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Xu YN, Xu W, Zhang X, Wang DY, Zheng XR, Liu W, Chen JM, Chen GF, Liu CH, Liu P, Mu YP. BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb enhance the therapeutic effect on cholestatic liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ductular reaction. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:45. [PMID: 36941658 PMCID: PMC10029310 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03276-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF) is caused by inflammatory destruction of the intrahepatic bile duct and abnormal proliferation of the small bile duct after cholestasis. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway is required for hepatic stem cells to differentiate into cholangiocytes during the pathogenesis of CLF. Our previous research found that the expression of the Numb protein, a negative regulator of Notch signaling, was significantly reduced in the livers of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and CLF rats. However, the relationship between the Numb gene and CLF is largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the Numb gene in the treatment of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced CLF. METHODS In vivo, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with Numb gene overexpression or knockdown obtained using lentivirus transfection were transplanted into the livers of rats with BDL-induced CLF. The effects of the Numb gene on stem cell differentiation and CLF were evaluated by performing histology, tests of liver function, and measurements of liver hydroxyproline, cytokine gene and protein levels. In vitro, the Numb gene was overexpressed or knocked down in the WB-F344 cell line by lentivirus transfection, Then, cells were subjected immunofluorescence staining and the detection of mRNA levels of related factors, which provided further evidence supporting the results from in vivo experiments. RESULTS BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb gene differentiated into hepatocytes, thereby inhibiting CLF progression. Conversely, BM-MSCs with Numb knockdown differentiated into biliary epithelial cells (BECs), thereby promoting the ductular reaction (DR) and the progression of CLF. In addition, we confirmed that knockdown of Numb in sodium butyrate-treated WB-F344 cells aggravated WB-F344 cell differentiation into BECs, while overexpression of Numb inhibited this process. CONCLUSIONS The transplantation of BM-MSCs overexpressing Numb may be a useful new treatment strategy for CLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Nan Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dan-Yang Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin-Rui Zheng
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Mei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gao-Feng Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Hai Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Clinical Key Laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Xu W, Xu YN, Zhang X, Xu Y, Jian X, Chen JM, Chen GF, Zhang H, Liu P, Mu YP. Hepatic stem cell Numb gene is a potential target of Huang Qi Decoction against cholestatic liver fibrosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17486. [PMID: 33060633 PMCID: PMC7566460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74324-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numb is a negative regulator of Notch signal pathway. Previous study has demonstrated that Notch signal pathway activation is required for hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) differentiating into cholangiocytes in cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF), and Huang Qi Decoction (HQD) could prevent CLF through inhibition of the Notch signal pathway. However, the role of Numb in HQD against CLF is yet unclear. Thus, CLF rats transplanted into rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with knocked down Numb gene (BMSCNumb-KD) were treated with HQD. Simultaneously, Numb gene knockdown was also performed in WB-F344 cell line and then treated with refined HQD in vitro. In vivo study revealed that liver fibrosis was inhibited by HQD plus BMSCNumb-KD treatment, while Hyp content in liver tissue, the gene and protein expression of α-SMA, gene expression of Col I, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 were increased compared to that in HQD group. Furthermore, Notch signal pathway was inhibited by HQD plus BMSCNumb-KD, while the protein expression of Numb was decreased and RBP-Jκ and Hes1 was increased compared to that in HQD group. In vitro, HQD reduced the differentiation of WB-F344 cells into cholangiocyte phenotype, while this effect was attenuated after Numb-knockdown. This study highlights that the absence of hepatic stem cell Numb gene decreases effect of HQD against CLF, which give rise the conclusion that Numb might be a potential target for HQD against CLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Nan Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Jian
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Mei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Gao-Feng Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of TCM, 528, Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of TCM, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Shi Y, Zhou D, Wang B, Zhou D, Shi B. Roles and mechanisms of action of HNF‑4α in the hepatic differentiation of WB‑F344 cells. Int J Mol Med 2018; 43:1021-1032. [PMID: 30535491 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.4010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF‑4α) is a nuclear receptor and mediates hepatic genes. WB‑F344 liver epithelial cells can differentiate into hepatocytes. The present study aimed to examine the roles and mechanisms of action of HNF‑4α on the hepatic differentiation of WB‑F344 cells. WB‑F344 cells were divided into a normal cell group (WB‑F344), empty vector group (PLKO), and gene silencing group (PLKO‑SH). The expression levels of HNF‑4α were measured using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Proliferation of the cells was determined using a Cell Counting kit‑8 assay. Based on western blot analysis, the protein levels of α‑fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) were determined. The positive cell rates of the three groups were assessed using periodic acid‑Schiff (PAS) staining. Following construction of an RNA‑sequencing library, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the HNF‑4α‑silenced and normal samples were screened using the limma package and enrichment analysis was conducted using the DAVID tool. Protein‑protein interaction (PPI) and microRNA‑targeted regulatory networks were constructed in Cytoscape software. The PLKO‑SH group exhibited a lower mRNA level of HNF‑4α, higher protein level of AFP, lower protein levels of ALB and CK19, increased cell proliferation, and a lower PAS‑positive cell rate. The HNF‑4α‑silenced and normal samples differed in 499 DEGs. In the PPI network, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), early growth response 1 (EGR1), SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), and RAS‑related C3 botulinum substrate 2 (RAC2) were key nodes. HNF‑4α may promote the differentiation of WB‑F344 cells into hepatocytes by targeting MMP9, EGR1, SMAD2 and RAC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Shi
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Dehua Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China, P.R. China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China, P.R. China
| | - Deren Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China, P.R. China
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China, P.R. China
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Autophagy regulates proliferation and biliary differentiation of hepatic oval cells via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:2565-2571. [PMID: 29207082 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) are thought to possess self‑renewal ability and a bipotential capacity for differentiation, which allows them to differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Autophagy serves an important role in self‑renewal and differentiation of stem cells; however, how autophagy contributes to proliferation and differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, autophagy was regulated by rapamycin (Rapa) and chloroquine (Chlo) administration. The results demonstrated that Chlo‑treated HOCs exhibited decreased autophagic activity alongside a decreased tendency to proliferate, as determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8. In addition, activation of autophagy by Rapa enhanced the biliary differentiation of HOCs. Furthermore, increased phosphorylated (p)‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK)/p‑p38 expression was observed following the induction of autophagy, thus indicating that the mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK signaling pathway was activated by autophagy to exert effects on the stimulation of HOC proliferation and differentiation. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that autophagy regulates proliferation and biliary differentiation of HOCs via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. These results suggest a role for autophagy in stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of HOCs.
