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Wang Y, Stoess C, Holzmann G, Mogler C, Stupakov P, Altmayr F, Schulze S, Wang B, Steffani M, Friess H, Hüser N, Holzmann B, Hartmann D, Laschinger M. Signalling of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) through RAMP1 promotes liver fibrosis via TGFβ1/Smad2 and YAP pathways. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114193. [PMID: 39103072 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114193] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The liver is innervated by primary sensory nerve fibres releasing the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Elevated plasma levels of CGRP have been found in patients with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. We hypothesised that signalling of CGRP and its receptors might regulate liver fibrosis and propose a novel potential target for the treatment. In this study, hepatic expression of CGRP and its receptor component, the receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), was dramatically increased in diseased livers of patients. In a murine liver fibrosis model, deficiency of RAMP1 resulted in attenuated fibrogenesis characterized by less collagen deposition and decreased activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Mechanistically, activity of the TGFβ1 signalling core component Smad2 was severely impaired in the absence of RAMP1, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity was found to be diminished in RAMP1-deficient liver parenchyma. In vitro, stimulation of the HSC line LX-2 cells with CGRP induces TGFβ1 production and downstream signalling as well as HSC activation documented by increased α-SMA expression and collagen synthesis. We further demonstrate in LX-2 cells that CGRP promotes YAP activation and its nuclear translocation subsequent to TGFβ1/Smad2 signals. These data support a promotive effect of CGRP signalling in liver fibrosis via stimulation of TGFβ1/Smad2 and YAP activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Dingjia Road 87, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Christian Stoess
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Holzmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Institute of Pathology, Trogerstr. 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Pavel Stupakov
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Felicitas Altmayr
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Schulze
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Baocai Wang
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; University Hospital of Tübingen, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; The M3 Research Center, Eberhard Karls University, Otfried-Müller-Str. 37, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcella Steffani
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Holzmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hartmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; University Hospital of Tübingen, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; The M3 Research Center, Eberhard Karls University, Otfried-Müller-Str. 37, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Laschinger
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Li B, Wang H, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhou T, Zhou B, Zhang Y, Chen R, Xing J, He L, Salinas JM, Koyama S, Meng F, Wan Y. Current Perspectives of Neuroendocrine Regulation in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233783. [PMID: 36497043 PMCID: PMC9736734 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a complicated process that involves different cell types and pathological factors. The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the formation of fibrotic scar disrupt the tissue homeostasis of the liver, eventually leading to cirrhosis and even liver failure. Myofibroblasts derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contribute to the development of liver fibrosis by producing ECM in the area of injuries. It has been reported that the secretion of the neuroendocrine hormone in chronic liver injury is different from a healthy liver. Activated HSCs and cholangiocytes express specific receptors in response to these neuropeptides released from the neuroendocrine system and other neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine hormones and their receptors form a complicated network that regulates hepatic inflammation, which controls the progression of liver fibrosis. This review summarizes neuroendocrine regulation in liver fibrosis from three aspects. The first part describes the mechanisms of liver fibrosis. The second part presents the neuroendocrine sources and neuroendocrine compartments in the liver. The third section discusses the effects of various neuroendocrine factors, such as substance P (SP), melatonin, as well as α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP), on liver fibrosis and the potential therapeutic interventions for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yudian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Tiejun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Bingru Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Rong Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Juan Xing
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Longfei He
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jennifer Mata Salinas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sachiko Koyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (Y.W.)
| | - Ying Wan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (Y.W.)
