1
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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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2
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Vemuri K, Radi SH, Sladek FM, Verzi MP. Multiple roles and regulatory mechanisms of the transcription factor HNF4 in the intestine. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1232569. [PMID: 37635981 PMCID: PMC10450339 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1232569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) drives a complex array of transcriptional programs across multiple organs. Beyond its previously documented function in the liver, HNF4α has crucial roles in the kidney, intestine, and pancreas. In the intestine, a multitude of functions have been attributed to HNF4 and its accessory transcription factors, including but not limited to, intestinal maturation, differentiation, regeneration, and stem cell renewal. Functional redundancy between HNF4α and its intestine-restricted paralog HNF4γ, and co-regulation with other transcription factors drive these functions. Dysregulated expression of HNF4 results in a wide range of disease manifestations, including the development of a chronic inflammatory state in the intestine. In this review, we focus on the multiple molecular mechanisms of HNF4 in the intestine and explore translational opportunities. We aim to introduce new perspectives in understanding intestinal genetics and the complexity of gastrointestinal disorders through the lens of HNF4 transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiranmayi Vemuri
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Sarah H. Radi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Frances M. Sladek
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Michael P. Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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3
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Shokouhian B, Aboulkheyr Es H, Negahdari B, Tamimi A, Shahdoust M, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Hassan M, Vosough M. Hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis: Alignment of the main signaling pathways. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3984-4000. [PMID: 36037302 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30862] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Development is a symphony of cells differentiation in which different signaling pathways are orchestrated at specific times and periods to form mature and functional cells from undifferentiated cells. The similarity of the gene expression profile in malignant and undifferentiated cells is an interesting topic that has been proposed for many years and gave rise to the differentiation-therapy concept, which appears a rational insight and should be reconsidered. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the sixth common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is one of the health-threatening complications in communities where hepatotropic viruses are endemic. Sedentary lifestyle and high intake of calories are other risk factors. HCC is a complex condition in which various dimensions must be addressed, including heterogeneity of cells in the tumor mass, high invasiveness, and underlying diseases that limit the treatment options. Under these restrictions, recognizing, and targeting common signaling pathways during liver development and HCC could expedite to a rational therapeutic approach, reprograming malignant cells to well-differentiated ones in a functional state. Accordingly, in this review, we highlighted the commonalities of signaling pathways in hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, and comprised an update on the current status of targeting these pathways in laboratory studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Shokouhian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahdoust
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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4
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Zhang T, Feng S, Li J, Wu Z, Deng Q, Yang W, Li J, Pan G. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists induce hepatocellular apoptosis and impair hepatic functions via FXR/SHP pathway. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1829-1843. [PMID: 35267068 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays an indispensable role in liver homeostasis and has been a promising drug target for hepatic diseases. However, the concerns of undesired biological actions limit the clinical applications of FXR agonists. To reveal the intrinsic mechanism of FXR agonist-induce hepatotoxicity, two typical FXR agonists with different structures (obeticholic acid (OCA) and Px-102) were investigated in the present study. By detecting MMP, ROS, and ATP and analyzing the fate of cells, we found that both OCA and Px-102 reduced the mitochondrial function of hepatocytes and promoted cell apoptosis. Gene ablation or inhibition of FXR or SHP ameliorated the cytotoxicities of OCA and Px-102, which indicated the adverse actions of FXR/SHP activation including down-regulation of phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and functional hepatic genes. The dose-related injurious effects of OCA (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) and Px-102 (5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg) on the liver were confirmed on a high-fat diet mouse model. The decrease of hepatocyte-specific genes and augmenter of liver regeneration in the liver caused by OCA or Px-102 suggested an imbalance of liver regeneration and a disruption of hepatic functions. Exploration of intestinally biased FXR agonists or combination of FXR agonist with apoptosis inhibitor may be more beneficial strategies for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shanshan Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., Dongguan, 523871, China
| | - Jiahuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., Dongguan, 523871, China
| | - Zhitao Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qiangqiang Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Non-Clinical Evaluation and Research, Guangdong Lewwin Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 510990, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd., Dongguan, 523871, China.