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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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Zeng J, Jing Y, Shi R, Pan X, Lai F, Liu W, Li R, Gao L, Hou X, Wu M, Wei L. Autophagy regulates biliary differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells through Notch1 signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:1602-10. [PMID: 27259983 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1181234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays important roles in self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are thought to have the ability of self-renewal as well as possess a bipotential capacity, which allows them to differentiate into both hepatocytes and bile ductular cells. However, how autophagy contributes to self-renewal and differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells is not well understood. In this study, we use a well-established rat hepatic progenitor cell lines called WB-F344, which is treated with 3.75 mM sodium butyrate (SB) to promote the differentiation of WB-F344 along the biliary phenotype. We found that autophagy was decreased in the early stage of biliary differentiation, and maintained a low level at the late stage. Activation of autophagy by rapamycin or starvation suppressed the biliary differentiation of WB-F344. Further study reported that autophagy inhibited Notch1 signaling pathway, which contributed to biliary differentiation and morphogenesis. In conclusions, autophagy regulates biliary differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells through Notch1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxing Zeng
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,c Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian , China
| | - Yingying Jing
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Rongyu Shi
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,c Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian , China
| | - Xiaorong Pan
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,c Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian , China
| | - Fobao Lai
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,c Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian , China
| | - Wenting Liu
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Rong Li
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Lu Gao
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Mengchao Wu
- b Department of Comprehensive Treatment , Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Lixin Wei
- a Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
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Zhang X, Du G, Xu Y, Li X, Fan W, Chen J, Liu C, Chen G, Liu C, Zern MA, Mu Y, Liu P. Inhibition of notch signaling pathway prevents cholestatic liver fibrosis by decreasing the differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells into cholangiocytes. J Transl Med 2016; 96:350-60. [PMID: 26692291 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are known to contribute to cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF), how Notch signaling modulates the differentiation of HPCs to cholangiocytes in CLF is unknown. Thus, using a rat model of CLF that is induced by bile duct ligation, we inhibited Notch signaling with DAPT. In vivo, CK19, OV6, Sox9, and EpCAM expression was increased significantly. Notch signaling increased after bile duct ligation, and DAPT treatment reduced the expression of CK19, OV6, Sox9, and EpCAM and blocked cholangiocyte proliferation and CLF. In vitro, treatment of a WB-F344 cell line with sodium butyrate resulted in increased mRNA and protein expression of CK19, Sox9, and EpCAM, but Notch signaling was activated. Both of these processes were inhibited by DAPT. This study reveals that Notch signaling activation is required for HPC differentiation into cholangiocytes in CLF, and inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway may offer a therapeutic approach for treating CLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangli Du
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Fan
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mark A Zern
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yongping Mu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ji XK, Xie YK, Zhong JQ, Xu QG, Zeng QQ, Wang Y, Zhang QY, Shan YF. GSK-3β suppresses the proliferation of rat hepatic oval cells through modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:334-42. [PMID: 25661318 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) plays a crucial role in hepatic biology, including liver development, regeneration, proliferation and carcinogenesis. In this study we investigated the role of GSK-3β in regulation of growth of hepatic oval cells in vitro and in liver regeneration in partially hepatectomized rats. METHODS WB-F344 cells, the rat hepatic stem-like epithelial cells, were used as representative of oval cells. Cell viability was examined using a WST-8 assay. The cells were transfected with a recombinant lentivirus expressing siRNA against GSK-3β (GSK-3βRNAiLV) or a lentivirus that overexpressed GSK-3β (GC-GSK-3βLV). Adult rats underwent partial (70%) hepatectomy, and liver weight and femur length were measured at d 7 after the surgery. The expression of GSK-3β, phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 was examined with immunoblotting assays or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Treatment of WB-F344 cells with the GSK-3β inhibitor SB216763 (5 and 10 μmol/L) dose-dependently increased the levels of phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β, but not the levels of total GSK-3β, and promoted the cell proliferation. Knockout of GSK-3β with GSK-3βRNAiLV increased the cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of GSK-3β with GC-GSK-3βLV decreased the proliferation. Both SB216763 and GSK-3βRNAiLV significantly increased the levels of β-catenin and cyclin D1 in the cells, whereas GSK-3β overexpression decreased their levels. In rats with a partial hepatectomy, administration of SB216763 (2 mg/kg, ip) significantly increased the number of oval cells, the levels of phospho-Ser9-GSK-3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 in liver, as well as the ratio of liver weight to femur length at d 7 after the surgery. CONCLUSION GSK-3β suppresses the proliferation of hepatic oval cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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XIE BUSHAN, HE XINGXING, AI ZHENGLIN, YAO SHUKUN. Involvement of β-catenin in matrine-induced autophagy and apoptosis in WB-F344 cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:2547-53. [PMID: 24718323 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Nováková K, Bláha L, Babica P. Tumor promoting effects of cyanobacterial extracts are potentiated by anthropogenic contaminants--evidence from in vitro study. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 89:30-37. [PMID: 22572165 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is affiliated with tumor promotion process and it has been employed as an in vitro biomarker for evaluation of tumor promoting effects of chemicals. In the present study we investigated combined effects of anthropogenic environmental contaminants 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) and fluoranthene, cyanotoxins microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin, and extracts of laboratory cultures of cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon gracile and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, on GJIC in the rat liver epithelial cell line WB-F344. Binary mixtures of PCB 153 with fluoranthene and the mixtures of the two cyanobacterial strains elicited simple additive effects on GJIC after 30 min exposure, whereas microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin neither inhibited GJIC nor altered effects of PCB 153 or fluoranthene. However, synergistic effects were observed in the cells exposed to binary mixtures of anthropogenic contaminants (PCB 153 or fluoranthene) and cyanobacterial extracts. The synergistic effects were especially pronounced after prolonged (6-24h) co-exposure to fluoranthene and A. gracile extract, when mixture caused nearly complete GJIC inhibition, while none of the individual components caused any downregulation of GJIC at the same concentration and exposure time. The effects of cyanobacterial extracts were independent of microcystin-LR or cylindrospermopsin, which were not detected in cyanobacterial biomass. It provides further evidence on the presence of unknown tumor promoting metabolites in cyanobacteria. Clear potentiation of the GJIC inhibition observed in the mixtures of two anthropogenic contaminants and cyanobacteria highlight the importance of combined toxic effects of chemicals in complex environmental mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Nováková
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, Brno CZ62500, Czech Republic.
