medicine. The purity of mRNA is important for its medicinal applications. However, the current mRNA synthesis techniques exhibit problems, including the contamination of undesired 5'-uncapped mRNA and double-stranded RNA. Recently, our group developed a completely capped mRNA synthesis technology that contributes to the progress of mRNA research. The introduction of chemically modified nucleosides, such as N1-methylpseudouridine and 5-methylcytidine, has been reported by Karikó and Weissman, opening a path for the practical application of mRNA for vaccines and regenerative medicine. Yamanaka reported the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing four types of genes using a retrovirus vector. iPSCs are widely used for research on regenerative medicine and the preparation of disease models to screen new drug candidates. Among the Yamanaka factors, Klf4 and c-Myc are oncogenes, and there is a risk of tumor development if these are integrated into genomic DNA. Therefore, regenerative medicine using mRNA, which poses no risk of genome insertion, has attracted attention. In this review, the author summarizes techniques for synthesizing mRNA and its application in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Inagaki
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
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27
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Lin P, Bai Y, Nian X, Chi J, Chen T, Zhang J, Zhang W, Zhou B, Liu Y, Zhao Y. Chemically induced revitalization of damaged hepatocytes for regenerative liver repair. iScience 2023; 26:108532. [PMID: 38144457 PMCID: PMC10746372 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In prolonged liver injury, hepatocytes undergo partial identity loss with decreased regenerative capacity, resulting in liver failure. Here, we identified a five compound (5C) combination that could restore hepatocyte identity and reverse the damage-associated phenotype (e.g., dysfunction, senescence, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, growth arrest, and pro-inflammatory gene expression) in damaged hepatocytes (dHeps) from CCl4-induced mice with chronic liver injury, resembling a direct chemical reprogramming approach. Systemic administration of 5C in mice with chronic liver injury promoted hepatocyte regeneration, improved liver function, and ameliorated liver fibrosis. The hepatocyte-associated transcriptional networks were reestablished with chemical treatment as revealed by motif analysis of ATAC-seq, and a hepatocyte-enriched transcription factor, Foxa2, was found to be essential for hepatocyte revitalization. Overall, our findings indicate that the phenotype and transcriptional program of dHeps can be reprogrammed to generate functional and regenerative hepatocytes by using only small molecules, as an alternative approach to liver repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
| | - Yunfei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
| | - Xinxin Nian
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jun Chi
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
| | - Tianzhe Chen
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing 210043, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Daisy Precilla S, Kuduvalli SS, Biswas I, Bhavani K, Pillai AB, Thomas JM, Anitha TS. Repurposing synthetic and natural derivatives induces apoptosis in an orthotopic glioma-induced xenograft model by modulating WNT/β-catenin signaling. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:1179-1197. [PMID: 37458120 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12932] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastomas arise from multistep tumorigenesis of the glial cells. Despite the current state-of-art treatment, tumor recurrence is inevitable. Among the innovations blooming up against glioblastoma, drug repurposing could provide profound premises for treatment enhancement. While considering this strategy, the efficacy of the repurposed drugs as monotherapies were not up to par; hence, the focus has now shifted to investigate the multidrug combinations. AIM To investigate the efficacy of a quadruple-combinatorial treatment comprising temozolomide along with chloroquine, naringenin, and phloroglucinol in an orthotopic glioma-induced xenograft model. METHODS Antiproliferative effect of the drugs was assessed by immunostaining. The expression profiles of WNT/β-catenin and apoptotic markers were evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and ELISA. Patterns of mitochondrial depolarization was determined by flow cytometry. TUNEL assay was performed to affirm apoptosis induction. In vivo drug detection study was carried out by ESI-Q-TOF MS analysis. RESULTS The quadruple-drug treatment had significantly hampered glioma proliferation and had induced apoptosis by modulating the WNT/β-catenin signaling. Interestingly, the induction of apoptosis was associated with mitochondrial depolarization. The quadruple-drug cocktail had breached the blood-brain barrier and was detected in the brain tissue and plasma samples. CONCLUSION The quadruple-drug combination served as a promising adjuvant therapy to combat glioblastoma lethality in vivo and can be probed for translation from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilathiban Daisy Precilla
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, 607 403, India
| | - Shreyas S Kuduvalli
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, 607 403, India
| | - Indrani Biswas
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, 607 403, India
| | - Krishnamurthy Bhavani
- Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, 607 403, India
| | - Agieshkumar Balakrishna Pillai
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, 607 403, India
| | - Jisha Mary Thomas
- Catalysis and Energy Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605 014, India
| | - Thirugnanasambandhar Sivasubramanian Anitha
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, 607 403, India
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605 014, India
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29
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Clark AJ, Saade MC, Vemireddy V, Vu KQ, Flores BM, Etzrodt V, Ciampa EJ, Huang H, Takakura A, Zandi-Nejad K, Zsengellér ZK, Parikh SM. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α mediated quinolinate phosphoribosylltransferase (QPRT) expression in the kidney facilitates resilience against acute kidney injury. Kidney Int 2023; 104:1150-1163. [PMID: 37783445 PMCID: PMC10843022 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.09.013] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels decline in experimental models of acute kidney injury (AKI). Attenuated enzymatic conversion of tryptophan to NAD+ in tubular epithelium may contribute to adverse cellular and physiological outcomes. Mechanisms underlying defense of tryptophan-dependent NAD+ production are incompletely understood. Here we show that regulation of a bottleneck enzyme in this pathway, quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) may contribute to kidney resilience. Expression of QPRT declined in two unrelated models of AKI. Haploinsufficient mice developed worse outcomes compared to littermate controls whereas novel, conditional gain-of-function mice were protected from injury. Applying these findings, we then identified hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) as a candidate transcription factor regulating QPRT expression downstream of the mitochondrial biogenesis regulator and NAD+ biosynthesis inducer PPARgamma coactivator-1-alpha (PGC1α). This was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation. A PGC1α - HNF4α -QPRT axis controlled NAD+ levels across cellular compartments and modulated cellular ATP. These results propose that tryptophan-dependent NAD+ biosynthesis via QPRT and induced by HNF4α may be a critical determinant of kidney resilience to noxious stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Clark