| | - Guoyu Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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5
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Cancer Cells Promote Phenotypic Alterations in Hepatocytes at the Edge of Cancer Cell Nests to Facilitate Vessel Co-Option Establishment in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051318. [PMID: 35267627 PMCID: PMC8909291 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumour cells in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) obtain their blood supply via two major mechanisms: (i) sprouting angiogenesis, through the generation of new vessels; (ii) vessel co-option, where the cancer cells hijack the pre-existing vasculature. The current treatment for CRCLM targets angiogenesis; however, these treatments are ineffective on cancer cells utilizing vessel co-option to gain their blood supply. Our study suggests that cancer cells stimulate phenotypic alterations in the cells of surrounding liver tissue (hepatocytes) in vessel co-opting lesions. These modifications facilitate cancer cells to infiltrate through the liver tissue and hijack the pre-existing vasculature to obtain oxygen and nutrients. Abstract Vessel co-option is correlated with resistance against anti-angiogenic therapy in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Vessel co-opting lesions are characterized by highly motile cancer cells that move toward and along the pre-existing vessels in the surrounding nonmalignant tissue and co-opt them to gain access to nutrients. To access the sinusoidal vessels, the cancer cells in vessel co-opting lesions must displace the hepatocytes and occupy their space. However, the mechanisms underlying this displacement are unknown. Herein, we examined the involvement of apoptosis, autophagy, motility, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways in hepatocyte displacement by cancer cells. We demonstrate that cancer cells induce the expression of the proteins that are associated with the upregulation of apoptosis, motility, and EMT in adjacent hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, we observe the upregulation of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) in adjacent hepatocytes to cancer cell nests, while we notice a downregulation of E-cadherin. Importantly, the knockdown of runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) in cancer cells attenuates the function of cancer cells in hepatocytes alterations in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our data suggest that cancer cells exploit various mechanisms to displace hepatocytes and access the sinusoidal vessels to establish vessel co-option.
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6
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Rada M, Kapelanski-Lamoureux A, Petrillo S, Tabariès S, Siegel P, Reynolds AR, Lazaris A, Metrakos P. Runt related transcription factor-1 plays a central role in vessel co-option of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Commun Biol 2021; 4:950. [PMID: 34376784 PMCID: PMC8355374 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) has two major histopathological growth patterns: angiogenic desmoplastic and non-angiogenic replacement. The replacement lesions obtain their blood supply through vessel co-option, wherein the cancer cells hijack pre-existing blood vessels of the surrounding liver tissue. Consequentially, anti-angiogenic therapies are less efficacious in CRCLM patients with replacement lesions. However, the mechanisms which drive vessel co-option in the replacement lesions are unknown. Here, we show that Runt Related Transcription Factor-1 (RUNX1) overexpression in the cancer cells of the replacement lesions drives cancer cell motility via ARP2/3 to achieve vessel co-option. Furthermore, overexpression of RUNX1 in the cancer cells is mediated by Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGFβ1) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). Importantly, RUNX1 knockdown impaired the metastatic capability of colorectal cancer cells in vivo and induced the development of angiogenic lesions in liver. Our results confirm that RUNX1 may be a potential target to overcome vessel co-option in CRCLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Rada
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Petrillo
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Tabariès
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Siegel
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Anthoula Lazaris
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Metrakos
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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7
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Luce E, Messina A, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. Advanced Techniques and Awaited Clinical Applications for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation into Hepatocytes. Hepatology 2021; 74:1101-1116. [PMID: 33420753 PMCID: PMC8457237 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is currently the only curative treatment for several liver diseases such as acute liver failure, end-stage liver disorders, primary liver cancers, and certain genetic conditions. Unfortunately, despite improvements to transplantation techniques, including live donor transplantation, the number of organs available remains insufficient to meet patient needs. Hepatocyte transplantation has enabled some encouraging results as an alternative to organ transplantation, but primary hepatocytes are little available and cannot be amplified using traditional two-dimensional culture systems. Indeed, although recent studies have tended to show that three-dimensional culture enables long-term hepatocyte culture, it is still agreed that, like most adult primary cell types, hepatocytes remain refractory to in vitro expansion. Because of their exceptional properties, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be amplified indefinitely and differentiated into any cell type, including liver cells. While many teams have worked on hepatocyte differentiation, there has been a consensus that cells obtained after hPSC differentiation have more fetal than adult hepatocyte characteristics. New technologies have been used to improve the differentiation process in recent years. This review discusses the technical improvements made to hepatocyte differentiation protocols and the clinical approaches developed to date and anticipated in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléanor Luce
