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Herranz JM, López-Pascual A, Clavería-Cabello A, Uriarte I, Latasa MU, Irigaray-Miramon A, Adán-Villaescusa E, Castelló-Uribe B, Sangro B, Arechederra M, Berasain C, Avila MA, Fernández-Barrena MG. Comprehensive analysis of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic genes' expression in human NAFLD. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:901-924. [PMID: 37620598 PMCID: PMC10636027 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-023-00976-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial condition with a complex etiology. Its incidence is increasing globally in parallel with the obesity epidemic, and it is now considered the most common liver disease in Western countries. The precise mechanisms underlying the development and progression of NAFLD are complex and still poorly understood. The dysregulation of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms is increasingly recognized to play pathogenic roles in multiple conditions, including chronic liver diseases. Here, we have performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic genes in a total of 903 liver tissue samples corresponding to patients with normal liver, obese patients, and patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advancing stages in NAFLD progression. We integrated ten transcriptomic datasets in an unbiased manner, enabling their robust analysis and comparison. We describe the complete landscape of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic genes' expression along the course of the disease. We identify signatures of genes significantly dysregulated in association with disease progression, particularly with liver fibrosis development. Most of these epigenetic and epitranscriptomic effectors have not been previously described in human NAFLD, and their altered expression may have pathogenic implications. We also performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of enzymes involved in the metabolism of the substrates and cofactors of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic effectors. This study provides novel information on NAFLD pathogenesis and may also guide the identification of drug targets to treat this condition and its progression towards hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Herranz
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amaya López-Pascual
- Hepatology Unit, CCUN, Navarra University Clinic, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alex Clavería-Cabello
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iker Uriarte
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ujúe Latasa
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ainara Irigaray-Miramon
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Adán-Villaescusa
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Borja Castelló-Uribe
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Bruno Sangro
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatology Unit, CCUN, Navarra University Clinic, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Arechederra
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Berasain
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matías A Avila
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite G Fernández-Barrena
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
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Bakrania A, Mo Y, Zheng G, Bhat M. RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00569. [PMID: 37725757 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ocker M, Neureiter D. Gene expression inhibitors for the treatment of liver fibrosis: drugs under preclinical and early clinical investigation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1133-1141. [PMID: 37997755 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2288075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver fibrosis represents an unmet medical condition with growing incidence and only limited therapeutic options. Interfering with dysregulated gene expression was considered a specific treatment approach, and we are here reviewing the current options to modulate transcription and translation with small molecule inhibitors of involved enzymes, transcription factors or by using non-coding RNA molecules (RNA interference) or DNA antisense oligonucleotides. Despite promising results in preclinical models, only limited data are available from studies in humans. AREAS COVERED This expert opinion provides a general overview of how to interfere with gene expression (transcription and translation) and highlighting recent achievements in liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Many compounds that were explored to modulate gene expression in liver fibrosis (models) were developed as anti-cancer agents. Their use in humans with impaired liver function is often impaired by the lack of specificity to inhibit only fibrosis-related genes in the liver and by associated general toxicity and narrow therapeutic windows. RNAi approaches show a higher degree of specificity and potentially less systemic toxicity. Clinical development in liver fibrosis requires close interaction between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities to address topics like relevant (surrogate) endpoints to achieve meaningful readouts faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University/University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Dudakovic A, Bayram B, Bettencourt JW, Limberg AK, Galvan ML, Carrasco ME, Stans B, Thaler R, Morrey ME, Sanchez-Sotelo J, Berry DJ, van Wijnen AJ, Abdel MP. The epigenetic regulator BRD4 is required for myofibroblast differentiation of knee fibroblasts. