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Xu Y, Wang Y, Qi R, Li K, Wang X, Li X, Shi B. Role of connexin 32 in the directional differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:508-518. [PMID: 38250613 PMCID: PMC10797672 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.83973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of connexin 32 (Cx32) in the directional differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into hepatocytes. Urine-derived epithelial cells were collected from the fresh urine of a healthy donor and transducted with reprogramming plasmid mixture to generate iPSCs. The iPSCs were then directionally differentiated into hepatocytes. During the differentiation, the upregulated and downregulated groups were treated with vitamin K2 (VK2) and 2-aminoethoxyboronate diphenylester (2-APB) to increase and inhibit Cx32 expression, respectively. The control group was not treated with the regulatory factor. Expression of Cx32 and hepatocyte-specific markers, including AFP, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α), albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) were detected. It indicated that Cx32 expression was not observed in iPSCs, but gradually increased during the process of hepatic differentiation from iPSCs. Upregulation of Cx32 expression by VK2 treatment promoted hepatocyte maturation and enhanced the expression of the aforementioned hepatic specific markers, whereas downregulation of Cx32 expression by 2-APB treatment had the opposite effects. In conclusion, urine-derived iPSCs could be directionally differentiated into hepatocytes. Up-regulation of Cx32 improves the efficiency and maturity of differentiation of iPSCs into hepatocytes, and Cx32 may be a promoting factor during the process of hepatic differentiation from iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiuyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xinbo Li
- Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200025, China
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2
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Lo EKW, Velazquez JJ, Peng D, Kwon C, Ebrahimkhani MR, Cahan P. Platform-agnostic CellNet enables cross-study analysis of cell fate engineering protocols. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1721-1742. [PMID: 37478860 PMCID: PMC10444577 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimization of cell engineering protocols requires standard, comprehensive quality metrics. We previously developed CellNet, a computational tool to quantitatively assess the transcriptional fidelity of engineered cells compared with their natural counterparts, based on bulk-derived expression profiles. However, this platform and others were limited in their ability to compare data from different sources, and no current tool makes it easy to compare new protocols with existing state-of-the-art protocols in a standardized manner. Here, we utilized our prior application of the top-scoring pair transformation to build a computational platform, platform-agnostic CellNet (PACNet), to address both shortcomings. To demonstrate the utility of PACNet, we applied it to thousands of samples from over 100 studies that describe dozens of protocols designed to produce seven distinct cell types. We performed an in-depth examination of hepatocyte and cardiomyocyte protocols to identify the best-performing methods, characterize the extent of intra-protocol and inter-lab variation, and identify common off-target signatures, including a surprising neural/neuroendocrine signature in primary liver-derived organoids. We have made PACNet available as an easy-to-use web application, allowing users to assess their protocols relative to our database of reference engineered samples, and as open-source, extensible code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K W Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy J Velazquez
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Da Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chulan Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mo R Ebrahimkhani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Patrick Cahan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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3
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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Pawlik A. The Potential Role of Connexins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032600. [PMID: 36768920 PMCID: PMC9916887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family which enable extracellular and intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions (GJ), respectively. Cx take part in transporting important cell-cell messengers such as 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), among others. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been correlated with cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx have been shown either to promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Cx might contribute to the progression of the disease by enhancing endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, or by inhibiting VSMC autophagy. Inhibition or modulation of the expression of specific isoforms could suppress atherosclerotic plaque formation and diminish pro-inflammatory conditions. A better understanding of the complexity of atherosclerosis pathophysiology linked with Cx could result in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the role of Cx in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discusses whether they can become novel therapeutic targets.
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The Multifaceted Role of Connexins in Tumor Microenvironment Initiation and Maintenance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020204. [PMID: 36829482 PMCID: PMC9953436 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Today's research on the processes of carcinogenesis and the vital activity of tumor tissues implies more attention be paid to constituents of the tumor microenvironment and their interactions. These interactions between cells in the tumor microenvironment can be mediated via different types of protein junctions. Connexins are one of the major contributors to intercellular communication. They form the gap junctions responsible for the transfer of ions, metabolites, peptides, miRNA, etc., between neighboring tumor cells as well as between tumor and stromal cells. Connexin hemichannels mediate purinergic signaling and bidirectional molecular transport with the extracellular environment. Additionally, connexins have been reported to localize in tumor-derived exosomes and facilitate the release of their cargo. A large body of evidence implies that the role of connexins in cancer is multifaceted. The pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties of connexins are determined by their abundance, localization, and functionality as well as their channel assembly and non-channel functions. In this review, we have summarized the data on the contribution of connexins to the formation of the tumor microenvironment and to cancer initiation and progression.
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Harnessing conserved signaling and metabolic pathways to enhance the maturation of functional engineered tissues. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:44. [PMID: 36057642 PMCID: PMC9440900 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00246-3] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell types offers promise for basic science, drug testing, disease modeling, personalized medicine, and translatable cell therapies across many tissue types. However, in practice many iPSC-derived cells have presented as immature in physiological function, and despite efforts to recapitulate adult maturity, most have yet to meet the necessary benchmarks for the intended tissues. Here, we summarize the available state of knowledge surrounding the physiological mechanisms underlying cell maturation in several key tissues. Common signaling consolidators, as well as potential synergies between critical signaling pathways are explored. Finally, current practices in physiologically relevant tissue engineering and experimental design are critically examined, with the goal of integrating greater decision paradigms and frameworks towards achieving efficient maturation strategies, which in turn may produce higher-valued iPSC-derived tissues.