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Antonietta Messina
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- INSERMUniversité Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR_S) 1193VillejuifFrance.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire HépatinovHôpital Paul-BrousseVillejuifFrance
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8
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Pavlović N, Calitz C, Thanapirom K, Mazza G, Rombouts K, Gerwins P, Heindryckx F. Inhibiting IRE1α-endonuclease activity decreases tumor burden in a mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma. eLife 2020; 9:e55865. [PMID: 33103995 PMCID: PMC7661042 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver tumor that usually arises in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key players in the progression of HCC, as they create a fibrotic micro-environment and produce growth factors and cytokines that enhance tumor cell proliferation and migration. We assessed the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the cross-talk between stellate cells and HCC cells. Mice with a fibrotic HCC were treated with the IRE1α-inhibitor 4μ8C, which reduced tumor burden and collagen deposition. By co-culturing HCC-cells with stellate cells, we found that HCC-cells activate IREα in stellate cells, thereby contributing to their activation. Inhibiting IRE1α blocked stellate cell activation, which then decreased proliferation and migration of tumor cells in different in vitro 2D and 3D co-cultures. In addition, we also observed cell-line-specific direct effects of inhibiting IRE1α in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Pavlović
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Carlemi Calitz
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Kess Thanapirom
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Guiseppe Mazza
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Pär Gerwins
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Radiology, Uppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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9
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Kong D, Xu H, Chen M, Yu Y, Qian Y, Qin T, Tong Y, Xia Q, Hang H. Co-encapsulation of HNF4α overexpressing UMSCs and human primary hepatocytes ameliorates mouse acute liver failure. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:449. [PMID: 33097090 PMCID: PMC7583302 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute liver failure (ALF) is a complicated condition that is characterized by global hepatocyte death and often requires immediate liver transplantation. However, this therapy is limited by shortage of donor organs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hepatocytes are two attractive sources of cell-based therapies to treat ALF. The combined transplantation of hepatocytes and MSCs is considered to be more effective for the treatment of ALF than single-cell transplantation. We have previously demonstrated that HNF4α-overexpressing human umbilical cord MSCs (HNF4α-UMSCs) promoted the expression of hepatic-specific genes. In addition, microencapsulation allows exchange of nutrients, forming a protective barrier to the transplanted cells. Moreover, encapsulation of hepatocytes improves the viability and synthetic ability of hepatocytes and circumvents immune rejection. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of microencapsulation of hepatocytes and HNF4α-UMSCs in ALF mice. METHODS Human hepatocytes and UMSCs were obtained separately from liver and umbilical cord, followed by co-encapsulation and transplantation into mice by intraperitoneal injection. LPS/D-gal was used to induce ALF by intraperitoneal injection 24 h after transplantation. In addition, Raw 264.7 cells (a macrophage cell line) were used to elucidate the effect of HNF4α-UMSCs-hepatocyte microcapsules on polarization of macrophages. The protein chip was used to define the important paracrine factors in the conditioned mediums (CMs) of UMSCs and HNF4α-UMSCs and investigate the possible mechanism of HNF4α-UMSCs for the treatment of ALF in mice. RESULTS HNF4α-UMSCs can enhance the function of primary hepatocytes in alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules. The co-encapsulation of both HNF4α-UMSCs and hepatocytes achieved better therapeutic effects in ALF mice by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and reducing inflammatory response mainly mediated by the paracrine factor HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs. CONCLUSIONS The present study confirms that the co-encapsulation of HNF4α-UMSC and hepatocytes could exert therapeutic effect on ALF mainly by HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs and provides a novel strategy for the treatment of ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Kong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yeping Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yongbing Qian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tian Qin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Hualian Hang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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10