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Jia Y, Yao H, Zhou J, Chen L, Zeng Q, Yuan H, Shi L, Nan X, Wang Y, Yue W, Pei X. Role of epimorphin in bile duct formation of rat liver epithelial stem-like cells: involvement of small G protein RhoA and C/EBPβ. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:2807-16. [PMID: 21935930 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epimorphin/syntaxin 2 is a high conserved and very abundant protein involved in epithelial morphogenesis in various organs. We have shown recently that epimorphin (EPM), a protein exclusively expressed on the surface of hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts of the liver, induces bile duct formation of hepatic stem-like cells (WB-F344 cells) in a putative biophysical way. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present some of the molecular mechanisms by which EPM mediates bile duct formation. We established a biliary differentiation model by co-culture of EPM-overexpressed mesenchymal cells (PT67(EPM)) with WB-F344 cells. Here, we showed that EPM could promote WB-F344 cells differentiation into bile duct-like structures. Biliary differentiation markers were also elevated by EPM including Yp, Cx43, aquaporin-1, CK19, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Moreover, the signaling pathway of EPM was analyzed by focal adhesion kinase (FAK), extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and RhoA Western blot. Also, a dominant negative (DN) RhoA-WB-F344 cell line (WB(RhoA-DN)) was constructed. We found that the levels of phosphorylation (p) of FAK and ERK1/2 were up-regulated by EPM. Most importantly, we also showed that RhoA is necessary for EPM-induced activation of FAK and ERK1/2 and bile duct formation. In addition, a dual luciferase-reporter assay and CHIP assay was performed to reveal that EPM regulates GGT IV and GGT V expression differentially, possibly mediated by C/EBPβ. Taken together, these data demonstrated that EPM regulates bile duct formation of WB-F344 cells through effects on RhoA and C/EBPβ, implicating a dual aspect of this morphoregulator in bile duct epithelial morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Jia
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
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Watanabe G, Nanjo H, Nagai H, Wang J, Koyota S, Yamamoto Y, Sugiyama T. A novel monoclonal antibody identified hepatic stem-like cells in rats. Med Mol Morphol 2011; 44:103-10. [PMID: 21717313 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-010-0516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Both liver epithelial and oval cells are believed to be liver stem cells. We investigated the identification by producing monoclonal antibodies against liver epithelial cells. Monoclonal antibodies against hepatic stem-like cells (HSL cells) have been selected to follow the hepatic stem cells during hepatic regeneration and developmental changes in the liver. Monoclonal antibodies were induced by immunization of BALB/c mice with HSL cells established from the epithelial cells of the adult rat liver. The hybridomas were screened by indirect immunofluorescence staining of HSL cells. We produced a unique monoclonal antibody against HSL cells, MabH, which specifically recognizes liver epithelial cells. MabH did not react with liver parenchymal cells but did react with bile ductule cells under normal conditions in the adult liver. This antibody also reacted with oval cell lines and with the oval cells that appeared during liver regeneration. In addition, fetal liver cells showed immunoreactivity with MabH. Although the level of staining decreased after birth, some cells in the portal area remained highly reactive. These results suggested that liver epithelial cells, oval cells, and fetal liver cells possess a common cell marker of liver stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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Construct Double Reporter Vector Enhanced by CK19 Promoter and Its Application in Differentiation of Hepatic Progenitor Cells*. PROG BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2010. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1206.2010.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Li X, Li Y, Kang X, Guo K, Li H, Gao D, Sun L, Liu Y. Dynamic alteration of protein expression profiles during neoplastic transformation of rat hepatic oval-like cells. Cancer Sci 2010; 101:1099-107. [PMID: 20331632 PMCID: PMC11159373 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2010.01513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the molecular basis of neoplastic transformation of hepatic oval cells, a proteomic strategy was utilized to examine the global protein expression alterations during neoplastic transformation of rat hepatic oval-like cells. N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-initiated WB-F344 cells were treated with H(2)O(2) for neoplastic transformation. The transformed cells were identified by soft agar assay and MTT assay. The subsequent proteomic separation and identification were performed with 2-DE followed by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Of the 148 differentially displayed protein spots analyzed, 121 spots representing 79 distinct proteins were finally identified. The expression levels of interested proteins were validated by western blotting including 40 S ribosomal protein A (RPSA) and cytokeratin 8. Bioinformatics annotations indicated that these identified proteins were enriched with oxidoreduction and stress response; transcription, translation, and protein processing; and energy/metabolism functions. Interestingly, 17 of the identified proteins were also found to be involved in early hepatic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in our previous study. Twenty-six proteins had been reported as being dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers. It suggested that these changed proteins may be implicated in neoplastic transformation of WB-F344 cells. The results may provide some clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis as viewed from dysregulation of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhou J, Zhao L, Qin L, Wang J, Jia Y, Yao H, Sang C, Hu Q, Shi S, Nan X, Yue W, Zhuang F, Yang C, Wang Y, Pei X. Epimorphin regulates bile duct formation via effects on mitosis orientation in rat liver epithelial stem-like cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9732. [PMID: 20305811 PMCID: PMC2840022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how hepatic precursor cells can generate differentiated bile ducts is crucial for studies on epithelial morphogenesis and for development of cell therapies for hepatobiliary diseases. Epimorphin (EPM) is a key morphogen for duct morphogenesis in various epithelial organs. The role of EPM in bile duct formation (DF) from hepatic precursor cells, however, is not known. To address this issue, we used WB-F344 rat epithelial stem-like cells as model for bile duct formation. A micropattern and a uniaxial static stretch device was used to investigate the effects of EPM and stress fiber bundles on the mitosis orientation (MO) of WB cells. Immunohistochemistry of liver tissue sections demonstrated high EPM expression around bile ducts in vivo. In vitro, recombinant EPM selectively induced DF through upregulation of CK19 expression and suppression of HNF3alpha and HNF6, with no effects on other hepatocytic genes investigated. Our data provide evidence that EPM guides MO of WB-F344 cells via effects on stress fiber bundles and focal adhesion assembly, as supported by blockade EPM, beta1 integrin, and F-actin assembly. These blockers can also inhibit EPM-induced DF. These results demonstrate a new biophysical action of EPM in bile duct formation, during which determination of MO plays a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnian Zhou