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Van Campenhout R, Leroy K, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Kadam P, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channels in the Liver. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4147-4163. [PMID: 35950654 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Connexin proteins oligomerize in hexameric structures called connexin hemichannels, which then dock to form gap junctions. Gap junctions direct cell-cell communication by allowing the exchange of small molecules and ions between neighboring cells. In this way, hepatic gap junctions support liver homeostasis. Besides serving as building blocks for gap junctions, connexin hemichannels provide a pathway between the intracellular and the extracellular environment. The activation of connexin hemichannels is associated with acute and chronic liver pathologies. This article discusses the role of gap junctions and connexin hemichannels in the liver. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-17, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Luce E, Steichen C, Allouche M, Messina A, Heslan JM, Lambert T, Weber A, Nguyen TH, Christophe O, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. In vitro recovery of FIX clotting activity as a marker of highly functional hepatocytes in a hemophilia B iPSC model. Hepatology 2022; 75:866-880. [PMID: 34687060 PMCID: PMC9299628 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes differentiated in monolayer culture are known to have more fetal than adult hepatocyte characteristics. If numerous studies tend to show that this immature phenotype might not necessarily be an obstacle to their use in transplantation, other applications such as drug screening, toxicological studies, or bioartificial livers are reliant on hepatocyte functionality and require full differentiation of hepatocytes. New technologies have been used to improve the differentiation process in recent years, usually evaluated by measuring the albumin production and CYP450 activity. Here we used the complex production and most importantly the activity of the coagulation factor IX (FIX) produced by mature hepatocytes to assess the differentiation of hemophilia B (HB) patient's induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in both monolayer culture and organoids. APPROACH AND RESULTS Indeed, HB is an X-linked monogenic disease due to an impaired activity of FIX synthesized by hepatocytes in the liver. We have developed an in vitro model of HB hepatocytes using iPSCs generated from fibroblasts of a severe HB patient. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to target the genomic insertion of a coagulation factor 9 minigene bearing the Padua mutation to enhance FIX activity. Noncorrected and corrected iPSCs were differentiated into hepatocytes under both two-dimensional and three-dimensional differentiation protocols and deciphered the production of active FIX in vitro. Finally, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of this approach in vivo using a mouse model of HB. CONCLUSIONS Functional FIX, whose post-translational modifications only occur in fully mature hepatocytes, was only produced in corrected iPSCs differentiated in organoids. Immunohistochemistry analyses of mouse livers indicated a good cell engraftment, and the FIX activity detected in the plasma of transplanted animals confirmed rescue of the bleeding phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléanor Luce
- INSERM Université Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche 1193VillejuifFrance.,Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire Hépatinov, Hôpital Paul BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Clara Steichen
- INSERM Université Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche 1193VillejuifFrance.,Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire Hépatinov, Hôpital Paul BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Mickaël Allouche
- INSERM Université Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche 1193VillejuifFrance.,Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire Hépatinov, Hôpital Paul BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Antonietta Messina
- INSERM Université Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche 1193VillejuifFrance.,Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire Hépatinov, Hôpital Paul BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | | | - Thierry Lambert
- Centre de Référence pour le Traitement des HémophilesHôpital de BicêtreFrance
| | - Anne Weber
- INSERM Université Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche 1193VillejuifFrance.,Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire Hépatinov, Hôpital Paul BrousseVillejuifFrance
| | - Tuan Huy Nguyen
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1064CHU Hôtel DieuNantesFrance
| | - Olivier Christophe
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1176Hôpital de BicêtreKremlin-BicêtreFrance
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- INSERM Université Paris-SaclayUnité Mixte de Recherche 1193VillejuifFrance.,Féderation Hospitalo-Universitaire Hépatinov, Hôpital Paul BrousseVillejuifFrance
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8
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Almeida JI, Tenreiro MF, Martinez-Santamaria L, Guerrero-Aspizua S, Gisbert JP, Alves PM, Serra M, Baptista PM. Hallmarks of the human intestinal microbiome on liver maturation and function. J Hepatol 2022; 76:694-725. [PMID: 34715263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most metabolically complex systems in the body, the liver ensures multi-organ homeostasis and ultimately sustains life. Nevertheless, during early postnatal development, the liver is highly immature and takes about 2 years to acquire and develop almost all of its functions. Different events occurring at the environmental and cellular levels are thought to mediate hepatic maturation and function postnatally. The crosstalk between the liver, the gut and its microbiome has been well appreciated in the context of liver disease, but recent evidence suggests that the latter could also be critical for hepatic function under physiological conditions. The gut-liver crosstalk is thought to be mediated by a rich repertoire of microbial metabolites that can participate in a myriad of biological processes in hepatic sinusoids, from energy metabolism to tissue regeneration. Studies on germ-free animals have revealed the gut microbiome as a critical contributor in early hepatic programming, and this influence extends throughout life, mediating liver function and body homeostasis. In this seminar, we describe the microbial molecules that have a known effect on the liver and discuss how the gut microbiome and the liver evolve throughout life. We also provide insights on current and future strategies to target the gut microbiome in the context of hepatology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana I Almeida
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Miguel F Tenreiro
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Lucía Martinez-Santamaria
- Carlos III University of Madrid. Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Guerrero-Aspizua
- Carlos III University of Madrid. Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier P Gisbert
- Gastroenterology Department. Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula M Alves
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida Serra
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pedro M Baptista
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Carlos III University of Madrid. Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain.
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9
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Messina A, Luce E, Benzoubir N, Pasqua M, Pereira U, Humbert L, Eguether T, Rainteau D, Duclos-Vallée JC, Legallais C, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. Evidence of Adult Features and Functions of Hepatocytes Differentiated from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Self-Organized as Organoids. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030537. [PMID: 35159346 PMCID: PMC8834365 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (iHeps) have been shown to have considerable potential in liver diseases, toxicity, and pharmacological studies. However, there is a growing need to obtain iHeps that are truly similar to primary adult hepatocytes in terms of morphological features and functions. We generated such human iHeps, self-assembled as organoids (iHep-Orgs). Methods: iPSC-derived hepatoblasts were self-assembled into spheroids and differentiated into mature hepatocytes modulating final step of differentiation. Results: In about four weeks of culture, the albumin secretion levels and the complete disappearance of α-fetoprotein from iHep-Orgs suggested the acquisition of a greater degree of maturation than those previously reported. The expression of apical transporters and bile acid secretion evidenced the acquisition of complex hepatocyte polarity as well as the development of a functional and well-defined bile canalicular network confirmed by computational analysis. Activities recorded for CYP450, UGT1A1, and alcohol dehydrogenase, response to hormonal stimulation, and glucose metabolism were also remarkable. Finally, iHep-Orgs displayed a considerable ability to detoxify pathological concentrations of lactate and ammonia. Conclusions: With features similar to those of primary adult hepatocytes, the iHep-Orgs thus produced could be considered as a valuable tool for the development and optimization of preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Messina
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (E.L.); (N.B.); (J.-C.D.-V.)