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA; Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Marie Christelle Saade
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vamsidhara Vemireddy
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kyle Q Vu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Brenda Mendoza Flores
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Valerie Etzrodt
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Erin J Ciampa
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Huihui Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayumi Takakura
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kambiz Zandi-Nejad
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zsuzsanna K Zsengellér
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samir M Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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Melis M, Marino R, Tian J, Johnson C, Sethi R, Oertel M, Fox IJ, Locker J. Mechanism and Effect of HNF4α Decrease in a Rat Model of Cirrhosis and Liver Failure. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:453-479. [PMID: 37993018 PMCID: PMC10837635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.11.009] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HNF4α, a master regulator of liver development and the mature hepatocyte phenotype, is down-regulated in chronic and inflammatory liver disease. We used contemporary transcriptomics and epigenomics to study the cause and effects of this down-regulation and characterized a multicellular etiology. METHODS Progressive changes in the rat carbon tetrachloride model were studied by deep RNA sequencing and genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis of transcription factor (TF) binding and chromatin modification. Studies compared decompensated cirrhosis with liver failure after 26 weeks of treatment with earlier compensated cirrhosis and with additional rat models of chronic fibrosis. Finally, to resolve cell-specific responses and intercellular signaling, we compared transcriptomes of liver, nonparenchymal, and inflammatory cells. RESULTS HNF4α was significantly lower in 26-week cirrhosis, part of a general reduction of TFs that regulate metabolism. Nevertheless, increased binding of HNF4α contributed to strong activation of major phenotypic genes, whereas reduced binding to other genes had a moderate phenotypic effect. Decreased Hnf4a expression was the combined effect of STAT3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activation, which similarly reduced expression of other metabolic TFs. STAT/NFκB also induced de novo expression of Osmr by hepatocytes to complement induced expression of Osm by nonparenchymal cells. CONCLUSIONS Liver decompensation by inflammatory STAT3 and NFκB signaling was not a direct consequence of progressive cirrhosis. Despite significant reduction of Hnf4a expression, residual levels of this abundant TF still stimulated strong new gene expression. Reduction of HNF4α was part of a broad hepatocyte transcriptional response to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Melis
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rebecca Marino
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jianmin Tian
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carla Johnson
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rahil Sethi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ira J Fox
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph Locker
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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31
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Wong J, Trinh VQ, Jyotsana N, Baig JF, Revetta F, Shi C, Means AL, DelGiorno KE, Tan M. Differential spatial distribution of HNF4α isoforms during dysplastic progression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20088. [PMID: 37974020 PMCID: PMC10654504 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) comprises a nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that yields twelve isoforms in humans, classified into promoters P1 or P2-associated groups with specific functions. Alterations in HNF4α isoforms have been associated with tumorigenesis. However, the distribution of its isoforms during progression from dysplasia to malignancy has not been studied, nor has it yet been studied in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, where both malignant and pre-malignant forms are routinely clinically identified. We examined the expression patterns of pan-promoter, P1-specific, and P2-specific isoform groups in normal pancreatic components and IPMNs. Pan-promoter, P1 and P2 nuclear expression were weakly positive in normal pancreatic components. Nuclear expression for all isoform groups was increased in low-grade IPMN, high-grade IPMN, and well-differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma. Poorly differentiated invasive components in IPMNs showed loss of all forms of HNF4α. Pan-promoter, and P1-specific HNF4α expression showed shifts in subnuclear and sub-anatomical distribution in IPMN, whereas P2 expression was consistently nuclear. Tumor cells with high-grade dysplasia at the basal interface with the stroma showed reduced expression of P1, while P2 was equally expressed in both components. Additional functional studies are warranted to further explore the mechanisms underlying the spatial and differential distribution of HNF4α isoforms in IPMNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahg Wong
- Department of Pathology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Q Trinh
- Department of Pathology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nidhi Jyotsana
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jumanah F Baig
- Department of Pathology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frank Revetta
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Chanjuan Shi
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anna L Means
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen E DelGiorno
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marcus Tan
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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32
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Li X, Yu M, Zhao Q, Yu Y. Prospective therapeutics for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10579. [PMID: 38023697 PMCID: PMC10658571 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective therapies for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis representing a considerable unmet need. Breakthroughs in pathogenesis have accelerated the development of anti-fibrotic therapeutics in recent years. Particularly, with the development of nanotechnology, the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and inaccessible microenvironment of fibrotic lesions seem to be no longer considered a great barrier to the use of anti-fibrotic drugs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent preclinical and clinical studies on intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. It is found that the targets for preclinical studies on intestinal fibrosis is varied, which could be divided into molecular, cellular, and tissues level, although little clinical trials are ongoing. Liver fibrosis clinical trials have focused on improving metabolic disorders, preventing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, promoting the degradation of collagen, and reducing inflammation and cell death. At the preclinical stage, the therapeutic strategies have focused on drug targets and delivery systems. At last, promising remedies to the current challenges are based on multi-modal synergistic and targeted delivery therapies through mesenchymal stem cells, nanotechnology, and gut-liver axis providing useful insights into anti-fibrotic strategies for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineYiwuChina
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
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33