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Lipeng Qin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Jia
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hailei Yao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Sang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangshuang Shi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Nan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Yue
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengyuan Zhuang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
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Valovicová Z, Marvanová S, Mészárosová M, Srancíková A, Trilecová L, Milcová A, Líbalová H, Vondrácek J, Machala M, Topinka J, Gábelová A. Differences in DNA damage and repair produced by systemic, hepatocarcinogenic and sarcomagenic dibenzocarbazole derivatives in a model of rat liver progenitor cells. Mutat Res 2009; 665:51-60. [PMID: 19427511 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2009.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Revised: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/28/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Liver progenitor (oval) cells are a potential target cell population for hepatocarcinogens. Our recent study showed that the liver carcinogens 7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (DBC) and 5,9-dimethyldibenzo[c,g]carbazole (DiMeDBC), but not the sarcomagen N-methyldibenzo[c,g]carbazole (N-MeDBC), induced several cellular events associated with tumor promotion in WB-F344 cells, an in vitro model of liver oval cells [J. Vondracek, L. Svihalkova-Sindlerova, K. Pencikova, P. Krcmar, Z. Andrysik, K. Chramostova, S. Marvanova, Z. Valovicova, A. Kozubik, A. Gabelova, M. Machala, 7H-Dibenzo[c,g]carbazole and 5,9-dimethyldibenzo[c,g]carbazole exert multiple toxic events contributing to tumor promotion in rat liver epithelial 'stem-like' cells, Mutat. Res. Fundam. Mol. Mech. Mutagen. 596 (2006) 43-56]. In this study, we focused on the genotoxic effects generated by these dibenzocarbazoles in WB-F344 cells to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Lower IC(50) values determined for DBC and DiMeDBC, as compared with N-MeDBC, indicated a higher sensitivity of WB-F344 cells towards hepatocarcinogens. Accordingly, DBC produced a dose-dependent DNA-adduct formation resulting in substantial inhibition of DNA replication and transcription. In contrast, DNA-adduct number detected in DiMeDBC-exposed cells was almost negligible, whereas N-MeDBC produced a low level of DNA adducts. Although all dibenzocarbazoles significantly increased the level of strand breaks (p<0.05) and micronuclei (p<0.001) after 2-h treatment, differences in the kinetics of strand break rejoining were found. The strand break level in DiMeDBC- and N-MeDBC-exposed cells returned to near the background level within 24h after treatment, whereas a relatively high DNA damage level was detected in DBC-treated cells up to 48h after exposure. Additional breaks detected after incubation of DiMeDBC-exposed WB-F344 cells with a repair-specific endonuclease, along with a nearly 3-fold higher level of reactive oxygen species found in these cells as compared with control, suggest a possible role of oxidative stress in DiMeDBC genotoxicity. We demonstrated qualitative differences in the DNA damage profiles produced by hepatocarcinogens DBC and DiMeDBC in WB-F344 cells. Different lesions may trigger distinct cellular pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. The low amount of DNA damage, together with an efficient repair, may explain the lack of hepatocarcinogenicity of N-MeDBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Valovicová
- Laboratory of Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis, Cancer Reserach Institute, SAS, Vlárska 7, 833 91 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Zhang W, Chen XP, Zhang WG, Zhang F, Xiang S, Dong HH, Zhang L. Hepatic non-parenchymal cells and extracellular matrix participate in oval cell-mediated liver regeneration. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:552-60. [PMID: 19195056 PMCID: PMC2653345 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To elucidate the interaction between non-parenchymal cells, extracellular matrix and oval cells during the restituting process of liver injury induced by partial hepatectomy (PH).
METHODS: We examined the localization of oval cells, non-parenchymal cells, and the extracellular matrix components using immunohistochemical and double immunofluorescent analysis during the proliferation and differentiation of oval cells in N-2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)/PH rat model.
RESULTS: By day 2 after PH, small oval cells began to proliferate around the portal area. Most of stellate cells and laminin were present along the hepatic sinusoids in the periportal area. Kupffer cells and fibronectin markedly increased in the whole hepatic lobule. From day 4 to 9, oval cells spread further into hepatic parenchyma, closely associated with stellate cells, fibronectin and laminin. Kupffer cells admixed with oval cells by day 6 and then decreased in the periportal zone. From day 12 to 15, most of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), laminin and fibronectin located around the small hepatocyte nodus, and minority of them appeared in the nodus. Kupffer cells were mainly limited in the pericentral sinusoids. After day 18, the normal liver lobule structures began to recover.
CONCLUSION: Local hepatic microenvironment may participate in the oval cell-mediated liver regeneration through the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
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Yao H, Jia Y, Zhou J, Wang J, Li Y, Wang Y, Yue W, Pei X. RhoA promotes differentiation of WB-F344 cells into the biliary lineage. Differentiation 2009; 77:154-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2008.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Revised: 07/29/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Zhang Y, Li XM, Zhang FK, Wang BE. Activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes proliferation and self-renewal of rat hepatic oval cell line WB-F344 in vitro. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:6673-80. [PMID: 19034970 PMCID: PMC2773309 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.6673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway on the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells in vitro.
METHODS: WB-F344 cells were treated with recombinant Wnt3a (20, 40, 80, 160, 200 ng/mL) in serum-free medium for 24 h. Cell proliferation was measured by Brdu incorporation analysis; untreated WB-F344 cells were taken as controls. After treatment with Wnt3a (160 ng/mL) for 24 h, subcellular localization and protein expression of β-catenin in WB-F344 cells treated and untreated with Wnt3a were examined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. CyclinD1 mRNA expression was determined by semi-quantitative reverse-transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The mRNA levels of some phenotypic markers (AFP, CK-19, ALB) and two hepatic nuclear factors (HNF-4, HNF-6) were measured by RT-PCR. Expressions of CK-19 and AFP protein were detected by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS: Wnt3a promoted proliferation of WB-F344 cells. Stimulation of WB-F344 cells with recombinant Wnt3a resulted in accumulation of the transcriptional activator β-catenin, together with its translocation into the nuclei, and up-regulated typical Wnt target gene CyclinD1. After 3 d of Wnt3a treatment in the absence of serum, WB-F344 cells retained their bipotential to express several specific phenotypic markers of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, such as AFP and CK-19, following activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION: The canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes proliferation and self-renewal of rat hepatic oval cells.