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (A.D.-K.)
| | - Eléanor Luce
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (E.L.); (N.B.); (J.-C.D.-V.)
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
| | - Nassima Benzoubir
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (E.L.); (N.B.); (J.-C.D.-V.)
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
| | - Mattia Pasqua
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomechanics & Bioengineering, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Sorbonne Universités, 60203 Compiegne, France
| | - Ulysse Pereira
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomechanics & Bioengineering, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Sorbonne Universités, 60203 Compiegne, France
| | - Lydie Humbert
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Metomics, 75012 Paris, France; (L.H.); (T.E.); (D.R.)
| | - Thibaut Eguether
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Metomics, 75012 Paris, France; (L.H.); (T.E.); (D.R.)
| | - Dominique Rainteau
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Metomics, 75012 Paris, France; (L.H.); (T.E.); (D.R.)
| | - Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (E.L.); (N.B.); (J.-C.D.-V.)
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
| | - Cécile Legallais
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomechanics & Bioengineering, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Sorbonne Universités, 60203 Compiegne, France
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (E.L.); (N.B.); (J.-C.D.-V.)
- Centre Hépatobiliaire, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (M.P.); (U.P.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (A.D.-K.)
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10
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Kirk LM, Waits CMK, Bashore AC, Dosso B, Meyers AK, Renaldo AC, DePalma TJ, Simms KN, Hauser N, Chuang Key CC, McCall CE, Parks JS, Sergeant S, Langefeld CD, Skardal A, Rahbar E. Exploiting three-dimensional human hepatic constructs to investigate the impact of rs174537 on fatty acid metabolism. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262173. [PMID: 35051193 PMCID: PMC8775235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Modern Western Diet has been associated with the rise in metabolic and inflammatory diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This has been attributed, in part, to the increase in dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption, specifically linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (ARA), and their subsequent metabolism to pro-inflammatory metabolites which may be driving human disease. Conversion of dietary LA to ARA is regulated by genetic variants near and within the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) haplotype block, most notably single nucleotide polymorphism rs174537 is strongly associated with FADS1 activity and expression. This variant and others within high linkage disequilibrium may potentially explain the diversity in both diet and inflammatory mediators that drive chronic inflammatory disease in human populations. Mechanistic exploration into this phenomenon using human hepatocytes is limited by current two-dimensional culture models that poorly replicate in vivo functionality. Therefore, we aimed to develop and characterize a three-dimensional hepatic construct for the study of human PUFA metabolism. Primary human hepatocytes cultured in 3D hydrogels were characterized for their capacity to represent basic lipid processing functions, including lipid esterification, de novo lipogenesis, and cholesterol efflux. They were then exposed to control and LA-enriched media and reproducibly displayed allele-specific metabolic activity of FADS1, based on genotype at rs174537. Hepatocytes derived from individuals homozygous with the minor allele at rs174537 (i.e., TT) displayed the slowest metabolic conversion of LA to ARA and significantly reduced FADS1 and FADS2 expression. These results support the feasibility of using 3D human hepatic cultures for the study of human PUFA and lipid metabolism and relevant gene-diet interactions, thereby enabling future nutrition targets in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Madison Kirk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Charlotte Mae K. Waits
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Alexander C. Bashore
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Beverly Dosso
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Allison K. Meyers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Antonio C. Renaldo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kelli N. Simms
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel Hauser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Chia-Chi Chuang Key
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Charles E. McCall
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - John S. Parks
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Susan Sergeant
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carl D. Langefeld
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Elaheh Rahbar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
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11
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Connexin 43 Gene Ablation Does Not Alter Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Germ Lineage Specification. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010015. [PMID: 35053163 PMCID: PMC8773696 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic germ layer development, cells communicate with each other and their environment to ensure proper lineage specification and tissue development. Connexin (Cx) proteins facilitate direct cell–cell communication through gap junction channels. While previous reports suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication may contribute to germ layer formation, there have been limited comprehensive expression analyses or genetic ablation studies on Cxs during human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) germ lineage specification. We screened the mRNA profile and protein expression patterns of select human Cx isoforms in undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and after directed differentiation into the three embryonic germ lineages: ectoderm, definitive endoderm, and mesoderm. Transcript analyses by qPCR revealed upregulation of Cx45 and Cx62 in iPSC-derived ectoderm; Cx45 in mesoderm; and Cx30.3, Cx31, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37, and Cx40 in endoderm relative to control human iPSCs. Generated Cx43 (GJA1) CRISPR-Cas9 knockout iPSCs successfully differentiated into cells of all three germ layers, suggesting that Cx43 is dispensable during directed iPSC lineage specification. Furthermore, qPCR screening of select Cx transcripts in our GJA1-/- iPSCs showed no significant Cx upregulation in response to the loss of Cx43 protein. Future studies will reveal possible compensation by additional Cxs, suggesting targets for future CRISPR-Cas9 ablation studies in human iPSC lineage specification.