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Byun J, Wu Y, Park J, Kim JS, Li Q, Choi J, Shin N, Lan M, Cai Y, Lee J, Oh YK. RNA Nanomedicine: Delivery Strategies and Applications. AAPS J 2023; 25:95. [PMID: 37784005 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00860-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of RNA using nanomaterials has emerged as a new modality to expand therapeutic applications in biomedical research. However, the delivery of RNA presents unique challenges due to its susceptibility to degradation and the requirement for efficient intracellular delivery. The integration of nanotechnologies with RNA delivery has addressed many of these challenges. In this review, we discuss different strategies employed in the design and development of nanomaterials for RNA delivery. We also highlight recent advances in the pharmaceutical applications of RNA delivered via nanomaterials. Various nanomaterials, such as lipids, polymers, peptides, nucleic acids, and inorganic nanomaterials, have been utilized for delivering functional RNAs, including messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA, single guide RNA, and microRNA. Furthermore, the utilization of nanomaterials has expanded the applications of functional RNA as active pharmaceutical ingredients. For instance, the delivery of antigen-encoding mRNA using nanomaterials enables the transient expression of vaccine antigens, leading to immunogenicity and prevention against infectious diseases. Additionally, nanomaterial-mediated RNA delivery has been investigated for engineering cells to express exogenous functional proteins. Nanomaterials have also been employed for co-delivering single guide RNA and mRNA to facilitate gene editing of genetic diseases. Apart from the progress made in RNA medicine, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junho Byun
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yina Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwon Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Suk Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Qiaoyun Li
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjo Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Meng Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jaiwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Kasper P, Lang S, Steffen HM, Demir M. Management of alcoholic hepatitis: A clinical perspective. Liver Int 2023; 43:2078-2095. [PMID: 37605624 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease is the primary cause of liver-related mortality worldwide and one of the most common indications for liver transplantation. Alcoholic hepatitis represents the most acute and severe manifestation of alcohol-associated liver disease and is characterized by a rapid onset of jaundice with progressive inflammatory liver injury, worsening of portal hypertension, and an increased risk for multiorgan failure in patients with excessive alcohol consumption. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is associated with a poor prognosis and high short-term mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of alcohol-associated hepatitis have increased significantly, underscoring that it is a serious and growing health problem. However, adequate management of alcohol-associated hepatitis and its complications in everyday clinical practice remains a major challenge. Currently, pharmacotherapy is limited to corticosteroids, although these have only a moderate effect on reducing short-term mortality. In recent years, translational studies deciphering key mechanisms of disease development and progression have led to important advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis. Emerging pathophysiology-based therapeutic approaches include anti-inflammatory agents, modifications of the gut-liver axis and intestinal dysbiosis, epigenetic modulation, antioxidants, and drugs targeting liver regeneration. Concurrently, evidence is increasing that early liver transplantation is a safe treatment option with important survival benefits in selected patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis not responding to medical treatment. This narrative review describes current pathophysiology and management concepts of alcoholic hepatitis, provides an update on emerging treatment options, and focuses on the need for holistic and patient-centred treatment approaches to improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kasper
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sonja Lang
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans-Michael Steffen
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
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35
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Yuan M, Han Z, Liang Y, Sun Y, He B, Chen W, Li F. mRNA nanodelivery systems: targeting strategies and administration routes. Biomater Res 2023; 27:90. [PMID: 37740246 PMCID: PMC10517595 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With the great success of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, mRNA therapeutics have gained significant momentum for the prevention and treatment of various refractory diseases. To function efficiently in vivo and overcome clinical limitations, mRNA demands safe and stable vectors and a reasonable administration route, bypassing multiple biological barriers and achieving organ-specific targeted delivery of mRNA. Nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery systems representing leading vector approaches ensure the successful intracellular delivery of mRNA to the target organ. In this review, chemical modifications of mRNA and various types of advanced mRNA NPs, including lipid NPs and polymers are summarized. The importance of passive targeting, especially endogenous targeting, and active targeting in mRNA nano-delivery is emphasized, and different cellular endocytic mechanisms are discussed. Most importantly, based on the above content and the physiological structure characteristics of various organs in vivo, the design strategies of mRNA NPs targeting different organs and cells are classified and discussed. Furthermore, the influence of administration routes on targeting design is highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the remaining challenges and future development toward mRNA targeted therapies and precision medicine is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujie Yuan
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zeyu Han
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
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36
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Dubois‐Chevalier J, Gheeraert C, Berthier A, Boulet C, Dubois V, Guille L, Fourcot M, Marot G, Gauthier K, Dubuquoy L, Staels B, Lefebvre P, Eeckhoute J. An extended transcription factor regulatory network controls hepatocyte identity. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57020. [PMID: 37424431 PMCID: PMC10481658 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357020] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell identity is specified by a core transcriptional regulatory circuitry (CoRC), typically limited to a small set of interconnected cell-specific transcription factors (TFs). By mining global hepatic TF regulons, we reveal a more complex organization of the transcriptional regulatory network controlling hepatocyte identity. We show that tight functional interconnections controlling hepatocyte identity extend to non-cell-specific TFs beyond the CoRC, which we call hepatocyte identity (Hep-ID)CONNECT TFs. Besides controlling identity effector genes, Hep-IDCONNECT TFs also engage in reciprocal transcriptional regulation with TFs of the CoRC. In homeostatic basal conditions, this translates into Hep-IDCONNECT TFs being involved in fine tuning CoRC TF expression including their rhythmic expression patterns. Moreover, a role for Hep-IDCONNECT TFs in the control of hepatocyte identity is revealed in dedifferentiated hepatocytes where Hep-IDCONNECT TFs are able to reset CoRC TF expression. This is observed upon activation of NR1H3 or THRB in hepatocarcinoma or in hepatocytes subjected to inflammation-induced loss of identity. Our study establishes that hepatocyte identity is controlled by an extended array of TFs beyond the CoRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Céline Gheeraert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