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Hirata M, Amano K, Miyashita A, Yasunaga M, Nakanishi T, Sato K. Establishment and characterization of hepatic stem-like cell lines from normal adult rat liver. J Biochem 2008; 145:51-8. [PMID: 18977772 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvn146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a unique organ with the potential to regenerate from injury. Hepatic stem cells contribute to liver regeneration when surviving hepatocytes in injured liver are unable to proliferate. To investigate the mechanism of liver regeneration in vitro, we established hepatic stem cell lines named HY1, HY2 and HY3, derived from a healthy liver of adult rat. HY cells showed an expression pattern similar to oval cells, and efficiently induced hepatic differentiation following sequential treatment with type I collagen, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or oncostatin M (OSM). These results suggested that HY cells are liver stem cells representing an excellent tool for in vitro studies on liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhi Hirata
- Division of Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, 86 Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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Pham Van T, Couchie D, Martin-Garcia N, Laperche Y, Zafrani ES, Mavier P. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in liver regeneration from oval cells in rat. Matrix Biol 2008; 27:674-81. [PMID: 18678246 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2008.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2007] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oval cells participate in liver regeneration when hepatocyte replication is impaired. These precursor cells proliferate in periportal regions and organize in ductules. They are surrounded by a basement membrane, the degradation of which by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) might trigger their terminal differentiation into hepatocytes. We studied the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and that of one of their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1) in a model of hepatic regeneration from precursor cells. Regeneration was induced by treating rats with 2-acetylaminofluorene followed by partial hepatectomy. MMP-2 and MMP-9 hepatic expression paralleled oval cell number with a peak at day 9-14 after hepatectomy. They were mainly detected in oval cells. TIMP-1 mRNA and oncostatin M receptor mRNA, a major regulator of TIMP-1 synthesis, markedly increased from day 1 after surgery until day 9 and then declined; they were mainly detected in interlobular bile duct cells and oval cells until day 14. In agreement with the in vivo data, the WB-F344 liver precursor cell line expressed MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as TIMP-1 and oncostatin M receptor. These data suggest that (a) early increased TIMP-1 synthesis by biliary and oval cells favors basement membrane deposition around proliferating ductular structures through MMP inhibition, (b) delayed increased MMP expression, concomitant to decreased TIMP-1 synthesis, leads to basement membrane degradation, preceding oval cell differentiation, (c) the oncostatin M pathway might play a major role in increased TIMP-1 synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pham Van
- INSERM U841, Université Paris 12, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier, Département de Pathologie, Créteil, F-94000 France
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Mäki-Paakkanen J, Hakulinen P. Assessment of the genotoxicity of the rat carcinogen 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) in rat liver epithelial cells in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2008; 22:535-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Revised: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 10/02/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Koya V, Lu S, Sun YP, Purich DL, Atkinson MA, Li SW, Yang LJ. Reversal of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice by cellular transduction with recombinant pancreatic transcription factor pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1: a novel protein transduction domain-based therapy. Diabetes 2008; 57:757-69. [PMID: 18086901 PMCID: PMC3418347 DOI: 10.2337/db07-1441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The key pancreatic transcription factor pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1), known to control development and maintenance of pancreatic beta-cells, possesses a protein transduction domain (PTD) that facilitates its entry into cells. We therefore sought to evaluate the capacity of in vivo-administered recombinant Pdx1 (rPdx1) to ameliorate hyperglycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cell entry and transcriptional regulatory properties of rPdx1 protein and its PTD-deletion mutant rPdx1Delta protein, as well as a PTD-green fluorescent protein, were evaluated in vitro. After intraperitoneal rPdx1 injection into mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, we assessed its action on blood glucose levels, insulin content, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), Pdx1 distribution, pancreatic gene expression, islet cell proliferation, and organ histology. RESULTS Restoration of euglycemia in Pdx1-treated diabetic mice was evident by improved IPGTT and glucose-stimulated insulin release. Insulin, glucagon, and Ki67 immunostaining revealed increased islet cell number and proliferation in pancreata of rPdx1-treated mice. Real-time PCR of pancreas and liver demonstrated upregulation of INS and PDX1 genes and other genes relevant to pancreas regeneration. While the time course of beta-cell gene expression and serum/tissue insulin levels indicated that both liver- and pancreas-derived insulin contributed to restoration of normoglycemia, near-total pancreatectomy resulted in hyperglycemia, suggesting that beta-cell regeneration played the primary role in rPdx1-induced glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS rPdx1 treatment of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes promotes beta-cell regeneration and liver cell reprogramming, leading to restoration of normoglycemia. This novel PTD-based protein therapy offers a promising way to treat patients with diabetes while avoiding potential side effects associated with the use of viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Koya
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Shun Lu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Yu-Ping Sun
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Daniel L. Purich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mark A. Atkinson
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Shi-Wu Li
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Li-Jun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
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Khuu DN, Najimi M, Sokal EM. Epithelial cells with hepatobiliary phenotype: is it another stem cell candidate for healthy adult human liver? World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:1554-60. [PMID: 17461448 PMCID: PMC4146898 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i10.1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the presence and role of liver epithelial cells in the healthy human adult liver. METHODS Fifteen days after human hepatocyte primary culture, epithelial like cells emerged and started proliferating. Cell colonies were isolated and subcultured for more than 160 d under specific culture conditions. Cells were analyzed for each passage using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that liver epithelial cells expressed common markers for hepatic and stem cells such as CD90, CD44 and CD29 but were negative for CD34 and CD117. Using immunofluorescence we demonstrated that liver epithelial cells expressed not only immature (alpha-fetoprotein) but also differentiated hepatocyte (albumin and CK-18) and biliary markers (CK-7 and 19), whereas they were negative for OV-6. RT-PCR analysis confirmed immunofluorescence data and revealed that liver epithelial cells did not express mature hepatocyte markers such as CYP2B6, CYP3A4 and tyrosine amino-transferase. Purified liver epithelial cells were transplanted into SCID mice. One month after transplantation, albumin positive cell foci were detected in the recipient mouse parenchyma. CONCLUSION According to their immature and bipotential phenotype, liver epithelial cells might represent a pool of precursors in the healthy human adult liver other than oval cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dung-Ngoc Khuu
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