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12
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Li R, Liu J, Ma J, Sun X, Wang Y, Yan J, Yu Q, Diao J, Yang C, Reid LM, Wang Y. Fibrinogen improves liver function via promoting cell aggregation and fibronectin assembly in hepatic spheroids. Biomaterials 2021; 280:121266. [PMID: 34875515 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many key functions performed by the liver depend on the interaction between parenchymal cells and the microenvironment comprised of neighboring cells and extracellular matrix. The biological macromolecules in the matrix, which are dynamically changing, participate in various physiological processes through interactions with cell surface receptors, antigens, and ion channels. We found the rat liver biomatrix scaffold (LBS) prepared from adult rats is more effective in enhancing the function of hepatic spheroids than those derived from newborn or senile rats. Combined with matrisome and bioinformatics analyses, we further found that the glycoproteins, fibronectin and fibrinogen may have special potential for improving hepatocyte function. Human primary hepatocyte organoids and HepaRG spheroids showed more mature hepatocyte phenotype after adding fibronectin and fibrinogen to the culture system. During the cultivation of hepatic spheroids, fibrinogen resulted in an increase in cell-cell junction by promoting cell aggregation and helping fibronectin to assemble on cell surface, which resulted in activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Fibronectin-integrin αVβ1-Wnt/β-catenin may be the axis of signal transduction in parenchymal cell microenvironment. Importantly, fibrinogen enhances the signal transduction. These results suggest that the addition of fibronectin and fibrinogen to the 3D culture system is a new strategy for inducing parenchymal cell functional maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Li
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Jie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Life Omics, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xuer Sun
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiexin Yan
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Qunfang Yu
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jinmei Diao
- Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, School of Aerospace, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lola M Reid
- Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China; Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China.
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13
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Ngezahayo A, Ruhe FA. Connexins in the development and physiology of stem cells. Tissue Barriers 2021; 9:1949242. [PMID: 34227910 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1949242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form gap junction (GJ) channels linking vertebrate cells. During embryogenesis, Cxs are expressed as early as the 4-8 cell stage. As cells differentiate into pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and during gastrulation, the Cx expression pattern is adapted. Knockdown of Cx43 and Cx45 does not interfere with embryogenic development until the blastula stage, questioning the role of Cxs in PSC physiology and development. Studies in cultivated and induced PSCs (iPSCs) showed that Cx43 is essential for the maintenance of self-renewal and the expression of pluripotency markers. It was found that the role of Cxs in PSCs is more related to regulation of transcription or cell-cell adherence than to formation of GJ channels. Furthermore, a crucial role of Cxs for the self-renewal and differentiation was shown in cultivated adult mesenchymal stem cells. This review aims to highlight aspects that link Cxs to the function and physiology of stem cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Dept. Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frederike A Ruhe
- Dept. Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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14
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Katturajan R, Evan Prince S. A role of connexin 43 on the drug-induced liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract toxicity with associated signaling pathways. Life Sci 2021; 280:119629. [PMID: 34004253 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced organ toxicity/injury, especially in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, is a systematic disorder that causes oxidative stress formation and inflammation resulting in cell death and organ failure. Current therapies target reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and inhibit inflammatory factors in organ injury to restore the functions and temporary relief. Organ cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication, regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis-regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Aim to describe knowledge about the importance of connexin role and insights therapeutic targeting. Cx43 misregulation has been implicated in recent decades in various diseases. Moreover, in recent years there is increasing evidence that Cx43 is involved in the toxicity process, including hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal disorders. Cx43 has the potential to initiate the immune system to cause cell death, which has been activated in the acceleration of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy signaling pathway. So far, therapies targeting Cx43 have been under inspection and are subjected to clinical trial phases. This review elucidates the role of Cx43 in drug-induced vital organ injury, and recent reports compromise its function in the major signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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15
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Adak A, Unal YC, Yucel S, Vural Z, Turan FB, Yalcin-Ozuysal O, Ozcivici E, Mese G. Connexin 32 induces pro-tumorigenic features in MCF10A normal breast cells and MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118851. [PMID: 32918981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cx), the basic subunit of gap junctions, play important roles in cell homeostasis, and their abnormal expression and function are associated with human hereditary diseases and cancers. In tumorigenesis, connexins were observed to have both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic roles in a context- and stage-dependent manner. Initially, Cx26 and Cx43 were thought to be the only connexins involved in normal breast homeostasis and breast cancer. Later on, association of Cx32 expression with lymph node metastasis of breast cancer and subsequent demonstration of its expression in normal breast tissue suggested that Cx32 contributes to breast tissue homeostasis. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of Cx32 on normal breast cells, MCF10A, and on breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. Cx32 overexpression had profound effects on MCF10A cells, decreasing cell proliferation by increasing the doubling time of MCF10A. Furthermore, MCF10A cells acquired mesenchymal-like appearance upon Cx32 expression and had increased migration capacity and expression of both E-cadherin and vimentin. In contrast, Cx32 overexpression altered the EMT markers of MDA-MB-231 by increasing the expression of mesenchymal markers, such as slug and vimentin, and decreasing E-cadherin expression without affecting their proliferation and morphology. Our results indicate, for the first time in the literature, that Cx32 has tumor-promoting roles in MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Adak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yagmur Ceren Unal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Simge Yucel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zehra Vural
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Basak Turan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozden Yalcin-Ozuysal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey.