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Stem Cells and Hydrogels for Liver Tissue Engineering: Synergistic Cure for Liver Regeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:1092-1104. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Zhang M, Yang M, Wang N, Liu Q, Wang B, Huang T, Tong Y, Ming Y, Wong CW, Liu J, Yao D, Guan M. Andrographolide modulates HNF4α activity imparting on hepatic metabolism. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 513:110867. [PMID: 32422400 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) drives the expression of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and phospholipase A2 G12B (PLA2G12B), governing hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) production and secretion. Andrographolide (AP) is a major constituent isolated from Andrographis paniculata. We found that AP can disrupt the interaction between HNF4α and its coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α). Virtual docking and mutational analysis indicated that arginine 235 of HNF4α is essential for binding to AP. As a consequence of antagonizing the activity of HNF4α, AP suppresses the expression of ApoB, MTP and PLA2G12B and reduces the rate of hepatic VLDL secretion in vivo. AP additionally reduced gluconeogenesis via down-regulating the expression of HNF4α target genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pc). Collectively, our results suggest that AP affects liver function via modulating the transcriptional activity of HNF4α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyi Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Qingli Liu
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Binxu Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Tongling Huang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Tong
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Yanlin Ming
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China
| | - Chi-Wai Wong
- NeuMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, Yuen Long, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Dongsheng Yao
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Min Guan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Hu L, Li H, Chi Z, He J. Loss of the RNA-binding protein Rbm15 disrupts liver maturation in zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11466-11472. [PMID: 32518161 PMCID: PMC7450140 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver organogenesis begins with hepatic precursors in the foregut endoderm, followed by hepatoblast specification, differentiation, outgrowth, and maturation for the formation of functional hepatocytes. Although several signaling pathways and critical factors that regulate liver specification, differentiation, and proliferation have been identified, little is known about how liver maturation is regulated. Here, we used a screen for mutations affecting liver development in zebrafish and identified a cq96 mutant that exhibits a specific defect in liver maturation. Results from positional cloning revealed that cq96 encodes an RNA-binding protein, Rbm15, which is an evolutionarily conserved Spen family protein and known to play a crucial role in RNA m6A modification, nuclear export, and alternative splicing. However, a function of Rbm15 in embryonic liver development has not been reported. We found that Rbm15 is specifically expressed in the liver after its differentiation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of rbm15 repressed hepatic maturation, but did not affect hepatoblast specification, differentiation, and hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Additional experiments disclosed that the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway is highly activated in rbm15-deficient hepatocytes. Moreover, rapamycin treatment partially restored normal hepatic gene expression as well as the nuclear location of the transcription factor Hnf4a. Taken together, these results reveal an unexpected role of Rbm15 in liver maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Hu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiping Chi
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
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13
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Furuta T, Furuya K, Zheng YW, Oda T. Novel alternative transplantation therapy for orthotopic liver transplantation in liver failure: A systematic review. World J Transplant 2020; 10:64-78. [PMID: 32257850 PMCID: PMC7109592 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v10.i3.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only treatment for end-stage liver failure; however, graft shortage impedes its applicability. Therefore, studies investigating alternative therapies are plenty. Nevertheless, no study has comprehensively analyzed these therapies from different perspectives.
AIM To summarize the current status of alternative transplantation therapies for OLT and to support future research.
METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE for articles published between January 2010 and 2018, using the following MeSH terms: [(liver transplantation) AND cell] OR [(liver transplantation) AND differentiation] OR [(liver transplantation) AND organoid] OR [(liver transplantation) AND xenotransplantation]. Various types of studies describing therapies to replace OLT were retrieved for full-text evaluation. Among them, we selected articles including in vivo transplantation.
RESULTS A total of 89 studies were selected. There are three principle forms of treatment for liver failure: Xeno-organ transplantation, scaffold-based transplantation, and cell transplantation. Xeno-organ transplantation was covered in 14 articles, scaffold-based transplantation was discussed in 22 articles, and cell transplantation was discussed in 53 articles. Various types of alternative therapies were discussed: Organ liver, 25 articles; adult hepatocytes, 31 articles; fetal hepatocytes, three articles; mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), 25 articles; embryonic stem cells, one article; and induced pluripotent stem cells, three articles and other sources. Clinical applications were discussed in 12 studies: Cell transplantation using hepatocytes in four studies, five studies using umbilical cord-derived MSCs, three studies using bone marrow-derived MSCs, and two studies using hematopoietic stem cells.