| | - Alexandre Berthier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
| | - Clémence Boulet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
| | - Vanessa Dubois
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
- Basic and Translational Endocrinology (BaTE), Department of Basic and Applied Medical SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Loïc Guille
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
| | - Marie Fourcot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 – UAR 2014 – PLBSLilleFrance
| | - Guillemette Marot
- Univ. Lille, Inria, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS: Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicalesLilleFrance
| | - Karine Gauthier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), CNRS UMR 5242, INRAE USC 1370, École Normale Supérieure de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 – INFINITE – Institute for Translational Research in InflammationLilleFrance
| | - Bart Staels
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
| | - Philippe Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011‐EGIDLilleFrance
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Aguilar-Bravo B, Ariño S, Blaya D, Pose E, Martinez García de la Torre RA, Latasa MU, Martínez-Sánchez C, Zanatto L, Sererols-Viñas L, Cantallops-Vilà P, Affo S, Coll M, Thillen X, Dubuquoy L, Avila MA, Argemi J, Paz AL, Nevzorova YA, Cubero FJ, Bataller R, Lozano JJ, Ginès P, Mathurin P, Sancho-Bru P. Hepatocyte dedifferentiation profiling in alcohol-related liver disease identifies CXCR4 as a driver of cell reprogramming. J Hepatol 2023; 79:728-740. [PMID: 37088308 PMCID: PMC10540088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Loss of hepatocyte identity is associated with impaired liver function in alcohol-related hepatitis (AH). In this context, hepatocyte dedifferentiation gives rise to cells with a hepatobiliary (HB) phenotype expressing biliary and hepatocyte markers and showing immature features. However, the mechanisms and impact of hepatocyte dedifferentiation in liver disease are poorly understood. METHODS HB cells and ductular reaction (DR) cells were quantified and microdissected from liver biopsies from patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD). Hepatocyte-specific overexpression or deletion of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and CXCR4 pharmacological inhibition were assessed in mouse liver injury. Patient-derived and mouse organoids were generated to assess plasticity. RESULTS Here, we show that HB and DR cells are increased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and AH, but only HB cells correlate with poor liver function and patients' outcome. Transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed the expression of biliary-specific genes and a mild reduction of hepatocyte metabolism. Functional analysis identified pathways involved in hepatocyte reprogramming, inflammation, stemness, and cancer gene programs. The CXCR4 pathway was highly enriched in HB cells and correlated with disease severity and hepatocyte dedifferentiation. In vitro, CXCR4 was associated with a biliary phenotype and loss of hepatocyte features. Liver overexpression of CXCR4 in chronic liver injury decreased the hepatocyte-specific gene expression profile and promoted liver injury. CXCR4 deletion or its pharmacological inhibition ameliorated hepatocyte dedifferentiation and reduced DR and fibrosis progression. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the association of hepatocyte dedifferentiation with disease progression and poor outcome in AH. Moreover, the transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed CXCR4 as a new driver of hepatocyte-to-biliary reprogramming and as a potential therapeutic target to halt hepatocyte dedifferentiation in AH. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Here, we show that hepatocyte dedifferentiation is associated with disease severity and a reduced synthetic capacity of the liver. Moreover, we identify the CXCR4 pathway as a driver of hepatocyte dedifferentiation and as a therapeutic target in alcohol-related hepatitis. Therefore, this study reveals the importance of preserving strict control over hepatocyte plasticity in order to preserve liver function and promote tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Aguilar-Bravo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Ariño
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Delia Blaya
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Pose
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María U Latasa
- Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Martínez-Sánchez
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Zanatto
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sererols-Viñas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Cantallops-Vilà
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Affo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Coll
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Thillen
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Matías A Avila
- Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arantza Lamas Paz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Juan José Lozano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Ginès
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Zhang Q, Hu W, Xiong L, Wen J, Wei T, Yan L, Liu Q, Zhu S, Bai Y, Zeng Y, Yin Z, Yang J, Zhang W, Wu M, Zhang Y, Peng G, Bao S, Liu L. IHGA: An interactive web server for large-scale and comprehensive discovery of genes of interest in hepatocellular carcinoma. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3987-3998. [PMID: 37635767 PMCID: PMC10457689 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mining gene expression data is valuable for discovering novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although emerging data mining tools are available for pan-cancer-related gene data analysis, few tools are dedicated to HCC. Moreover, tools specifically designed for HCC have restrictions such as small data scale and limited functionality. Therefore, we developed IHGA, a new interactive web server for discovering genes of interest in HCC on a large-scale and comprehensive basis. Integrative HCC Gene Analysis (IHGA) contains over 100 independent HCC patient-derived datasets (with over 10,000 tissue samples) and more than 90 cell models. IHGA allows users to conduct a series of large-scale and comprehensive analyses and data visualizations based on gene mRNA levels, including expression comparison, correlation analysis, clinical characteristics analysis, survival analysis, immune system interaction analysis, and drug sensitivity analysis. This method notably enhanced the richness of clinical data in IHGA. Additionally, IHGA integrates artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted gene screening based on natural language models. IHGA is free, user-friendly, and can effectively reduce time spent during data collection, organization, and analysis. In conclusion, IHGA is competitive in terms of data scale, data diversity, and functionality. It effectively alleviates the obstacles caused by HCC heterogeneity to data mining work and helps advance research on the molecular mechanisms of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangnu Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, 510632 Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 510632 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wen
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Teng Wei