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:320-334. [PMID: 36648754 PMCID: PMC9990907 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Arthrofibrosis, which is characterized by excessive scar tissue and limited motion, can complicate the daily functioning of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Molecular hallmarks of arthrofibrosis include pathologic accumulation of myofibroblasts and disproportionate collagen deposition. Epigenetic mechanisms, including posttranslation modification of histones, control gene expression and may regulate fibrotic events. This study assessed the role of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins on myofibroblast differentiation. This group of epigenetic regulators recognize acetylated lysines and are targeted by a class of drugs known as BET inhibitors. RNA-seq analysis revealed robust mRNA expression of three BET members (BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4) while the fourth member (BRDT) is not expressed in primary TKA knee outgrowth fibroblasts. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses revealed that BET inhibition with the small molecule JQ1 impairs TGFβ1-induced expression of ACTA2, a key myofibroblast marker, in primary outgrowth knee fibroblasts. Similarly, JQ1 administration also reduced COL3A1 mRNA levels and collagen deposition as monitored by picrosirius red staining. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of JQ1 on ACTA2 mRNA and protein expression, as well as COL3A1 expression and collagen deposition, were paralleled by siRNA-mediated depletion of BRD4. Together, these data reveal that BRD4-mediated epigenetic events support TGFβ1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition as seen in arthrofibrosis. To our knowledge, these are the first studies that assess epigenetic regulators and their downstream events in the context of arthrofibrosis. Future studies may reveal clinical utility for drugs that target epigenetic pathways, specifically BET proteins, in the prevention and treatment of arthrofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Dudakovic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Banu Bayram
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Afton K. Limberg
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M. Lizeth Galvan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Britta Stans
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Roman Thaler
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mark E. Morrey
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Daniel J. Berry
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andre J. van Wijnen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Matthew P. Abdel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Type IV Collagen and SOX9 Are Molecular Targets of BET Inhibition in Experimental Glomerulosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010486. [PMID: 36613933 PMCID: PMC9820124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive glomerulonephritis (GN) is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular (ECM) proteins, mainly type IV collagen (COLIV), in the glomerulus leading to glomerulosclerosis. The current therapeutic approach to GN is suboptimal. Epigenetic drugs could be novel therapeutic options for human disease. Among these drugs, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (iBETs) have shown beneficial effects in experimental kidney disease and fibrotic disorders. Sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) is a transcription factor involved in regulating proliferation, migration, and regeneration, but its role in kidney fibrosis is still unclear. We investigated whether iBETs could regulate ECM accumulation in experimental GN and evaluated the role of SOX9 in this process. For this purpose, we tested the iBET JQ1 in mice with anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis induced by nephrotoxic serum (NTS). In NTS-injected mice, JQ1 treatment reduced glomerular ECM deposition, mainly by inhibiting glomerular COLIV accumulation and Col4a3 gene overexpression. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that JQ1 inhibited the recruitment and binding of BRD4 to the Col4a3 promoter and reduced its transcription. Active SOX9 was found in the nuclei of glomerular cells of NTS-injured kidneys, mainly in COLIV-stained regions. JQ1 treatment blocked SOX9 nuclear translocation in injured kidneys. Moreover, in vitro JQ1 blocked TGF-β1-induced SOX9 activation and ECM production in cultured mesangial cells. Additionally, SOX9 gene silencing inhibited ECM production, including COLIV production. Our results demonstrated that JQ1 inhibited SOX9/COLIV, to reduce experimental glomerulosclerosis, supporting further research of iBET as a potential therapeutic option in progressive glomerulosclerosis.
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Ikewaki N, Levy GA, Kurosawa G, Iwasaki M, Dedeepiya VD, Vaddi S, Senthilkumar R, Preethy S, Abraham SJ. Hepatoprotective Effects of Aureobasidium pullulans Derived β 1,3-1,6 Glucans in a Murine Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1428-1437. [PMID: 36340302 PMCID: PMC9630018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are highly prevalent conditions characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. Conventional modalities are mainly symptomatic, with no definite solution. Beta-glucan-based biological response modifiers are a potential strategy in lieu of their beneficial metabolic effects. Aureobasidium pullulans strains AFO-202 and N-163 beta-glucans were evaluated for anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory hepatoprotective potentials in a NASH animal model in this study. Methods In the STAM™ murine model of NASH, five groups were studied for 8 weeks: (1) vehicle (RO water), (2) AFO-202 beta-glucan; (3) N-163 beta-glucan, (4) AFO-202+N-163 beta-glucan, and (5) telmisartan (standard pharmacological intervention). Evaluation of biochemical parameters in plasma and hepatic histology including Sirius red staining and F4/80 immunostaining were performed. Results AFO-202 beta-glucan significantly decreased inflammation-associated hepatic cell ballooning and steatosis. N-163 beta-glucan decreased fibrosis and inflammation significantly (P value < 0.05). The combination of AFO-202 with N-163 significantly decreased the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) compared with other groups. Conclusion This preclinical study supports the potential of N-163 and AFO-202 beta-glucans alone or in combination as potential preventive and therapeutic agent(s), for NASH.