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Huang Y, Zhang S, Weng JF, Huang D, Gu WL. Recent discoveries in microbiota dysbiosis, cholangiocytic factors, and models for studying the pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:915-929. [PMID: 35647306 PMCID: PMC9106112 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholangiopathy caused by genetic and microenvironmental changes, such as bile homeostasis disorders and microbiota dysbiosis. Therapeutic options are limited, and proven surveillance strategies are currently lacking. Clinically, PSC presents as alternating strictures and dilatations of biliary ducts, resulting in the typical “beaded” appearance seen on cholangiography. The pathogenesis of PSC is still unclear, but cholangiocytes play an essential role in disease development, wherein a reactive phenotype is caused by the secretion of neuroendocrine factors. The liver–gut axis is implicated in the pathogenesis of PSC owing to the dysbiosis of microbiota, but the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. Alterations in cholangiocyte responses and related signalling pathways during PSC progression were elucidated by recent research, providing novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarise the currently known underlying mechanisms of PSC pathogenesis caused by the dysbiosis of microbiota and newly reported information regarding cholangiocytes in PSC. We also summarise recently reported in vitro and in vivo models for studying the pathogenesis of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Feng Weng
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Li Gu
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
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Mancinelli R, Ceci L, Kennedy L, Francis H, Meadows V, Chen L, Carpino G, Kyritsi K, Wu N, Zhou T, Sato K, Pannarale L, Glaser S, Chakraborty S, Alpini G, Gaudio E, Onori P, Franchitto A. The Effects of Taurocholic Acid on Biliary Damage and Liver Fibrosis Are Mediated by Calcitonin-Gene-Related Peptide Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:1591. [PMID: 35563897 PMCID: PMC9104610 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocytes are the target cells of liver diseases that are characterized by biliary senescence (evidenced by enhanced levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP, e.g., TGF-β1), and liver inflammation and fibrosis accompanied by altered bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Taurocholic acid (TC) stimulates biliary hyperplasia by activation of 3',5'-cyclic cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, thereby preventing biliary damage (caused by cholinergic/adrenergic denervation) through enhanced liver angiogenesis. Also: (i) α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP, which activates the calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CRLR), stimulates biliary proliferation/senescence and liver fibrosis by enhanced biliary secretion of SASPs; and (ii) knock-out of α-CGRP reduces these phenotypes by decreased cAMP levels in cholestatic models. We aimed to demonstrate that TC effects on liver phenotypes are dependent on changes in the α-CGRP/CALCRL/cAMP/PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/VEGF axis. METHODS Wild-type and α-CGRP-/- mice were fed with a control (BAC) or TC diet for 1 or 2 wk. We measured: (i) CGRP levels by both ELISA kits in serum and by qPCR in isolated cholangiocytes (CALCA gene for α-CGRP); (ii) CALCRL immunoreactivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in liver sections; (iii) liver histology, intrahepatic biliary mass, biliary senescence (by β-GAL staining and double immunofluorescence (IF) for p16/CK19), and liver fibrosis (by Red Sirius staining and double IF for collagen/CK19 in liver sections), as well as by qPCR for senescence markers in isolated cholangiocytes; and (iv) phosphorylation of PKA/ERK1/2, immunoreactivity of TGF-β1/TGF- βRI and angiogenic factors by IHC/immunofluorescence in liver sections and qPCR in isolated cholangiocytes. We measured changes in BA composition in total liver by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS TC feeding increased CALCA expression, biliary damage, and liver inflammation and fibrosis, as well as phenotypes that were associated with enhanced immunoreactivity of the PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/VEGF axis compared to BAC-fed mice and phenotypes that were reversed in α-CGRP-/- mice fed TC coupled with changes in hepatic BA composition. CONCLUSION Modulation of the TC/ α-CGRP/CALCRL/PKA/ERK1/2/TGF-β1/VEGF axis may be important in the management of cholangiopathies characterized by BA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Luigi Pannarale
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (S.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (S.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (L.C.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (V.M.); (L.C.); (K.K.); (N.W.); (T.Z.); (K.S.); (G.A.)