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Tang DQ, Cao LZ, Chou W, Shun L, Farag C, Atkinson MA, Li SW, Chang LJ, Yang LJ. Role of Pax4 in Pdx1-VP16-mediated liver-to-endocrine pancreas transdifferentiation. J Transl Med 2006; 86:829-41. [PMID: 16732298 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3700434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Pdx1-VP16 expression induces hepatic cell transdifferentiation into pancreatic precursor cells (WB-1), these incompletely reprogrammed cells fail to become glucose-sensitive insulin-producing cells in the absence of the activation of late-stage pancreatic transcription factors. As Pax4 promotes late-stage beta-cell differentiation and maturation, we generated lentiviral vector (LV) containing mouse Pax4 gene and developed two hepatic cell lines expressing Pax4 in the absence (WB-2 cells) or presence (WB-1A cells) of Pdx1-VP16, via LV-mediated gene transfer. Functional Pax4 protein expression in WB-2 and WB-1A cells was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Pdx1-VP16 protein expression in WB-1 and WB-1A cells was confirmed by Western blotting. Activation of Pax4 resulted in the expression of the late-stage transcription factors, including Pax6, Isl-1, and MafA, and generated a gene expression profile for WB-1A cells similar to that of functional rat insulinoma INS-1 cells. Insulin abundance in WB-1A cells was demonstrated by immunostaining. WB-1A cells exhibited glucose-responsive insulin release in vitro, and caused a rapid reversal of hyperglycemia following cell transplantation into streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test showed a normal glucose response in WB-1, and WB-1A transplanted mice similar to that of normal mice. Removal of transplanted WB-1A cells resulted in a return of hyperglycemia, confirming that they were responsible for the observed normoglycemia. The explanted WB-1A cells exhibited strong insulin staining comparable to native islet beta-cells. These studies indicate that activation of Pax4 in Pdx1-VP16-expressing cells reprograms pancreatic precursor-like WB-1 cells into glucose-responsive, more mature insulin-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Qi Tang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0275, USA
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Tang DQ, Lu S, Sun YP, Rodrigues E, Chou W, Yang C, Cao LZ, Chang LJ, Yang LJ. Reprogramming liver-stem WB cells into functional insulin-producing cells by persistent expression of Pdx1- and Pdx1-VP16 mediated by lentiviral vectors. J Transl Med 2006; 86:83-93. [PMID: 16294197 PMCID: PMC3417286 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3700368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus-mediated transient expression of the pancreatic duodenal homeobox transcription factor Pdx1 in mouse liver activates pancreatic endocrine and exocrine genes, the latter reportedly resulting in severe hepatitis. Expression of a super-active form of Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16 selectively transdifferentiates hepatic WB cells into functional pancreatic beta-like insulin-producing cells, without evidence of exocrine differentiation. No study has systematically compared the transdifferentiation efficiency of Pdx1 and Pdx1-VP16 at the cellular and molecular level. Comparisons can be ambiguous when vectors harboring a transcription factor cDNA have differing extents and duration of gene expression. In view of the remarkable capacity of lentiviral vector (LV) for delivering and integrating transgene into both dividing and nondividing cells, we transduced rat hepatic stem cell-like WB cells with LV-Pdx1 or LV-Pdx1-VP16, and then used the limiting-dilution technique to clone single-cell-derived cell lines that stably express either Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16. With these cell lines, we studied: (a) the expression of Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16 protein by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry; (b) the repertoire of long-term expression of Pdx1- or Pdx1-VP16-induced pancreatic gene expression using RT-PCR methods; and (c) their capacity to serve as beta-cell surrogates in restoring euglycemia in streptozotocin-treated diabetic mice. We found that cell lines expressing either Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16 long-term exhibited similar profiles for expression of genes related to pancreatic development and beta-cell function, and reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. We also examined short-term expression of Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16, and the results demonstrated that expression of Pdx1-VP16 is more efficient in initiating liver-to-endocrine pancreas transdifferentiation. Our findings demonstrate: (a) that the LV system is highly effective in producing persistent expression of Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16 in WB hepatic cells; and (b) long-term, persistent expression of either Pdx1 or Pdx1-VP16 is similarly effective in converting hepatic stem cells into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells that, upon transplantation into diabetic mice, become functional insulin-producing cells and restore euglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Qi Tang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0275, USA
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Yang LJ. Liver stem cell-derived beta-cell surrogates for treatment of type 1 diabetes. Autoimmun Rev 2005; 5:409-13. [PMID: 16890895 PMCID: PMC3414536 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2005.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 10/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Consistent with the common embryonic origin of liver and pancreas as well the similar glucose-sensing systems in hepatocytes and pancreatic beta-cells, it should not be surprising that liver stem cells/hepatocytes can transdifferentiate into insulin-producing cells under high-glucose culture conditions or by genetic reprogramming. Persistent expression of the pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1) transcription factor or its super-active form Pdx1-VP16 fusion protein in hepatic cells reprograms these cells into pancreatic beta-cell precursors. In vitro culture at elevated glucose concentrations or in vivo exposure to a hyperglycemia are required for further differentiation and maturation of liver-derived pancreatic beta-cell precursor into functional insulin-producing pancreatic beta-like cells. Under appropriate conditions, multiple pancreatic transcription factors can work in concert to reprogram liver stem/adult liver cells into functional insulin-producing cells. If such autologous liver-derived insulin-producing cells can be made to escape the type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity, they may serve as a valuable cell source for future cell replacement therapy without the need for life-long immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
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Couchie D, Lafdil F, Martin-Garcia N, Laperche Y, Zafrani ES, Mavier P. Expression and role of Gas6 protein and of its receptor Axl in hepatic regeneration from oval cells in the rat. Gastroenterology 2005; 129:1633-42. [PMID: 16285961 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2005.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) protein is a vitamin K-dependent protein that binds to the Axl subfamily of tyrosine kinase receptors and exerts antiapoptotic and proliferative effects. Because Gas6 plays a role in development and tissue remodelling, we studied its expression as well as that of its high-affinity receptor Axl in a well-characterized model of hepatic regeneration from precursor oval cells. METHODS Hepatic regeneration was induced by treating rats with acetylaminofluorene followed by partial hepatectomy. RESULTS Oval cell accumulation, which predominated in periportal regions, reached a maximum at days 9 and 14 after hepatectomy and declined thereafter. Oval cells expressed Gas6 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA). Axl mRNA hepatic levels paralleled the number of oval cells, and immunohistochemistry showed Axl expression in these cells. WB-F344 cells, a hepatocytic precursor cell line, also expressed Gas6 and Axl. Addition of Gas6 significantly increased the number of WB-F344 cells cultured with or without serum. Gas6 did not increase cell entry in the S phase of the cell cycle but inhibited 15-d-prostaglandin J2-induced WB-F344 cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate an expression of Gas6 and of its receptor Axl by oval cells during hepatic regeneration. Because the Gas6/Axl couple protects from apoptosis a hepatocytic precursor cell line, these results strongly suggest that the Gas6/Axl couple favors oval cell accumulation in regenerating liver by an autocrine/paracrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Couchie
- INSERM U581, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris XII-Val de Marne, Créteil, France.