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Key Words
- ALT, Alanine aminotransferase
- ARRIVE, Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments
- IL, Interleukin
- MCP-1, Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
- NAFLD, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, NAFLD Activity Score
- NASH, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- PPAR, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
- STAM, Stelic Animal Model
- TGF-β, Transforming growth factor beta
- TIMPs, Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases
- TNF-α, Tumor necrosis factor alpha
- anti-fibrotic
- anti-inflammatory
- beta-glucans
- hepatoprotective
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- telmisartan
- αSMA, Smooth muscle alpha-actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobunao Ikewaki
- Department of Medical Life Science, Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, Japan
- Institute of Immunology, Junsei Educational Institute, Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Gary A. Levy
- Medicine and Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gene Kurosawa
- Department of Academic Research Support Promotion Facility, Center for Research Promotion and Support, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- MabGenesis KK, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masaru Iwasaki
- Centre for Advancing Clinical Research (CACR), University of Yamanashi - School of Medicine, Chuo, Japan
| | - Vidyasagar D. Dedeepiya
- Mary-Yoshio Translational Hexagon (MYTH), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | | | - Rajappa Senthilkumar
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | - Senthilkumar Preethy
- Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
| | - Samuel J.K. Abraham
- Centre for Advancing Clinical Research (CACR), University of Yamanashi - School of Medicine, Chuo, Japan
- Mary-Yoshio Translational Hexagon (MYTH), Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, India
- Antony- Xavier Interdisciplinary Scholastics (AXIS), GN Corporation Co. Ltd., Kofu, Japan
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Toth PP, Schwartz GG, Nicholls SJ, Khan A, Szarek M, Ginsberg HN, Johansson JO, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Kulikowski E, Lebioda K, Wong NC, Sweeney M, Ray KK. Reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events with the BET protein inhibitor apabetalone in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and moderate to high likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Am J Prev Cardiol 2022; 11:100372. [PMID: 36039183 PMCID: PMC9419281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2022.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with increased risk for coronary atherosclerosis and acute cardiovascular (CV) events. We employed the validated, non-invasive Angulo NAFLD fibrosis score (FS) in an intervention study in patients with T2DM and recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to determine the association of FS with CV risk and treatment response to apabetalone. Apabetalone is a novel selective inhibitor of the second bromodomain of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins, epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Methods The Phase 3 BETonMACE trial compared apabetalone with placebo in 2,425 patients with T2DM and recent ACS. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the impact of apabetalone therapy on CV risk, defined as a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI], or stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) in two patient categories of FS that reflect the likelihood of underlying NAFLD. Patients were initially classified into three mutually exclusive categories according to a baseline Angulo FS <-1.455 (F0-F2), -1.455 to 0.675 (indeterminant), and >0.675 (F3-F4), where F0 through F4 connote fibrosis severity none, mild, moderate, severe, and cirrhosis, respectively. The composite of ischemic MACE and HHF in the placebo group was higher in indeterminant and F3-F4 categories compared to the F0-F2 category (17.2% vs 15.0% vs 9.7%). Therefore, for the present analysis, the former two categories were combined into an elevated NAFLD CVD risk group (FS+) that was compared with the F0-F2 group (lower NAFLD risk, FS0-2). Results In 73.7% of patients, FS was elevated and consistent with a moderate-to-high likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis (FS+); 26.3% of patients had a lower FS (FS0-2). In the placebo group, FS+ patients had a higher incidence of ischemic MACE and HHF (15.4%) than FS0-2 patients (9.7%). In FS+ patients, addition of apabetalone to standard of care treatment lowered the rate of ischemic MACE compared with placebo (HR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.60-1.05; p=0.10), HHF (HR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.33-0.86; p=0.01), and the composite of ischemic MACE and HHF (HR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.59-0.98; p=0.03). In contrast, there was no apparent benefit of apabetalone in FS0-2 patients (HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.75-2.07; p=0.40; HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.30-4.14; p=0.87; and HR 1.13; 95% CI 0.69-1.86; p=0.62, respectively). Over a median duration of 26.5 months, FS increased from baseline in both treatment groups, but the increase was smaller in patients assigned to apabetalone than to placebo (p=0.04). Conclusions Amongst patients with T2DM, recent ACS, and a moderate-to-high likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis, apabetalone was associated with a significantly lower rate of ischemic MACE and HHF and attenuated the increase in hepatic FS over time.
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Tsujikawa LM, Kharenko OA, Stotz SC, Rakai BD, Sarsons CD, Gilham D, Wasiak S, Fu L, Sweeney M, Johansson JO, Wong NCW, Kulikowski E. Breaking boundaries: Pan BETi disrupt 3D chromatin structure, BD2-selective BETi are strictly epigenetic transcriptional regulators. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113230. [PMID: 35687908 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bromodomain and extraterminal proteins (BETs) are more than just epigenetic regulators of transcription. Here we highlight a new role for the BET protein BRD4 in the maintenance of higher order chromatin structure at Topologically Associating Domain Boundaries (TADBs). BD2-selective and pan (non-selective) BET inhibitors (BETi) differentially support chromatin structure, selectively affecting transcription and cell viability. METHODS Using RNA-seq and BRD4 ChIP-seq, the differential effect of BETi treatment on the transcriptome and BRD4 chromatin occupancy of human aortic endothelial cells from diabetic patients (dHAECs) stimulated with TNFα was evaluated. Chromatin decondensation and DNA fragmentation was assessed by immunofluorescence imaging and quantification. Key dHAEC findings were verified in proliferating monocyte-like THP-1 cells using real time-PCR, BRD4 co-immunoprecipitation studies, western blots, proliferation and apoptosis assays. FINDINGS We discovered that 1) BRD4 co-localizes with Ying-Yang 1 (YY1) at TADBs, critical chromatin structure complexes proximal to many DNA repair genes. 2) BD2-selective BETi enrich BRD4/YY1 associations, while pan-BETi do not. 3) Failure to support chromatin structures through BRD4/YY1 enrichment inhibits DNA repair gene transcription, which induces DNA damage responses, and causes widespread chromatin decondensation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis. 4) BD2-selective BETi maintain high order chromatin structure and cell viability, while reducing deleterious pro-inflammatory transcription. INTERPRETATION BRD4 plays a previously unrecognized role at TADBs. BETi differentially impact TADB stability. Our results provide translational insight for the development of BETi as therapeutics for a range of diseases including CVD, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Tsujikawa