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (L.P.); (E.G.); (P.O.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cellular senescence (i.e. permanent withdrawal from the cell cycle) is increasingly recognized as a pathologic feature in a variety of inflammatory liver diseases, including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and additional cholangiopathies. Herein, we provide an update on the interplay between cholangiocytes, cellular senescence and the cholangiopathies. RECENT FINDINGS The themes covered by this review include novel models for studying the role of senescent cholangiocytes and the cholangiopathies, identification and modulation of key pathways or molecules regulating cholangiocyte senescence, and discovery of druggable targets to advance therapeutic options for the cholangiopathies. Most recent studies focused on PSC; however, the concepts and findings may be applied to additional cholangiopathies. SUMMARY Cholangiopathies present unique and divergent clinicopathological features, causes and genetic backgrounds, but share several common disease processes. Cholangiocyte senescence in the cholestatic cholangiopathies, primarily PSC and PBC, is regarded as a key pathogenetic process. Importantly, senescent cholangiocytes exhibit phenotypic features including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and resistance to apoptosis that provide new directions for basic research and new prognostic and therapeutic approaches for clinical practice.
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Blumenfeld A, Durham PL, Feoktistov A, Hay DL, Russo AF, Turner I. Hypervigilance, Allostatic Load, and Migraine Prevention: Antibodies to CGRP or Receptor. Neurol Ther 2021; 10:469-497. [PMID: 34076848 PMCID: PMC8571459 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-021-00250-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine involves brain hypersensitivity with episodic dysfunction triggered by behavioral or physiological stressors. During an acute migraine attack the trigeminal nerve is activated (peripheral sensitization). This leads to central sensitization with activation of the central pathways including the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, the trigemino-thalamic tract, and the thalamus. In episodic migraine the sensitization process ends with the individual act, but with chronic migraine central sensitization may continue interictally. Increased allostatic load, the consequence of chronic, repeated exposure to stressors, leads to central sensitization, lowering the threshold for future neuronal activation (hypervigilance). Ostensibly innocuous stressors are then sufficient to trigger an attack. Medications that reduce sensitization may help patients who are hypervigilant and help to balance allostatic load. Acute treatments and drugs for migraine prevention have traditionally been used to reduce attack duration and frequency. However, since many patients do not fully respond, an unmet treatment need remains. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a vasoactive neuropeptide involved in nociception and in the sensitization of peripheral and central neurons of the trigeminovascular system, which is implicated in migraine pathophysiology. Elevated CGRP levels are associated with dysregulated signaling in the trigeminovascular system, leading to maladaptive responses to behavioral or physiological stressors. CGRP may, therefore, play a key role in the underlying pathophysiology of migraine. Increased understanding of the role of CGRP in migraine led to the development of small-molecule antagonists (gepants) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target either CGRP or the receptor (CGRP-R) to restore homeostasis, reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of attacks. In clinical trials, US Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-CGRP-R/CGRP mAbs were well tolerated and effective as preventive migraine treatments. Here, we explore the role of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology and the use of gepants or mAbs to suppress CGRP-R signaling via inhibition of the CGRP ligand or receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Blumenfeld
- The Headache Center of Southern California, The Neurology Center, Carlsbad, CA, USA.