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Lesen Yan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 518000 Shenzhen, China
| | - Siqi Zhu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 518000 Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuandi Zeng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Zexin Yin
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Jilin Yang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjian Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Meilong Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Yusen Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Gongze Peng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiyun Bao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), 518020 Shenzhen, China
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Zhang S, Yu J, Rao K, Cao J, Ma L, Yu Y, Li Z, Zeng Z, Qian Y, Chen M, Hang H. Liver-derived extracellular vesicles from patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure impair hepatic regeneration by inhibiting on FGFR2 signaling via miR-218-5p. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:833-849. [PMID: 37055701 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10513-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired liver regeneration in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients is closely related to prognosis; however, the mechanisms are not yet defined. Liver-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be involved in the dysregulation of liver regeneration. Clarifying the underlying mechanisms will improve the treatments for HBV-ACLF. METHODS EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation from liver tissues of HBV-ACLF patients (ACLF_EVs) after liver transplantation, and their function was investigated in acute liver injury (ALI) mice and AML12 cells. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were screened by deep miRNA sequencing. The lipid nanoparticle (LNP) system was applied as a carrier for the targeted delivery of miRNA inhibitors to improve its effect on liver regeneration. RESULTS ACLF_EVs inhibited hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration, with a critical role of miR-218-5p. Mechanistically, ACLF_EVs fused directly with target hepatocytes and transferred miR-218-5p into hepatocytes, acting by suppressing FGFR2 mRNA and inhibiting the activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Reducing the level of miR-218-5p expression in the liver of ACLF mice partially restored liver regeneration ability. CONCLUSION The current data reveal the mechanism underlying impaired liver regeneration in HBV-ACLF that promotes the discovery of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senquan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Keqiang Rao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yeping Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhaokai Zeng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yongbing Qian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Hualian Hang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Xu X, Xia T. Recent Advances in Site-Specific Lipid Nanoparticles for mRNA Delivery. ACS NANOSCIENCE AU 2023; 3:192-203. [PMID: 37360845 PMCID: PMC10288611 DOI: 10.1021/acsnanoscienceau.2c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the development of mRNA therapy. mRNA is a negatively charged nucleic acid that serves as a template for protein synthesis in the ribosome. Despite its utility, the instability of mRNA requires suitable carriers for in vivo delivery. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are employed to protect mRNA from degradation and enhance its intracellular delivery. To further optimize the therapeutic efficacy of mRNA, site-specific LNPs have been developed. Through local or systemic administration, these site-specific LNPs can accumulate in specific organs, tissues, or cells, allowing for the intracellular delivery of mRNA to specific cells and enabling the exertion of local or systemic therapeutic effects. This not only improves the efficiency of mRNA therapy but also reduces off-target adverse effects. In this review, we summarize recent site-specific mRNA delivery strategies, including different organ- or tissue-specific LNP after local injection, and organ-specific or cell-specific LNP after intravenous injection. We also provide an outlook on the prospects of mRNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xu
- Division
of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Tian Xia
- Division
of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California
NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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41
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Zhang L, Pan Q, Zhang L, Xia H, Liao J, Zhang X, Zhao N, Xie Q, Liao M, Tan Y, Li Q, Zhu J, Li L, Fan S, Li J, Zhang C, Cai SY, Boyer JL, Chai J. Runt-related transcription factor-1 ameliorates bile acid-induced hepatic inflammation in cholestasis through JAK/STAT3 signaling. Hepatology 2023; 77:1866-1881. [PMID: 36647589 PMCID: PMC10921919 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000041] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Bile acids trigger a hepatic inflammatory response, causing cholestatic liver injury. Runt-related transcription factor-1 (RUNX1), primarily known as a master modulator in hematopoiesis, plays a pivotal role in mediating inflammatory responses. However, RUNX1 in hepatocytes is poorly characterized, and its role in cholestasis is unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of hepatic RUNX1 and its underlying mechanisms in cholestasis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Hepatic expression of RUNX1 was examined in cholestatic patients and mouse models. Mice with liver-specific ablation of Runx1 were generated. Bile duct ligation and 1% cholic acid diet were used to induce cholestasis in mice. Primary mouse hepatocytes and the human hepatoma PLC/RPF/5- ASBT cell line were used for mechanistic studies. Hepatic RUNX1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly increased in cholestatic patients and mice. Liver-specific deletion of Runx1 aggravated inflammation and liver injury in cholestatic mice induced by bile duct ligation or 1% cholic acid feeding. Mechanistic studies indicated that elevated bile acids stimulated RUNX1 expression by activating the RUNX1 -P2 promoter through JAK/STAT3 signaling. Increased RUNX1 is directly bound to the promotor region of inflammatory chemokines, including CCL2 and CXCL2 , and transcriptionally repressed their expression in hepatocytes, leading to attenuation of liver inflammatory response. Blocking the JAK signaling or STAT3 phosphorylation completely abolished RUNX1 repression of bile acid-induced CCL2 and CXCL2 in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS This study has gained initial evidence establishing the functional role of hepatocyte RUNX1 in alleviating liver inflammation during cholestasis through JAK/STAT3 signaling. Modulating hepatic RUNX1 activity could be a new therapeutic target for cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangjun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Haihan Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Junwei Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Central South University School of Life Sciences, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaoxun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoling Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Min Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ya Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jinfei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shijun Fan
- Medical Research Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shi-Ying Cai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James L Boyer