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Olesya A Kharenko
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Stephanie C Stotz
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Brooke D Rakai
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Christopher D Sarsons
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Dean Gilham
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Sylwia Wasiak
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Li Fu
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Michael Sweeney
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 4010, 44 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
| | - Jan O Johansson
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 4010, 44 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
| | - Norman C W Wong
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Ewelina Kulikowski
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
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Assante G, Chandrasekaran S, Ng S, Tourna A, Chung CH, Isse KA, Banks JL, Soffientini U, Filippi C, Dhawan A, Liu M, Rozen SG, Hoare M, Campbell P, Ballard JWO, Turner N, Morris MJ, Chokshi S, Youngson NA. Acetyl-CoA metabolism drives epigenome change and contributes to carcinogenesis risk in fatty liver disease. Genome Med 2022; 14:67. [PMID: 35739588 PMCID: PMC9219160 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide, but the steps in precancerous hepatocytes which lead to HCC driver mutations are not well understood. Here we provide evidence that metabolically driven histone hyperacetylation in steatotic hepatocytes can increase DNA damage to initiate carcinogenesis. METHODS Global epigenetic state was assessed in liver samples from high-fat diet or high-fructose diet rodent models, as well as in cultured immortalized human hepatocytes (IHH cells). The mechanisms linking steatosis, histone acetylation and DNA damage were investigated by computational metabolic modelling as well as through manipulation of IHH cells with metabolic and epigenetic inhibitors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and transcriptome (RNA-seq) analyses were performed on IHH cells. Mutation locations and patterns were compared between the IHH cell model and genome sequence data from preneoplastic fatty liver samples from patients with alcohol-related liver disease and NAFLD. RESULTS Genome-wide histone acetylation was increased in steatotic livers of rodents fed high-fructose or high-fat diet. In vitro, steatosis relaxed chromatin and increased DNA damage marker γH2AX, which was reversed by inhibiting acetyl-CoA production. Steatosis-associated acetylation and γH2AX were enriched at gene clusters in telomere-proximal regions which contained HCC tumour suppressors in hepatocytes and human fatty livers. Regions of metabolically driven epigenetic change also had increased levels of DNA mutation in non-cancerous tissue from NAFLD and alcohol-related liver disease patients. Finally, genome-scale network modelling indicated that redox balance could be a key contributor to this mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal histone hyperacetylation facilitates DNA damage in steatotic hepatocytes and is a potential initiating event in hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Assante
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sriram Chandrasekaran
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Stanley Ng
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aikaterini Tourna
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carolina H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kowsar A Isse
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jasmine L Banks
- UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Cellular Bioenergetics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Ugo Soffientini
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Celine Filippi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mo Liu
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Steven G Rozen
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthew Hoare
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - J William O Ballard
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Nigel Turner
- UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Cellular Bioenergetics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Neil A Youngson
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK.
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK.
- UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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10
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Banham GD, Lee CYC, Ferdinand JR, Matthews RJ, Jing C, Smithers N, Prinjha RK, Clatworthy MR. Bromodomain Inhibitors Modulate FcγR-Mediated Mononuclear Phagocyte Activation and Chemotaxis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:885101. [PMID: 35619690 PMCID: PMC9127238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IgG antibodies form immune complexes (IC) that propagate inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. IgG IC engage Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on mononuclear phagocytes (MNP), leading to widespread changes in gene expression that mediate antibody effector function. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are involved in governing gene transcription. We investigated the capacity of BET protein inhibitors (iBET) to alter IgG FcγR-mediated MNP activation. We found that iBET dampened IgG IC-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and decreased activating FcγR expression on MNPs, reducing their ability to respond to IgG IC. Despite FcγR downregulation, iBET-treated macrophages demonstrated increased phagocytosis of protein antigen, IgG IC, and apoptotic cells. iBET also altered cell morphology, generating more amoeboid MNPs with reduced adhesion. iBET treatment impaired chemotaxis towards a CCL19 gradient in IC-stimulated dendritic cells (DC) in vitro, and inhibited IC-induced DC migration to draining lymph nodes in vivo, in a DC-intrinsic manner. Altogether, our data show that iBET modulates FcγR-mediated MNP activation and migration, revealing the therapeutic potential of BET protein inhibition in antibody-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma D. Banham
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Y. C. Lee
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Ferdinand
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebeccah J. Matthews
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chenzhi Jing
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Smithers