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16
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Kharkovskaya EЕ, Osipov GV, Mukhina IV. Ventricular fibrillation induced by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate under conditions of hypoxia/reoxygenation. Minerva Cardioangiol 2020; 68:619-628. [DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4725.20.05376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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17
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Uchida Y, Ferdousi F, Zheng YW, Oda T, Isoda H. Global Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Isorhamnetin Induces Hepatic-Lineage Specific Differentiation in Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:578036. [PMID: 33224947 PMCID: PMC7674172 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.578036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs), derived from discarded term placenta, is anticipated as a new stem cell resource because of their advantages over embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), such as no risk of tumorigenicity and minimal ethical issue. hAECs have been reported to differentiate into hepatic-like cells (HLCs) with variable functionalities suitable for cell-based therapy of end-stage liver diseases, drug screening, and drug toxicity tests. On the other hand, a new research stream has been evolving to use natural compounds as stimulants of stem cell differentiation because of their high availability and minimum side effects. Isorhamnetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables and has been reported to improve hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. In this present study, we have screened the differentiation potential of isorhamnetin in hAECs. The cells were grown on 3D cell culture and were treated with 20 μM of synthesized isorhamnetin for 10 days without adding any additional growth factors. DNA microarray global gene expression analysis was conducted for differentially expressed genes between isorhamnetin-treated and untreated control cells, gene expression validation was carried out using RT-qPCR method, and finally, several hepatic functions were assessed. Microarray analysis showed that isorhamnetin could activate essential biological processes, molecular functions, and signaling pathways for hepatic differentiation. Hepatic progenitor markers, EPCAM and DLK1, were upregulated in the isorhamnetin-treated hAECs. AFP was downregulated, while ALB was upregulated on Day 10. Furthermore, isorhamnetin-treated cells could show increased CYP enzyme mRNA levels, ICG uptake and release, glycogen storage activity, and urea secretion. Additionally, isorhamnetin-treated cells did not show any trace of transdifferentiation evident by significant downregulation of several colon- and cholangiocyte-specific markers. However, longer treatment with isorhamnetin did not promote hepatic maturation. Altogether, our findings indicate that isorhamnetin has a promising effect on directing the hepatic-lineage specific differentiation in hAECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Uchida
- School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Farhana Ferdousi
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,AIST-University of Tsukuba Open Innovation Laboratory for Food and Medicinal Resource Engineering (FoodMed-OIL), AIST, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Oda
- AIST-University of Tsukuba Open Innovation Laboratory for Food and Medicinal Resource Engineering (FoodMed-OIL), AIST, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroko Isoda
- School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,AIST-University of Tsukuba Open Innovation Laboratory for Food and Medicinal Resource Engineering (FoodMed-OIL), AIST, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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18
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Abstract
Stem cells are an immortal cell population capable of self-renewal; they are essential for human development and ageing and are a major focus of research in regenerative medicine. Despite considerable progress in differentiation of stem cells in vitro, culture conditions require further optimization to maximize the potential for multicellular differentiation during expansion. The aim of this study was to develop a feeder-free, serum-free culture method for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), to establish optimal conditions for hESC proliferation, and to determine the biological characteristics of the resulting hESCs. The H9 hESC line was cultured using a homemade serum-free, feeder-free culture system, and growth was observed. The expression of pluripotency proteins (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, LIN28, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81) in hESCs was determined by immunofluorescence and western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of genes encoding nestin, brachyury and α-fetoprotein in differentiated H9 cells were determined by RT-PCR. The newly developed culture system resulted in classical hESC colonies that were round or elliptical in shape, with clear and neat boundaries. The expression of pluripotency proteins was increased, and the genes encoding nestin, brachyury, and α-fetoprotein were expressed in H9 cells, suggesting that the cells maintained in vitro differentiation capacity. Our culture system containing a unique set of components, with animal-derived substances, maintained the self-renewal potential and pluripotency of H9 cells for eight passages. Further optimization of this system may expand the clinical application of hESCs.
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Wang S, Wang X, Tan Z, Su Y, Liu J, Chang M, Yan F, Chen J, Chen T, Li C, Hu J, Wang Y. Human ESC-derived expandable hepatic organoids enable therapeutic liver repopulation and pathophysiological modeling of alcoholic liver injury. Cell Res 2019; 29:1009-1026. [PMID: 31628434 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-019-0242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the generation of human ESC-derived, expandable hepatic organoids (hEHOs) using our newly established method with wholly defined (serum-free, feeder free) media. The hEHOs stably maintain phenotypic features of bipotential liver stem/progenitor cells that can differentiate into functional hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. The hEHOs can expand for 20 passages enabling large scale expansion to cell numbers requisite for industry or clinical programs. The cells from hEHOs display remarkable repopulation capacity in injured livers of FRG mice following transplantation, and they differentiate in vivo into mature hepatocytes. If implanted into the epididymal fat pads of immune-deficient mice, they do not generate non-hepatic lineages and have no tendency to form teratomas. We further develop a derivative model by incorporating human fetal liver mesenchymal cells (hFLMCs) into the hEHOs, referred to as hFLMC/hEHO, which can model alcoholic liver disease-associated pathophysiologic changes, including oxidative stress generation, steatosis, inflammatory mediators release and fibrosis, under ethanol treatment. Our work demonstrates that the hEHOs have considerable potential to be a novel, ex vivo pathophysiological model for studying alcoholic liver disease as well as a promising cellular source for treating human liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyong Wang
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China.,Army Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, The 8th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100091, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China.,Department of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, 050017, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zuolong Tan
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Su
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China.,Hepatal-Biliary-Pancreatic Center, Translational Research Center, Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, 102218, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyang Chang
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510289, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510289, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanjiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, 050017, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China. .,Hepatal-Biliary-Pancreatic Center, Translational Research Center, Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, 102218, Beijing, China.