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jin Chai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Disease of PLA, Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital), Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center and Center for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Park H, Lee EJ, Moon D, Yun H, Cha A, Hwang I, Kim HS. Discovery of 3,7-dimethoxyflavone that inhibits liver fibrosis based on dual mechanisms of antioxidant and inhibitor of activated hepatic stellate cell. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 204:195-206. [PMID: 37146699 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The important pathway toward liver fibrosis is the TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To discover chemicals to inhibit liver fibrosis, we screened 3000 chemicals using cell array system where human HSCs line LX2 cells are activated with TGF-β1. We discovered 3,7-dimethoxyflavone (3,7-DMF) as a chemical to inhibit TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs. In the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced mouse liver fibrosis model, 3,7-DMF treatment via intraperitoneal or oral administration prevented liver fibrosis as well as reversed the established fibrosis in the separate experiments. It also reduced liver enzyme elevation, suggesting protective effect on hepatocytes because it has antioxidant effect. Treatment with 3,7-DMF induced antioxidant genes, quenches ROS away, and improved the hepatocyte condition that was impaired by H2O2 as reflected by restoration of HNF-4α and albumin. In the TAA-mouse liver injury model also, TAA significantly increased ROS in the liver which led to decrease of albumin and nuclear expression of HNF-4α, increase of TGF-β1 and hepatocytes death, accumulation of lipid, and extra-nuclear localization of HMGB1. Treatment of 3,7-DMF normalized all these pathologic findings and prevented or resolved liver fibrosis. In conclusion, we discovered 3,7-DMF that inhibits liver fibrosis based on dual actions; antioxidant and inhibitor of TGF-β1-induced activation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyomin Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dodam Moon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunji Yun
- Interdisciplinary Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Areum Cha
- Interdisciplinary Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Injoo Hwang
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Soo Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α) is a highly conserved member of the nuclear receptor superfamily expressed at high levels in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and gut. In the liver, HNF4α is exclusively expressed in hepatocytes, where it is indispensable for embryonic and postnatal liver development and for normal liver function in adults. It is considered a master regulator of hepatic differentiation because it regulates a significant number of genes involved in hepatocyte-specific functions. Loss of HNF4α expression and function is associated with the progression of chronic liver disease. Further, HNF4α is a target of chemical-induced liver injury. In this review, we discuss the role of HNF4α in liver pathophysiology and highlight its potential use as a therapeutic target for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Dakota R Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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Henry Z, Meadows V, Guo GL. FXR and NASH: an avenue for tissue-specific regulation. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0127. [PMID: 37058105 PMCID: PMC10109454 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
NASH is within the spectrum of NAFLD, a liver condition encompassing liver steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte injury, and fibrosis. The prevalence of NASH-induced cirrhosis is rapidly rising and has become the leading indicator for liver transplantation in the US. There is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmacological intervention for NASH. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is essential in regulating bile acid homeostasis, and dysregulation of bile acids has been implicated in the pathogenesis of NASH. As a result, modulators of FXR that show desirable effects in mitigating key characteristics of NASH have been developed as promising therapeutic approaches. However, global FXR activation causes adverse effects such as cholesterol homeostasis imbalance and pruritus. The development of targeted FXR modulation is necessary for ideal NASH therapeutics, but information regarding tissue-specific and cell-specific FXR functionality is limited. In this review, we highlight FXR activation in the regulation of bile acid homeostasis and NASH development, examine the current literature on tissue-specific regulation of nuclear receptors, and speculate on how FXR regulation will be beneficial in the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakiyah Henry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vik Meadows
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, New Jersey, USA
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45
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Aguilar-Bravo B, Ariño S, Blaya D, Pose E, Martinez García de la Torre RA, Latasa MU, Martínez-Sánchez C, Zanatto L, Sererols-Viñas L, Cantallops P, Affo S, Coll M, Thillen X, Dubuquoy L, Avila MA, Argemi JM, Paz AL, Nevzorova YA, Cubero J, Bataller R, Lozano JJ, Ginès P, Mathurin P, Sancho-Bru P. Hepatocyte Dedifferentiation Profiling In Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Identifies CXCR4 As A Driver Of Cell Reprogramming. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.04.535566. [PMID: 37066245 PMCID: PMC10104068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.535566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims Loss of hepatocyte identity is associated with impaired liver function in alcohol-related hepatitis (AH). In this context, hepatocyte dedifferentiation gives rise to cells with a hepatobiliary (HB) phenotype expressing biliary and hepatocytes markers and showing immature features. However, the mechanisms and the impact of hepatocyte dedifferentiation in liver disease are poorly understood. Methods HB cells and ductular reaction (DR) cells were quantified and microdissected from liver biopsies from patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Hepatocyte- specific overexpression or deletion of CXCR4, and CXCR4 pharmacological inhibition were assessed in mouse liver injury. Patient-derived and mouse organoids were generated to assess plasticity. Results Here we show that HB and DR cells are increased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and AH, but only HB cells correlate with poor liver function and patients' outcome. Transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed the expression of biliary-specific genes and a mild reduction of hepatocyte metabolism. Functional analysis identified pathways involved in hepatocyte reprogramming, inflammation, stemness and cancer gene programs. CXCR4 pathway was highly enriched in HB cells, and correlated with disease severity and hepatocyte dedifferentiation. In vitro , CXCR4 was associated with biliary phenotype and loss of hepatocyte features. Liver overexpression of CXCR4 in chronic liver injury decreased hepatocyte specific gene expression profile and promoted liver injury. CXCR4 deletion or its pharmacological inhibition ameliorated hepatocyte dedifferentiation and reduced DR and fibrosis progression. Conclusions This study shows the association of hepatocyte dedifferentiation with disease progression and poor outcome in AH. Moreover, the transcriptomic profiling of HB cells revealed CXCR4 as a new driver of hepatocyte-to-biliary reprogramming and as a potential therapeutic target to halt hepatocyte dedifferentiation in AH. Lay summary Here we describe that hepatocyte dedifferentiation is associated with disease severity and a reduced synthetic capacity of the liver. Moreover, we identify the CXCR4 pathway as a driver of hepatocyte dedifferentiation and as a therapeutic target in alcohol-related hepatitis.