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Rab K. Prinjha
- Epinova DPU, Immuno-Inflammation Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Menna R. Clatworthy
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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11
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is comprised of either simple steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver) or a more advanced inflammatory and fibrogenic stage (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]). NASH affects a growing proportion of the global adult and pediatric population, leading to rising rates of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH is a multifactorial disease that is part of a systemic metabolic disorder. Here, we provide an overview of the metabolic underpinnings of NASH pathogenesis and established drivers of inflammation and fibrosis. Clarification of underlying fibrogenic and inflammatory mechanisms will advance the development of novel treatment strategies as there are no approved therapies at present. We discuss emerging experimental approaches and potential novel investigational strategies derived from animal models including the inflammasome, epigenetic reprogramming, Hippo signaling, Notch signaling, engineered T cells to remove fibrogenic HSCs, and HSC-specific targeting therapies. Recently completed and ongoing clinical trials and antifibrotics are discussed, illuminating the growing expectation that one or more therapies will yield clinical benefit in NASH in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin A. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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12
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Márquez-Quiroga LV, Arellanes-Robledo J, Vásquez-Garzón VR, Villa-Treviño S, Muriel P. Models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis potentiated by chemical inducers leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 195:114845. [PMID: 34801522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, arises after a long period of exposure to etiological factors. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is ranked as the main risk factor for developing HCC; hence, experimental models of NASH leading to HCC have become key tools both to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology and to evaluate new putative drugs for treating chronic liver diseases in humans. Animal models of NASH induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) plus chemical inducers, such as the NASH-HCC (STAM), high-fat diet/diethylnitrosamine (HFD/DEN), choline-deficient high-fat diet/DEN (CDHFD/DEN), and Western diet/carbon tetrachloride (WD/CCl4) models, are promising because they exacerbate liver damage and significantly shorten the experimental time. In this review, we critically summarize and discuss the ability of these models to recapitulate the liver alterations that precede and lead to HCC progression, as well as the impact of the diet in promoting liver injury progression. We also emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of the models' ability to closely mimic the stages of liver injury development that occur in humans. Based on the molecular mechanisms induced by the currently available NASH models leading to HCC, we argue that although several NASH models have importantly contributed to describing the disease chronology, the progress in emulating the progression from NASH to HCC has been partial. Thus, the development of novel NASH/HCC models remains an unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vanessa Márquez-Quiroga
- Laboratorio de Hepatología Experimental, Departamento de Farmacología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Hepáticas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica - INMEGEN, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología - CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico; Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología - CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Saul Villa-Treviño
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratorio de Hepatología Experimental, Departamento de Farmacología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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13
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Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens identify mechanisms of BET bromodomain inhibitor sensitivity. iScience 2021; 24:103323. [PMID: 34805786 PMCID: PMC8581576 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BET bromodomain inhibitors hold promise as therapeutic agents in diverse indications, but their clinical progression has been challenging and none have received regulatory approval. Early clinical trials in cancer have shown heterogeneous clinical responses, development of resistance, and adverse events. Increased understanding of their mechanism(s) of action and identification of biomarkers are needed to identify appropriate indication(s) and achieve efficacious dosing. Using genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens at different concentrations, we report molecular mechanisms defining cellular responses to BET inhibitors, some of which appear specific to a single compound concentration. We identify multiple transcriptional regulators and mTOR pathway members as key determinants of JQ1 sensitivity and two Ca2+/Mn2+ transporters, ATP2C1 and TMEM165, as key determinants of JQ1 resistance. Our study reveals new molecular mediators of BET bromodomain inhibitor effects, suggests the involvement of manganese, and provides a rich resource for discovery of biomarkers and targets for combination therapies. CRISPR screens identify genes regulating sensitivity to BET bromodomain inhibitors Sensitivity and resistance hit lists are concentration-dependent mTOR pathway mediates sensitivity to BET bromodomain inhibitors Manganese regulates sensitivity to BET bromodomain inhibitors
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14
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Kumar V, Xin X, Ma J, Tan C, Osna N, Mahato RI. Therapeutic targets, novel drugs, and delivery systems for diabetes associated NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113888. [PMID: 34314787 PMCID: PMC8440458 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fourth-leading cause of death. Hyperglycemia induces various complications, including nephropathy, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are several etiological factors leading to liver disease development, which involve insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation in the liver exerts oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses. Hepatocyte injury induces release of inflammatory cytokines from Kupffer cells (KCs), which are responsible for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this review, we will discuss various molecular targets for treating chronic liver diseases, including homeostasis of FFA, lipid metabolism, and decrease in hepatocyte apoptosis, role of growth factors, and regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HSC activation. This review will also critically assess different strategies to enhance drug delivery to different cell types. Targeting nanocarriers to specific liver cell types have the potential to increase efficacy and suppress off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jingyi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Natalia Osna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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15