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20
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Caron J, Pène V, Tolosa L, Villaret M, Luce E, Fourrier A, Heslan JM, Saheb S, Bruckert E, Gómez-Lechón MJ, Nguyen TH, Rosenberg AR, Weber A, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient hepatocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells allow familial hypercholesterolemia modeling, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genetic correction, and productive hepatitis C virus infection. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:221. [PMID: 31358055 PMCID: PMC6664765 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia type IIA (FH) is due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) resulting in elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in plasma and in premature cardiovascular diseases. As hepatocytes are the only cells capable of metabolizing cholesterol, they are therefore the target cells for cell/gene therapy approaches in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders. Furthermore, the LDLR has been reported to be involved in hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatocytes; however, its role in the virus infection cycle is still disputed. METHODS We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a homozygous LDLR-null FH-patient (FH-iPSCs). We constructed a correction cassette bearing LDLR cDNA under the control of human hepatic apolipoprotein A2 promoter that targets the adeno-associated virus integration site AAVS1. We differentiated both FH-iPSCs and corrected FH-iPSCs (corr-FH-iPSCs) into hepatocytes to study statin-mediated regulation of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Upon HCV particle inoculation, viral replication and production were quantified in these cells. RESULTS We showed that FH-iPSCs displayed the disease phenotype. Using homologous recombination mediated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, FH-iPSCs were genetically corrected by the targeted integration of a correction cassette at the AAVS1 locus. Both FH-iPSCs and corr-FH-iPSCs were then differentiated into functional polarized hepatocytes using a stepwise differentiation approach (FH-iHeps and corr-FH-iHeps). The correct insertion and expression of the correction cassette resulted in restoration of LDLR expression and function (LDL-c uptake) in corr-FH-iHeps. We next demonstrated that pravastatin treatment increased the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism in both cell models. Moreover, LDLR expression and function were also enhanced in corr-FH-iHeps after pravastatin treatment. Finally, we demonstrated that both FH-iHeps and corr-FH-iHeps were as permissive to viral infection as primary human hepatocytes but that virus production in FH-iHeps was significantly decreased compared to corr-FH-iHeps, suggesting a role of the LDLR in HCV morphogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides the first LDLR-null FH cell model and its corrected counterpart to study the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and host determinants of HCV life cycle, and a platform to screen drugs for treating dyslipidemia and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Caron
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Laia Tolosa
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Eléanor Luce
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Angélique Fourrier
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-Marie Heslan
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Samir Saheb
- Service d'Endocrinologie Métabolisme, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Eric Bruckert
- Service d'Endocrinologie Métabolisme, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - María José Gómez-Lechón
- Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,CIBERehd, FIS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tuan Huy Nguyen
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Arielle R Rosenberg
- Université Paris Descartes, EA4474, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Service de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Anne Weber
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- INSERM UMR_S1193, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; UMR-S1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France; DHU Hepatinov, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France.
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21
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Reyes JF, Sackmann C, Hoffmann A, Svenningsson P, Winkler J, Ingelsson M, Hallbeck M. Binding of α-synuclein oligomers to Cx32 facilitates protein uptake and transfer in neurons and oligodendrocytes. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:23-47. [PMID: 30976973 PMCID: PMC6570706 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The intercellular transfer of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) has been implicated in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The cellular mechanisms underlying this process are now beginning to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that the gap junction protein connexin-32 (Cx32) is centrally involved in the preferential uptake of α-syn oligomeric assemblies (oα-syn) in neurons and oligodendrocytes. In vitro, we demonstrate a clear correlation between Cx32 expression and oα-syn uptake. Pharmacological and genetic strategies targeting Cx32 successfully blocked oα-syn uptake. In cellular and transgenic mice modeling PD and MSA, we observed significant upregulation of Cx32 which correlates with α-syn accumulation. Notably, we could also demonstrate a direct interaction between α-syn and Cx32 in two out of four human PD cases that was absent in all four age-matched controls. These data are suggestive of a link between Cx32 and PD pathophysiology. Collectively, our results provide compelling evidence for Cx32 as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in PD and related α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Reyes
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Christopher Sackmann
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alana Hoffmann
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Per Svenningsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Ingelsson
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Hallbeck
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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22
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Kim Y, Kang K, Lee SB, Seo D, Yoon S, Kim SJ, Jang K, Jung YK, Lee KG, Factor VM, Jeong J, Choi D. Small molecule-mediated reprogramming of human hepatocytes into bipotent progenitor cells. J Hepatol 2019; 70:97-107. [PMID: 30240598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Currently, much effort is directed towards the development of new cell sources for clinical therapy using cell fate conversion by small molecules. Direct lineage reprogramming to a progenitor state has been reported in terminally differentiated rodent hepatocytes, yet remains a challenge in human hepatocytes. METHODS Human hepatocytes were isolated from healthy and diseased donor livers and reprogrammed into progenitor cells by 2 small molecules, A83-01 and CHIR99021 (AC), in the presence of EGF and HGF. The stemness properties of human chemically derived hepatic progenitors (hCdHs) were tested by standard in vitro and in vivo assays and transcriptome profiling. RESULTS We developed a robust culture system for generating hCdHs with therapeutic potential. The use of HGF proved to be an essential determinant of the fate conversion process. Based on functional evidence, activation of the HGF/MET signal transduction system collaborated with A83-01 and CHIR99021 to allow a rapid expansion of progenitor cells through the activation of the ERK pathway. hCdHs expressed hepatic progenitor markers and could self-renew for at least 10 passages while retaining a normal karyotype and potential to differentiate into functional hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells in vitro. Gene expression profiling using RNAseq confirmed the transcriptional reprogramming of hCdHs towards a progenitor state and the suppression of mature hepatocyte transcripts. Upon intrasplenic transplantation in several models of therapeutic liver repopulation, hCdHs effectively repopulated the damaged parenchyma. CONCLUSION Our study is the first report of successful reprogramming of human hepatocytes to a population of proliferating bipotent cells with regenerative potential. hCdHs may provide a novel tool that permits expansion and genetic manipulation of patient-specific progenitors to study regeneration and the repair of diseased livers. LAY SUMMARY Human primary hepatocytes were reprogrammed towards hepatic progenitor cells by a combined treatment with 2 small molecules, A83-01 and CHIR99021, and HGF. Chemically derived hepatic progenitors exhibited a high proliferation potential and the ability to differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. This approach enables the generation of patient-specific hepatic progenitors and provides a platform for personal and stem cell-based regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyojin Kang
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Bum Lee
- Laboratory of Radiation Exposure & Therapeutics, National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Science, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Daekwan Seo