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Vyas K, Patel MM. Insights on drug and gene delivery systems in liver fibrosis. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100779. [PMID: 36845840 PMCID: PMC9950450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Complications of the liver are amongst the world's worst diseases. Liver fibrosis is the first stage of liver problems, while cirrhosis is the last stage, which can lead to death. The creation of effective anti-fibrotic drug delivery methods appears critical due to the liver's metabolic capacity for drugs and the presence of insurmountable physiological impediments in the way of targeting. Recent breakthroughs in anti-fibrotic agents have substantially assisted in fibrosis; nevertheless, the working mechanism of anti-fibrotic medications is not fully understood, and there is a need to design delivery systems that are well-understood and can aid in cirrhosis. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems are regarded to be effective but they have not been adequately researched for liver delivery. As a result, the capability of nanoparticles in hepatic delivery was explored. Another approach is targeted drug delivery, which can considerably improve efficacy if delivery systems are designed to target hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We have addressed numerous delivery strategies that target HSCs, which can eventually aid in fibrosis. Recently genetics have proved to be useful, and methods for delivering genetic material to the target place have also been investigated where different techniques are depicted. To summarize, this review paper sheds light on the most recent breakthroughs in drug and gene-based nano and targeted delivery systems that have lately shown useful for the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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Berasain C, Arechederra M, Argemí J, Fernández-Barrena MG, Avila MA. Loss of liver function in chronic liver disease: An identity crisis. J Hepatol 2023; 78:401-414. [PMID: 36115636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adult hepatocyte identity is constructed throughout embryonic development and fine-tuned after birth. A multinodular network of transcription factors, along with pre-mRNA splicing regulators, define the transcriptome, which encodes the proteins needed to perform the complex metabolic and secretory functions of the mature liver. Transient hepatocellular dedifferentiation can occur as part of the regenerative mechanisms triggered in response to acute liver injury. However, persistent downregulation of key identity genes is now accepted as a strong determinant of organ dysfunction in chronic liver disease, a major global health burden. Therefore, the identification of core transcription factors and splicing regulators that preserve hepatocellular phenotype, and a thorough understanding of how these networks become disrupted in diseased hepatocytes, is of high clinical relevance. In this context, we review the key players in liver differentiation and discuss in detail critical factors, such as HNF4α, whose impairment mediates the breakdown of liver function. Moreover, we present compelling experimental evidence demonstrating that restoration of core transcription factor expression in a chronically injured liver can reset hepatocellular identity, improve function and ameliorate structural abnormalities. The possibility of correcting the phenotype of severely damaged and malfunctional livers may reveal new therapeutic opportunities for individuals with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Berasain
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Maria Arechederra
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemí
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; Liver Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite G Fernández-Barrena
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matías A Avila
- Program of Hepatology, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
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Nash MJ, Dobrinskikh E, Janssen RC, Lovell MA, Schady DA, Levek C, Jones KL, D’Alessandro A, Kievit P, Aagaard KM, McCurdy CE, Gannon M, Friedman JE, Wesolowski SR. Maternal Western diet is associated with distinct preclinical pediatric NAFLD phenotypes in juvenile nonhuman primate offspring. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0014. [PMID: 36691970 PMCID: PMC9851700 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric NAFLD has distinct and variable pathology, yet causation remains unclear. We have shown that maternal Western-style diet (mWSD) compared with maternal chow diet (CD) consumption in nonhuman primates produces hepatic injury and steatosis in fetal offspring. Here, we define the role of mWSD and postweaning Western-style diet (pwWSD) exposures on molecular mechanisms linked to NAFLD development in a cohort of 3-year-old juvenile nonhuman primates offspring exposed to maternal CD or mWSD followed by CD or Western-style diet after weaning. We used histologic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to identify hepatic pathways regulating NAFLD. Offspring exposed to mWSD showed increased hepatic periportal collagen deposition but unchanged hepatic triglyceride levels and body weight. mWSD was associated with a downregulation of gene expression pathways underlying HNF4α activity and protein, and downregulation of antioxidant signaling, mitochondrial biogenesis, and PPAR signaling pathways. In offspring exposed to both mWSD and pwWSD, liver RNA profiles showed upregulation of pathways promoting fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased BiP protein expression with pwWSD. pwWSD increased acylcarnitines and decreased anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which was more pronounced when coupled with mWSD exposure. Further, mWSD shifted liver metabolites towards decreased purine catabolism in favor of synthesis, suggesting a mitochondrial DNA repair response. Our findings demonstrate that 3-year-old offspring exposed to mWSD but weaned to a CD have periportal collagen deposition, with transcriptional and metabolic pathways underlying hepatic oxidative stress, compromised mitochondrial lipid sensing, and decreased antioxidant response. Exposure to pwWSD worsens these phenotypes, triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, and increases fibrosis. Overall, mWSD exposure is associated with altered expression of candidate genes and metabolites related to NAFLD that persist in juvenile offspring preceding clinical presentation of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Nash