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Liu M, Cao S, He L, Gao J, Arab JP, Cui H, Xuan W, Gao Y, Sehrawat TS, Hamdan FH, Ventura-Cots M, Argemi J, Pomerantz WCK, Johnsen SA, Lee JH, Gao F, Ordog T, Mathurin P, Revzin A, Bataller R, Yan H, Shah VH. Super enhancer regulation of cytokine-induced chemokine production in alcoholic hepatitis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4560. [PMID: 34315876 PMCID: PMC8316465 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is associated with liver neutrophil infiltration through activated cytokine pathways leading to elevated chemokine expression. Super-enhancers are expansive regulatory elements driving augmented gene expression. Here, we explore the mechanistic role of super-enhancers linking cytokine TNFα with chemokine amplification in AH. RNA-seq and histone modification ChIP-seq of human liver explants show upregulation of multiple CXCL chemokines in AH. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are identified as an important source of CXCL expression in human liver, regulated by TNFα/NF-κB signaling. A super-enhancer is identified for multiple CXCL genes by multiple approaches. dCas9-KRAB-mediated epigenome editing or pharmacologic inhibition of Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) proteins, transcriptional regulators vital to super-enhancer function, decreases chemokine expression in vitro and decreases neutrophil infiltration in murine models of AH. Our findings highlight the role of super-enhancer in propagating inflammatory signaling by inducing chemokine expression and the therapeutic potential of BET inhibition in AH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sheng Cao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Li He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan P Arab
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Huarui Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Weixia Xuan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yandong Gao
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tejasav S Sehrawat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Feda H Hamdan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Meritxell Ventura-Cots
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Steven A Johnsen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeong-Heon Lee
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Huihuang Yan
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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16
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Thapa K, Grewal AS, Kanojia N, Rani L, Sharma N, Singh S. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Liver Diseases: Promising Molecular Drug Targets and their Clinical Development. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2021; 18:333-353. [PMID: 31965945 DOI: 10.2174/1570163817666200121143959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases have become a serious concern worldwide. Both these liver diseases have an identical pathology, starting from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and, ultimately to hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment options for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are still the same as they were 50 years ago which include corticosteroids, pentoxifylline, antioxidants, nutritional support and abstinence; and for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), weight loss, insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents and anti-oxidants are the only treatment options. Despite broad research in understanding the disease pathophysiology, limited treatments are available for clinical use. Some therapeutic strategies based on targeting a specific molecule have been developed to lessen the consequences of disease and are under clinical investigation. Therefore, focus on multiple molecular targets will help develop an efficient therapeutic strategy. This review comprises a brief overview of the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD; recent molecular drug targets explored for ALD and NAFLD that may prove to be effective for multiple therapeutic regimens and also the clinical status of these promising drug targets for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Thapa
- Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajmer Singh Grewal
- Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Kanojia
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Lata Rani
- Chitkara University School of Basic Sciences, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
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17
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Wang N, Wu R, Tang D, Kang R. The BET family in immunity and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:23. [PMID: 33462181 PMCID: PMC7813845 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity serves as the rapid and first-line defense against invading pathogens, and this process can be regulated at various levels, including epigenetic mechanisms. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved mammalian members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT) that regulate the expression of many immunity-associated genes and pathways. In particular, in response to infection and sterile inflammation, abnormally expressed or dysfunctional BETs are involved in the activation of pattern recognition receptor (e.g., TLR, NLR, and CGAS) pathways, thereby linking chromatin machinery to innate immunity under disease or pathological conditions. Mechanistically, the BET family controls the transcription of a wide range of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory genes by recognizing acetylated histones (mainly H3 and H4) and recruiting transcription factors (e.g., RELA) and transcription elongation complex (e.g., P-TEFb) to the chromatin, thereby promoting the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and subsequent transcription initiation and elongation. This review covers the accumulating data about the roles of the BET family in innate immunity, and discusses the attractive prospect of manipulating the BET family as a new treatment for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Runliu Wu
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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18
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Albhaisi S, Noureddin M. Current and Potential Therapies Targeting Inflammation in NASH. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:767314. [PMID: 34925237 PMCID: PMC8678040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.767314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the advanced form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular injury, and fibrosis. Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of NASH and can be provoked by intrahepatic (e.g., lipotoxicity, immune responses, oxidative stress and cell death) and extrahepatic sources (adipose tissue or gut). The identification of triggers of inflammation is central to understanding the mechanisms in NASH development and progression and in designing targeted therapies that can halt or reverse the disease. In this review, we summarize the current and potential therapies targeting inflammation in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaya Albhaisi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Somaya Albhaisi,