- Macrogen Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Sangtae Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul 03063, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiseok Jang
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Jung
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Valentina M Factor
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jaemin Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongho Choi
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; HY Indang Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Pavlovic BJ, Blake LE, Roux J, Chavarria C, Gilad Y. A Comparative Assessment of Human and Chimpanzee iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes with Primary Heart Tissues. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15312. [PMID: 30333510 PMCID: PMC6193013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative genomic studies in primates have the potential to reveal the genetic and mechanistic basis for human specific traits. These studies may also help us better understand inter-species phenotypic differences that are clinically relevant. Unfortunately, the obvious limitation on sample collection and experimentation in humans and non-human apes severely restrict our ability to perform dynamic comparative studies in primates. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and their corresponding differentiated cells, may provide a suitable alternative system for dynamic comparative studies. Yet, to effectively use iPSCs and differentiated cells for comparative studies, one must characterize the extent to which these systems faithfully represent biological processes in primary tissues. To do so, we compared gene expression data from primary adult heart tissue and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from multiple human and chimpanzee individuals. We determined that gene expression in cultured cardiomyocytes from both human and chimpanzee is most similar to that of adult hearts compared to other adult tissues. Using a comparative framework, we found that 50% of gene regulatory differences between human and chimpanzee hearts are also observed between species in cultured cardiomyocytes; conversely, inter-species regulatory differences seen in cardiomyocytes are found significantly more often in hearts than in other primary tissues. Our work provides a detailed description of the utility and limitation of differentiated cardiomyocytes as a system for comparative functional genomic studies in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Pavlovic
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Lauren E Blake
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julien Roux
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Chavarria
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yoav Gilad
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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24
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Liu J, Li R, Xue R, Li T, Leng L, Wang Y, Wang J, Ma J, Yan J, Yan F, Zhang Y, Wang Y. Liver Extracellular Matrices Bioactivated Hepatic Spheroids as a Model System for Drug Hepatotoxicity Evaluations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Ruihong Li
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Rui Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Tingting Li
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Ling Leng
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Yi Wang
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Jie Wang
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Jie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics; Beijing Proteome Research Center; National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing); Beijing Institute of Life Omics; Beijing 102206 China
| | - Jiexin Yan
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Fang Yan
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Youzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Tissue Engineering Lab; Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine; Beijing 100850 China
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25
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Aasen T, Johnstone S, Vidal-Brime L, Lynn KS, Koval M. Connexins: Synthesis, Post-Translational Modifications, and Trafficking in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051296. [PMID: 29701678 PMCID: PMC5983588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The connexin gene family is under extensive regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, and undergoes numerous modifications at the protein level, including phosphorylation, which ultimately affects their trafficking, stability, and function. Here, we summarize these key regulatory events, with emphasis on how these affect connexin multifunctionality in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Scott Johnstone
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 801394, Charlottesville, VI 22908, USA.
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, UK.
| | - Laia Vidal-Brime
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - K Sabrina Lynn
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Michael Koval
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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26
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Tu J, Huo Z, Liu M, Wang D, Xu A, Zhou R, Zhu D, Gingold J, Shen J, Zhao R, Lee DF. Generation of human embryonic stem cell line with heterozygous RB1 deletion by CRIPSR/Cas9 nickase. Stem Cell Res 2018; 28:29-32. [PMID: 29414415 PMCID: PMC5905711 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) tumor suppressor, a member of the Retinoblastoma gene family, functions as a pocket protein for the functional binding of E2F transcription factors. About 1/3 of retinoblastoma patients harbor a germline RB1 mutation or deletion, leading to the development of retinoblastoma. Here, we demonstrate generation of a heterozygous deletion of the RB1 gene in the H1 human embryonic stem cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 nickase genome editing. The RB1 heterozygous knockout H1 cell line shows a normal karyotype, maintains a pluripotent state, and is capable of differentiation to the three germline layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zijun Huo
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mo Liu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Donghui Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - An Xu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ruoji Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julian Gingold
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jingnan Shen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Ruiying Zhao
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Dung-Fang Lee
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics and School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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27
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Pei H, Zhai C, Li H, Yan F, Qin J, Yuan H, Zhang R, Wang S, Zhang W, Chang M, Wang Y, Pei X. Connexin 32 and connexin 43 are involved in lineage restriction of hepatic progenitor cells to hepatocytes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:252. [PMID: 29116012 PMCID: PMC5678556 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0703-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bi-potential hepatic progenitor cells can give rise to both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, which is the last phase and critical juncture in terms of sequentially hepatic lineage restriction from any kind of stem cells. If their differentiation can be controlled, it might access to functional hepatocytes to develop pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as well as cell therapies for end-stage liver diseases. METHODS In this study, we investigated the influence of Cx32 and Cx43 on hepatocyte differentiation of WB-F344 cells by in vitro gain and loss of function analyses. An inhibitor of Cx32 was also used to make further clarification. To reveal p38 MAPK pathway is closely related to Cxs, rats with 70% partial hepatectomy were injected intraperitoneally with a p38 inhibitor, SB203580. Besides, the effects of p38 MAPK pathway on differentiation of hepatoblasts isolated from fetal rat livers were evaluated by addition of SB203580 in culture medium. RESULTS In vitro gain and loss of function analyses showed overexpression of Connexin 32 and knockdown of Connexin 43 promoted hepatocytes differentiation from hepatic progenitor cells. In addition, in vitro and ex vivo research revealed inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway can improve hepatocytes differentiation correlating with upregulation of Connexin 32 expression and downregulation of Connexin 43 expression. CONCLUSIONS Here we demonstrate that Connexins play crucial roles in facilitating differentiation of hepatic progenitors. Our work further implicates that regulators of Connexins and their related pathways might provide new insights to improve lineage restriction of stem cells to mature hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, 510005 China
| | - Chao Zhai
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Huilin Li
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Fang Yan
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Jinhua Qin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, 510005 China
| | - Hongfeng Yuan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Shuyong Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, 510005 China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Mingyang Chang