CONCLUSION The clinical applications are present only for cell transplantation. Scaffold-based transplantation is a comprehensive treatment combining organ and cell transplantations, which warrants future research to find relevant clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Furuta
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba-shi 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kinji Furuya
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba-shi 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba-shi 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Oda
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba-shi 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
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14
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Wahlang B, Hardesty JE, Head KZ, Jin J, Falkner KC, Prough RA, Cave MC, Beier JI. Hepatic Injury Caused by the Environmental Toxicant Vinyl Chloride is Sex-Dependent in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2020; 174:79-91. [PMID: 31774537 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vinyl chloride (VC), a common industrial chemical, has been associated with hemangiosarcoma and toxicant-associated steatohepatitis (TASH) in men working at rubber-production plants. Our group previously demonstrated that chronic VC inhalation at environmentally relevant levels (< 1 ppm) in male mice exacerbated hepatic injury caused by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. Because VC studies on TASH have only been performed in male models, the objective of this study is to examine VC inhalation in female mice in the context of TASH mechanisms. Male and female C57Bl/6 mice were fed either a low-fat diet or HFD and exposed to VC or room air using an inhalation chamber, for 12 weeks (6 h, 5 days/week); and plasma and liver samples were collected after euthanasia. Compared with males, females were less susceptible to HFD+VC-induced obesogenic effects demonstrated by lower body weight and fat composition. Histological analysis revealed that whereas VC exacerbated HFD-induced steatosis in males, this effect was absent in females. In addition, females were more resistant to VC-induced hepatic inflammation whereas males had increased liver weights and higher hepatic Tnfα mRNA levels. Systemic markers of hepatic injury, namely alanine aminotransaminase and thrombin/antithrombin levels were increased by HFD+VC co-exposures only in males. In addition, females did not show significant cell death as previously reported in males. Taken together, the results suggested that VC inhalation led to sex-dependent liver and metabolic toxicity. This study implicated the importance of assessing sex differences in environmental basic science and epidemiologic studies to better identify at-risk populations in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banrida Wahlang
- UofL Superfund Research Center; University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Josiah E Hardesty
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Kimberly Z Head
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Keith C Falkner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Matthew C Cave
- UofL Superfund Research Center; University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.,Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
| | - Juliane I Beier
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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15
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Ruoß M, Vosough M, Königsrainer A, Nadalin S, Wagner S, Sajadian S, Huber D, Heydari Z, Ehnert S, Hengstler JG, Nussler AK. Towards improved hepatocyte cultures: Progress and limitations. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 138:111188. [PMID: 32045649 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatotoxicity is among the most frequent reasons for drug withdrawal from the market. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable predictive in vitro tests, which unfailingly identify hepatotoxic drug candidates, reduce drug development time, expenses and the number of test animals. Currently, human hepatocytes represent the gold standard. However, the use of hepatocytes is challenging since the cells are not constantly available and lose their metabolic activity in culture. To solve these problems many different approaches have been developed in the past decades. The aim of this review is to present these approaches and to discuss the possibilities and limitations as well as future opportunities and directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ruoß
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alfred Königsrainer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silvio Nadalin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silvia Wagner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sahar Sajadian
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Diana Huber
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zahra Heydari
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andreas K Nussler
- Department of Traumatology, Siegfried Weller Institute, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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16
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Generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by overexpression of transcription factor HNF4α and FOXA2. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2019; 18:546-556. [PMID: 31230960 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study showed that overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) could directly promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. However, the efficiency of hepatic differentiation remains low. The purpose of our study was to establish an MSC cell line that overexpressed HNF4α and FOXA2 genes to obtain an increased hepatic differentiation efficiency and hepatocyte-like cells with more mature hepatocyte functions. METHODS Successful establishment of high-level HNF4α and FOXA2 co-overexpression in human induced hepatocyte-like cells (hiHep cells) was verified by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Measurements of albumin (ALB), urea, glucose, indocyanine green (ICG) uptake and release, cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and gene expression were used to analyze mature hepatic functions of hiHep cells. RESULTS hiHep cells efficiently express HNF4α and FOXA2 genes and proteins, exhibit typical epithelial morphology and acquire mature hepatocyte-like cell functions, including ALB secretion, urea production, ICG uptake and release, and glycogen storage. hiHep cells can be activated by CYP inducers. The percentage of both ALB and α-1-antitrypsin (AAT)-positive cells was approximately 72.6%. The expression levels of hepatocyte-specific genes (ALB, AAT, and CYP1A1) and liver drug transport-related genes (ABCB1, ABCG2, and SLC22A18) in hiHep cells were significantly higher than those in MSCs-Vector cells. The hiHep cells did not form tumors after subcutaneous xenograft in BALB/c nude mice after 2 months. CONCLUSION This study provides an accessible, feasible and efficient strategy to generate hiHep cells from MSCs.