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel C. Janssen
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mark A. Lovell
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Deborah A. Schady
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claire Levek
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Paul Kievit
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Kjersti M. Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carrie E. McCurdy
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Stephanie R. Wesolowski
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Thymiakou E, Tzardi M, Kardassis D. Impaired hepatic glucose metabolism and liver-α-cell axis in mice with liver-specific ablation of the Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (Hnf4a) gene. Metabolism 2023; 139:155371. [PMID: 36464036 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hnf4a gene ablation in mouse liver causes hepatic steatosis, perturbs HDL structure and function and affects many pathways and genes related to glucose metabolism. Our aim here was to investigate the role of liver HNF4A in glucose homeostasis. METHODS Serum and tissue samples were obtained from Alb-Cre;Hnf4afl/fl (H4LivKO) mice and their littermate Hnf4afl/fl controls. Fasting glucose and insulin, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and glucagon challenge tests were performed by standard procedures. Binding of HNF4A to DNA was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS H4LivKO mice presented lower blood levels of fasting glucose, improved glucose tolerance, increased serum lactate levels and reduced response to glucagon challenge compared to their control littermates. Insulin signaling in the liver was reduced despite the increase in serum insulin levels. H4LivKO mice showed altered expression of genes involved in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism in the liver. The expression of the gene encoding the glucagon receptor (Gcgr) was markedly reduced in H4LivKO liver and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed specific and strong binding of HNF4A to the Gcgr promoter. H4LivKO mice presented increased amino acid concentration in the serum, α-cell hyperplasia and a dramatic increase in glucagon levels suggesting an impairment of the liver-α-cell axis. Glucose administration in the drinking water of H4LivKO mice resulted in an impressive extension of survival. The expression of several genes related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression to more severe liver pathologies, including Mcp1, Gdf15, Igfbp-1 and Hmox1, was increased in H4LivKO mice as early as 6 weeks of age and this increased expression was sustained until the endpoint of the study. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal a novel role of liver HNF4A in controlling blood glucose levels via regulation of glucagon signaling. In combination with the steatotic phenotype, our results suggest that H4LivKO mice could serve as a valuable model for studying glucose homeostasis in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathia Thymiakou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71003, Greece; Gene Regulation and Epigenetics group, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology of Hellas, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Department of Pathology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kardassis
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71003, Greece; Gene Regulation and Epigenetics group, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology of Hellas, Heraklion 71003, Greece.
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50
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Sun X, Wang Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Ren Z, Yang X, Yang X, Liu Y. Genome analysis reveals hepatic transcriptional reprogramming changes mediated by enhancers during chick embryonic development. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102516. [PMID: 36764138 PMCID: PMC9929590 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver undergoes a slow process for lipid deposition during chick embryonic period. However, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to reveal the epigenetic mechanism of hepatic transcriptional reprogramming changes based on the integration analysis of RNA-seq and H3K27ac labeled CUT&Tag. Results showed that lipid contents increased gradually with the embryonic age (E) 11, E15, and E19 based on morphological analysis of Hematoxylin-eosin and Oil Red O staining as well as total triglyceride and cholesterol detection. The hepatic protein level of SREBP-1c was higher in E19 when compared with that in E11 and E15, while H3K27ac and H3K4me2 levels declined from E11 to E19. Differential expression genes (DEGs) among these 3 embryonic ages were determined by transcriptome analysis. A total of 107 and 46 genes were gradually upregulated and downregulated respectively with the embryonic age. Meanwhile, differential H3K27ac occupancy in chromatin was investigated. But the integration analysis of RNA-seq and CUT&Tag data showed that the overlap genes were less between DEGs and target genes of differential peaks in the promoter regions. Further, some KEGG pathways enriched from target genes of typical enhancer were overlapped with those from DEGs in transcriptome analysis such as insulin, FoxO, MAPK signaling pathways which were related to lipid metabolism. DNA motif analysis identify 8 and 10 transcription factors (TFs) based on up and down differential peaks individually among E11, E15, and E19 stages where 7 TFs were overlapped including COUP-TFII, FOXM1, FOXA1, HNF4A, RXR, ERRA, FOXA2. These results indicated that H3K27ac histone modification is involved in the transcriptional reprogramming regulation during embryonic development, which could recruit TFs binding to mediate differential enhancer activation. Differential activated enhancer impels dynamic transcriptional reprogramming towards lipid metabolism to promote the occurrence of special phenotype of hepatic lipid deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chaohui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yibin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhouzheng Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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