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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19
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Jung H, Chen J, Hu X, Sun H, Wu SY, Chiang CM, Kemper B, Chen LF, Kemper JK. BRD4 inhibition and FXR activation, individually beneficial in cholestasis, are antagonistic in combination. JCI Insight 2020; 6:141640. [PMID: 33290278 PMCID: PMC7821603 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.141640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) by obeticholic acid (OCA) reduces hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a life-threatening cholestatic liver failure. Inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) also has antiinflammatory, antifibrotic effects in mice. We determined the role of BRD4 in FXR function in bile acid (BA) regulation and examined whether the known beneficial effects of OCA are enhanced by inhibiting BRD4 in cholestatic mice. Liver-specific downregulation of BRD4 disrupted BA homeostasis in mice, and FXR-mediated regulation of BA-related genes, including small heterodimer partner and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, was BRD4 dependent. In cholestatic mice, JQ1 or OCA treatment ameliorated hepatotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis, but surprisingly, was antagonistic in combination. Mechanistically, OCA increased binding of FXR, and the corepressor silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) decreased NF-κB binding at inflammatory genes and repressed the genes in a BRD4-dependent manner. In patients with PBC, hepatic expression of FXR and BRD4 was significantly reduced. In conclusion, BRD4 is a potentially novel cofactor of FXR for maintaining BA homeostasis and hepatoprotection. Although BRD4 promotes hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in cholestasis, paradoxically, BRD4 is required for the antiinflammatory, antifibrotic actions of OCA-activated FXR. Cotreatment with OCA and JQ1, individually beneficial, may be antagonistic in treatment of liver disease patients with inflammation and fibrosis complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinjing Chen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and
| | - Xiangming Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and
| | - Shwu-Yuan Wu
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Byron Kemper
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and
| | - Lin-Feng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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20
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Peng C, Stewart AG, Woodman OL, Ritchie RH, Qin CX. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Review of Its Mechanism, Models and Medical Treatments. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:603926. [PMID: 33343375 PMCID: PMC7745178 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.603926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) develops from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Currently, around 25% of the population is estimated to have NAFLD, and 25% of NAFLD patients are estimated to have NASH. NASH is typically characterized by liver steatosis inflammation, and fibrosis driven by metabolic disruptions such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. NASH patients with significant fibrosis have increased risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure. Currently, NASH is the second leading cause for liver transplant in the United States. More importantly, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma from NASH has also been highlighted in recent studies. Patients may have NAFLD for years before progressing into NASH. Although the pathogenesis of NASH is not completely understood, the current “multiple-hits” hypothesis suggests that in addition to fat accumulation, elevated oxidative and ER stress may also drive liver inflammation and fibrosis. The development of clinically relevant animal models and pharmacological treatments for NASH have been hampered by the limited understanding of the disease mechanism and a lack of sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tools. Currently, most pre-clinical animal models are divided into three main groups which includes: genetic models, diet-induced, and toxin + diet-induced animal models. Although dietary models mimic the natural course of NASH in humans, the models often only induce mild liver injury. Many genetic and toxin + diet-induced models rapidly induce the development of metabolic disruption and serious liver injury, but not without their own shortcomings. This review provides an overview of the “multiple-hits” hypothesis and an evaluation of the currently existing animal models of NASH. This review also provides an update on the available interventions for managing NASH as well as pharmacological agents that are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Australian Research Council, Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Lancaster, CBR, Australia
| | - Owen L Woodman
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca H Ritchie
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cheng Xue Qin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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21
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Two-Week Isocaloric Time-Restricted Feeding Decreases Liver Inflammation without Significant Weight Loss in Obese Mice with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239156. [PMID: 33271781 PMCID: PMC7730100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged, isocaloric, time-restricted feeding (TRF) protocols can promote weight loss, improve metabolic dysregulation, and mitigate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In addition, 3-day, severe caloric restriction can improve liver metabolism and glucose homeostasis prior to significant weight loss. Thus, we hypothesized that short-term, isocaloric TRF would improve NAFLD and characteristics of metabolic syndrome in diet-induced obese male mice. After 26 weeks of ad libitum access to western diet, mice either continued feeding ad libitum or were provided with access to the same quantity of western diet for 8 h daily, over the course of two weeks. Remarkably, this short-term TRF protocol modestly decreased liver tissue inflammation in the absence of changes in body weight or epidydimal fat mass. There were no changes in hepatic lipid accumulation or other characteristics of NAFLD. We observed no changes in liver lipid metabolism-related gene expression, despite increased plasma free fatty acids and decreased plasma triglycerides in the TRF group. However, liver Grp78 and Txnip expression were decreased with TRF suggesting hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of inflammatory pathways may have been diminished. We conclude that two-week, isocaloric TRF can potentially decrease liver inflammation, without significant weight loss or reductions in hepatic steatosis, in obese mice with NAFLD.