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29
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Tan X, Apte U, Micsenyi A, Kotsagrelos E, Luo JH, Ranganathan S, Monga DK, Bell A, Michalopoulos GK, Monga SPS. Epidermal growth factor receptor: a novel target of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in liver. Gastroenterology 2005; 129:285-302. [PMID: 16012954 PMCID: PMC1821080 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2005.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Wnt/beta-catenin activation is observed in normal liver development, regeneration, and liver cancer. Our aim was to elucidate the regulation and mechanism of this pathway in liver. METHODS We report the generation and characterization of liver-specific nonmutated beta-catenin-overexpressing transgenic mice. Transgenic livers were examined for their morphology and phenotype by histology, proliferation, apoptosis, and microarray analysis. RESULTS Transgenic livers displayed a significant increase in cytoplasmic, membranous, and nuclear beta-catenin in hepatocytes as compared with their wild-type littermates, which display a predominant membranous localization only. A 15%-20% increase in the liver weight-body weight ratio was evident in transgenic mice secondary to increased hepatocyte proliferation. Microarray analysis showed differential expression of approximately 400 genes in the transgenic livers. Epidermal growth factor receptor RNA and protein and increased levels of activated epidermal growth factor receptor and Stat3 were observed in the transgenic livers. Epidermal growth factor receptor promoter analysis showed a T-cell factor-binding site, and subsequent reporter assay confirmed epidermal growth factor receptor activation in response to Wnt-3A treatment that was abrogated by frizzled related protein 1, a known Wnt antagonist. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition successfully decreased liver size in transgenic mice. Next, 7 of 10 hepatoblastomas displayed simultaneous beta-catenin and epidermal growth factor receptor up-regulation, thus suggesting a strong relationship between these 2 proteins in tumors. CONCLUSIONS beta-Catenin transgenic mice show an in vivo hepatotrophic effect secondary to increased basal hepatocyte proliferation. Epidermal growth factor receptor seems to be a direct target of the pathway, and epidermal growth factor receptor activation might contribute toward some mitogenic effects of increased beta-catenin in liver: epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition might be useful in such states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Tan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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30
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Mavier P, Martin N, Couchie D, Préaux AM, Laperche Y, Zafrani ES. Expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and of its receptor CXCR4 in liver regeneration from oval cells in rat. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2005; 165:1969-77. [PMID: 15579440 PMCID: PMC1618713 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)63248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stromal cell-derived factor-1 is a chemokine that plays a major role during embryogenesis. Since stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its unique receptor CXCR4 are involved in the differentiation of progenitor cells, we studied the expression of this chemokine and of its receptor in hepatic regeneration from precursor oval cells. Hepatic regeneration was induced by treating rats with 2-acetylaminofluorene, and followed by partial hepatectomy. Oval cell accumulation, which predominated in periportal regions, reached a maximum at days 9 to 14 after hepatectomy and declined thereafter. Oval cells strongly expressed stromal cell-derived factor-1 protein and mRNA. CXCR4 mRNA hepatic level paralleled the number of oval cells and in situ hybridization showed CXCR4 mRNA expression by these cells. Treatment of rats with fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide which binds to stromal cell-derived factor-1 and blocks its biological effects, markedly decreased oval cell accumulation in five of the seven treated rats. In conclusion, our data demonstrate an expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and of its receptor CXCR4 in oval cells during hepatic regeneration and strongly suggest that stromal cell-derived factor-1 stimulates the proliferation of these precursor cells through an autocrine/paracrine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Mavier
- INSERM U581, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris XII-Val de Marne, 94010 Créteil, France.
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31
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Cao LZ, Tang DQ, Horb ME, Li SW, Yang LJ. High glucose is necessary for complete maturation of Pdx1-VP16-expressing hepatic cells into functional insulin-producing cells. Diabetes 2004; 53:3168-78. [PMID: 15561947 PMCID: PMC3422215 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.53.12.3168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pdx1 has been shown to convert hepatocytes into both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells in mice, but it fails to selectively convert hepatocytes into pure insulin-producing cells (IPCs). The molecular mechanisms underlying the transdifferentiation remain unclear. In this study, we generated a stably transfected rat hepatic cell line named WB-1 that expresses an active form of Pdx1 along with a reporter gene, RIP-eGFP. Our results demonstrate that Pdx1 induces the expression of multiple genes related to endocrine pancreas development and islet function in these liver cells. We do not however find any expression of the late-stage genes (Pax4, Pax6, Isl-1, and MafA) related to beta-cell development, and the cells do not secrete insulin upon the glucose challenge. Yet when WB-1 cells are transplanted into diabetic NOD-scid mice, these genes become activated and hyperglycemia is completely reversed. Detailed comparison of gene expression profiles between pre- and posttransplanted WB-1 cells demonstrates that the WB-1 cells have similar properties as that seen in pancreatic beta-cells. In addition, in vitro culture in high-glucose medium is sufficient to induce complete maturation of WB-1 cells into functional IPCs. In summary, we find that Pdx1-VP16 is able to selectively convert hepatic cells into pancreatic endocrine precursor cells. However, complete transdifferentiation into functional IPCs requires additional external factors, including high glucose or hyperglycemia. Thus, transdifferentiation of hepatocytes into functional IPCs may serve as a viable therapeutic option for patients with type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Cao
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Dong-Qi Tang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Marko E. Horb
- Laboratory of Molecular Organogenesis, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shi-Wu Li
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Li-Jun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
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32