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17
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Yeh MM, Bosch DE, Daoud SS. Role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha in gastrointestinal and liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4074-4091. [PMID: 31435165 PMCID: PMC6700705 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i30.4074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) is a highly conserved member of nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that is expressed in liver and gastrointestinal organs (pancreas, stomach, and intestine). In liver, HNF4α is best known for its role as a master regulator of liver-specific gene expression and essential for adult and fetal liver function. Dysregulation of HNF4α expression has been associated with many human diseases such as ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, maturity-onset diabetes of the young, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the precise role of HNF4α in the etiology of these human pathogenesis is not well understood. Limited information is known about the role of HNF4α isoforms in liver and gastrointestinal disease progression. There is, therefore, a critical need to know how disruption of the expression of these isoforms may impact on disease progression and phenotypes. In this review, we will update our current understanding on the role of HNF4α in human liver and gastrointestinal diseases. We further provide additional information on possible use of HNF4α as a target for potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Yeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Dustin E Bosch
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Sayed S Daoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University Health Sciences, Spokane, WA 99210, United States
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18
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Wahlang B, Jin J, Hardesty JE, Head KZ, Shi H, Falkner KC, Prough RA, Klinge CM, Cave MC. Identifying sex differences arising from polychlorinated biphenyl exposures in toxicant-associated liver disease. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 129:64-76. [PMID: 31026535 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exposures to persistent environmental pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been associated with liver diseases such as toxicant-associated steatohepatitis (TASH). However, previously published PCB hepatotoxicity studies evaluated mostly male animal models. Moreover, epidemiologic studies on PCB-exposed cohorts evaluating sex differences are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine hepato-toxicological responses of PCB exposures in the context of sex-dependent outcomes. Male and female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to Aroclor 1260 (20 mg/kg), and PCB126 (20 μg/kg), by gavage for two weeks. Female mice appeared to be more sensitive to PCB-induced hepatotoxic effects as manifested by increased liver injury markers, namely, hepatic Serpine1 expression. Additionally, compared to their male counterparts, PCB-exposed females exhibited dysregulated hepatic gene expression favoring lipid accumulation rather than lipid breakdown; accompanied by dyslipidemia. Sex differences were also observed in the expression and activation of PCB targets such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) while PCB-induced pancreatic toxicity was similar in both sexes. Importantly, PCB exposure appeared to cause pro-androgenic, anti-estrogenic along with sex-dependent thyroid hormone effects. The overall findings demonstrated that the observed PCB-mediated hepatotoxicity was sex-dependent; confirming the existence of sex differences in environmental exposure-induced markers of TASH and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banrida Wahlang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; UofL Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Josiah E Hardesty
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kimberly Z Head
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Hongxue Shi
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Cameron Falkner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; UofL Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA.
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19
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An Y, Wang P, Xu P, Tung HC, Xie Y, Kirisci L, Xu M, Ren S, Tian X, Ma X, Xie W. An Unexpected Role of Cholesterol Sulfotransferase and its Regulation in Sensitizing Mice to Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 95:597-605. [PMID: 30944208 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.114819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is the leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States. The sulfotransferase-mediated sulfation of APAP is widely believed to be a protective mechanism to attenuate the hepatotoxicity of APAP. The cholesterol sulfotransferase SULT2B1b is best known for its activity in catalyzing the sulfoconjugation of cholesterol to synthesize cholesterol sulfate. SULT2B1b can be transcriptionally and positively regulated by the hepatic nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α). In this study, we uncovered an unexpected role for SULT2B1b in APAP toxicity. Hepatic overexpression of SULT2B1b sensitized mice to APAP-induced liver injury, whereas ablation of the Sult2B1b gene in mice conferred resistance to the APAP hepatotoxicity. Consistent with the notion that Sult2B1b is a transcriptional target of HNF4α, overexpression of HNF4α sensitized mice or primary hepatocytes to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in a Sult2B1b-dependent manner. We conclude that the HNF4α-SULT2B1b axis has a unique role in APAP-induced acute liver injury, and SULT2B1b induction might be a risk factor for APAP hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi An
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Hung-Chun Tung
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Yang Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Levent Kirisci
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Meishu Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Songrong Ren
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Xin Tian
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Xiaochao Ma
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Y.A., P.W., P.X., H-C.T., Y.X., L.K., M.X., S.R., X.T., X.M., W.X.) and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.X.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China (X.T.)
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