| | - Paul L Durham
- Department of Biology, Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA
| | | | - Debbie L Hay
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andrew F Russo
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ira Turner
- Island Neurological Associates, Plainview, NY, USA
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Baiocchi L, Glaser S, Francis H, Kennedy L, Felli E, Alpini G, Gracia-Sancho J. Impact of Aging on Liver Cells and Liver Disease: Focus on the Biliary and Vascular Compartments. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1125-1137. [PMID: 34278165 PMCID: PMC8279468 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging process is represented by the time-dependent decay in physiologic functions of living beings. Major interest has been focused in recent years on the determinants of this progressive condition due to its correlative relationship with the onset of diseases. Several hallmark features have been observed in aging, such as genetic alterations, mitochondrial impairment, and telomere shortening. At the cellular level, a senescent phenotype has been identified in response to aging that is characterized by a flat appearance, proliferative arrest, and production of specific molecules. The net effect of these cells in the course of diseases is an argument of debate. In fact, while the onset of a senescent phenotype may prevent tumor spreading, these cells appear to support pathological processes in some conditions. Several studies are now focused on clarifying the specific molecular pathways of aging/senescence in different cells, tissues, or organs. Biliary and vascular components, within the liver, have emerged as important determinants of some form of liver disease. In this review we summarize the most recent achievements on aging/senescence, focusing on the biliary and vascular liver system. Conclusion: Several findings, in both preclinical animal models and on human liver specimens, converge in supporting the presence of specific aging hallmarks in the diseases involving these hepatic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology UnitDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M College of MedicineBryanTXUSA
| | - Heather Francis
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Eric Felli
- HepatologyDepartment of Biomedical ResearchInselspitalBernSwitzerland
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Hepatology and MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisINUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular BiologyIDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute and CIBEREHDBarcelonaSpain.,HepatologyDepartment of Biomedical ResearchInselspitalBernSwitzerland
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Kyritsi K, Kennedy L, Meadows V, Hargrove L, Demieville J, Pham L, Sybenga A, Kundu D, Cerritos K, Meng F, Alpini G, Francis H. Mast Cells Induce Ductular Reaction Mimicking Liver Injury in Mice Through Mast Cell-Derived Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Signaling. Hepatology 2021; 73:2397-2410. [PMID: 32761972 PMCID: PMC7864988 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Following liver injury, mast cells (MCs) migrate into the liver and are activated in patients with cholestasis. Inhibition of MC mediators decreases ductular reaction (DR) and liver fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) contributes to fibrosis and promotes liver disease. Our aim was to demonstrate that reintroduction of MCs induces cholestatic injury through TGF-β1. APPROACH AND RESULTS Wild-type, KitW-sh (MC-deficient), and multidrug resistance transporter 2/ABC transporter B family member 2 knockout mice lacking l-histidine decarboxylase were injected with vehicle or PKH26-tagged murine MCs pretreated with 0.01% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor (TGF-βRi), LY2109761 (10 μM) 3 days before sacrifice. Hepatic damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and serum chemistry. Injected MCs were detected in liver, spleen, and lung by immunofluorescence (IF). DR was measured by cytokeratin 19 (CK-19) immunohistochemistry and F4/80 staining coupled with real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-33, and F4/80; biliary senescence was evaluated by IF or qPCR for p16, p18, and p21. Fibrosis was evaluated by sirius red/fast green staining and IF for synaptophysin 9 (SYP-9), desmin, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). TGF-β1 secretion/expression was measured by enzyme immunoassay and qPCR. Angiogenesis was detected by IF for von Willebrand factor and vascular endothelial growth factor C qPCR. In vitro, MC-TGF-β1 expression/secretion were measured after TGF-βRi treatment; conditioned medium was collected. Cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with MC-conditioned medium, and biliary proliferation/senescence was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium and qPCR; HSC activation evaluated for α-SMA, SYP-9, and collagen type-1a expression. MC injection recapitulates cholestatic liver injury characterized by increased DR, fibrosis/TGF-β1 secretion, and angiogenesis. Injection of MC-TGF-βRi reversed these parameters. In vitro, MCs induce biliary proliferation/senescence and HSC activation that was reversed with MCs lacking TGF-β1. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that reintroduction of MCs mimics cholestatic liver injury and that MC-derived TGF-β1 may be a target in chronic cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Vik Meadows
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Research,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Laura Hargrove
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Texas A&M University-Central Texas
| | | | - Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | | | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Karla Cerritos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Research,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Research,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
| | - Heather Francis
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine Research,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Research
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9