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22
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Collins MK, Chau CH, Price DK, Figg WD. BETting on next-generation bromodomain inhibitors. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL UROLOGY 2020; 8:129-132. [PMID: 32929408 PMCID: PMC7486540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Within the last decade, bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain inhibitors were introduced as the first in a wave of new agents known as bromodomain inhibitors. These original examples exhibited anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, and some have progressed to human clinical trials. BET proteins and their conserved N-terminal bromodomains, BD1 and BD2, have been implicated in the regulation of transcription. The early-generation BET inhibitors showed equal affinity for BD1 and BD2, and therefore the differential roles of BD1 and BD2 remain poorly understood. A recent study published in Science by Gilan et al. outlines the transcriptional and phenotypic effects of inhibiting BD1 and BD2 individually, specifically in the context of cancer and immunoinflammatory pathologies. These findings suggest that BD1 and BD2 have separate and distinct roles in transcriptional regulation, and that BD1- and BD2-selective agents may exhibit higher clinical efficacies in solid tumors, such as prostate cancer, with fewer off-target side effects seen with early generation compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Collins
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cindy H Chau
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Douglas K Price
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA
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23
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Gilan O, Rioja I, Knezevic K, Bell MJ, Yeung MM, Harker NR, Lam EYN, Chung CW, Bamborough P, Petretich M, Urh M, Atkinson SJ, Bassil AK, Roberts EJ, Vassiliadis D, Burr ML, Preston AGS, Wellaway C, Werner T, Gray JR, Michon AM, Gobbetti T, Kumar V, Soden PE, Haynes A, Vappiani J, Tough DF, Taylor S, Dawson SJ, Bantscheff M, Lindon M, Drewes G, Demont EH, Daniels DL, Grandi P, Prinjha RK, Dawson MA. Selective targeting of BD1 and BD2 of the BET proteins in cancer and immunoinflammation. Science 2020; 368:387-394. [PMID: 32193360 PMCID: PMC7610820 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz8455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The two tandem bromodomains of the BET (bromodomain and extraterminal domain) proteins enable chromatin binding to facilitate transcription. Drugs that inhibit both bromodomains equally have shown efficacy in certain malignant and inflammatory conditions. To explore the individual functional contributions of the first (BD1) and second (BD2) bromodomains in biology and therapy, we developed selective BD1 and BD2 inhibitors. We found that steady-state gene expression primarily requires BD1, whereas the rapid increase of gene expression induced by inflammatory stimuli requires both BD1 and BD2 of all BET proteins. BD1 inhibitors phenocopied the effects of pan-BET inhibitors in cancer models, whereas BD2 inhibitors were predominantly effective in models of inflammatory and autoimmune disease. These insights into the differential requirement of BD1 and BD2 for the maintenance and induction of gene expression may guide future BET-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Gilan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Kathy Knezevic
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J Bell
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Miriam M Yeung
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicola R Harker
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Enid Y N Lam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Paul Bamborough
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Massimo Petretich
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Stephen J Atkinson
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Anna K Bassil
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Emma J Roberts
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Dane Vassiliadis
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marian L Burr
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex G S Preston
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Thilo Werner
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James R Gray
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Michon
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gobbetti
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Computational Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Peter E Soden
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Andrea Haynes
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Johanna Vappiani
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David F Tough
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Simon Taylor
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Sarah-Jane Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcus Bantscheff
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthew Lindon
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Gerard Drewes
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Paola Grandi
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Epigenetics RU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK.
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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24
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Yoshida GJ, Azuma A, Miura Y, Orimo A. Activated Fibroblast Program Orchestrates Tumor Initiation and Progression; Molecular Mechanisms and the Associated Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092256. [PMID: 31067787 PMCID: PMC6539414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
: Neoplastic epithelial cells coexist in carcinomas with various non-neoplastic stromal cells, together creating the tumor microenvironment. There is a growing interest in the cross-talk between tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts referred to as carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are frequently present in human carcinomas. CAF populations extracted from different human carcinomas have been shown to possess the ability to influence the hallmarks of cancer. Indeed, several mechanisms underlying CAF-promoted tumorigenesis are elucidated. Activated fibroblasts in CAFs are characterized as alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and actin-negative fibroblasts, both of which are competent to support tumor growth and progression. There are, however, heterogeneous CAF populations presumably due to the diverse sources of their progenitors in the tumor-associated stroma. Thus, molecular markers allowing identification of bona fide CAF populations with tumor-promoting traits remain under investigation. CAFs and myofibroblasts in wound healing and fibrosis share biological properties and support epithelial cell growth, not only by remodeling the extracellular matrix, but also by producing numerous growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Notably, accumulating evidence strongly suggests that anti-fibrosis agents suppress tumor development and progression. In this review, we highlight important tumor-promoting roles of CAFs based on their analogies with wound-derived myofibroblasts and discuss the potential therapeutic strategy targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Arata Azuma
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138603, Japan.
| | - Yukiko Miura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5, Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138603, Japan.
| | - Akira Orimo
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
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25
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Chen Z, Jain A, Liu H, Zhao Z, Cheng K. Targeted Drug Delivery to Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:695-702. [PMID: 30886124 PMCID: PMC6806344 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.256156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during chronic liver injuries. Although clinical evidence suggests that liver fibrosis can be reversed, there is no standard therapy for liver fibrosis. Moreover, there is a lack of diagnostic tools to detect early-stage liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key step during liver fibrogenesis, and its mechanism has been extensively studied by various cell culture and animal models. Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to activated HSCs is therefore critical for the successful treatment of liver fibrosis. A number of protein markers have been found to be overexpressed in activated HSCs, and their ligands have been used to specifically deliver various antifibrotic agents. In this review, we summarize these HSC-specific protein markers and their ligands for targeted delivery of antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijin Chen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Akshay Jain
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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