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Emanuele S, D'Anneo A, Bellavia G, Vassallo B, Lauricella M, De Blasio A, Vento R, Tesoriere G. Sodium butyrate induces apoptosis in human hepatoma cells by a mitochondria/caspase pathway, associated with degradation of β-catenin, pRb and Bcl-XL. Eur J Cancer 2004; 40:1441-52. [PMID: 15177505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2004.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2004] [Accepted: 01/26/2004] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Butyrate can promote programmed cell death in a number of tumour cells in vitro. This paper provides evidence that butyrate induces apoptosis in human hepatoma HuH-6 and HepG2 cells but is ineffective in Chang liver cells, an immortalised non-tumour cell line. In both HuH-6 and HepG2 cells, apoptosis appeared after a lag period of approximately 16 h and increased rapidly during the second day of treatment. In particular, the effect was stronger in HuH-6 cells, which were, therefore, chosen for ascertaining the mechanism of butyrate action. In HuH-6 cells, beta-catenin seemed to exert an important protective role against apoptosis, since pretreatment with beta-catenin antisense ODN reduced the content of beta-catenin and anticipated the onset of apoptosis at 8 h of exposure to butyrate. Moreover, in HuH-6 cells, butyrate induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3, and degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In addition, during the second day of treatment, beta-catenin, pRb, and cyclins D and E were diminished and the phosphorylated form of pRb disappeared. Also, the content of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-XL fell markedly during this period, while that of the pro-apoptotic factor Bcl-Xs increased. These effects were accompanied by an increase in both Bcl-XL and Bcl-Xs mRNA transcripts, as ascertained by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Our results suggest that caspases have a crucial role in butyrate-induced apoptosis. This conclusion is supported by the observation that the inhibitors of caspases, benzyloxy carbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone and benzyloxy carbonyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone, prevented apoptosis and the decrease in Bcl-XL, pRb, cyclins and beta-catenin. These effects were most probably responsible for the increased sensitivity of the cells to butyrate-induced apoptosis, which was observed on the second day of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Emanuele
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Palermo, Policlinico, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Paku S, Nagy P, Kopper L, Thorgeirsson SS. 2-acetylaminofluorene dose-dependent differentiation of rat oval cells into hepatocytes: confocal and electron microscopic studies. Hepatology 2004; 39:1353-61. [PMID: 15122764 DOI: 10.1002/hep.20178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)/partial hepatectomy (PH) model is one of the most extensively studied experimental systems for oval cell proliferation and differentiation. We have previously described the oval cells as forming ductular structures surrounded by basement membrane, representing extensions of the canals of Hering. Herein we analyze the differentiation of oval cells into hepatocytes after varying degrees of liver damage induced by AAF. At a low dose of AAF, most oval cells synchronously differentiate into small hepatocytes by 6 days after the PH, resulting in complete restoration of the liver structure in 10 days. Higher doses of AAF delay the differentiation process and the new hepatocytes form foci, in contrast to what is observed at the low dose. Qualitatively, the differentiation process seems to be identical at the cellular level under both conditions. The transition from the expanding oval cell population into hepatocytes was correlated with the upregulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 and the disappearance of the basement membrane. Also, the differentiation of oval cells into hepatocytes coincided with the loss of alpha-fetoprotein and OV-6 staining, and the replacement of the biliary cell-specific alpha6 integrin and connexin 43 with the hepatocyte-specific alpha1 integrin and connexin 32. In addition, bile canaliculi form between the new hepatocytes. In conclusion, these results indicate the rate of oval cell differentiation into hepatocytes is context dependent and suggest that, under favorable conditions, oval cells can complete this process much faster than previously appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Paku
- Joint Research Organization of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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34
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Alison MR, Vig P, Russo F, Bigger BW, Amofah E, Themis M, Forbes S. Hepatic stem cells: from inside and outside the liver? Cell Prolif 2004; 37:1-21. [PMID: 14871234 PMCID: PMC6495919 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2004.00297.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is normally proliferatively quiescent, but hepatocyte loss through partial hepatectomy, uncomplicated by virus infection or inflammation, invokes a rapid regenerative response from all cell types in the liver to perfectly restore liver mass. Moreover, hepatocyte transplants in animals have shown that a certain proportion of hepatocytes in foetal and adult liver can clonally expand, suggesting that hepatoblasts/hepatocytes are themselves the functional stem cells of the liver. More severe liver injury can activate a potential stem cell compartment located within the intrahepatic biliary tree, giving rise to cords of bipotential transit amplifying cells (oval cells), that can ultimately differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. A third population of stem cells with hepatic potential resides in the bone marrow; these haematopoietic stem cells may contribute to the albeit low renewal rate of hepatocytes, but can make a more significant contribution to regeneration under a very strong positive selection pressure. In such instances, cell fusion rather than transdifferentiation appears to be the underlying mechanism by which the haematopoietic genome becomes reprogrammed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Alison
- Department of Histopathology, Imperial College, London, UK.
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35
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Yao P, Zhan Y, Xu W, Li C, Yue P, Xu C, Hu D, Qu CK, Qu C, Yang X. Hepatocyte growth factor-induced proliferation of hepatic stem-like cells depends on activation of NF-kappaB. J Hepatol 2004; 40:391-8. [PMID: 15123351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2003.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2003] [Revised: 09/12/2003] [Accepted: 11/03/2003] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulates proliferation of hepatic stem cells. Transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) has been demonstrated as a key mediator for cell growth regulation. We investigated the role of NF-kappaB in HGF-mediated cellular proliferation responses in a rat liver-derived hepatic stem-like cell line WB-F344. METHODS Cell proliferation was determined by incorporation of [3H]thymidine. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, Akt and IkappaBalpha by HGF stimulation was detected by Western blotting. NF-kappaB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and NF-kappaB-mediated SEAP reporter assay. NF-kappaB activation was inhibited by treatment with an IkappaBalpha dominant-negative vector or inhibitor BAY-11-7082. RESULTS We found that stimulation of WB-F344 cells with HGF promoted cell proliferation and effectively protected WB-F344 cells from apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha. We also observed activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, Akt and NF-kappaB signaling pathways by HGF in WB-F344 cells. HGF-induced cell proliferation was partly blocked by pre-treatment of the cells with inhibitors against MEK1 or p38 MAPK, and completely blocked using an inhibitor for NF-kappaB activity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that IkappaB mutant that suppressed NF-kappaB activity completely blocked HGF-induced cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS NF-kappaB activity is required for HGF-induced proliferation in hepatic stem-like cell line WB-F344, and this activity requires ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
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