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Khurana A, Sayed N, Allawadhi P, Weiskirchen R. It's all about the spaces between cells: role of extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:728. [PMID: 33987426 PMCID: PMC8106070 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-2948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the leading complications of a variety of chronic liver disorders, including the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis and liver failure. The progression of liver fibrosis is driven by chronic inflammation, which activates the secretory fibroblasts to the myofibroblast phenotype. These specialized liver cells are called as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion creates a large number of complications. Fibrosis is the result of imbalance between the matrix synthesizing and matrix degrading factors. The major ECM proteins include the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), lysyl oxidases (LOX), lysyl oxidase-like (LOXLs) enzymes, tenascins and others. These ECM proteins present novel avenues for the therapeutics of liver fibrosis. The current review highlights the major role played by these critical matrix proteins in liver fibrosis. Further, some of the targeted formulations used against these proteins are discussed and suggestions are provided to select the course of research for successful clinical translation of basic research findings for the amelioration of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Khurana
- Center for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nilofer Sayed
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Prince Allawadhi
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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10
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Ceci L, Francis H, Zhou T, Giang T, Yang Z, Meng F, Wu N, Kennedy L, Kyritsi K, Meadows V, Wu C, Liangpunsakul S, Franchitto A, Sybenga A, Ekser B, Mancinelli R, Onori P, Gaudio E, Glaser S, Alpini G. Knockout of the Tachykinin Receptor 1 in the Mdr2 -/- (Abcb4 -/-) Mouse Model of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Reduces Biliary Damage and Liver Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:2251-2266. [PMID: 32712019 PMCID: PMC7592721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) axis triggers biliary damage/senescence and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated and Mdr2-/- (alias Abcb4-/-) mice through enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) biliary secretion. Recent evidence indicates a role for miR-31 (MIR31) in TGF-β1-induced liver fibrosis. We aimed to define the role of the SP/NK1R/TGF-β1/miR-31 axis in regulating biliary proliferation and liver fibrosis during cholestasis. Thus, we generated a novel model with double knockout of Mdr2-/- and NK1R-/ (alias Tacr1-/-) to further address the role of the SP/NK1R axis during chronic cholestasis. In vivo studies were performed in the following 12-week-old male mice: (i) NK1R-/-; (ii) Mdr2-/-; and (iii) NK1R-/-/Mdr2-/- (Tacr1-/-/Abcb4-/-) and their corresponding wild-type controls. Liver tissues and cholangiocytes were collected, and liver damage, changes in biliary mass/senescence, and inflammation as well as liver fibrosis were evaluated by both immunohistochemistry in liver sections and real-time PCR. miR-31 expression was measured by real-time PCR in isolated cholangiocytes. Decreased ductular reaction, liver fibrosis, biliary senescence, and biliary inflammation were observed in NK1R-/-/Mdr2-/- mice compared with Mdr2-/- mice. Elevated expression of miR-31 was observed in Mdr2-/- mice, which was reduced in NK1R-/-/Mdr2-/- mice. Targeting the SP/NK1R and/or miR-31 may be a potential approach in treating human cholangiopathies, including primary sclerosing cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas
| | - Thao Giang
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Amelia Sybenga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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11
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Laschinger M, Wang Y, Holzmann G, Wang B, Stöß C, Lu M, Brugger M, Schneider A, Knolle P, Wohlleber D, Schulze S, Steiger K, Tsujikawa K, Altmayr F, Friess H, Hartmann D, Hüser N, Holzmann B. The CGRP receptor component RAMP1 links sensory innervation with YAP activity in the regenerating liver. FASEB J 2020; 34:8125-8138. [PMID: 32329113 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903200r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of liver regeneration limits surgical therapies of hepatic disorders and determines patient outcome. Here, we investigated the role of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) for liver regeneration after acute or chronic injury. Mice deficient for the CGRP receptor component receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) were subjected to a 70% partial hepatectomy or repeated intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride. RAMP1 deficiency severely impaired recovery of organ mass and hepatocyte proliferation after both acute and chronic liver injury. Mechanistically, protein expression of the transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was decreased in regenerating livers of RAMP1-deficient mice. Lack of RAMP1 was associated with hyperphosphorylation of YAP on Ser127 and Ser397, which regulates YAP functional activity and protein levels. Consequently, expression of various YAP-controlled cell cycle regulators and hepatocyte proliferation were severely reduced in the absence of RAMP1. In vitro, CGRP treatment caused increased YAP protein expression and a concomitant decline of YAP phosphorylation in liver tissue slice cultures of mouse and human origin and in primary human hepatocytes. Thus, our results indicate that sensory nerves represent a crucial control element of liver regeneration after acute and chronic injury acting through the CGRP-RAMP1 pathway, which stimulates YAP/TAZ expression and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Laschinger
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Holzmann
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Baocai Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Stöß