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou, 510005 China
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28
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Chang SH, Huang HH, Kang PL, Wu YC, Chang MH, Kuo SM. In vitro and in vivo study of the application of volvox spheres to co-culture vehicles in liver tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2017; 63:261-273. [PMID: 28941653 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Volvox sphere is a biomimetic concept of a natural Volvox, wherein a large outer sphere contains smaller inner spheres, which can encapsulate cells and provide a double-layer three-dimensional environment for culturing cells. This study simultaneously encapsulated rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and AML12 hepatocytes in volvox spheres and extensively evaluated the effects of various culturing modes on cell functions and fates. The results showed that compared with a static flask culture, MSCs encapsulated in volvox spheres differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with a 2-fold increase in albumin (ALB) expression and a 2.5-fold increase in cytokeratin 18 expression in a dynamic bioreactor. Moreover, the restorative effects of volvox spheres encapsulating cells on retrorsine-exposed CCl4-induced liver injuries in rats were evaluated. The data presented significant reductions in AST and ALT levels after the implantation of volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes in vivo. In contrast to the negative control group, histopathological analysis demonstrated liver repair and formation of the new liver tissue in groups implanted with volvox spheres containing cells. These results demonstrate that liver cells implanted with volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes promote liver repair and liver tissue regeneration in liver failure caused by necrotizing agents such as retrorsine and CCl4. Hence, volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and liver cells can be a promising and clinically effective therapy for liver injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we used a volvox sphere, which is a unique design that mimics the natural Volvox, that consists of a large outer sphere that contains smaller inner spheres, which provide a three-dimensional environment to culture cells. The purpose of this study is to co-culture mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and AML12 liver cells in volvox spheres and evaluate two different culture methods, dynamic bioreactor and static culture flask,on the cultured cells. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the restorative effects of volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and/or AML12 liver cells on rats with retrorsine-exposed CCl4-induced liver injuries. The results showed that MSCs encapsulated in volvox spheres differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with a 2-fold increase in albumin expression and a 2.5-fold increase in cytokeratin 18 expression ina dynamic bioreactor. Moreover, the data presented significant reductions in AST and ALT levels after the implantation of volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes in vivo. In contrast to the negative control group, histopathological analysis demonstrated liver repair and formation of new liver tissue in groups implanted with volvox spheres containing cells. These results demonstrate that liver cells implanted with volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes promote liver repair and liver tissue regeneration in liver failure caused by necrotizing agents such as retrorsine and CCl4. Hence, volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and liver cells can be a promising and clinically effective therapy for liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siou Han Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Han Hsiang Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Pei Leun Kang
- Cardiac Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chian Wu
- Kaohsiung Armed Force General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Taiwan; National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huang Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Shyh Ming Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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29
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Yan F, Wang Y, Zhang W, Chang M, He Z, Xu J, Shang C, Chen T, Liu J, Wang X, Pei X, Wang Y. Human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatoblasts are an optimal lineage stage for hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatology 2017; 66:717-735. [PMID: 28236326 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Maturation of hepatic cells can be gradually acquired through multiple stages of hepatic lineage specification, while it is unclear whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is maturationally lineage-dependent. We investigated the susceptibility to HCV at multiple stages of human embryonic stem cells, definitive endodermal cells, hepatic stem cells, hepatoblasts (hHBs), and mature hepatocytes. Susceptibility to infection occurred initially at the stage of human hepatic stem cells; however, hHBs proved to have the highest permissiveness and infectivity compared with all other stages. The hHBs' susceptibility to HCV correlated with the translocation of occludin, an HCV receptor, from cytoplasm to plasma membrane of HBs. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor enhanced the HCV susceptibility of hHBs through rearrangement of occludin by dephosphorylation; this minimized hHB polarization and prevented hHBs from further maturation. The transcription profiles of different hepatic lineage stages indicated that expression of innate immune response genes was correlated with hepatic maturation; interferon β played an important role in protecting hHBs from HCV infection. HCV-infected hHBs were able to engraft and integrate into the livers of Fah-/- Rag2-/- mice and maintained an hHB phenotype for over 12 weeks during the time when HCV antigen was evident. After suppression of interferon β in hHBs, HCV infection was significantly enhanced in the engrafted humanized liver tissue of host mice. CONCLUSION Human embryonic stem cell-derived hHBs are the optimal hosts for HCV infectivity; the realization that HCV entry and replication occur primarily at a particular hepatic lineage stage enables us to understand the HCV infection factors, life cycle, and infection dynamics that are facets of the pathogenesis as well as suggesting targets for anti-HCV treatment. (Hepatology 2017;66:717-735).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yan
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,Transfusion Immunology Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyang Chang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiying He
- Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinbo Xu
- Transfusion Immunology Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Changzhen Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of National Education, Ministry for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, AMMS, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
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Gleisner MA, Navarrete M, Hofmann F, Salazar-Onfray F, Tittarelli A. Mind the Gaps in Tumor Immunity: Impact of Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Connections. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1067. [PMID: 28919895 PMCID: PMC5585150 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs)-mediated intercellular communications (GJICs) are connexin (Cx)-formed plasma membrane channels that allow for the passage of small molecules between adjacent cells, and are involved in several physiopathological processes, including immune responses against cancer. In general, tumor cells are poorly coupled through GJs, mainly due to low Cx expression or reduced channel activity, suggesting that Cxs may have tumor suppressor roles. However, more recent data indicate that Cxs and/or GJICs may also in some cases promote tumor progression. This dual role of Cx channels in tumor outcome may be due, at least partially, to the fact that GJs not only interconnect cells from the same type, such as cancer cells, but also promote the intercellular communication of tumor cells with different types of cells from their microenvironment, and such diverse intercellular interactions have distinctive impact on tumor development. For example, whereas GJ-mediated interactions among tumor cells and microglia have been implicated in promotion of tumor growth, tumor cells delivery to dendritic cells of antigenic peptides through GJs have been associated with enhanced immune-mediated tumor elimination. In this review, we provide an updated overview on the role of GJICs in tumor immunity, focusing on the pro-tumor and antitumor effect of GJs occurring among tumor and immune cells. Accumulated data suggest that GJICs may act as tumor suppressors or enhancers depending on whether tumor cells interact predominantly with antitumor immune cells or with stromal cells. The complex modulation of immune-tumor cell GJICs should be taken into consideration in order to potentiate current cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra Gleisner
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariela Navarrete
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Hofmann
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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