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Brugger
- School of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Immunology & Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annika Schneider
- School of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Immunology & Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Percy Knolle
- School of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Immunology & Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- School of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Immunology & Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Schulze
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- School of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kazutake Tsujikawa
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Felicitas Altmayr
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hartmann
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Holzmann
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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12
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Sato K, Glaser S, Francis H, Alpini G. Concise Review: Functional Roles and Therapeutic Potentials of Long Non-coding RNAs in Cholangiopathies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:48. [PMID: 32154257 PMCID: PMC7045865 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs with lengths exceeding 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins. It is well-known that small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate gene expression and play an important role in cholangiopathies. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs may also play a key role in the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. Patients with cholangiopathies often develop cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), which is cholangiocyte-derived cancer, in the later stage. Cholangiocytes are a primary target of therapies for cholangiopathies and CCA development. Previous studies have demonstrated that expression levels of lncRNAs are altered in the liver of cholangiopathies or CCA tissues. Some lncRNAs regulate gene expression by inhibiting functions of miRNAs leading to diseased liver conditions or CCA progression, suggesting that lncRNAs could be a novel therapeutic target for those disorders. This review summarizes current understandings of functional roles of lncRNAs in cholangiopathies and seek their potentials for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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13
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Zhou T, Kyritsi K, Wu N, Francis H, Yang Z, Chen L, O'Brien A, Kennedy L, Ceci L, Meadows V, Kusumanchi P, Wu C, Baiocchi L, Skill NJ, Saxena R, Sybenga A, Xie L, Liangpunsakul S, Meng F, Alpini G, Glaser S. Knockdown of vimentin reduces mesenchymal phenotype of cholangiocytes in the Mdr2 -/- mouse model of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). EBioMedicine 2019; 48:130-142. [PMID: 31522982 PMCID: PMC6838376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocytes are the target cells of cholangiopathies including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that has been found in various types of mesenchymal cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of vimentin in the progression of biliary damage/liver fibrosis and whether there is a mesenchymal phenotype of cholangiocytes in the Mdr2-/- model of PSC. METHODS In vivo studies were performed in 12 wk. Mdr2-/- male mice with or without vimentin Vivo-Morpholino treatment and their corresponding control groups. Liver specimens from human PSC patients, human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBEpiC) and human hepatic stellate cell lines (HHSteCs) were used to measure changes in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). FINDINGS There was increased mesenchymal phenotype of cholangiocytes in Mdr2-/- mice, which was reduced by treatment of vimentin Vivo-Morpholino. Concomitant with reduced vimentin expression, there was decreased liver damage, ductular reaction, biliary senescence, liver fibrosis and TGF-β1 secretion in Mdr2-/- mice treated with vimentin Vivo-Morpholino. Human PSC patients and derived cell lines had increased expression of vimentin and other mesenchymal markers compared to healthy controls and HIBEpiC, respectively. In vitro silencing of vimentin in HIBEpiC suppressed TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibrotic reaction. HHSteCs had decreased fibrotic reaction and increased cellular senescence after stimulation with cholangiocyte supernatant with reduced vimentin levels. INTERPRETATION Our study demonstrated that knockdown of vimentin reduces mesenchymal phenotype of cholangiocytes, which leads to decreased biliary senescence and liver fibrosis. Inhibition of vimentin may be a key therapeutic target in the treatment of cholangiopathies including PSC. FUND: National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards, VA Merit awards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Zhou
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States of America
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Nan Wu
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Heather Francis
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Lixian Chen
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States of America
| | - April O'Brien
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States of America
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Vik Meadows
- Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Praveen Kusumanchi
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, United States of America
| | | | - Nicholas J Skill
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Romil Saxena
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Amelia Sybenga
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Linglin Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, United States of America
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America; Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America.
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States of America.
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